A Lebanese Army soldier in Zawtar Gharbieh, on July 23, 2026. (Credit: Aziz Taher/AFP)
On Aug. 5, 2025, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s Cabinet held a meeting, marking a historic turning point. On that day, the government officially launched the long-awaited process of establishing the state’s monopoly on arms, just months after the devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah.One year on, however, the results are far from convincing. On the ground, the government’s decision has run up against reality. Politically, its approach failed to deliver, with Hezbollah continuing to turn a deaf ear to the government, taking its cues only from its Iranian patron.It is not for lack of political will, determination or international backing — particularly from the United States. Far from it. The Aoun-Salam leadership arguably enjoys broader international support than any executive in Lebanon’s modern political history. Catch up on...
On Aug. 5, 2025, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s Cabinet held a meeting, marking a historic turning point. On that day, the government officially launched the long-awaited process of establishing the state’s monopoly on arms, just months after the devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah.One year on, however, the results are far from convincing. On the ground, the government’s decision has run up against reality. Politically, its approach failed to deliver, with Hezbollah continuing to turn a deaf ear to the government, taking its cues only from its Iranian patron.It is not for lack of political will, determination or international backing — particularly from the United States. Far from it. The Aoun-Salam leadership arguably enjoys broader international support than any executive in Lebanon’s modern political history. Catch...
