Lebanon at a Crossroads: Between the American Paper and Regional Economic Opportunities
August 17, 2025256 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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In a new development that reflects the geopolitical transformations in the region, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun revealed important details in the American paper aimed at rebuilding Lebanon and economically linking it with Syria, in a move that could represent a historic turning point for both countries.
The axes of the American paper revolve around intertwined security and economic issues, with the complete Israeli withdrawal as a fundamental condition for starting any economic cooperation and reviving the Lebanese economy through a package of incentives and international financial support.
The Lebanese-Syrian economic cooperation: as a regional project relies on reactivating land transport lines, enhancing trade exchange, and supporting joint productive sectors.
President Aoun presented the Lebanese with a clear equation: either accept the paper with its economic opportunities and security guarantees or reject it and risk international isolation and the exacerbation of the crisis.
The existing challenges are the Israeli test of whether Tel Aviv will commit to complete withdrawal, in addition to the fragile economic situation where official estimates indicate a contraction that could reach 10% due to the war.
President Aoun tried to paint an optimistic picture by emphasizing that Lebanon "is not bankrupt but plundered" and pointing to signs of an upcoming economic boom and the connection between security stability and economic recovery.
But the big questions are whether economic cooperation with Syria can be separated from political complexities and how transparency in managing new economic resources will be ensured, and what is the real guarantee for all parties to adhere to the terms of the agreement?
The American paper - which has now become "Lebanese" according to Aoun's description - represents a rare opportunity for Lebanon to emerge from the tunnel of prolonged crises, but its success depends on the delicate balance between international and regional interests and establishing real guarantees against any political exploitation.
And involving all components of the Lebanese people in the construction process.
It seems that Lebanon is at a decisive moment, either the beginning of a new era of recovery or another chapter in a series of unfulfilled promises. The decision is now in the hands of the Lebanese elite and their ability to unite in the face of this existential challenge.
The axes of the American paper revolve around intertwined security and economic issues, with the complete Israeli withdrawal as a fundamental condition for starting any economic cooperation and reviving the Lebanese economy through a package of incentives and international financial support.
The Lebanese-Syrian economic cooperation: as a regional project relies on reactivating land transport lines, enhancing trade exchange, and supporting joint productive sectors.
President Aoun presented the Lebanese with a clear equation: either accept the paper with its economic opportunities and security guarantees or reject it and risk international isolation and the exacerbation of the crisis.
The existing challenges are the Israeli test of whether Tel Aviv will commit to complete withdrawal, in addition to the fragile economic situation where official estimates indicate a contraction that could reach 10% due to the war.
President Aoun tried to paint an optimistic picture by emphasizing that Lebanon "is not bankrupt but plundered" and pointing to signs of an upcoming economic boom and the connection between security stability and economic recovery.
But the big questions are whether economic cooperation with Syria can be separated from political complexities and how transparency in managing new economic resources will be ensured, and what is the real guarantee for all parties to adhere to the terms of the agreement?
The American paper - which has now become "Lebanese" according to Aoun's description - represents a rare opportunity for Lebanon to emerge from the tunnel of prolonged crises, but its success depends on the delicate balance between international and regional interests and establishing real guarantees against any political exploitation.
And involving all components of the Lebanese people in the construction process.
It seems that Lebanon is at a decisive moment, either the beginning of a new era of recovery or another chapter in a series of unfulfilled promises. The decision is now in the hands of the Lebanese elite and their ability to unite in the face of this existential challenge.
