U.S. must prioritize Lebanon ceasefire to prevent further chaos

In 1982, during the Lebanon War, Israel invaded Lebanon with the intent to destroy the military capabilities of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). U.S. Envoy Philip C. Habib facilitated a ceasefire and helped organize the exile of PLO leader Yasser Arafat. However, this intervention did not lead to lasting peace for Lebanon, as it fell under Syrian influence instead. Fast forward to current times, there are parallels between the past and present, where the U.S. appears to be supporting factions in Lebanon that may not contribute to long-term stability. Recent U.S. diplomatic efforts under the Biden administration have been criticized, particularly by Michael Rubin, who highlights how the U.S. has engaged with corrupt political figures, particularly Nabih Berri, who is linked to Hezbollah. Berri's proximity to Hezbollah complicates the U.S.'s ability to find a resolution and effectively undermines potential peace negotiations. The perception is that U.S. actions could be inadvertently empowering Hezbollah, rather than working towards dismantling their influence in Lebanon. Moreover, proposals by U.S. officials, including a reconstruction plan for southern Lebanon, have been viewed skeptically. These plans could inadvertently allow Hezbollah to exploit resources, create alliances, and fortify their position. The U.S. is at a critical juncture where the strategy needs to pivot away from perceived infiltrators like Hezbollah and focus on uniting moderate factions across Lebanon's diverse interest groups. Looking ahead, the U.S. should aim to rebuild trust with various Lebanese communities by establishing partnerships with those factions open to peace talks. The importance of including moderate Shi'ite groups while excluding Hezbollah is crucial. In doing so, the U.S. can begin to cultivate a more coherent and inclusive dialogue focused on a return to the 1949 Israel-Lebanon Armistice Agreement and set the stage for potential peace negotiations that respect all communities involved, which is essential for lasting stability in Lebanon.