Lebanon 2014
Yearbook 2014 Lebanon. The war in Syria characterized Lebanon, in which existing contradictions deepened and contributed to the political crisis and regular fighting. The refugee disaster in the region also continued to put enormous...
Tagged: Lebanon
Lebanon, a small Middle Eastern country, is characterized by its diverse religious and cultural mosaic, political complexity, and historical significance. Operating under a confessional parliamentary system, Lebanon’s political landscape is deeply influenced by the sectarian distribution of power among religious communities, with major parties including the Hezbollah-led March 8 Alliance, the Future Movement-led March 14 Alliance, and the Lebanese Forces. The country has faced periods of political instability, including the civil war from 1975 to 1990 and ongoing challenges such as government corruption, economic crises, and social discontent. Lebanon’s economy, once known as the “Switzerland of the Middle East,” has faced severe setbacks, including a massive explosion in the port of Beirut in 2020, exacerbating economic hardships, unemployment, and a financial crisis. Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage, reflected in its historical sites like Baalbek and Byblos, coexists with a dynamic urban lifestyle in cities like Beirut. The country is home to diverse religious communities, including Maronite Christians, Sunni and Shia Muslims, Druze, and others, contributing to a pluralistic society. Lebanon’s foreign policy is influenced by its delicate position in regional conflicts, particularly its relationship with Syria and its support for Hezbollah, which affects its international relations. As Lebanon grapples with the need for economic reform, political stability, and reconstruction efforts, it remains at the crossroads of regional dynamics, balancing its historical legacy with contemporary challenges in a turbulent Middle East. HOMEAGERLY: Features democracy and rights of Lebanon.