Antoun el-Fata, "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

Lebanon's Struggle for Change Amidst Regional Competition with Syria

Souaid: We are in a new world that necessitates a parliament's adaptation

There are numerous essential steps that must take place before any Lebanese citizen can genuinely claim that Lebanon has transformed and moved from one phase to another, distinct from the past.

We are not referring to swift measures but rather to fundamental, structural changes that remain an urgent necessity in Lebanon  on political, security, military, economic, and financial levels. Without such transformations, our country will have no real share in global affairs. Given that a significant portion of these fundamental changes has already occurred in Syria - whether in its governance structure or on the ground - Lebanon now finds itself under intense pressure and in fierce competition with Damascus. But how?

Both Lebanon and Syria require Arab support and funding, as well as international assistance, including the lifting of sanctions and external restrictions that have long controlled them. However, such support will not materialize in the required scope unless it is first accompanied by internal reforms, whether in Lebanon or Syria. This creates a race for internal restructuring and improvement, making it a crucial factor in attracting foreign aid. The faster and more substantial the reforms, the better the chances of securing assistance before the other. This dynamic establishes a positive form of competition, placing significant responsibilities on the leadership in both countries.

Can Lebanon outpace Syria in this transformation, and to what extent should this be pursued, given that Lebanon receives far less foreign aid and funding than Syria? What if the opposite happens and Lebanon collapses completely? Could this result in an international and Arab directive granting Syria the role of "fixing" Lebanon’s situation and integrating it into broader regional and Syrian-led changes? Would such a development bring back a new form of Syrian influence over Lebanon in the future?

Former MP Fares Souaid believes that Lebanon currently possesses significant advantages that Syria, unfortunately, lacks. These include Lebanon’s constitution and the Taif Agreement, while Syria has neither a formal constitution nor a national reconciliation document to date. Additionally, Lebanon has an elected president recognized internationally, whereas Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa is still striving to secure international legitimacy.

Moreover, Lebanon has a government headed by Nawaf Salam, a former international judge and UN ambassador, along with ministers who maintain strong ties with key international decision-making circles.

In an interview with "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency, Souaid emphasized that Lebanon, through its undisputed legitimacy and international connections, holds a strategic advantage over Syria, saying: "We certainly hope Syria attains international legitimacy soon, but ultimately, it is responsible for its own internal restructuring. We do not wish to see Lebanon in direct competition with Syria. Each country should prioritize its own interests without interfering in the other’s affairs. However, if Lebanon fails to capitalize on its current position, and Syria advances more rapidly in gaining international attention, then it would surpass Lebanon in this regard. For now, I do not see that happening".

Souaid emphasized the need to prepare for Lebanon’s 2026 parliamentary elections in a way that would result in a new parliament that aligns with the evolving regional context. He pointed out that the current parliament is still focused on outdated issues, particularly with 27 Shiite MPs supporting Hezbollah and Amal Movement. The new phase, he argued, should take into consideration key regional developments such as Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Syria, Gaza, the future of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has emerged as a central figure in bridging Europe, the US, and other regions. Given this new global reality, a parliament that can adapt to these changes is essential.

He concluded: "We desire the best possible relations between Lebanon and Syria in the future, but no interference in each other’s internal affairs".