Evaluate Socio-economic and Political Situation in Lebanon-Deep Analysis

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1 Evaluate Socio-economic and Political Situation in Lebanon-Deep Analysis Lebanon is a bullet ridden country with fragile socioand economic infrastructure. Israeli force has occupied the Southern part of Lebanon. Over land mines and bombs have been detected by the national army. These landminesare unmarked to explode anytime. So, people in Lebanon arenot protected. However, thecontinuous infiltration of asylum seekers and refugees to gather at the borders of this country areputting excess pressure on the government to ask for financial aids torehabilitate these homeless refugees. Infiltrationof Asylum Seekers Creates problem for Lebanon to Bring Stability

2 Right now, over one million refugees are found sittingon open field, streets and highways in Lebanon. They have no roofs to have theshelter. Government aided organizations, volunteers, and orphanage society are co-operating withgovernment to help these refugees. In spite of having poor infrastructures, lack of fund and irregularityin supplying electricity, the rehabilitation campaigns are hosted to rescuethese asylum seekers. Thepolitical gambling cripples the government. The relationship with neighboring countries like Syria and Israel is unexpectedly deteriorating. On the other hand, formation of Arab Spring is anotherepisode to keep the higher authority of Lebanon on alert. GCC countries arethreatening Lebanon not tosit with Assad to terminate rebels. Even GCC statesadvise tourists not to visit this Lebanon on vacation.

3 Many young tourists are held atgun s point. They are not allowed to gather visas andpassports to enter into the mainland of Lebanon. The socio economic strength of Lebanon mainly stands on the foundation of tourism. The flow of foreign currencies is now at ebb due tothe fear and myth. People are notenthusiastic to travel to reach Lebanon to spend vacation. Therefore,developmental projects in many cities and rural belt of this country areaffected. On the other hand,the immigration or infiltration issue is forcing prime minister of Lebanon tostart conversation with neighboring countries for settlement. $3.7 billionfiscal deficit is not a joke. Theelectricity is available for 18 hours in cities and the condition in rural areasis more pitiable. Freshdrinking water supply is obstructed due to dearth of fund to upgrade the watersupply. The economy of the countryis now getting poorer with disturb political situation. In between the expenditure hasincreased in this tumultuous and embossing situation.

4 In 2013 the government recorded around $1 trillion outlays. Secondly, the drop in oilprices compelled the government togive more subsidies to run water, illuminate houses and upgrade the power supply tothe far flung areas of Lebanon. $1.2 billion deficit in 2013 is a burden toworsen the economic condition. Al-Hayat, General Secretary of ABL in Lebanon has indicated the rapiddownfall in socio economic situation in the country. In 2013, the country had to bear 5 percent drop in theproducts exporting and 1 percent nosedive in the importing industry. Tourism and leisure sectors in Lebanondidn t score up to the mark. Foreign direct investment was overwhelmingly reduced with bottle-neckedfinancial condition for Lebanese people to suffer from. In 2013, there was 2 percent dropin the flow of foreign revenues with sudden 12 percent hike in expenditurecreated problems for ruling party of Lebanon to escalate the percentage ofgrowth/development in the country. Food Crisis Big Issue Syrian refugees prefer to reach the border of Lebanonfor shelter and food. Theydon t want to go back to get the brunt of humiliation and threat from thesyrian rebels. Due to theexcess entry of refugees crossing the border for shelter, it brings misery to local people residingin Lebanon.

5 Food is not stocked tooffer to refugees. The deficit in supply of cereal is abigger issue when the political deadlock, Syria conflict, and terrorism go outof control. Food is not inplenty and refugees have to starve. There are many asylum seekers who have to turn the small urinals into bedrooms forshelter. Their childrenspend night in these small rest rooms and parents prefer to stay outsidethroughout the night. However,many people admit that the laborproblem has been managed due to the availability of cheap manpower to construct residential housesand hotels in cities of Lebanon. These refugees don t claim handsomewages to provide service. They aretreated like slaves. Thischeap or lower labor is not the way to end the crisis. ReligiousConflict Influences SocioEconomy and Politics in Lebanon Shia Sunni religious conflict has also a sound impacton socio-economy of Lebanon. Thesetwo Islamic sects live in different zones. They have enmity. Religious profiling, vandalism and subversion are fueling up trouble and decreasing political stability in thisnation. Shia refugees don t getsimilar facilities and equal status comparing to Sunnis and Christians. Sunni population is bigger than Shia.

6 Over 80 percent Sunnis live in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanonand Syria. In Iran around 90percent Shia population is estimated. So, Hezbollah is getting aids, technology,medicines and manpower from Iran. So Shia and Sunni people are also seenparticipating in regional functions, politics and social events. The Shia minority is not able tobe adjusted with Sunni brethren. This religious difference accelerates the conflict to give rise to civilwar. Shia people who live in Beqqa have no modern educational systems, schools,colleges and other facilities. They are deprived of getting nutritious food. On the other hand, Druze andother communities are welcomed to join social events. They are given rewards. This injustice and humiliation cause the resentmentamong Shia Muslims. Lebanon must monitor the struggles between Riyadh andtehran. Shia and Sunni must beunited to reduce jingoism. However the external force is still stronger totamper with bilateral issues, internal/domestic conflicts of Lebanon. Conclusion President Obama shared " It s a great pleasure to have the time to meet with President Sleiman of

7 Lebanon. He has shown extraordinary leadership through a very challenging period for not only Lebanon, but also for the region." Solid understanding is required.cedar Revolution is a good indicator to enhance the solidarity among Islamicpeople. Visit site However, moral guardians of the Lebanese societyshould not overlook interests of people coming from different religioussects. New religious confessionalschools must be good mentors to preach for harmony, and peace. Religioustolerance must be cultivated to improve the relationship between Shia andsunni. ABOUT FOREIGN AFFAIRS FORUM Foreign Affairs Forum is a network of foreign affairs staffed by professional contributors from the worlds of journalism, academia, business, non-profits and think tanks, the FAF network tracks global developments on Great Decisions topics, daily.

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