The New Lebanese Government Presents an Opportunity for Washington

Following a five-month deadlock, the Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced on Monday the formation of a national unity government after a marathon of consultations with domestic and regional players. While Mr. Hariri gave major concessions to the opposition bloc including Hizballah, the new cabinet enjoys broad public support and a moderate base that could be a strong asset for Washington and its policy goals in Lebanon

Hariri, who rose to the national stage in 2005 after the assassination of his father late Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, achieved his biggest political breakthrough yet with the emergence of the new government this week. The seat distribution was agreed on a formula of 15-10-5, respectively for the Parliamentarian majority (Hariri coalition), the opposition, and the share of President Michel Suleiman-the new “kingmaker”-. While Mr. Hariri conceded the telecommunications, energy, and foreign affairs ministries to the opposition, his bloc and the President’s appointments retained the defense, justice, labor, interior and finance ministries.

Many in the majority camp were hoping for a more decisive seat distribution, one that reflects the outcome of the Parliamentary elections last June (56 percent for the majority), the regional dynamic (the Saudi-Syrian rapprochement) and the challenge posed by Hizballah after the events of May 7,2008 (the party tookover Beirut), however, narrowed the options for Mr. Hariri. Nevertheless, and looking at the half-full portion of the cup, the make up of the government should come as good news for Washington. Primarily because it represents a coalition of political moderates, whom if strengthened could help bolster the state institutions of Lebanon including the army and security forces. It is those institutions that offer the strongest alternative to the weapons of Hizballah, and are seen as a unifying force in a country deeply divided among sectarian lines.

Both Mr. Hairri and Mr. Suleiman have a strong national clout which can help them carry out a centrist and pragmatic agenda. Mr. Hariri, two days after assuming his new position echoed this national approach, stating that “Lebanon will not remain a playground for regional conflict” and pledging to work towards a secure and civil state. Mr. Suleiman for his part has proven, in less than two years since he assumed the job, to be an effective consensus builder who is committed to strengthening the army and the institutions of the state. His appointments, mainly Mr. Elias Murr (secretary of defense) and Mr. Ziad Baroud (secretary of interior), are also seen as moderates with good ties to the U.S. and a strong record.

The Obama administration has welcomed the announcement of the new cabinet, and expressed eagerness “to working with a new Lebanese government that is committed to extending its authority over all of Lebanon, and to advancing political and economic reforms that benefit the people of Lebanon expecting that resolutions.” For these hopes to translate, however, it is crucial that Washington stands behind the Hariri government. The US has given more than 1.2 billion dollars in total assistance to Lebanon since 2006, with over 437 million in military assistance.

Hizballah in separate incidents in North Lebanon in 2007 (warning the army not to enter the Palestinian refugee camps), in South Lebanon in 2008 (shooting down a helicopter), and in separate clashes linked to the party in Bekaa in 2009, has shown its distaste for strengthening the Lebanese army. The new government represents an opportunity for the Obama administration to sustain its support to Lebanon, and help move it closer towards the goals of state building and regional stability.