
What impact will the developments in Syria have on Lebanon?
Can Lebanon remain shielded from the turmoil shaking the region — from Syria to Iran, including Gaza?Just a few months ago, in December, there was room for cautious optimism. With the fall of Bashar Assad's regime in Syria, many believed that hope was on the horizon. The tyrant's ouster appeared to signal a potential end to Syrian interference in Lebanon's affairs, progress toward resolving the refugee crisis, and the beginning of the end for a totalitarian regime.That sentiment was especially strong in Lebanon, where the Syrian regime had long weighed heavily on political and security dynamics. It was no coincidence that Druze leader Walid Jumblatt was the first major figure to meet with Syria's new strongman, Ahmad al-Sharaa, seeking to open a new and promising chapter with Damascus.But reality quickly caught up with hope. In this...

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Ya Libnan
21 hours ago
- Ya Libnan
Mr. Aoun: Time is of the Essence
By : Ya Libnan Editoria Board Instead of disarming and handing over its weapons to the Lebanese army, Hezbollah is busy rearming itself after its humiliating defeat by Israel. Just yesterday, Syrian security forces in the border city of Qusayr foiled an attempt to smuggle an arms shipment into Lebanon, according to the Syrian interior ministry. Qusayr was the base from which Hezbollah launched attacks against the Syrian opposition, fighting to support the now-deposed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown last December by the HTS rebels. It appears Hezbollah still maintains underground warehouses filled with heavy weapons. On the eve of Eid al-Adha, Israel bombed Hezbollah's underground drone factories . These developments underscore the disturbing reality that neither Israel nor Hezbollah truly cares about Lebanon's wellbeing. This is a recipe for disaster as Lebanon enters its crucial summer tourism season. Who in their right mind would visit Lebanon if Hezbollah is building drones practically next to Beirut airport? President Aoun has been dealing with Hezbollah diplomatically, using kid gloves to handle the organization. But it's obvious that Hezbollah is taking advantage of President Aoun's good character, rearming behind his back. Even more troubling is the fact that Hezbollah is not acting independently but is, in fact, a proxy of Iran. Its primary loyalty lies with Tehran's agenda, not with the Lebanese people. Hezbollah's actions are dictated by Iran's strategic calculations—using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in its negotiations with the United States. Hezbollah's only goal is to strengthen Iran's position at the negotiating table, even if that means dragging Lebanon into conflict and chaos. Hezbollah doesn't give a damn about Lebanon. Its weapons are not for the defense of Lebanese citizens but for the advancement of Iran's regional ambitions. Lebanon has become a hostage to Hezbollah's regional games, and the Lebanese people are paying the price. Mr. President, it's time to be bold. Disarm Hezbollah now, before it's too late. The fate of Lebanon—and the lives and livelihoods of its people—depend on it.


Ya Libnan
2 days ago
- Ya Libnan
Instead of disarming Hezbollah is smuggling arms from Syria to Lebanon
Security forces of the Syrian border city of Qusayr have foiled an attempt to smuggle an arms shipment into Lebanon, the Syrian interior ministry said. Qusayr was the base from which Hezbollah launched its attacks against the Syrian opposition with the aim of helping former Syrian dictator Bashar al Assad who was overthrown last December by the HTS rebels On its Telegram channel, the ministry said the shipment contained guided anti-tank missiles and 30mm ammunition. The weapons have been confiscated while the the drivers of trucks were arrested and referred to the relevant judicial authorities, the ministry added. This is not the first time that Syria's new authorities announce seizing weapons headed to neighboring Lebanon. Hezbollah was substantially weakened in its last war with Israel Hezbollah is listed as a terrorist organization by several countries


Nahar Net
2 days ago
- Nahar Net
Israeli general warns against any attack from Lebanon
by Naharnet Newsdesk 4 hours The commander of the Israeli army's northern front has warned against any attack from Lebanon, following the recent rocket attack from Syria that targeted the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. 'After 19 years, we returned to war in Lebanon. We did not stop until the equation was reversed, and we will not allow the equation to be reversed again. These days, we continue to preserve our achievements and thwart and prevent any threat,' Northern Command chief Ori Gordin said at a ceremony marking the 19th anniversary of the 2006 war with Hezbollah. 'If anyone makes a mistake … and shoots at us as happened last night from Syria, we will respond to them in kind and pursue them and those who sent them relentlessly, and this will be a clear message to all our enemies,' Gordin added. An Israeli security source meanwhile told Al-Arabiya's Al-Hadath channel that "Iran, Hezbollah and those linked to (ousted Syrian President Bashar) al-Assad are trying to obstruct stability in Syria." "The current Syrian administration had nothing to do with the firing of rockets from south Syria," the source added.