THE TRAGEDY IN LEBANON ITS REGIO-POLITICAL AND GEO-STRATEGIC CONTEXT AND THE OUTLOOK FOR PEACE

This comprehensive analysis examines the ongoing tragedy in Lebanon within its broader regional political and geo-strategic context during the early 1980s. The article investigates the complex interplay of domestic, regional, and international factors that have contributed to the prolonged civil conflict in Lebanon. The research analyzes the historical roots of the Lebanese conflict, including the sectarian political system, demographic changes, and external interventions. The study examines how regional powers including Syria, Israel, Iran, and various Palestinian factions have influenced the Lebanese conflict dynamics. The article assesses the impact of superpower competition on the Lebanese tragedy and analyzes how global strategic interests intersect with local political struggles. The research also evaluates various peace initiatives and conflict resolution attempts and assesses the prospects for sustainable peace in Lebanon. Furthermore, the analysis considers the implications of the Lebanese conflict for regional stability and international security.

The Lebanese civil war represented one of the most complex and protracted conflicts of the late 20th century, with this article providing a comprehensive analysis of its regional political and geo-strategic dimensions during the early 1980s. The research begins by examining the historical foundations of the Lebanese conflict, tracing the origins of sectarian tensions from the Ottoman period through French mandate rule to the post-independence political settlement. The analysis explores the domestic dynamics of the Lebanese conflict, investigating how political confessionalism, economic disparities, and social transformations contributed to the outbreak and perpetuation of violence. The article examines the regional dimension of the conflict, analyzing how neighboring states including Syria, Israel, and various Palestinian factions pursued their strategic interests through intervention in Lebanese affairs. The study investigates the international context, assessing how superpower competition between the United States and Soviet Union, as well as broader Arab world politics, influenced the Lebanese tragedy. The research evaluates major phases of the conflict, from the initial civil war outbreaks to Israeli invasions, Syrian military presence, and multinational peacekeeping efforts. Based on the comprehensive assessment, the article analyzes various peace initiatives and conflict resolution attempts, examining why previous efforts had failed and identifying conditions necessary for sustainable peace. The findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of complex internal conflicts with significant external dimensions and contribute to understanding how local political struggles become entangled with regional and global strategic competitions.