Abstract
This paper discusses the policy problems faced by Israel and Lebanon in the aftermath of the 2006 war, with focus on the role of Hezbollah. A historical summary is followed by discussion and evaluation of policy options. The paper concludes that while Lebanon can do little to resolve the problem, Israel would serve both its own interests and those of Lebanon by renewed efforts toward a peace settlement with the Palestinians.

From the Paper
" In the summer of Israel launched massive air strikes against much of Lebanon and sent troops into southern Lebanon in an attempt to militarily crush Hezbollah, a militia and political organization o fLebanese Shia. Since the end of the previous Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, which lasted from ... to ... Hezbollah has established itself both as a major political force in Lebanon as a whole and as a state within a state in southern Lebanon from which it launched sporadic but persisting rocket..."

Tags:Middle East, Hezbollah, Lebanon, Israel, Palstinians, Lebanon, Hezbollah

Abstract
What were American policies toward Lebanon between 1945 and Desert Storm, and what were their bases and justifications? Were selfish national interests the main factor or were more egalitarian and humanitarian concerns the basis of US policy? This essay addresses those questions by assessing American policy in Lebanon as well as the common view of this small but strategic country in American eyes.

From the Paper
"The "State of Greater Lebanon" was proclaimed by France in 1920 and then significantly enlarged as part of its post-World War I mandate. A new nation based on expansion of the Christian enclave of Mount Lebanon in the Ottoman Empire, Lebanon peacefully achieved its full independence from the French mandate in 1943. The country was destined to travel a strange and unpredictable path in the ensuing fifty years: a model of stability and Westernism and a center of terror and civil war. In the American mind and heart during the latter part of the 20th century it became difficult to decide if the Lebanese were cultured polyglots or hooded terrorists. The powerful influence of the US in the Arab world after World War II created the need for sound policy based on clear objectives for Lebanon, but for several reasons both pragmatic and emotional decisions resulted. What were American policies toward Lebanon between 1945 and Desert Storm, and what were their bases and justifications? Were selfish national interests the main factor or were more egalitarian and humanitarian concerns the basis of US policy? This essay will address those questions by assessing American policy in Lebanon as well as the view of this small country in American eyes. It argues that the majority of decisions were the result of regional concerns involving the Arabs and Israelis or related to American self-interest and not based on the interests of the Lebanese people."

Tags:beirut, east, foreign, israel, lebanon, middle, palestinians, policy, syria

Abstract
The paper explores three theoretical approaches to international relations; realism, liberalism and international society theory. The paper looks at how motivations and conduct of the Eisenhower Administration during the Lebanon crises indicate that realism had the most influence, international society theory had less influence, and liberalism had very little influence.

From the Paper
"In order to provide an explanation for the American decision to intervene in Lebanon in 1958, examining the influence on decision makers of three theoretical approaches to international relations is necessary, for foreign policy is formulated at times in accordance with theories such as realism, liberalism, and international society theory. The motivations and conduct of the Eisenhower Administration during the Lebanon crises indicate that realism had the most influence, international society theory..."

Tags:intervention, in, lebanon

Abstract
This paper explains that Lebanon's massive debt, which exceeds $35 billion and which is attributed to the substantial expenditure to rectify the damages to the infrastructure caused by the civil war and continued borrowing and spending, is taking away most of the government's revenues in terms of debt servicing; however, Lebanon has registered a marked improvement in economic performance. The author points out that the Paris II conference in 2002 committed over $4 billion to Lebanon in the form of soft loans, subject to the condition that Lebanon would implement specific reforms, including privatization. The paper relates that the International Monetary Fund, while commending the improvement of macroeconomic parameters, has expressed deep concern at the rising debt levels and lack of progress in privatization.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Lebanese Economy and Economic Trends
Agreements with IMF
Lebanon's Debt Position
National Income
Treasury performance
Privatization
Recommendations for Improving the Debt Position of Lebanon
Rationalization of National Expenditures
Improve Macroeconomic Stabilization
Free Trade
Proceed with Structural Reforms
Better Debt Management
Improving the Functioning of Finance Sector and Banking Sector
Focus on Infrastructure
Flexible Exchange Rates
Other Recommendations

