Lebanon takes a first step toward reclaiming its sovereignty
Last week, the Lebanese government made a historic move toward restoring full authority over its territory by committing to disarm all groups possessing heavy weapons — most notably Hezbollah.
For more than four decades, Hezbollah has wielded both military and political power in Lebanon, undermining the country’s independence and destabilizing the region. Now, for the first time in years, the Lebanese state is acting to assert its sovereignty and assert control nationwide — a move unimaginable just a year ago, when the militia’s grip on the country seemed unshakable.
A devastating Israeli bombing campaign in Lebanon and Iran during the past year, followed by the loss of its most important ally with the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, dealt a devastating blow to Hezbollah’s infrastructure and military arsenal. However, the group, which continues to benefit from Iran’s support, retains some influence domestically, despite its isolation. Until it lays down its weapons, it remains a threat to the country and, indeed, to the region’s stability.
The U.S. envoy to Syria and current U.S. ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, recently put forth, after several rounds of talks in........© The Hill
