Is an Empowered Lebanese Army the Answer to a Stable Lebanon?

When Lebanon gained its independence on November 22, 1943, its citizens had little idea of the challenges that lay ahead; the French were not their worst enemies after all.

After World War I, Lebanon came under the French Mandate, which lasted from 1920 to 1943. Lebanese leaders, including President Bechara El Khoury and Prime Minister Riad al-Solh, pushed for independence. On November 8, 1943, the Lebanese Chamber of Deputies amended the constitution to abolish the articles referring to the Mandate.

In response, the French authorities arrested and exiled the Lebanese leaders, sparking massive protests and international pressure. This ultimately led to the release of the Lebanese leaders, and the French finally recognized Lebanon’s independence.

What seemed to be the end of Lebanon’s problems and the beginning of its prosperous future did not last long, as the rise of Arab nationalism and other ideologies started to take hold in the region.

The Lebanese Army was officially established on August 1, 1945, under the command of General Fouad Chehab. Its primary mission was to defend Lebanon and its citizens against external aggression, maintain internal stability and security, and confront threats against the country’s vital interests.

Shortly after its establishment, the inexperienced Army participated in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, engaging in battles against Israeli forces alongside other Arab forces. In 1958, the Lebanese Army played a crucial role in maintaining political stability during a time of true turmoil.

The Lebanese Civil War erupted in 1975, deeply involving the Army, which was torn between internal divisions and external pressures. Although the Civil War lasted until 1990, Multinational Forces entered Lebanon between 1982 and 1984 to aid the Army in maintaining security in the heavily torn country.

Over the years, the Army proved to be a balancing force in a divided country. However, the main challenge was not Israel but the Syrian Army and Hezbollah. From post-Civil War reconstruction to restore stability and security, to the 2006 War, the Syrian Civil War spillover, and the Beirut Port Blast in 2020, the Army was consumed by conflicts and internal discourse.

The Syrian army entered Lebanon in 1976 during the Lebanese Civil War as part of a peacekeeping force known as the Arab Deterrent Force, established by the Arab League. The Syrian presence in Lebanon continued for nearly 30 years, with troops officially withdrawing in 2005 following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and subsequent international pressure.

Syria’s prolonged presence and historical ties contributed to Lebanon’s instability and undermined the Army, while also empowering Hezbollah. The Iranian-backed militia engaged in multiple wars, seized domestic political power, and built a military strength surpassing that of the Army.

Following the semi-elimination of Hezbollah and the success of the Syrian revolution earlier this month, it is now the responsibility of the Lebanese Army to restore stability. To achieve this, the Army must ensure that all arms and artillery are controlled by the state, eliminate militias, restrict political parties to parliamentary roles, and avoid regional conflicts to effectively govern the country.

An empowered Lebanese Army could play a crucial role in achieving stability in Lebanon, but it is not a simple solution. The Lebanese Armed Forces have been tasked with maintaining security and stability, especially in the south. However, challenges such as regional tensions, internal divisions, and economic crises have impacted their effectiveness.

Their ability to uphold stability depends on several factors, including international support, adequate resources, and cooperation from all Lebanese factions. Strengthening the Army’s capabilities and ensuring its neutrality could help Lebanon assert its sovereignty and prevent external influences from destabilizing the country. Yet the question remains: do they have what it takes to make it happen?