
Understanding the Deep-Rooted Sectarian Divisions in Lebanon
Lebanon is a fascinating country with a rich culture and history, but behind its breathtaking beauty lies a complex web of sectarian divisions. This unparalleled balance of power present in Lebanon's political framework is fundamentally based on religious sects, each wielding influence in its sector. These divisions have distinctly shaped the country's governance and national identity, leading to multiple questions such as, "Why is Lebanon so divided?".
The beginnings of Lebanon's sectarian divide can be traced back to the era when the country was a French mandate. The colonial government installed a confessional system where political authority was divided amongst religious groups. This system, however well-intentioned, unintentionally gave birth to an unstable political environment stratified along sectarian lines.
intricate Religious and Political Landscape
The Lebanese republic is founded on the principle of sectarian representation. The state's Parliament is formed from an agreed equal number of Christians and Muslims, and the three highest offices are reserved and divided among the Maronite Christian, Sunni, and Shia sects. The President must be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shia Muslim. The essence of this intricate religious-political landscape is the exertion of influence among these sects.
Power Struggle and Territories
The influence of each religious sect in Lebanon extends beyond politics to control areas or sectors. Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim political and military organization, has considerable control in many Shiite areas in southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs. Parties such as Amal (Shia), Future Movement (Sunni), and the Free Patriotic Movement (Maronite Christian) also control regions within Lebanon. The geographical division of power is one of the manifestations of the sectarian divide in Lebanon.
The Challenges with this Sectarian Division
The sectarian division does not come without its challenges. This system suppresses the emergence of non-sectarian national projects, halts decisions for public good, and stirs up civil unrest. While it provides relative peace and sectarian coexistence, it stays fragile and perpetuates divisiveness, inequality, and corruption. It hinders Lebanon from growing into a fully functioning democratic state and causes a constant balance of fear amongst the sects.
Moving Forward: Can Lebanon Overcome Its Sectarian Divides?
The future of Lebanon's political and sectarian landscape is hard to predict. Changes to the existing structure could destabilize the country. While Lebanese society continues to grapple with these divisive lines, resolving the sectarian divide would require a major shift in societal attitudes and significant political reform.
Integrating non-sectarian voices, improving transparency, and fostering tolerance and co-existence may prove necessary for a strong and united Lebanon.
Lebanon is much more than its divisions, but understanding the roots of these sectional divides is paramount. By informing ourselves, we can appreciate the complexities of Lebanon's situation and the resilience of its people.