Palestinian refugees amid the ruins of Tel al-Zaatar camp on August 13, 1976 after an attack by right-wing Christian forces. More than 150,000 deaths in 15 years of bitter armed conflict that ended in 1990. AFP
Palestinian refugees amid the ruins of Tel al-Zaatar camp on August 13, 1976 after an attack by right-wing Christian forces. More than 150,000 deaths in 15 years of bitter armed conflict that ended in 1990. AFP
Palestinian refugees amid the ruins of Tel al-Zaatar camp on August 13, 1976 after an attack by right-wing Christian forces. More than 150,000 deaths in 15 years of bitter armed conflict that ended in 1990. AFP
Palestinian refugees amid the ruins of Tel al-Zaatar camp on August 13, 1976 after an attack by right-wing Christian forces. More than 150,000 deaths in 15 years of bitter armed conflict that ended in

Opinion

Editorial

Learning the lessons of Lebanon's civil war

  • English
  • Arabic
Insight and opinion from The National’s editorial leadership

April 13, 2025

Fifty years ago today, Lebanon and its people were plunged into the abyss of civil war. Partly as a reaction to the horror of more than 150,000 deaths in 15 years of bitter armed conflict, there has been a tendency to somewhat romanticise the country’s pre-war history – yet Lebanon’s sectarian tensions and social inequalities left the state brittle and prone to collapse.

The war brought a special period in Lebanon’s history to a shuddering halt. Its position as a vibrant cultural and intellectual bridge between East and West became another victim of the conflict. Before the war, cosmopolitan Beirut was a luxury tourism destination, a hub for Arab commerce and home to a flourishing and stable banking sector. The conflict that erupted on April 13, 1975 was manipulated by an array of countries including Israel, Syria and Iran. The early 1980s saw the rise of Hezbollah after Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982, leaving successive Lebanese governments struggling to cope with an Iranian-backed state within a state.

However, despite this dark history – or, in some ways, because of it – Lebanon has much to teach the world about resilience. In spite of facing some very long odds and amid repeated predictions that the state would not survive, Lebanon is still standing. It is a country that has worked hard to manage its diversity, and has not given up on the goal of creating a civic society and multi-confessional republic that all Lebanese can call home. That various Lebanese governments have often fallen short of these ideals does not invalidate them.

Lebanon has been through more than its fair share of hardships: occupation; sectarian violence; repeated governmental collapse; financial crises; corruption; the destabilising assassination of former prime minister Rafic Hariri in 2005; the 2020 Beirut port blast and last year’s Israeli invasion to name but a few. Although the civil war ended in 1990, there has been little accountability or justice for the many families who lost loved ones in the fighting.

