Letter From Beirut

This is the eight article in a new phase of the Strategic Europe 'Capitals Series', this time exploring how EU foreign policy was viewed by ten countries in Europe’s Southern neighbourhood. The series has asked contributors from each capital to give a candid assessment of the EU’s approach toward their country, with a ranking on a scale from 'irrelevant' to 'helpful'. The eight article is from Lebanon.

Lebanon is a country in waiting. From delayed parliamentary and presidential elections to protests about uncollected garbage, Lebanon is in limbo. Fortunately for the Lebanese, the country has lost its status as the prime locus of proxy and sectarian wars in the region. This unfortunate privilege has been awarded to Syria and Iraq. The only Lebanese political player with serious military capabilities, the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah, is heavily involved in the Syrian war. Other players are waiting on the sidelines for the outcome of the conflict to determine their political prospects.

• Primary Source

http://eeas.europa.eu/lebanon/index_en.htm http://eeas.europa.eu/lebanon/index_en.htm

Politico, 30.03.16: From Beirut to Brussels http://www.politico.eu/article/beirut-to-brussels-conflict-terrorism-bombs-society-panic/

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