The Lebanese debacle

Abstract

By looking at the main themes in the history of Lebanon I was able to answer some of the questions I had posed while trying to come to grips with the nature if the country. Its vivid historical background, its independent thrust into a dynamic regional environment, its domestic intricacies, strong cultural traditions and geostrategic position in regional and international politics have contributed to a deeper understanding of contemporary Lebanon. When i chose Lebanon as the subject for my dissertation many were those who asked 'Why Lebanon?'. Such a question did not search for the underlying causes of the Lebanese debacle but rather it was insinuative of the fact that I should not have tackled such an intricate and most unusual Arab state. Albeit, I kept that question in mind while writing and to see why developments within the country culminated into a vicious civil war. I, therefore hope that the main themes I have focused upon have brought to light some fundamental facts that are crucial to understanding Lebanese culture, society and politics and the complex interplay of external and domestic forces. Nevertheless, 'Why Lebanon?' is a question that one may continue to pose with regards to contemporary Lebanon since the multitude of facts that have been instrumental in shaping the country's destiny have not disappeared altogether. Lebanon remains a country of confessional communities although peace had finally been restored. The cascade of violence in Lebanon had often made hope for peace unforeseeable for the Lebanese people themselves and for outsiders alike. In this respect the Ta'if Accord is of great historical significance. The years of civil strife embedded deep resentment, scepticism and a distortion of the truth among the various communities and amongst external actors who often viewed the situation through religious lenses or in the light of their own political objectives. It is, therefore, no surprise that as history unravelled each group envisaged its own destiny and often forgot about a common past in the Lebanese entity.