Information on Syria's influence on the government of Lebanon [LBN10688]

According to Middle East International (17 Apr. 1992, 17), Syria has a precise view of its role in the tutelage of Lebanon:
[...] the country should be independent in name, with
all the trappings of independence -a flag, a national anthem, a separate currency- but with Syrian influence so overwhelming it would render such independence meaningless. Syrian strategy was gradually to infiltrate all parts of Lebanon's infrastructure, to coordinate in matters of defence and intelligence-gathering, to control information, and enmesh itself in the totality of Lebanon's domestic affairs to such an extent that Lebanon would become, de facto and unofficially, part of Syria.

At the end of March 1992, President Hrawi and other Lebanese leaders had discussions on possible changes within the Lebanese government with Syrian leaders in Damascus (Butt 17 Apr. 1992, 18). These changes were requested in order to calm the growing discontent among the civilian population in Lebanon (Ibid.). The Syrian leaders then decided that the government of Lebanon should remain unchanged (Ibid.). An article in Le Monde (27 Mar. 1992), stated that the decision on the above-mentioned case was influenced by Syria since the three most important members of the government travelled to Damascus for five days of discussion and agreed with the Syrian decision. Reuter reported that despite its unpopularity the Karami government currently in power in Lebanon is likely to stay because Syria, the power broker in Lebanon, wants it to remain in power and also because it has a majority of pro-Syrian members (22 Apr. 1992).

According to a sociologist and specialist of Lebanon at Princeton University, all issues in Lebanon, whether important or not, fall under the influence of Syria (28 Apr. 1992). In fact, this source added, Lebanon is subordinate to Syria at all levels (Ibid.). The Syrian government influences even the appointment of low-level public servants (Ibid.). At security check points, Syrian soldiers or officers supervise the Lebanese army (Ibid.). Syrian military personnel frequently practise bribery (Ibid.). This source also stated that a person with strong anti-Syrian opinions and significant political clout could be facing a dangerous situation right now in Lebanon (Ibid.).

A Research Fellow at the Middle East Center at Harvard University stated that Syria controls almost all aspects of the government of Lebanon's activities (29 Apr. 1992). However, the source reported that this control is informal (Ibid.). For example, if the government of Lebanon wishes to fill a position or make an important decision, the Prime Minister or a Minister will ask the opinion of their Syrian counterpart on the decision (Ibid.). This source added that this influence over the government of Lebanon's affairs is effective because of the Syrian military presence in Lebanon (Ibid.).

According to a specialist on the Middle East at the Center for Arab Contemporary Studies at Georgetown University, Washington, members of the government of Lebanon have been chosen because of their close relationship with the government of Syria, thereby assuring Syria's influence (29 Apr. 1992).

Additional information on this subject is currently unavailable to the IRBDC in Ottawa.

References

Center for Arab Contemporary Studies, Georgetown University, Washington. 28 April 1992. Telephone Interview.

Harvard University, Boston. 29 April 1992. Telephone Interview with a Research Fellow.

Le Monde. 27 March 1992. Lucien George. "Liban: Des élections auront lieu cet été." (NEXIS)

Middle East International. 17 April 1992. Fida Nasrallah. "Renewed Rift Between Damascus and Washington?"

. 17 April 1992. Gerald Butt. "The Dire Straits of Lebanon's Economy."

Princeton University, Department of Sociology, New Jersey. 28 April 1992. Telephone Interview with a Specialist.

Reuter. 22 April 1992. Michael Kuli. "Lebanese Target Government in Share of Unity." (NEXIS)

Attachments

Immigration Refugee Board Documentation Center (IRBDC), Ottawa. 21 June 1991. Response to Information Request LBN8881.

Le Monde. 27 March 1992. Lucien George. "Liban: Des élections auront lieu cet été." (NEXIS)

Middle East International. 17 April 1992. Fida Nasrallah. "Renewed Rift Between Damascus and Washington?"

. 17 April 1992. Gerald Butt. "The Dire Straits of Lebanon's Economy."

Reuter. 22 April 1992. Michael Kuli. "Lebanese Target Government in Share of Unity." (NEXIS)

. 28 March 1992. Michael Kuli. "Lebanese Angry About Government's Survival." (NEXIS)