Why did the civil war in Lebanon start?

The Forgotten War: Understanding the Causes of the Lebanese Civil War

Lebanon, a country nestled in the heart of the Middle East, is often overlooked in discussions about global conflicts. However, the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) was a brutal and devastating conflict that lasted for 15 years, resulting in an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 deaths and causing widespread destruction. In this article, we will explore the complex and multifaceted reasons that led to the outbreak of the conflict.

Background: Sectarian Tensions and Conflicting Interests

Prior to the war, Lebanon was a fragile and brittle society, characterized by deeply entrenched sectarian divisions. The country was predominantly Christian (around 55%), with the majority being Maronite Catholics. The largest Muslim sect, the Sunni Muslims, made up approximately 40% of the population, while the Shiites and Druzes accounted for around 15% and 5% respectively.

These sectarian groups had historically maintained a fragile balance of power, but the country’s political elite had failed to address the underlying issues, leading to growing tensions and mistrust between the communities.

Conflict Triggers: The Event that Sparked the War

The war began in April 1975, when a group of around 100-200 heavily armed Palestinian guerrillas and Lebanese leftists, responding to a perceived threat by the Lebanese army, attempted to take control of government buildings in the capital, Beirut. The Lebanese Forces, a Christian militia dominated by the Phalanges Party, responded with gunfire, leading to a full-scale conflict.

Key Issues that Contributed to the War

Several key factors contributed to the outbreak and perpetuation of the civil war:

• Palestinian Presence: The presence of Palestinian guerrilla groups on Lebanese soil, particularly in the south, was a major point of contention between the Lebanese government and its Christian population.
• Israeli Intervention: Israel had long been concerned about the growing influence of Palestinian forces in Lebanon and saw an opportunity to weaken its neighbors by supporting Christian militias. Israel’s intervention in 1978 and 1982, including the destruction of Palestinian camps and settlements, further fueled the conflict.
• Sectarianism: The dominance of the Maronite Christian community in the government, combined with the growing number of Muslim refugees from Palestinian camps, created a power imbalance that contributed to widespread resentment and violence.
• Economic Crisis: Lebanon was already facing economic difficulties, including high levels of debt and inflation. The war further exacerbated the crisis, leading to mass poverty and displacement.
• External Influences: The war was also driven by external factors, including the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, which further complicated the conflict.

Key Players and their Roles

Several key players played critical roles in the conflict:

• Fahd al-Fayad and the Lebanese Forces: Christian leader Fahd al-Fayad, along with other Christian militias, fought alongside Israel against the Palestinian factions and the Lebanese government.
• Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO): The PLO, led by Yasser Arafat, played a significant role in the war, with its guerrilla forces fighting against the Christian militias and the Lebanese government.
• Syria: Syria, under the rule of Hafez al-Assad, intervened in 1976 to support the Lebanese government and prevent Christian militias from gaining control of the country.
• Israel: Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in 1978 and 1982, known as Operation Peace for Galilee, destroyed Palestinian camps and settlements and led to widespread destruction.

The Humanitarian Consequences

The war resulted in devastating humanitarian consequences, including:

• Human Losses: Estimates vary, but it is estimated that between 100,000 to 250,000 people lost their lives during the conflict.
• Displacement: Widespread displacement occurred, with millions of people forced to flee their homes. Many were displaced internally, while others became refugees, with many fleeing to Syria, Jordan, and the West.
• Infrastructure Destruction: The war left Lebanon’s infrastructure in shambles, with numerous buildings, roads, and bridges destroyed or damaged.
• Economic devastation: The war led to a significant decline in the country’s economy, including a sharp decline in economic output, a rise in inflation, and a major increase in unemployment.

Conclusion

The Lebanese Civil War was a complex and multifaceted conflict driven by a combination of factors, including sectarian tensions, conflicting interests, and external influences. The war left deep scars on the Lebanese people and the country as a whole, and its consequences continue to be felt today. Understanding the complex causes of the war is essential for building a stable and peaceful future for the country.

Timeline: Key Events of the Lebanese Civil War

The Legacy of the Lebanese Civil War

The Lebanese Civil War has left a lasting legacy, with many still grappling with the consequences today. The war has contributed to:

• Trauma and Psychological Scarring: The war has resulted in widespread trauma and psychological scarring, with many survivors still struggling to come to terms with their experiences.
• Economic Consequences: The war has had a lasting impact on Lebanon’s economy, including a significant decline in economic output and a rise in unemployment.
• Power Imbalance: The war has contributed to a continuing power imbalance between the Lebanese government and its Christian and Muslim populations.
• State Weakness: The war has weakened the Lebanese state, making it vulnerable to external influences and internal political instability.

The Lebanese Civil War serves as a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict and the need for effective conflict resolution strategies.