Poor Lebanon

Lebanon has long served as a bridge between East and West—a vibrant mosaic of cultures, religions, and traditions. Yet today, economic ruin and political paralysis threaten to pull the country into the abyss. Hezbollah’s unchecked power, chronic corruption, and an outdated patronage system have hollowed out institutions. The once-bustling ports of Beirut now lie in ruins; power cuts and fuel shortages grip the population daily. In this article, Raphaël Jerusalmy urges Western partners—most notably France and the United States—to seize the moment created by Lebanon’s recent maritime gas accord with Israel. By offering targeted financial aid tied to structural reforms, they can compel a recalibration of power away from militias and toward the state. Time is of the essence. Without swift, concerted action, Lebanon risks becoming a failed state—a haven for extremism that would destabilize the entire region. Preserving Lebanon’s Western affinity is not charity; it is strategic necessity.