Lebanon

Definition

Lebanon is a small country located in the Middle East, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west and characterized by its diverse religious and ethnic makeup. In the context of UN Peacekeeping Operations, Lebanon has been a significant area of focus, especially following the Lebanese Civil War and the ongoing tensions with Israel, which have necessitated international intervention to maintain peace and stability in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lebanon experienced a devastating civil war from 1975 to 1990, which resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of people, leading to the need for international peacekeeping efforts.
2. The UNIFIL mandate was expanded in 2006 after the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, emphasizing the need for peacekeeping forces to monitor the situation along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
3. Lebanon's complex sectarian makeup includes major religious groups such as Christians, Sunni Muslims, and Shiite Muslims, which has historically contributed to political tensions and conflicts.
4. The international community has recognized Lebanon's strategic location and role in regional stability, making it a focal point for UN peacekeeping missions aimed at preventing further conflict.
5. UN peacekeepers in Lebanon have faced challenges related to local hostilities, particularly due to Hezbollah's influence and its opposition to foreign military presence.

Review Questions

• How has the Lebanese Civil War influenced the role of UN Peacekeeping Operations in Lebanon?
  • The Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 1990, significantly influenced UN Peacekeeping Operations by highlighting the need for international intervention to restore order and stability. Following the war, UNIFIL was established and later expanded to help monitor ceasefire agreements and support the Lebanese government. The conflict's aftermath created a complex political landscape where peacekeepers were tasked with managing diverse factions and maintaining security amid ongoing tensions.
• Discuss the impact of Hezbollah on UN Peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon.
  • Hezbollah poses unique challenges to UN Peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon due to its significant political power and military capability. As a powerful Shiite group, Hezbollah's operations often conflict with the objectives of UNIFIL, particularly regarding border security with Israel. The presence of Hezbollah complicates peacekeeping missions, as it creates an environment of distrust among local populations and raises questions about the legitimacy of foreign military presence in Lebanon.
• Evaluate how Lebanon's sectarian diversity affects international peacekeeping strategies within the country.
  • Lebanon's sectarian diversity greatly impacts international peacekeeping strategies by necessitating an understanding of the intricate political and social dynamics at play. Each religious group holds different political interests, leading to complexities in collaboration with local authorities. Peacekeeping missions must navigate these divisions carefully to gain legitimacy and ensure cooperation from all sides while striving for stability. The challenge lies in fostering dialogue among these diverse groups while maintaining neutrality to prevent exacerbating existing tensions.

Related terms

UNIFIL: The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, established in 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and assist the Lebanese government in restoring its authority.

Cedar Revolution: A series of demonstrations in Lebanon in 2005 that led to the withdrawal of Syrian troops and highlighted the country's struggle for sovereignty and independence.

Hezbollah: A Shiite political and militant group based in Lebanon, which has played a significant role in Lebanese politics and has been involved in conflicts with Israel.