The Lebanese Parliament’s overwhelming vote of confidence in the new Council of ministers this week added a legislative seal to a growing groundswell of hope for the country’s future. This began in January with the ascent of President Joseph Aoun, who in his inaugural speech pledged to bring all weapons under state control, reform the judiciary and root out corruption. Optimism rose again when the unlikely figure of Nawaf Salam ascended to the premiership, likewise pledging comprehensive state reforms to restore citizens’ trust. When Salam announced the Parliament members on Feb. 8, with cabinet seats filled (mostly) with genuine technocrats, fundamental change suddenly seemed within reach. Read more To a renewal of Lebanese cultural diplomacy Yet, this initial momentum belies the steep road ahead for Aoun and Salam’s agenda. If...
The Lebanese Parliament’s overwhelming vote of confidence in the new Council of ministers this week added a legislative seal to a growing groundswell of hope for the country’s future. This began in January with the ascent of President Joseph Aoun, who in his inaugural speech pledged to bring all weapons under state control, reform the judiciary and root out corruption. Optimism rose again when the unlikely figure of Nawaf Salam ascended to the premiership, likewise pledging comprehensive state reforms to restore citizens’ trust. When Salam announced the Parliament members on Feb. 8, with cabinet seats filled (mostly) with genuine technocrats, fundamental change suddenly seemed within reach. Read more To a renewal of Lebanese cultural diplomacy Yet, this initial momentum belies the steep road ahead for Aoun and Salam’s...