From the Paper
"The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that the growth in GDP growth of 5 percent in 2004. Although the Iraq war did affect trade, Lebanon managed to achieve a real GDP growth of about three percent in 2003, even while keeping inflation under tight control. Added to this is the depreciation of the US dollar, which has resulted in greater price competitiveness for Lebanese goods and services, since the Lebanese pound is pegged to the dollar. Another reason is the substantial increase in the capital inflows in 2003, due to increase in Arab savings and good returns on deposits. For instance, yields on two year deposits and treasury bills have settled around 8 percent. Consequently, the liquidity showed a growth of 15 percent in 2003. Gross reserves were around USD 10 billion, However, the current account deficit declined only marginally to about 13 percent of the GDP."

Tags:privatization, structure, loans, recommendations, imf

Abstract
In this paper the author examines the industry and infrastructure of Lebanon. He looks at the changes the country has undergone over the past few decades. The author highlights how Lebanon is both oil rich, and high in demand because of its strategic geographical location within the Middle East. The author tells us that in order to fully take advantage of this country's vast resources, an understanding of its people, its economy, as well as the politics behinds its complex government system must be achieved. The paper proceeds to discuss all of these aspects of Lebanon, in the hope that the reader will have a better understanding of the country. He concludes that there is great business potential in Lebanon which has not yet been tapped. With businesses to buffer its infrastructure, Lebanon will once again emerge as a power within the Middle Eastern area, which is why this country is ideal for foreign investments.

From the Paper
"The actual figures for the growth of this country are significant. The annual GDP currently stands at 18.8 billion dollars. Although this is not large in relation to other countries in the region, proportionally it is much better than the state of financial affairs a decade before. The real growth rate is around 4% and increasing every year as the infrastructure of Lebanon improves. As of the 2000 census, most of the nation's GDP comes from the services sector of the economy which makes up 67% of the total GDP. The rest is split between agriculture which controls 12%, and industry, which takes the rest of the 21%. The labor force which consists of 2.6 million has within its population almost a million people that are foreign workers. These workers are split between the industrial and agricultural employment within Lebanon. The unemployment rate is still abnormally high at 18%, but with the recent privatization of many industries this figure is forecasted to drop. The real danger is that the current poverty rate within Lebanon is an astounding 28%. Which means that 28% of the population is below the poverty line in the country. Without a tangible welfare system to aid the poor, a full quarter of the country is in a state of starvation and extreme poverty."

Tags:structural, political, education, life, opportunites, infaltion, restructuring

Abstract
This paper explains that Lebanon was an important international financial center through 1975; but, since 1975 the Lebanese economy has seldom had a chance to function efficiently and monetary stability frequently has proven to be elusive. This paper points out that the current exchange rate policy followed by Lebanon is a managed float targeted to the United States dollar. The author reports that Egypt's current exchange rate policy is the same as Lebanon's managed float; but Israel follows a composite currency peg policy, which assigns proportional weights to a basket of currencies to establish the exchange value for their currency and reflects that country's international trade, capital flows and other relevant economic aggregates. Annotated Bibliography.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Historical Overview
Current Exchange Rate Policy
Comparing Lebanon's Exchange Rate Policy with Those of Egypt and Israel
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Since 1992, the government of Lebanon has faced-up to the job of restoring economic stability and confidence in the country. The government and the Central Bank of Lebanon also have broken the hold on the country's the economy of the vicious circle of inflationary financing and instability of the rate of exchange of the Lebanese pound. These actions primarily were manifestations of the dire political status in which Lebanon found itself as both a pawn and a battleground for Israelis, Syrians and Arab militant organizations."

Tags:stability, managed, float, dollar, peg

Abstract
This paper discusses the political strife, civil wars and social and economic chaos that have been a part of Lebanon's history almost since the country achieved its independence in 1941. The paper also looks at past leaders of Lebanon who were assassinated, tensions between Lebanon and its neighbors, Syria and Israel, and the persistent problem created by radical Palestinians and Hezbollah members who reside with Lebanon.

