Lebanon's Path to Recovery Discussed at Doha Forum
At the 22nd Doha Forum held in Qatar, experts emphasized that Lebanon has a significant opportunity for recovery despite facing numerous challenges, particularly following the recent Israeli war. Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin highlighted the need for bold reforms and international cooperation to restore confidence and attract investment. He stated that Lebanon requires an urgent $10 billion to initiate reconstruction efforts and called for accountability mechanisms to combat corruption. The session, titled 'Towards Stability in Lebanon,' underscored the necessity for a transparent dialogue among Lebanese leaders to assess damage and prepare for recovery, which may take longer than anticipated due to the extensive destruction.
Dr. Paul Salem from the Middle East Institute pointed out that Lebanon is currently in a precarious situation, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and the displacement of over 1.2 million people. He expressed skepticism about the possibility of eliminating Hezbollah's influence, suggesting that the group could establish new leadership in the future. Salem also anticipated a potential agreement among Lebanese factions to elect a president after a two-year vacancy.
Human Rights Concerns Amidst Conflict
Lama Fakih from Human Rights Watch raised alarms about the use of white phosphorus by Israeli forces during the conflict, which poses serious risks to civilians. She called for an impartial investigation into these attacks, emphasizing that the evidence of such incidents has been documented and submitted to international bodies. The forum highlighted the urgent need for Lebanon to navigate its complex political landscape while addressing humanitarian concerns and rebuilding its war-torn infrastructure.
