Lebanon Without a President
Economic Crisis Deepens
This ongoing crisis has deepened the existing political divide in Lebanon, raising concerns about the country's stability. Since 2019, Lebanon's economy has been crumbling, leading to a depreciation of over 90% in the value of the Lebanese pound. Additionally, the nation is grappling with a severe food shortage. The proportion of people living in poverty has fluctuated significantly in recent years, from 55.3% in 2020, to 71.0% in 2023.
This surge in poverty can be attributed to the economic crisis, which has made it increasingly difficult for people to afford basic necessities.
Political Stalemate
The political stalemate in Lebanon is a direct consequence of the country's intricate sectarian system. An enduring unwritten agreement known as the National Pact, established in 1943 upon Lebanon's independence from France, ensures that the president is always a Maronite Christian. This agreement aimed to provide both Christians and Muslims with representation in Lebanon's government.
Critics argue that this power-sharing agreement while attempting to balance sectarian interests, has perpetuated a divisive system and hindered the development of a robust central government. Furthermore, it has been blamed for exacerbating the country's economic challenges, compounded by the Syrian Civil War and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impacts of the Political Stalemate
The political stalemate in Lebanon has had far-reaching negative consequences for the country, including:
A Christian Perspective
Due to its unique history and demography, Lebanon stands out as the closest approximation to a Christian country in the Middle East at a time when Christian populations in the region are dwindling. With a remarkable 32.4% per capita Christians, Lebanon holds significant strategic importance.
Lebanon is home to the last remaining free native Christian community in the entire Middle East. "Free" here means not being dhimmi, which refers to being relegated to second-class status under Islamic rule, as is the case for the vast majority of Arab Christians in the rest of the Middle East.
The greatest service they could render to the rest of the region's oppressed Christians would be for them to remain free and to act as a shining beacon of freedom for others, including the Muslim majority of the region.
The greatest risk is that Christians will leave Lebanon, and it is also concerning that they do not have many children. This factor is crucial for maintaining this equilibrium.
The Christian community in Lebanon is a source of economic and social development. They are well-educated and entrepreneurial, making significant contributions to the country's economy and society.
They are also a voice for peace and moderation. The Christian community in Lebanon has spoken out against violence and extremism, advocating for a peaceful solution to the region's conflicts.
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