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  • ATFL Event Marks Anniversary of Beirut Port Explosions

    US and UN Officials and Lebanon Experts Call for the Lebanese Government to Prioritize the People

    Washington, DC, August 9, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon, a leadership organization comprised of American of Lebanese heritage, hosted a webinar on August 5 to mark the anniversary of the Beirut Port explosions on August 4, 2020.
     
    The program, titled “One Year Later: Lebanon After the Beirut Port Blast,” featured US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka, President of Lebanese American University Dr. Michel Mawad, and President of the Middle East Institute Dr. Paul Salem.
     
    Lebanon is at a critical juncture, and the discussion with Ambassador Shea and Special Coordinator Wronecka provided detailed perspectives on Lebanon over the past year including the response from the United States and international community. During the following discussion, Dr. Mawad and Dr. Salem addressed the stark cost to Lebanese society from the fallout of the blast and the worsening humanitarian, social, and civil conditions in the country. 
     
    ATFL has been urging the US Congress and Administration over the past year to ensure that the United States is at the forefront of support for the Lebanese people and is actively addressing the country’s growing humanitarian needs.
     
    ATFL welcomed the United States announcement on August 4, 2021, on $98 million in new humanitarian funding for Lebanon.
     
    During the webinar, Ambassador Shea thanked the ATFL for its ongoing partnership with the US Embassy and the US government and its role in illustrating the many multilayered challenges that Lebanon is facing. She said, “Victims [of the blast] deserve accountability. [That] also applies to the government formation process… We are reiterating our calls for urgent action to both form a cabinet and enact much-needed reforms.”
     
    In her remarks, Special Coordinator Joanna Wronecka said, “The Lebanese people are paying the price of their leadership’s inaction…One year has passed without reforms and concrete measures. A wasted year… There is no time to lose because the people are paying the price, and with each day that passes they pay a higher price.”
     
    Dr. Mawad echoed this sentiment in his remarks, saying, “Since the cataclysmic explosion at the Port of Beirut a year ago yesterday, events have unfortunately settled into a slower and somewhat accepted pace of a new normal…a state of daily misery. [This past year] has done so much damage to the fabric of society.” 
     
    In his remarks, Dr. Salem said, “One year after a criminal blast, nobody has apologized, nobody has resigned. An entire governing class claims absolutely no responsibility. …This oligarchy really doesn’t seem to care about the fate of its people. This is a long term struggle, but Lebanon will go on and change will come, even if limited.” 
     
    ATFL continues to call for an independent and transparent investigation of the events of August 4, 2020 with the support and involvement of the international community.
     
    ATFL is also proud to have been a part of the worldwide response to the humanitarian and health needs of the Lebanese people, having marshalled the efforts of the Lebanese diaspora through the Lebanon Relief Project to collect donations for Lebanese hospitals and medical centers. Currently there are still over 150 containers of medicines and supplies ready and waiting for the funds to ship them. The Lebanese Relief Project is seeking to raise $100,000 to ship these lifesaving supplies.
     
    Following the webinar, Ambassador Ed Gabriel, President of ATFL, remarked, “Although the situation in Lebanon is worsening and seems hopeless, US Ambassador Shea and UN Special Coordinator Wronecka offered hopeful signs that the Lebanese people will not be forgotten and that they remain at the top of the international agenda. We will be working closely with today’s conference speakers in supporting the Lebanese people’s efforts to build a democratic, prosperous, and stable Lebanon.”

  • ATFL Statement on Special Assistance Package for Lebanon

    Washington, DC, August 4, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization comprised of Americans of Lebanese heritage, expresses its gratitude to the Biden Administration for the announcement today of an additional $98 million in support of humanitarian assistance to the country. The funding comes in response to an appeal by France to international donors on the first-year anniversary of the explosion at the Port of Beirut which claimed more than 200 lives, left over 7,000 injured, and more than $4.6 billion in physical damages. 

    Since the blast, the ATFL has been working with Congress and the Trump and Biden administrations to make sure that the suffering of the Lebanese people is not overlooked. The US government has provided more than $370 million in FY 2021 for humanitarian funding for Lebanon, and ATFL continues to build bipartisan support in the Congress to provide increased aid in FY 2022. 

    At the international donor’s conference held today, President of France Emmanuel Macron announced that $370 million in emergency aid had been raised from all participants in addition to in-kind donations, such as Covid vaccines. In his message to the conference, President Biden said that “no amount of outside assistance will ever be enough if Lebanon’s leaders do not commit to do the hard but necessary work of reforming the economy and combating corruption.” 