From the Paper
"In 1975, an even worse civil war broke out, and it is estimated (Brunner 808) that some 40,000 Lebanese of all religious persuasions, were killed. Again, there was an uneasy truce, with a lot of political shuffling among the politicians who wanted to, or claimed, they had the power to rule. "Civil war erupted again in 1983. From 1987 to 1990, fighting was heavy and thousands died. The government could not operate normally or sponsor elections for parliament, which was last elected in 1972. Amin Gamayel became president after Bashir Gamayel was assassinated in 1982. He served until 1988, when General Michel Aoun took control of the government. Aoun, a Maronite, ordered parliament dissolved in 1989. However, parliament did not recognize his authority and elected Rene Moawad president. He was assassinated a few days later by Aoun loyalists. Elias Hrawi was then elected president of Lebanon. Aoun was dismissed, but he continued to battle rival Christian forces" (CultureGram 2006 2). Worse yet, Beirut, the capital was bitterly dfivided, and a "Green Line"was drawn up separating the city into East and West sides, who did not want to interact with one another."

Tags:ottoman, empire, syria, israel, christian, camille, chamoun, lebanese, gameyel, hariri

Abstract
This paper discusses public administration in the Republic of Lebanon,
noting that the system is widely known for its corruption scandals, its high level of inefficiency, as well as its weak ties with the people it serves. The paper then provides a description of the current situation of public administration there and discusses the issue in the framework of the "ethical problem-solving model".

Description of the Public Administration in Lebanon
Analysis
Decision

From the Paper
"According to a 2003 Report of Transparency International, the most important nongovernmental organization following up on the corruption related issues concerning the countries of the world, Lebanon was place on the 78th position out of 133 countries surveyed in relation to the corruption index (United Nations, 2004). The same source indicates that the "numerous corruption cases on the Lebanese and international public opinion, (...) red tape in the administration and the frequency of bribery, not resolving corruption cases, such as that in the ministry of agriculture, embezzlement in Al-Madina Bank, and accusations of mismanagement in the Electricite du Liban would negatively impact respondents perceptions of corruption in Lebanon" contending that the most important element affecting the perception of the individual, as well as the general perception of the international forces accessing the country is the corruption and the lack of efficiency of the Lebanese administration (2004)."

Tags:strategic, agriculture, system

Abstract
The paper studies the 1000 year old battle for cultural, religious and political supremacy between Christians and Muslims in Lebanon. It shows the demographic make-up of present day Lebanon and investigates the possibility of dividing the country according to the dominant religious group in the area. It brings examples of other countries in the world where this method of partition was implemented.

From the Paper
"In this framework, it was inevitable that the creation of Israel would be seen not as returning residents to their old land, but of Europe using the Middle East for expansion of power, influence and control. Israel was viewed as the puppet of European interests, and they saw themselves as pawns being played by outside forces in the Cold War between the U.S.S.R. and Western interests, and Israel as an example of Western colonialism in the middle of the Arab world. (Esposito, 1997) This view would be strengthened when the U.S.S.R. attempted to defeat the Moslem country of Afghanistan, followed after a relatively brief period by United States military action there."

Tags:Crusades, Middle, East, Judaism, Maronites, Ottoman, Empire, Druze, Shiite, PLO, Sunni, Sa'iqa

Abstract
This paper looks for the best explanation for the American decision to intervene in Lebanon in 1958 by analyzing three theoretical schools - realism, liberalism and the international society theory. It examines the decision-makers involved, identifies their motivations and analyzes the justifications they offered for deploying American troops. The paper then compares these factors to the principles of liberalism, realism and international society theory in order to determine whether there is a correlation.

From the Paper
"In this bipolar world, instability in a particular region or country was often seized upon as a pretext for power projection by Moscow or Washington, and Lebanon provided Washington in 1958 with a justification to demonstrate American power and resolve in the aftermath of the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956, which produced perceptions of Western weakness. (Korbani 21-52) In addition, it has been suggested that the intervention was also an attempt by Eisenhower to assuage French bitterness over his harsh criticism of French actions during the Suez Crisis in 1956, and was a conciliatory gesture in the form of intervening in France's former colony of Lebanon in order to protect French economic and political interests."

Tags:Washington, military, foreign, invasion