Lebanon stands at a critical crossroads. As the balance of power in the Middle East shifts, growing Turkish and Syrian involvement in Lebanon is being viewed by some Lebanese communities, particularly many Sunnis, as a possible opportunity to weaken Hezbollah’s long-standing dominance. The emergence of a new political order in Syria and Turkey’s expanding regional role have created expectations that the traditional Iranian influence over Lebanon could finally be challenged.

Yet replacing one external patron with another would not solve Lebanon’s fundamental problems. It would merely reproduce a cycle that has repeatedly prevented the country from developing a sovereign and functioning state.

Lebanon’s history is filled with examples of foreign powers becoming deeply involved in its domestic affairs. Egypt, France, Iran and other regional and international actors have, at different times, exercised considerable influence over Lebanese politics and security. Each intervention was justified in different ways, but none produced a durable solution to the country’s structural problems. Instead, Lebanese political factions repeatedly sought external sponsorship to strengthen their own position against domestic rivals.

That pattern must end.

The central problem is not whether Turkey, Iran, Syria, France or any other country has greater influence in Lebanon. The deeper problem is Lebanon’s sectarian political structure, which allows political leaders to mobilize communities around religious and sectarian identities while using state institutions and public resources to preserve their own power.

A modern Lebanese state cannot be built on permanent competition among sectarian leaders for foreign support. Sunnis should not need Turkey or another Arab or Muslim country to secure their political representation. Shiites should not depend on Iran. Maronites, Druze, Orthodox Christians and other communities should likewise not require external patrons to protect their interests. Representation must come from Lebanese citizens and legitimate national institutions.

Foreign sponsorship has too often served political elites rather than ordinary people. External support gives local leaders additional leverage, allowing them to claim that they are defending their........

© Blitz