A man carries the new Syrian flag at the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria on Dec. 8, 2024. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/OLJ)
On both sides, officials say they are ready to turn the page. But reconciliation can still feel distant. A year after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, the fractures of the past continue to haunt relations between Lebanon and Syria.The two neighbors know their destinies are linked and that they need each other, yet the pride of some and the prejudices of others keep them from moving forward.Over the past year, steps have nonetheless been taken. After his predecessor, Najib Mikati, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam traveled to Damascus. He was followed in November by his deputy prime minister, Tarek Mitri, who is responsible for steering relations between the two countries. US wants it to work out Barrack calls for 'bringing closer' Lebanon, Syria, countries with 'new good leadership' Mitri held talks with Ahmad al-Sharaa. Druze...
On both sides, officials say they are ready to turn the page. But reconciliation can still feel distant. A year after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, the fractures of the past continue to haunt relations between Lebanon and Syria.The two neighbors know their destinies are linked and that they need each other, yet the pride of some and the prejudices of others keep them from moving forward.Over the past year, steps have nonetheless been taken. After his predecessor, Najib Mikati, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam traveled to Damascus. He was followed in November by his deputy prime minister, Tarek Mitri, who is responsible for steering relations between the two countries. US wants it to work out Barrack calls for 'bringing closer' Lebanon, Syria, countries with 'new good leadership' Mitri held talks with Ahmad al-Sharaa. Druze...