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Lebanon and Syria- UN Security Council - Global Policy Forum Lebanon and Syria
Lebanon has long been caught up in the tumultuous regional politics of the Middle East. In the 1970s, class, religious and ethnic divisions, sharpened by the presence of armed Palestinian refugees, erupted into civil war and led to military intervention by Syria in 1976 and by Israel in the south in 1978. The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 425 in 1978 calling for Israeli withdrawal and establishing the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). In 1982 Israel again invaded, seizing all of Lebanese territory from the southern border to the suburbs of Beirut. The Security Council passed a series of resolutions, notably Resolution 509. Israel eventually withdrew to a large enclave south of the Litani River where Israeli troops remained in occupation for the next 18 years, battling with a local guerilla resistance. After Israeli troops pulled out in 2000, a dispute continued over the Israeli-held border zone Shabaa Farms. Meanwhile, Syria continued its long military presence in the country, giving it a powerful influence over Lebanese politics.
In September 2004, the United States and France sponsored Resolution 1559 calling on Syria to end its occupation and further calling for the disarmament of Israel’s nemesis, the Shi’a-based Hizbullah militia. Though a largely symbolic move, the resolution was a reminder of Lebanon's incomplete sovereignty and its vulnerable status as long as Israel remains in occupation of Palestinian and Syrian territory. The assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February 2005 sparked anti-Syrian sentiment in Lebanon and touched off mass protests in Beirut. The Security Council responded with Resolution 1595 setting up an international commission of inquiry. Washington was keen to pressure Syria because of perceived Syrian complicity in movement of arms and fighters across Syria’s eastern border into US-occupied Iraq. In April, Syria withdrew its troops from Lebanon but the government of Bashar al-Asad didn’t fully cooperate with the UN investigation panel. On October 31, 2005 the Security Council passed Resolution 1636 calling for Syrian cooperation and setting up sanctions against individuals designated by the Commission as suspected of involvement in the killing of Hariri.
Though Security Council steps to bring justice in Syria and Lebanon were potentially very positive, such moves were tainted by suspicions that they were motivated primarily by US and Israeli strategic interests. This seemed confirmed when, after Hizbullah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers in July 2006, Israel launched extremely violent and wide-ranging military attacks, seeking to destroy Hizbullah, while a simultaneouos military campaign was under way directed at Hamas and other Palestinian groups in the Occupied Territories. This new war in Lebanon was comparable in violence and destruction to the war of 1982. On August 11, 2006, after a month of conflict, the UN Security Council unanimously called for an end to the hostilities with resolution 1701. The resolution called for an expansion of UNIFIL, up to 15,000 troops, to monitor the peace, and take over military control after the withdrawal of the Israeli army.
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Peacekeeping | Israel/Palestine | Special Tribunal for Lebanon
Key Documents
Report of the Secretary General on Lebanon (February 22, 2008)
Ban Ki-moon remains concerned about the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon. The Secretary General states that Israel has failed to withdraw from Lebanon as required by Security Council Resolution 1701 and Israel conducts “provocative” air drills over Lebanese territory. Ban also notes that the failure to elect a President in Lebanon has created an acute political crisis, preventing UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) from disarming militia groups. The report concludes that these factors undermine the credibility of the United Nations and the ability of UNIFIL to fulfill its peacekeeping mandate.
The UN Security Council unanimously extended by one year the mandate of the fact-finding commission looking into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The resolution comes after chief investigator Serge Brammertz reported that while his team had made “significant progress,” completing the probe by June 15, 2007 – when the current mandate expires – seemed “unlikely.”
The UN Security Council has unanimously passed Resolution 1701, a month after the conflict in Lebanon begun. The resolution calls for a full cessation of all Israeli offensive military operations and Hizbollah attacks, the strengthening of the UN mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to 15,000 troops, the deployment of 15,000 Lebanese troops in Southern Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli troops in parallel. The expended UNIFIL will monitor the cessation of hostilities and prevent the entry of arms into Lebanon without the consent of the government. The text leaves the questions of the hostages and prisoners, as well as the status of the Shebaa Farms to be dealt later between Israel and Lebanon.
Russia has introduced a draft resolution seeking an immediate and full cessation of hostilities for 72 hours on humanitarian grounds. The text does not attempt to interfere with the French and US initiative to find a settlement to the conflict, but would allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in dire need.
