After two months of political deadlock, Lebanese President Michel Aoun has designated a new prime minister to form a government. Mr. Hassan Daib is a former education minister and professor at the American University of Beirut. Many in Lebanon and the international community are uneasy about the decision, given Mr. Hassan Daib’s minimal political experience and his backing from Hezbollah - the Iranian backed political and military organization deemed a terrorist group by the US and the EU.
A government dominated by Hezbollah complicates Lebanon’s efforts to secure much needed international aid at a time when the country is on the precipice of a total economic and financial meltdown. Since former Prime Minister Hariri stepped down shortly after mass demonstrations against the government’s economic mismanagement began, the country’s main political parties have been in deadlock, exacerbating the country’s economic crisis. Donor countries have pledged over $11 billion in aid money to Lebanon, on the condition that economic reforms be implemented. It is unlikely that the international community will provide Lebanon with much-needed aid to ease the economic crisis, should a Hezbollah-backed government lead the country.
To learn more about the potential risks associated with Lebanon's governmental changes, read our insight.
