U.S. Signals Discontent with Lebanon’s Slow Progress...

U.S. pressure on Lebanon expected to mount regardless of Ortagus’ fate

English version based on the Arabic-language article published by Akhbar al-Yawm

Lebanon has yet to receive official confirmation regarding the removal of Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. Deputy Envoy to the Middle East, from her responsibilities related to Lebanon, leaving the timing and nature of her potential visit to Beirut after Eid al-Adha uncertain, diplomatic sources said.

The potential replacement or retention of Ortagus is not expected to alter Washington’s position on Lebanon. According to informed diplomatic sources, there is growing discontent within U.S. policy circles over what is seen as Lebanon’s slow performance, not only in addressing the issue of armed groups, but also in advancing reforms, filling key vacancies, and activating state institutions, as had been anticipated for months.

In recent weeks, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has engaged in a flurry of diplomatic meetings, both domestically and abroad, in an effort to reassure international partners of Lebanon's commitment to reform and to regain momentum on pending files.

Regardless of Ortagus’ fate, the sources noted, U.S. pressure on Lebanon is expected to intensify. Washington is urging Beirut to move swiftly on its reform agenda, amid repeated warnings from U.S. officials, including former President Donald Trump, that Lebanon must seize what has been described as a "golden opportunity" before time runs out.

Joel Rayburn, a retired U.S. Army officer, former diplomat and historian, is expected to succeed Ortagus, according to sources. He currently serves as co-founder and director of the American Center for Levant Studies. During his career of more than three decades in public service, he has combined military, academic, and diplomatic roles in a variety of assignments related mainly to the Middle East and South Asia.

Sources believe Rayburn would likely adopt a firm stance similar to Ortagus, and stressed that the U.S. position toward Lebanon remains unchanged: The country is facing a final window for reform, particularly in light of recent developments in Syria, where the government has made progress in aligning with international and Arab conditions.

While speculation has arisen over the possibility of one U.S. envoy covering both Lebanon and Syria, sources dismissed the idea, citing the distinct and separate nature of each file. They noted that Syria appears to be re-engaging politically, financially, and economically, whereas Lebanon remains stalled, despite earlier expectations that institutional recovery would be underway by now.