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2008 | 2007 | 2006 | Archived Articles
Articles 2008
Hizbullah's Guns Are a Symptom, Not a Cause, of What Ails Lebanon (April 17, 2008)
The Daily Star - Lebanon urges members of the UN Security Council to address the underlying issues causing the protracted conflict in Lebanon, between Israel and Hizbollah. The author notes that the Security Council unduly emphasizes the rearming of Hizbollah as the key element undermining peace in the country. However, Israel continues to occupy Lebanese territory taken during the 2006 war, violates the country’s air space and fails to cooperate with UN peacekeepers in removing unexploded ordinance in Lebanon.2007
UN Chief Sees Presidential Poll as Key to Resolve Lebanon Problems (October 31, 2007)
Back in 2006, the UN Security Council issued the Resolution 1701 to end fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in south Lebanon. Following up on the resolution, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged Lebanese leaders to consensually select a president, without foreign interference. Ban stressed that a broadly supported president could help stabilize political life in Lebanon. In addition, he urged Syria and Israel to join efforts to rebuild Lebanon’s stability. But UNIFIL states that Hezbollah has violated the UN arms embargo at Lebanon’s border with Syria, and Israel has failed to provide information about its forces as requested by the UN mission in Lebanon. (Agence France-Presse)International Tug of War Complicating Lebanon’s Election Outcome (October 1, 2007)
Lebanese parliament members must vote on a new president by November 23, 2007. After the chaotic 2005 Syrian-influenced constitutional amendment, the UN Security Council is hoping for a free and fair election. The presidential candidate is still undefined and with all the “foreign powers” “pushing and pulling” a consensus will take time. In addition, the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) maintains control over South Lebanon, on the border with Israel, to monitor Hezbollah’s influence and promote regional peace. (Integrated Regional Information Networks)United Nations Peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon: One Year After the War (August 16, 2007)
This PolicyWatch article criticizes UNIFIL’s response to a June 24, 2007 roadside bomb which killed three Colombian and three Spanish peacekeepers. Since the attack, many UNIFIL troops have remained at their bases. Instead, they should build personal relationships with residents of southern Lebanon, and continue training the Lebanese Armed Forces. These measures will improve the quality and quantity of UNIFIL’s intelligence in the area, and help them to prevent future attacks, and illegal arms smuggling across the border from Syria.Lebanon: Crisis Persists Despite Beefed Up Peacekeeping (July 6, 2007)
Because the UN Security Council ignores the political issues at the heart of conflict in Lebanon, UNIFIL’s dramatic increase in troops there has not lessened conflict between Israel, Hezbolah and militant groups, argues Inter Press Service. According to Professor Naseer Aruri, the root causes include the status of Palestine, but also the US and Israel’s attempts to impose a new political order in the Middle East by manipulating Shia and non-Shia divisions. Thus UNIFIL’s goal of Lebanese political stability requires the UN to reclaim its legitimacy by disassociating from the agenda of the US and Israel.UN Approves Hariri Court (May 31, 2007)
The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1757 establishing a Special Tribunal to try those suspected of assassinating former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The resolution was passed in a 10-0 vote with China, Russia, Qatar, South Africa and Indonesia abstaining. Opponents believed that it was unnecessary to invoke Chapter 7 of the UN Charter and force a decision on the Lebanese people. Moscow asserts that the passing of the resolution infringes Lebanon’s sovereignty. Prior to the decision, Lebanese opposition leader Michel Aoun pointed out that the Tribunal is not as important as accusing someone of the crime. The UN has not charged anyone yet. (Daily Star – Lebanon)UN Council Authorizes Lebanese Mission (April 18, 2007)
Expressing concern at reports of weapons smuggling from Syria to Lebanon, the Security Council authorizes a mission to evaluate border-monitoring between the two countries. The Council reiterates its demand that Syria tighten its border, and urges all countries to enforce the arms ban on Hezbollah imposed by a Council resolution following the war in Lebanon in 2006. The Council also expresses concern at Israeli violations of Lebanese air-space and appeals to both parties to respect the ceasefire and UN-drawn boundary between Israel and Lebanon. (Associated Press)Lebanon Will Be First Victim of Iran Crisis (February 21, 2007)
