The Ongoing Battle for Beirut: Old Dynamics and New Trends

Often serving as a surrogate for inter-state conflicts, Lebanon has traditionally been a playing field for regional and international actors alike, and thus battling for Beirut has become a key feature of contemporary Middle Eastern politics. This monograph studies the role and influence of foreign intervention in Lebanese domestic affairs, focusing particularly on the shifts in the dynamics of power following the Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon in 2005. The study explores the complexities behind the involvement of several major regional powers (Syria, Iran, and Saudi Arabia) and international actors (the United States and France) that historically have wielded the most power and influence over domestic Lebanese politics.