    ATFL will hold a virtual conference on August 5 to discuss Lebanon’s cause with US Ambassador Dorothy Shea; UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Dr. Joanna Wronecka; Dr. Michel Mawad, President of Lebanese American University; and Dr. Paul Salem, President of the Middle East Institute. Details and registration can be found here.

    ATFL views the announcement of this additional humanitarian support as a positive step and thanks the Biden Administration for keeping Lebanon at the top of its agenda. We will continue our efforts to bring attention to US policymakers of the growing needs of the Lebanese people. 

  • One Year Later: Lebanon After the Beirut Port Blast

    The American Task Force on Lebanon held a virtual webinar on Thursday, August 5 to mark the one-year anniversary of the August 4 Beirut Port explosions.

    The presentations focused on four themes:

    • The status of US-Lebanon relations and US assistance to Lebanon, noting challenges to building relations with a potential new government
    • Assessing the role of the United Nations and the international community in promoting reforms
    • An update on the rapidly declining socio-economic conditions on Lebanese society including the brain drain, health, and education services
    • Lebanon’s instability and the interests of external actors such as Syria, Iran, Turkey, Israel, Russia.

  • ATFL Statement on H.Res. 569

    Observing the August 4 Beirut Port Explosions

    Washington, DC, July 29, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese heritage, commends the US-Lebanon Friendship Caucus and its chairs, Representatives Darin LaHood of Illinois, Charlie Crist of Florida, Darrell Issa of California and Debbie Dingell of Michigan and their fellow members for introducing on Wednesday, July 28, H.Res. 569, “Expressing continued solidarity with the Lebanese people after the devastating explosions at the Port of Beirut on August 4, 2020, and the continued efforts to form a stable, independent, and democratic Lebanon.” 

    This horrific event deeply scarred Lebanese society, causing death and devastation, and raising questions about the conditions that led to this blast that have yet to be answered. The Resolution emphasizes the deep ties and interests between the two countries, including US economic aid focused on the people and the American universities in Lebanon; and points out the importance of US military assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in order to enable them to carry out their mission to maintain stability and protect the country’s sovereignty despite being challenged by Hezbollah’s military capacity.

    ATFL is pleased by the bipartisan support for the Resolution and will continue to work diligently with Democratic and Republican members to build additional support for it. As ATFL President Ambassador Ed Gabriel remarked, “This resolution sends a very strong message to the Lebanese people that their survival and that of Lebanon are in the interests of the United States. As importantly, it sends a clear message to Lebanon’s government that members of Congress are concerned with its inability to conduct a transparent and credible investigation of the explosions and ‘calls on the Government of Lebanon to conduct a credible, impartial, and transparent investigation into the cause of, and responsibility for, the August 4 explosions, and include impartial international experts as part of the investigation team.’”

    Lebanon is in the process of attempting to form yet another government after nine months of failing to do so, and, as the Resolution notes, “the people of Lebanon across the political spectrum have renewed demands for a meaningful change in Lebanon’s political leadership, government accountability, and transparency.” ATFL hopes that this Resolution will contribute to the debate about the future of Lebanon and how best to secure its sovereignty and independence. 

  • ATFL Statement on Designation of New Prime Minister

    Washington, DC, July 28, 2021 (ATFL) – Prime Minister-designate Nijab Mikati was confirmed by the Lebanese Parliament on July 26, securing 72 out of a possible 118 votes. He has the enormous task of not only forming a new government quickly but must deal with Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis, failure of the banking system, worsening economy, and governing malfeasance. The elections in spring 2022 are an essential element in moving ahead, but the current desperation of the Lebanese people must be dealt with immediately through transparent and responsible actions supported by all parties in the country.
     
    We welcome Prime Minister-designate Mikati’s remarks to move Lebanon’s recovery forward as quickly as possible. In the past he has displayed an ability to bridge political divides and understands the critical necessity of making the Lebanese people the country’s priority. The Prime Minister-designate will need to immediately show his support for all citizens in Lebanon, regardless of religious or political affiliation, enter into formal IMF negotiations, and prioritize the humanitarian needs of the country.

  • ATFL Statement on the Resignation of Saad Hariri as Prime Minister-designate

    Washington, DC, July 16, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, noted with regret the inability of the country to form a government following the resignation on July 15 of Saad Hariri as Prime Minister-designate. For nine months, the political leadership in Lebanon has been unable to agree on a formula to form a government, despite strong international pressure to install a government capable of reforms and rebuilding trust with the Lebanese people. 

    While the choice of new leaders is up to the Lebanese, they have suffered greatly from government mismanagement and corruption. A new government, composed of qualified experts, must have a mandate to lead and implement reforms needed to stabilize the country and gain the release of international funds for Lebanon’s survival and renewal.  

