The Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ayman Safadi, handing over an invitation from King Abdullah of Jordan to President Joseph Aoun during a visit on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Baabda. (Credit: Illustrated photo NNA)
Two words in President Joseph Aoun's inaugural speech could revolutionize Lebanese foreign policy. The head of state, upon whom hopes for renewal rest, spoke of "practicing positive neutrality" and called for "ending reliance on foreign influence." The implications of such a promise are vast: Lebanon must move away from being a "buffer state" (as described by Georges Corm), a satellite state, or an arena for foreign conflicts ("sahat," Antoine Messarra), a nation caught in "the wars of others" (Ghassan Tueni) and peace negotiations driven solely by external interests.Foreign policy is indeed where sovereignty is most keenly exercised. It reflects a country's geography and history, its cultural identity: who we are and what we want to preserve, develop and promote. Lebanon has no declared enemies and has never interfered in the affairs of...
Two words in President Joseph Aoun's inaugural speech could revolutionize Lebanese foreign policy. The head of state, upon whom hopes for renewal rest, spoke of "practicing positive neutrality" and called for "ending reliance on foreign influence." The implications of such a promise are vast: Lebanon must move away from being a "buffer state" (as described by Georges Corm), a satellite state, or an arena for foreign conflicts ("sahat," Antoine Messarra), a nation caught in "the wars of others" (Ghassan Tueni) and peace negotiations driven solely by external interests.Foreign policy is indeed where sovereignty is most keenly exercised. It reflects a country's geography and history, its cultural identity: who we are and what we want to preserve, develop and promote. Lebanon has no declared enemies and has never interfered in the affairs...
