Thursday, March 27, 2025,10:00 – 11:30 AM EDT Via Zoom Webinar
Lebanon’s New Government: Challenges and Prospects for Reform and Revitalization
This webinar will be also be live streamed on our website
Welcoming Remarks
Imad K. Harb, irector of Research and Analysis, Arab Center Washington DC
Speakers
Joseph Bahout. Director, Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs and Associate Professor of Practice, Department of Political Studies, American University of Beirut
David Hale, Global Fellow, Wilson Center; Former US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs
Patricia Karam, Vice President for Policy and Communications, American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL); Non-resident Fellow, Arab Center Washington DC
Alia Moubayed, MENA Chief Economist, Jefferies
Moderator
Merissa Khurma, Director, Middle East Program, Wilson Center
About the Webinar
Arab Center Washington DC and the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center are co-convening a panel of experts to assess the challenges and opportunities facing Lebanon under its new leadership. Panelists will explore critical questions such as: How will Aoun and Salam implement reforms to strengthen governance and fight corruption? What economic and social reforms are necessary to stabilize the nation? How can the new government hold those responsible for corruption and misconduct accountable and restore trust in public institutions? What is the status and prospects for implementation of the provisions of the 1989 Taif Agreement regarding confessional politics and allocations? Can Lebanon regain full control over security and armed groups within its territory? How will Aoun and Salam deal with the continued Israeli occupation of areas in the south of the country? What steps will the new government take to improve relations with Arab neighbors and other global actors? How can Lebanon navigate domestic reconciliation and secure international assistance for reconstruction efforts? How can Lebanon deal with the Trump administration’s decision to halt foreign aid crucial to the Lebanese army? What are policy recommendations for the United States and European countries to help support the transition in Lebanon?
This webinar will be also be live streamed on our website