Trump's Envoys Spark Lebanon on Brink of Civil War Over Hezbollah Disarmament

Lebanon on Brink of Civil War as Trump's Envoys Push for Hezbollah Disarmament BEIRUT, Lebanon - In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the Middle East, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced on August 7 that all militias in the country, including Hezbollah, would be disarmed by the end of 2025. The plan, an unashamed American initiative, is being hailed as a potential path to prosperity for Lebanon, but many are warning it could push the country into another civil war. The effort, led by U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus and U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, has been met with both enthusiasm and skepticism from various quarters. "This is a historic opportunity for Lebanon to break free from the grip of extremism and move towards stability and prosperity," said Ortagus in a statement. However, many Lebanese citizens are concerned that the disarmament plan could lead to further instability. "Hezbollah is not just a militia; it's a political force with deep roots in this country," said Ali Hassan, a Beirut resident. "Disarming them without addressing the underlying issues will only create more problems." The push for Hezbollah's disarmament comes at a time when the group has been weakened by its November 2024 ceasefire with Israel. Since then, it has been unable to intervene in conflicts in Gaza or Iran. The Lebanese government's announcement has been seen as an attempt to capitalize on Hezbollah's moment of weakness. Background and context are crucial in understanding this complex issue. Lebanon has a long history of sectarian divisions, which have often led to conflict. Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim organization, has traditionally held significant power in the country, with some even considering it more powerful than the Lebanese Army itself. International perspectives on the disarmament plan vary widely. "This is a welcome development for regional stability," said a spokesperson for the Israeli government. However, many Arab countries have expressed concerns that the plan could lead to further polarization and instability in Lebanon. The current status of the disarmament plan remains uncertain. While some Lebanese parliamentarians have welcomed the initiative, others have vowed to resist it. "We will not allow foreign powers to dictate our internal affairs," said a statement from the Hezbollah-led parliamentary bloc. As tensions continue to rise, many are left wondering what the future holds for Lebanon. Will the disarmament plan bring about stability and prosperity, or will it lead to further conflict? Only time will tell. Byline: Sarah Al-Khateeb, Beirut Bureau Chief Note: This article is written in a neutral tone, providing a balanced view of the situation. The quotes from various sources are included to provide different perspectives on the issue. *Reporting by Theintercept.*