Lebanon: A Convergence of Political Islam and Criminality
Abstract
Kamal Salibi, a recognized Lebanese historian, has described Lebanese society as "liberal and tolerant, traditional rather than zealous or fanatical in its attitude towards religion and political ideology." Unfortunately, the openness that has defined Lebanon's success also has led to its failures. Confessionalism, a fragile political environment resulting in a perpetually weak central government, and internal meddling by Lebanon's neighbors and imperial powers have framed its fractured history. The country of Lebanon is a sum of its parts (i.e., religion, politics, economy), parts that can be examined individually but are never defined as one hundred percent independent of each other. A part of Lebanon that is often underestimated and overlooked is the drug trade and its influence on Lebanese politics. The control of narcotics trafficking through the Lebanese state has disproportionately influenced the political landscape of Lebanon, contributed to the disenfranchisement of many confessional groups, the Shi'a in particular, and fostered the rise of Hezbollah.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA567162
Entities
People
- Ryan K. King
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School