    ATFL strongly supports Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken’s statement that “It is critical that a government committed and able to implement priority reforms be formed now.  The government must also start preparing for the 2022 parliamentary elections, which should be held on-time and conducted in a free and fair manner.” The elections are an important opportunity for the people to call the leaders to accountability, and must proceed without obstruction.

    Once again, Lebanon’s leaders are failing its people and it is past time for them to make the people the priority.

  • ATFL Staffs Up for Future Challenges in Lebanon

    Washington, DC, July 12, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon, a 501c3 nonprofit educational organization comprised of Americans of Lebanese heritage, announced today its new growth strategy. As it joins with other partners in advancing a strong US-Lebanon bilateral relationship to address the critical needs of Lebanon, ATFL has become an indispensable part of an ever increasing need to communicate with Washington.  

    The crisis in Lebanon has been referred to by the World Bank as possibly one of the three worst crises worldwide since the mid-19th century. It is faced with unprecedented challenges to stabilize its financial and economic sectors, confront a political void caused by a deadlocked government, and mitigate an increasingly high rate of extreme poverty. In response, the ATFL is redoubling its efforts to educate key policymakers on the importance of prioritizing the US-Lebanon bilateral relationship, standing firm against corruption in all sectors of the economy and political life, the need for addressing the humanitarian crisis among the Lebanese people, and the importance of maintaining a strong Lebanese Armed Forces.  

    “ATFL has been a trusted voice for more than thirty years with US policymakers. As the US confronts its many diverse but connected interests in the Middle East, and one of the worst crises in Lebanon’s history, ATFL will be prepared to ensure that Lebanon is not forgotten in this myriad of issues,” remarked Ambassador Ed Gabriel, President and CEO of ATFL.

    ATFL is staffing up with new positions in the fields of communications, social media, virtual production, and policy analysis. Parties interested in finding out more about opportunities at ATFL should inquire at www.ATFL.org. 

    “As Lebanon enters one of the most devastating eras in its history, now is the time for ATFL to double down on its efforts to educate America’s policymakers on the consequences to US interests of a weakened or failed Lebanon on the eastern Mediterranean border,” said former Secretary and Senator Spence Abraham, Chairman of ATFL.  “In this regard, we believe these changes will enhance ATFL’s mission in supporting a strong US-Lebanon bilateral relationship.” 

    For more information, please visit us at www.ATFL.org. 

  • ATFL Welcomes Joint US-France Action to Pressure Lebanese Officials to Act

    Washington, DC, June 26, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization representing Americans of Lebanese descent, welcomes the June 25th announcement by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to jointly bring pressure on Lebanese leaders to take actions to relieve the country’s multiple crises.

    In a joint press conference, Le Drian said, “We have decided to act together to put pressure on those responsible. We know who they are.” Blinken added, “We need to see real leadership in Beirut.”

    A joint policy brief – authored by ATFL, the Middle East Institute, and 24 leading US-Lebanon policy experts – has called for strong coordinated efforts by the United States, France, and the International Support Group to take firm efforts in addressing Lebanon’s leadership to implement needed reforms, provide a strong social safety net for the Lebanese, and bring an end to its corrupt mismanagement.

    Ed Gabriel, ATFL President noted, “This statement, and previous ones emphasizing the need for free and fair elections in 2022, provide a way forward for Lebanon’s survival as a sovereign state. We hope that the leadership finally recognizes their responsibilities for relieving the humanitarian and political crises that are now depriving the Lebanese of any hope for a decent future.”

  • ATFL Continues Efforts to Strengthen US-Lebanon Ties and Welcomes Support from Key Members of Congress

    Washington, DC, May 20, 2021 (ATFL) – ATFL has intensified its efforts with the Biden Administration and Congress to ensure a continuing emphasis on a strong US-Lebanon relationship. The joint MEI-ATFL policy paper, “6 Key Steps for Targeted US Diplomacy” released in March, outlined how the US government can work with its international partners to ensure Lebanon’s survival and recovery. A leadership organization made up of Americans of Lebanese descent, ATFL meets regularly with Congress and the Administration, including former Undersecretary of State David Hale before and after his recent trip to Lebanon.
     
    Most recently, our efforts to educate and encourage members of Congress to support Lebanon’s partnership with the US has led to two letters that spell out the importance of Lebanon to US interests in the region.  The first letter was initiated by Representative Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and co-signed by 24 other Members, including Representative Ted Deutch, Chairman of the Middle East Subcommittee.
     
    The letter was addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and said, “We urge prompt and significant US action, in coordination with key international partners, to address the suffering of the Lebanese people and prevent Lebanon from economic collapse, posing further risks to the security and stability of the broader Middle East as well as US national security.” 
     
