Dr. Lina Khatib, an Associate Fellow at Chatham House and expert on the Levant, joins to discuss Lebanon's revitalization after recent political shifts. The conversation highlights new leadership, symbolizing hope for a move away from sectarianism. They examine Hezbollah's declining influence and the strategic role of Saudi Arabia in shaping Lebanon's future. Khatib also touches on the complex relationship with Syria, the need for urgent reforms, and the challenges posed by corruption and external conflicts in the region.
Lebanon's political transformation, marked by a new president and prime minister, brings hope for reducing sectarianism and fostering good governance.
Hezbollah's weakened influence and the rise of alternative political voices may reshape the Shia community's representation in Lebanese politics.
Deep dives
Lebanon's Political Transformation
Since early 2025, Lebanon has experienced a significant political transformation marked by the election of a president and prime minister who are aligned with the aspirations of the Lebanese people. For decades, the presidency was limited to candidates approved by external influences such as Iran, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime in Syria. The new president, General Joseph Aoun, has garnered respect across various political factions due to his military background and clean record, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam aims to prioritize transparency, accountability, and good governance. This shift indicates a potential move away from the historical corruption that plagued Lebanon's government, fostering optimism for a more unified political landscape.
Hezbollah's Declining Influence
Hezbollah's position in Lebanese politics has weakened significantly due to recent military defeats, especially in its confrontation with Israel, which has diminished its longstanding control and impunity. The group no longer has the strong support from its former ally, the Assad regime, and faces increasing pressure domestically as it reluctantly accepted Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, whom they did not initially want in power. Additionally, Hezbollah's previous status as a pillar of defense is being challenged, as the new cabinet formally recognizes only the Lebanese armed forces for national defense, stripping Hezbollah of its past veto authority. This creates a new political landscape in Lebanon where the possibility for alternative voices to emerge against Hezbollah's representation of the Shia community is gaining traction.
The Role of Regional Powers
Regional dynamics are shifting as Saudi Arabia seeks to assert its influence following Hezbollah's decline and the Assad regime's ousting, viewing Lebanon as an opportunity to stabilize and reclaim its leadership in the Arab world. The recent support from the Saudi and American ambassadors during Lebanon's presidential election signifies a cooperative interest in the new government's success, but Saudi Arabia is cautious and demands political and economic reforms before offering financial backing. Moreover, the ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon complicate the situation; Israel maintains a military presence along the border while Hezbollah's actions could lead to further conflict. A broader resolution to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict is deemed essential for lasting stability in Lebanon and the region.
Arab Digest editor William Law's guest this week is the Levant expert Dr Lina Khatib. Their conversation focusses on new hope building in Lebanon after the crushing blow Israel delivered to Hezbollah and the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria. With a new president and a new prime minister in place hope is running high that the country will find the political will to move away from the sectarianism that has inflicted so much damage on the Lebanese people.
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