Lebanon’s tortuous journey to regain its sovereignty

After the election of a new president, formation of a new government, and parliament’s vote of confidence, it appears that Lebanon’s state institutions are now ready to launch a much-needed campaign to reform the war-torn and bankrupted country.

A key element in the success of a reform campaign will be the government's ability to curb Hezbollah's disruptive influence over the country.

As the only militia that did not disarm after the Lebanese civil war ended in 1989, while enjoying the patronage of Iran and the Assad regime in Syria, Hezbollah has since become the political hegemon of Lebanese politics. It has operated with unlimited freedom, building its massive independent military and social infrastructures.