IMF and Lebanon: 5 years of talks without resolution or funds

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation visited Lebanon on Tuesday, Feb. 18, and has reignited discussions about a potential agreement from the international financial institution to help the country out of its economic stalemate. In early 2020, a few months after the onset of the economic and financial crisis, which notably resulted in the collapse of the banking sector and the national currency, the Lebanese government led by Hassan Diab sought IMF assistance to secure the necessary funds to keep the country afloat. The stakes are high: agreeing on an assistance program in exchange for structural reforms to stop the collapse and restore the country's credibility to seek other funds and negotiate with its creditors. This is especially critical as the country defaulted on its sovereign debt in March of the same year. Five years...