Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati and His Cabinet Resigns

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced his resignation, together with his entire cabinet, late Friday. This latest development puts additional concerns on an already divided nation that is facing a political crisis.

The resignation was prompted by the failure of the divided cabinet to endorse the group that will oversee the country’s elections in June. It also failed to concur to have Ashraf Rifi, the international security chief’s term of office extended so that the post will not be left leaderless, which according to the Prime Minister, could be very dangerous for Lebanon. The officer is required to retire by April this year.

Syrian conflict

The political crisis happening in Lebanon is closely linked to the unrest currently waging in Syria.

Lebanon has always been overshadowed by larger and more powerful nations. While it struggles to find its own space and manage its own politics, there are self-appointed protectors that exert an influence over the small nation, preventing it from operating on its own.

It has been unwillingly drawn in conflicts happening among its neighboring countries such as Syria, and even if Lebanon does not want to be engaged in any conflict, it is impossible for the small country to disassociate from the crisis. For one it is geographically located at the back of Syria.

It is a strategic location and Shia Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia are in a scuffle to gain the upper hand in exerting power over the nation. There are also the anti- and pro-Assad factions that are living next to each other in Tripoli, one of the volatile cities in the country.

Thousands of Syrian refugees have fled to nearby Lebanon since the rebellion against President Assad of Syria started. This has taxed the resources of the small country and contributed to internal tensions in Lebanon. This, the conflict in Syria and the partisan strains among the Muslim and Christian sects in the country have burdened Lebanon for years.

Difficulty in remaining neutral

Prime Minister Mikati has exerted every effort necessary to remain neutral amidst the crisis in Syria and his government had issued a policy of non-involvement. But that is easier said than done. He came close to resigning on at least two occasions last year. The most recent was in October when a car bomb led to the demise of the police intelligence head in a Beirut district populated mostly by Christians. Several Lebanese politicians laid the blame on Syria or its allies. While his supporters thanked him for keeping the country calm despite the volatile issue, his critics called for his resignation.

Now, with the finality of his resignation and that of his entire cabinet, he hopes that political leaders would be able to “shoulder the responsibilities” and the parties to pull out Lebanon from the uncertain future.

It is not yet known if Michel Suleiman, Lebanon’s President is going to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Mikati and his cabinet.