This article discusses a dialogue between Aaron David Miller and Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah BouHabib about Lebanon’s crisis, U.S. involvement, and the public’s desire for peace. The conversation reflects on the need to negotiate a resolution to the conflict, including the role of Hezbollah and the prospect of ceasefires.
In a recent episode of Carnegie Connects, Aaron David Miller engaged in a critical dialogue with Abdallah BouHabib, the Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, regarding the ongoing crisis in Lebanon and potential avenues for international intervention, particularly by the United States. BouHabib expressed disappointment with President Biden’s remarks at the UN General Assembly, stating that they neither addressed the pressing issues in Lebanon nor offered hope for resolving the crisis, despite the widespread belief that the U.S. holds the capacity to effect positive change in the region. The mood in Lebanon is characterized by a pervasive sense of despair, particularly following intensified conflict and the fallout from recent escalations. BouHabib lamented, “We’d like to live without war—happily, as a tourist country,” highlighting the desire of the Lebanese people for peace. He referenced a poll indicating that 90 percent of the Lebanese populace favors peace, yet securing it remains challenging. The conversations also turned to the sensitive subject of Hezbollah, perceived by some as a resistance entity while also seen as a proxy for Iran. BouHabib clarified that while certain segments of the population oppose Hezbollah’s military influence, others recognize its role in resisting Israeli occupation. He articulated Lebanon’s precarious position, where understanding the multifaceted nature of Hezbollah complicates national sovereignty and security. Discussions regarding the border with Israel revealed aspirations for diplomatic resolutions, with BouHabib noting, “We really need to negotiate such kinds of things.” He underscored that the longstanding absence of major incidents on the border could serve as a foundation for future negotiations aimed at restoring peace and stability. The Lebanese minister further cautioned that the violence inflicted by Israel is indiscriminately harming civilians rather than solely targeting militant groups. He articulated the vital need for an American-led pathway toward peace, emphasizing that a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon could be crucial. BouHabib concluded with the hope that Iran, while often perceived as a provocateur, may prefer to avoid escalation and works towards peace instead, stating, “They really want peace.”
The conversation between Aaron David Miller and Abdallah BouHabib arose in the context of escalating tensions in Lebanon and shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region. Lebanon has been grappling with an internal crisis compounded by external conflicts, particularly concerning Israel and Hezbollah. The U.S. has historically played a pivotal role in Middle Eastern diplomacy, with many Lebanon citizens looking to it for assistance in resolving longstanding issues in their country. BouHabib’s insights revolve around the Lebanese people’s yearning for peace, the complicated politics surrounding Hezbollah, and the urgent need for international engagement to foster solutions compatible with Lebanese sovereignty and stability.
In sum, the dialogue between Aaron David Miller and Abdallah BouHabib underscores the pressing need for effective international intervention to address the crises in Lebanon. The conversation illuminates the dire yearning for peace among the Lebanese population, the complexities surrounding Hezbollah’s role, and the critical need for diplomatic negotiations with Israel. The potential for a ceasefire and peace process remains contingent upon concerted efforts from influential nations, particularly the United States, to mediate and address the multifaceted challenges facing Lebanon.
Original Source: carnegieendowment.org
