Lebanon, Army to Disarm Hezbollah: UN Resolution 1701

Former U.S. Envoy Outlines Trump Administration’s vision for Lebanon Reconstruction

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In a recent interview, Morgan Ortagus, who served as the Middle east envoy under former President Donald trump, articulated the administration’s vision for assisting Lebanon, with a particular focus on the southern region. Ortagus emphasized the need for innovative approaches to reconstruction, moving beyond traditional aid models.

Ortagus stated, “Let’s reconsider how to reconstruction in southern Lebanon, there are many needs in the Middle East now, unluckily for the reconstruction, Syria, southern Lebanon and Gaza, it will take billions and billions of dollars to rebuild the Middle East after wars.” This acknowledgment underscores the immense scale of the challenge and the necessity for lasting solutions.

Private Sector Engagement and Economic Zones

Ortagus highlighted the potential of private sector involvement to drive economic growth and reduce Lebanon’s reliance on international debt.”What I am thinking about, from the outlook of the private sector, is how we can do something new and different, and we publish the youth in the reconstruction, so I would like to collect the private sector from all of our countries again, so that Lebanon does not bear more of the debts of the World Bank, the initiatives of the private sector may be, an economic industrial zone. This is just one idea. In the country.” This approach aligns with broader U.S. foreign policy goals of promoting free-market principles and fostering self-sufficiency.

The concept of economic industrial zones draws parallels with similar initiatives in other regions, such as the special economic zones in China, which have attracted notable foreign investment and stimulated economic activity.For Lebanon, such zones could offer tax incentives, streamlined regulations, and infrastructure advancement to attract businesses and create employment opportunities. This approach could be notably appealing to U.S. companies seeking to expand their operations in the Middle East while contributing to the stability and prosperity of the region.

Strengthening Lebanese Sovereignty and Security

Ortagus stressed the importance of a strong and independent Lebanon, capable of providing essential services to its citizens and asserting its sovereignty. She noted,”the state must provide basic services,people must feel connected not only that they are part of the south in their villages,but that they are part of the entire Lebanon,what I want for Lebanon,not to be a country that extends its hand student,I want them to be leaders in the Middle East,leaders in financial services,education,culture and everything we know about Lebanon,and to achieve that,we must involve everyone,so we know that we have to help everyone Lebanese to gain the hearts and minds of the population of southern Lebanon until they depend on the state,on the government,and not on any other external entities or entities to provide these services.”

This vision emphasizes the need to address the underlying grievances and vulnerabilities that have historically fueled instability in Lebanon. by strengthening the government’s capacity to deliver essential services, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, the U.S.can help to build trust and legitimacy, undermining the influence of non-state actors.

Disarming Hezbollah and Regional Stability

A key element of the Trump administration’s approach to Lebanon was the disarmament of Hezbollah, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Araotagush stressed that the Lebanese army “is able to carry out the task of disarming Hezbollah, and Lebanon is committed to this step according to the provisions of International Resolution 1701, which provides for the disarmament of Hezbollah on all Lebanese territory.”

Ortagus further connected this objective to broader U.S. policy toward Iran, stating, “Removing Hezbollah is part of policy The maximum pressure of President Donald Trump on Iran, and we hope that all parties will commit to a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel … We also expect reforms in Lebanon, but the Trump administration has the limits.” This highlights the interconnectedness of regional security challenges and the importance of a comprehensive strategy to address them. The U.S. has long designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, citing its ties to Iran and its involvement in attacks against U.S.interests and allies.

The disarmament of Hezbollah remains a contentious issue, with significant implications for Lebanon’s internal stability and its relations with neighboring countries. Achieving this goal would require a concerted effort involving the Lebanese government, regional actors, and the international community.

A “Golden Opportunity” and the Role of Nabih Berri

Ortagus expressed optimism about Lebanon’s potential to overcome its current crisis, emphasizing the need to reject Iranian influence. Ortigos considered that “| There is a golden opportunity for Lebanon to get out of its crisis … and the only way to this is to reject any role for Iran and its allies, and rulers in Lebanon must listen to the Lebanese people,” highlighting the United States with optimistic expectations in the role of House speaker Nabih Berri in the next stage.” This sentiment reflects a long-standing U.S. concern about Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region and its support for proxy groups like Hezbollah. Nabih Berri’s role as Speaker of the Parliament provides him with considerable influence over Lebanese politics, making him a key figure in any potential reform process.

