Trump Envoys' Push for Disarmament Sparks Fears of Lebanon's Next Civil War

Trump's Middle East Envoys Push Lebanon into Another Civil War? BEIRUT, LEBANON - August 2025 marked a pivotal moment in Lebanese history as Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced the disarmament of all militias, including Hezbollah, by the end of 2025. The move, seen as a significant shift in the country's security landscape, has sparked concerns that external forces are manipulating Lebanon's internal dynamics to push it towards another civil war. The initiative, while presented as a Lebanese government effort, is widely acknowledged as an American-backed plan. Arab press outlets have described it as "the American paper," highlighting the significant role of President Donald Trump's envoys in shaping the country's security strategy. "We believe this plan can bring prosperity to an economically struggling Lebanon and help stabilize the region," said Morgan Ortagus, Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East. "We're working closely with our Lebanese partners to ensure a smooth transition." However, not everyone shares Ortagus' optimism. Many Lebanese citizens are wary of external interference in their country's affairs, fearing that the disarmament plan is merely a Trojan horse for foreign interests. "This is an American agenda, plain and simple," said Dr. Ghassan Salameh, a Beirut-based analyst. "They're using Lebanon as a testing ground for their regional strategy, without regard for the country's sovereignty or stability." Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim organization that has long been a dominant force in Lebanese politics, has been on its back foot since its November 2024 ceasefire with Israel. The group's inability to intervene in either Gaza or Iran has weakened its position, creating an opportunity for external forces to push for its disarmament. The disarmament plan is seen as a significant shift in the country's security landscape, raising concerns about the potential for another civil war. Lebanon has a history of sectarian violence, with the 1975-1990 civil war leaving deep scars on the nation. "This is not just about Hezbollah; it's about the very fabric of Lebanese society," said Dr. Salameh. "If we allow external forces to dictate our security strategy, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past." The current status of the disarmament plan remains uncertain, with many questions still unanswered. Will the Lebanese government be able to implement the plan without facing significant resistance from Hezbollah and other militias? Can external forces truly bring stability to a region plagued by decades of conflict? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Lebanon's future hangs in the balance as it navigates the treacherous waters of regional politics. *Reporting by Theintercept.*