    The Meeks letter listed four recommendations: formation of an international group of friends of Lebanon to develop a plan to stabilize the economy pending formation of a government capable of implementing reforms, attacking corruption, and completing an audit of the Central Bank; building an international humanitarian assistance fund that would be channeled directly to the people; supplementary support for the Lebanese Armed Forces; and completing an independent investigation of the Beirut Port explosion of August 4, 2020.
     
    In conclusion, the letter stated: “We support policies that advance a strong and stable US–Lebanon relationship and a just, prosperous, and independent future for the Lebanese people.
     
    The second letter, from the US-Lebanon Friendship Caucus, echoed many of the points made in Chairman Meeks’s letter, stressing the humanitarian and security repercussions of the current status of Lebanon. The Caucus, which was recently relaunched in the 117th Congress, has more than 20 members. Its letter was sent to President Biden as well as Secretary of State Blinken. It was co-signed by the four co-chairs of the Caucus, Representatives Darin LaHood, Charlie Crist, Darrell Issa, and Debbie Dingell, as well as other members of the Caucus. 
     
    The Caucus letter made the point that “Lebanon can again be an example of a stable, independent, and sovereign democracy in the Middle East. In partnership with the US and its allies, Lebanon can overcome the challenges facing it today. Success requires the commitment to forming a transparent and representative government protected from political corruption, implementation of economic reforms, and ensuring continued access to humanitarian resources for its people.”
     
    Paul Salem, President of the Middle East Institute, which houses a Lebanon program, remarked, “The months ahead will dictate the future of Lebanon for years to come. Along these lines, this week’s letters embody Congress’s much appreciated understanding of the urgency of the Lebanese situation today. Although there is little doubt that the country’s deliverance will eventually have to come from the people of Lebanon themselves, US leadership, engagement, and support will continue to be essential in helping Lebanon’s people and institutions, securing stability and encouraging reform.”
     
    Edward Gabriel, ATFL President, welcomed the letters and pointed out that “Having two Congressional letters signed by more than 35 Members of Congress issued on the same day underscores that Lebanon remains a priority for the US despite all the turmoil in the region. As the center for American educational institutions in the region, a relationship going back more than 150 years and nourished by the more than 1.5 million Lebanese Americans, Lebanon’s survival and success must continue to be a priority for the US.”

  • ATFL Welcomes Senate Resolution on the Explosion in Beirut and the Need for Stability and Transparency in Lebanon

    Washington, DC, December 29, 2020 (ATFL) – In the closing session before the holiday recess, the US Senate unanimously passed S.Res.682, “Recognizing the devastating explosion that rocked the Port of Beirut on August 4, 2020, and expressing solidarity with the Lebanese people.” The resolution was introduced by Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on behalf of Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman of the Committee, Chris Murphy (D-CT), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Rob Portman (R-OH), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

    After noting the devastation caused by the blast, the Resolution states that the “protracted political crisis in Lebanon” has led to negative consequences to the economy and “one of the highest rates of public debt, food insecurity, and hyperinflation.” It also points out that “the people of Lebanon across the political spectrum have renewed demands for a meaningful change in Lebanon’s political leadership, government accountability, and transparency.”

    The ATFL is especially thankful to the sponsors and all members of the Senate for this strong endorsement of support for the Lebanese people, which affirms US Government efforts to provide “emergency humanitarian relief in concert with other governments and international partners.” The ATFL endorses calling on the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to deliver assistance “directly to the Lebanese people through properly vetted channels, organizations, and individuals.”

    ATFL President Ed Gabriel said, “ATFL is pleased to have worked closely with the Senate on this resolution, and I encourage Senate members to revisit the 2021 budget allocation of $112.5 million in economic assistance and work with their House counterparts to double the funding available for the reconstruction and rehabilitation needs of the country, again, through civil society and local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). There is no better way for the US to demonstrate its commitment to Lebanon’s independence and stability than to increase humanitarian and development assistance over the next three years.”

    The Resolution also calls on the government of Lebanon “to conduct a credible, impartial, and transparent investigation into the cause of, and responsibility for, the explosion, and include impartial international experts as part of the investigation,” as well as to determine the root causes of “instability and mismanagement” in the country. 

    Finally, the Resolution “calls on the Government of Lebanon to restore faith and confidence by prioritizing policies and programs that advance the interests of the people of Lebanon.” 

    Gabriel remarked that as the Resolution supports increased US Government efforts for Lebanon, the ATFL will continue to work with the House to introduce a similar resolution in January and push for its approval, and work to increase humanitarian assistance as quickly as possible in the FY22 budget.