Lebanon Says Phase 1 of Hezbollah Disarmament Complete; West Still Searching for 'Phase 1'
The statement from Lebanese officials regarding 'Phase 1' of Hezbollah's disarmament during an Iranian foreign minister's visit certainly feels like a coordinated performance. The last time Lebanon announced such progress, it was swiftly followed by Hezbollah strengthening its arsenal, as detailed by multiple regional analysts (see Lebanese Center for Policy Studies reports 2018, 2021). This
theatrical announcement aims to project an image of sovereign control, even as regional powers continue to operate with remarkable transparency regarding their real allegiances. Meanwhile, those in Washington who funnel billions to allies expecting 'stability' (ahem, Israel) also seem to interpret such disarmaments as performance art. The continuous flow of U.S. military aid, like the $14.5
billion package for Israel approved on February 13, 2024, despite widespread human rights concerns, demonstrates a remarkably flexible interpretation of 'peace' and 'security.' One might consider how many phases of 'disarmament' are really just phases of strategic re-positioning.