The Independent reports that Lebanon, caught in conflicts and proxy conflicts involving the US, Israel, Syria and Iran, will continue to suffer. Israel and Hizbollah seem likely to fight again in Lebanon, Hizbollah has increased its pressure on the Lebanese government to resign, and the US and Israel have sent warnings to Iran concerning its nuclear ambitions. Lebanese army commander General Michel Sulieman blames Lebanon's politicians for not creating the unity which might resolve its problems.UN Shifts Toward Aid Projects in Lebanon (February 8, 2007)
Christian Science Monitor reports that the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) in Lebanon has expanded its responsibilities beyond monitoring borders and liaising between the Lebanese and Israeli governments, to also include providing humanitarian aid in the region. Milos Strugar, the mission's senior adviser says that their efforts are crucial to maintaining the good will of the local population and that the focus is now on “controlling the situation on the ground.” Leadership of UNIFIL has now passed from the French to the Italians.Diplomatic Odd Couple Tries to Avert War in Lebanon (January 29, 2007)
The International Herald Tribune reports that Iran and Saudi Arabia are collaborating in an effort to stop Lebanon from sliding into civil war. Whilst the US would prefer to reduce Iran’s regional influence, it has an interest in the political stability of Lebanon and has so far not objected to the partnership. Hezbollah's leader, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, who has been trying to overthrow the US-backed Lebanese government, claims that an agreement between Tehran and Riyadh will not be binding on the Lebanese who must “seek their own interests.”Israeli, Syrian Representatives Reach Secret Understandings (January 16, 2007)
This Haaretz article reports that Israel and Syria have been negotiating a secret peace deal between September 2004 and July 2006. Though not legally binding, the agreement carries political weight, covering amongst other things, relations between the parties and military co-operation. Former Director General at the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Dr. Alon Liel, confirms the covert talks but Israel Radio quotes unnamed senior Israeli officials who deny any such negotiations.
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2006
All (Too) Quiet on the Southern Front (October 31, 2006)
This Der Spiegel article points out inconsistencies in the mandate of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). UNIFIL was created to establish a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Yet, apart from clearing mines, the 5,700 peacekeepers have little to do. The mandate does not allow peacekeepers to disarm Hezbollah or to help the local communities, increasing irritation among the Lebanese population. With additional troops due to arrive in the region by the end of November 2006, the situation calls for a reconsideration of the UNIFIL mandate in Lebanon.UN Peacekeeping Chief Says Israel Is Violating UN Cease-Fire Resolution with Overflights (October 19, 2006)
While UN peacekeepers are deploying in Lebanon, their chief, Alain Pelligrini, calls on Israel to stop its overflights of Lebanese territory. Pelligrini said the overflights violate Security Council resolution 1701, suggesting a review of the UN peacekeeping mandate to allow the use of force to prevent future overflights. Yet, Israel refuses to halt its jets from flying over Lebanon’s airspace despite the call. (International Herald Tribune)Looking Back Warily, Israel Exits Lebanon (October 2, 2006)
While UN peacekeeping troops replace Israeli armed forces pulling out of Lebanon, no consensus exists on the implementation of the arms embargo. The main issue right now shifts from Israel-Hezbollah clashes to the relationship between Lebanon and Hezbollah, "and whether it will remain an independent militia in a democratic country," an expert says. As a result, the question arises whether the UN peacekeeping’s mandate should include the disarmament of Hezbollah. (Christian Science Monitor)Annan Backs UN Ministerial Meeting Next Week to Help Revive the Mideast Peace Process (September 14, 2006)
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan urges foreign leaders to consider the recent Lebanon conflict as “a wake-up call” to find a sustainable solution to the Arab-Israeli disputes and revive the Middle East peace process. According to this International Herald Tribune article, foreign ministers will discuss whether or not to give the Security Council the responsibility for overseeing efforts to settle decades of Middle East conflicts.Cluster Bombing of Lebanon 'Immoral’ UN Official Tells Israel (August 31, 2006)
United Nations Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland has described Israel’s use of cluster bombs at the end of the conflict in Lebanon as “completely immoral.” Israeli Defense Forces dropped as many as 100, 000 when the fighting drew to a close, leaving huge problems for refugees returning home. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan again highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and repeated his call for Israel to lift its blockade to “sustain life.” (Guardian)Crisis in Middle East (August 25, 2006)