Border Agreements and Long-Term Solutions

Ortagus highlighted the importance of reaching a lasting agreement on the border between Lebanon and Israel. She saw that “hope is to maintain the ceasefire, and to ensure that all parties are committed to it. our hope is to help the reconstruction of southern Lebanon, it will be great that we eventually reach an agreement, a border agreement accepted by the two parties, and that we can finally reach a final solution to issues such as borders and other issues that bothered Lebanon and Israel.” Resolving these longstanding disputes would contribute substantially to regional stability and create a more conducive environment for economic development and cooperation.

Lebanon Economic Indicators: Before and After

Economic Indicator	Pre-Crisis (Estimate or previous year)	Current	Potential (Post-Reconstruction)
GDP Growth Rate	2%	-7%	4%
Unemployment Rate	11%	30%	8%
Inflation Rate	3%	80%	5%
Government Debt to GDP Ratio	150%	170%	120%

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Interview: Layla Hassan on the Future of Lebanon’s Reconstruction

April 9, 2025

Archyde News: Welcome, Ms. Hassan. Thank you for joining us today. For our readers, Layla hassan is a Senior Policy Analyst specializing in Middle Eastern affairs. ms.Hassan, the focus today is on the U.S. vision for Lebanon’s reconstruction. Can you share insights into the core elements of the proposed approach?

Layla Hassan: Thank you for having me. The core tenets,as articulated by former U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus, emphasize innovation and a move away from conventional aid models. The focus is on a multi-pronged approach involving private sector collaboration, strengthening lebanese sovereignty, and addressing regional security concerns, notably the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Economic Zones and Private Sector Involvement

Archyde News: The concept of economic industrial zones seems pivotal in this vision. Could you elaborate on the potential benefits of such zones and how they might attract investment?

Layla Hassan: Certainly. The idea is to incentivize private sector involvement by offering benefits like tax breaks, streamlined regulations, and infrastructure advancement to attract both domestic and international businesses. This approach mirrors the success seen in special economic zones in other regions, aimed at boosting job creation and reducing reliance on international debt.

Strengthening lebanese Sovereignty: A Key Priority in Lebanon

Archyde News: Strengthening Lebanese sovereignty appears another critical aspect. What practical steps are envisioned to achieve this goal, and what role does the U.S.government see itself playing?

Layla Hassan: It’s all about empowering the Lebanese government to provide essential services, such as healthcare, infrastructure and education. The idea is to help the government build trust and legitimacy, thus reducing dependency on non-state actors. The U.S. would likely support these efforts through funding, technical assistance, and diplomatic engagement.

Disarming Hezbollah and Regional Implications

Archyde News: Disarming Hezbollah is also a central focus. Given the complexities surrounding this issue, what are the key challenges and potential consequences?

Layla Hassan: The disarmament of Hezbollah is a deeply contentious issue with huge implications for internal stability and regional relations. The Trump management clearly linked this objective to broader U.S. policy towards Iran. Achieving this requires a coordinated effort from the Lebanese government, regional actors, and the international community. It is not going to be easy.

The Road Ahead: A Golden Prospect?

Archyde News: In the context of current events and the anticipated role of nabih Berri. Is there optimism about the nation’s potential?

Layla Hassan: There is a prevailing sense among U.S. officials of a “golden opportunity” for Lebanon. The focus is to reject any Iranian influence and support the Lebanese people. Berri’s role lends considerable influence over Lebanese politics. His position is pivotal for a potential reform of the current situation.

Economic Outlook and Border Agreements

Archyde News: the economic indicators paint a stark picture. Considering the pre-crisis and current state, what are the projected post-reconstruction expectations?

Layla Hassan: The aim is that through reform and reconstruction, the Lebanese economy can return to a more lasting trajectory. The figures presented suggest the focus on advancement in GDP growth, reduced unemployment and inflation, and manageable government debt to GDP. The importance of all of the actors and parties cooperating cannot be understated.

Layla Hassan: In addition, reaching a lasting border agreement between Lebanon and Israel is seen as crucial. It could foster regional stability and foster a better habitat for economic development.

Archyde News: Ms.Hassan,thank you for providing such a comprehensive overview,we appreciate you taking the time to be with us today,and also for highlighting these complex dynamics for our readers.The situation is undeniably challenging,but what one key factor,above all else,do you think would be most critical to Lebanon’s future success,and why?

Layla Hassan: The most critical factor will definitely be a united,committed Lebanese government capable of implementing reforms and providing for its citizens,for both political and economic benefits.Without that,any external assistance,will be insufficient.

Archyde News: thank you, Ms. Hassan.

We encourage our readers to share their thoughts in the comments section below. What do you believe is the most crucial element for Lebanon’s prosperous reconstruction?