In this Maxims News piece, the former head of the UN’s weapons inspection team in Iraq, Hans Blix, analyzes the motives behind Middle Eastern actors’ actions and their actual outcomes. Citing Israel’s intervention in Lebanon, he concludes that no parties have achieved their expected goals through military actions. Blix wonders whether the players involved in Middle East conflicts should, “in the future, increase their readiness to enter into talks without first going through a phase of suffering, death and destruction.”Israel/Lebanon Deliberate Destruction or “Collateral Damage”? Israeli Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure (August 23, 2006)
Israeli ground and aerial bombardments of Lebanon have inflicted catastrophic destruction upon to Lebanon’s infrastructures. In addition to humanitarian disaster, Israeli attacks damaged many vital points, such as roads, water treatment plants, electrical facilities and businesses, putting the socio-economical future of the country at stake. This Amnesty International report questions the legality of Israeli's bombardments in light of international humanitarian law.UNIFIL's Disarmament Mission Will Be Very Restricted (August 22, 2006)
The provisional rules of engagement for the strengthened UNIFIL do not include actively searching for Hezbollah weaponry. Responsibility for disarming Hezbollah rests with the Lebanese army. The confidential draft obtained by Le Monde authorizes the 15,000 troops to use force in self defense, to protect civilians and to prevent the launching of attacks from the buffer zone between the “Blue Line” and the Litani river. France, pressured by the UN to lead the peacekeeping force, had demanded a robust mandate and the UN stresses that the provisional rules of engagement incorporate Paris’ requests.Behind the Dispute Over Shebaa Farms (August 22, 2006)
This Christian Science Monitor article looks at the disputed territory of the Shebaa Farms. Located on mountains between the Golan Heights and Lebanon, Hezbollah have used Israeli claims to the land as justification for their campaign of violence against Israel. While no-one expects Hezbollah to lay down their weapons if the Shebaa Farms dispute was resolved in Lebanon’s favor, many observers feel such a settlement would undermine Hezbollah’s military wing by removing their raison d'être and bolster the authority of the Lebanese government.Enforcing the Ceasefire (August 21, 2006)
This Guardian editorial commends UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s swift condemnation of the Israeli commando raid on the village of Bodai in Lebanon. As Israel and Hezbollah both test the limits of the fragile ceasefire, the Guardian stresses the immediate need for the deployment of an international force. However, it warns that Israel’s taking the law into its own hands has made the prospect of such an international force more difficult, with states wary of putting their troops in the middle of warring parties.Start Talking to Hezbollah (August 18, 2006)
Lakhdar Brahimi, former special adviser to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, challenges Israel’s and Washington’s assertions regarding the root causes of the conflict in Lebanon. Recalling how Hezbollah “came into existence as a consequence of the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982,” he proposes encouraging Hezbollah to play a “responsible role” in Lebanese politics. He argues it would then have more difficulties rejecting the Lebanese state’s exclusive right to use force. (New York Times)Stronger Profile for French Peacekeepers? (August 17, 2006)
The UN asks France to lead the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon. Wary of putting French troops in the middle of warring Israeli and Hezbollah fighters, Paris insists that its troops obtain clear rules of engagement. Paris also wants a commitment from Hezbollah that it will cooperate with Lebanese and UN troops, tasked with monitoring the UN-brokered ceasefire and enforcing the arms embargo. Security Council Resolution 1701 strengthened the UN Mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) force to 15,000 troops. (Christian Science Monitor)Russia Complicates Ceasefire Consensus (August 11, 2006)
Russia has proposed a draft resolution at the UN Security Council calling for a 72 hour ceasefire to allow for humanitarian agencies to reach those in need and for diplomats to undertake “extraordinary diplomatic efforts” to end the crisis. Criticizing prolonged negotiations between the US and France, Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin stated “this diplomatic activity is not being conducted in a quiet academic environment. War is raging in Lebanon, and the humanitarian situation is getting catastrophic." Israel and the US have rejected his call for a temporary truce, describing it as “unhelpful” and “playing games.” (Guardian)
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Links
UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Human Rights Watch site on Lebanon
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More Information on the Security Council
Archived Articles from 2000-2004
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