A pro-Palestinian fighter poses by a poster of late Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser on the wall of the Holiday Inn in Beirut on March 24, 1976, days after pro-Palestinian militias dislodged Lebanese Christian forces from the 27-storey hotel. All photos: AFP
A pro-Palestinian fighter poses by a poster of late Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser on the wall of the Holiday Inn in Beirut on March 24, 1976, days after pro-Palestinian militias dislodged Lebanese Christian forces from the 27-storey hotel. All photos: AFP
This picture taken in Beirut in the early 1970s shows people shopping in the old vegetable market that was destroyed in the 1975-90 civil war, when the city was split into two warring sectors.
This picture taken in Beirut in the early 1970s shows people shopping in the old vegetable market that was destroyed in the 1975-90 civil war, when the city was split into two warring sectors.
Smoke rises during clashes between Palestinian fighters and members of a Lebanese Christian militia in Beirut, on April 15, 1975.
Smoke rises during clashes between Palestinian fighters and members of a Lebanese Christian militia in Beirut, on April 15, 1975.
An armed man stands in a street in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli, on October 21, 1975. The military had taken up positions in the buffer zone between Sunni-majority Tripoli and Zgharta, with orders to keep fighters from the cities apart.
An armed man stands in a street in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli, on October 21, 1975. The military had taken up positions in the buffer zone between Sunni-majority Tripoli and Zgharta, with orders to keep fighters from the cities apart.
Fighters from Lebanon's Christian Kataeb or Phalangist militia patrol the Christian Palestinian camp of Dbayeh, north of Beirut, on January 28, 1976.
Fighters from Lebanon's Christian Kataeb or Phalangist militia patrol the Christian Palestinian camp of Dbayeh, north of Beirut, on January 28, 1976.
Children play among the ruins of a destroyed building in Beirut on January 28, 1976, as the blockade of the two main Palestinian camps was lifted.
Children play among the ruins of a destroyed building in Beirut on January 28, 1976, as the blockade of the two main Palestinian camps was lifted.
Palestinian fighters unfurl a Lebanese flag in Beirut's Holiday Inn on March 24, 1976, after Palestinian commando units dislodged Lebanese Christian forces from the hotel.
Palestinian fighters unfurl a Lebanese flag in Beirut's Holiday Inn on March 24, 1976, after Palestinian commando units dislodged Lebanese Christian forces from the hotel.
Students leave the Lebanese village of Kahaleh on April 3, 1976, the day after a 10-day truce began. This followed a blockade imposed by Palestinian and Lebanese left-wing fighters on the Christian stronghold in Mount Lebanon.
Students leave the Lebanese village of Kahaleh on April 3, 1976, the day after a 10-day truce began. This followed a blockade imposed by Palestinian and Lebanese left-wing fighters on the Christian stronghold in Mount Lebanon.
Members of the Beirut-based Sunni-majority Nasserist militia al-Murabitoun – Sentinels – take position in the capital, on April 12, 1976.
Members of the Beirut-based Sunni-majority Nasserist militia al-Murabitoun – Sentinels – take position in the capital, on April 12, 1976.
A Beirut street vendor selling goods on April 21, 1976, as some semblance of normal life resumed following a truce.
A Beirut street vendor selling goods on April 21, 1976, as some semblance of normal life resumed following a truce.
A Phalangist militiaman in the village of Kahaleh, a Christian stronghold in Mount Lebanon, near Beirut, on April 4, 1976, after an assault at the end of March by Palestinian and allied Lebanese fighters.
A Phalangist militiaman in the village of Kahaleh, a Christian stronghold in Mount Lebanon, near Beirut, on April 4, 1976, after an assault at the end of March by Palestinian and allied Lebanese fighters.
Loading flour on to vehicles in a food convoy travelling from the eastern neighbourhoods of Beirut, controlled by Christian conservatives, to western areas controlled by progressive and Palestinian forces, after the lifting of the food blockade.
Loading flour on to vehicles in a food convoy travelling from the eastern neighbourhoods of Beirut, controlled by Christian conservatives, to western areas controlled by progressive and Palestinian forces, after the lifting of the food blockade.
The food convoy – laden with 35 tonnes of flour – enters western neighbourhoods of Beirut, after the lifting of the food blockade.
The food convoy – laden with 35 tonnes of flour – enters western neighbourhoods of Beirut, after the lifting of the food blockade.
A Christian militia member poses amid the ruins of the Palestinian refugee camp of Tel Al Zaatar, on August 13, 1976, after right-wing forces launched an attack the previous day, following a 52-day siege.
A Christian militia member poses amid the ruins of the Palestinian refugee camp of Tel Al Zaatar, on August 13, 1976, after right-wing forces launched an attack the previous day, following a 52-day siege.
Soldiers from the Syrian contingent of the Arab deterrent force in Lebanon – known as the Green Helmets – take position in Beirut, on November 15, 1976.
Soldiers from the Syrian contingent of the Arab deterrent force in Lebanon – known as the Green Helmets – take position in Beirut, on November 15, 1976.
Soldiers from the Syrian contingent of the Green Helmets Arab deterrent force arrive in Beirut, on November 15, 1976.
Soldiers from the Syrian contingent of the Green Helmets Arab deterrent force arrive in Beirut, on November 15, 1976.
A parade at the swearing-in ceremony of young supporters of Camille Chamoun, leader of the right-wing Christian NLP, at Hadath, in the Beirut suburbs, close to Baabda presidential palace, on October 14, 1977.
A parade at the swearing-in ceremony of young supporters of Camille Chamoun, leader of the right-wing Christian NLP, at Hadath, in the Beirut suburbs, close to Baabda presidential palace, on October 14, 1977.
Palestinian fighters travel ahead of the motorcade of Palestine Liberation Organisation chairman Yasser Arafat, as he leaves Israeli-occupied Beirut for Tunis, on August 30 1982.
Palestinian fighters travel ahead of the motorcade of Palestine Liberation Organisation chairman Yasser Arafat, as he leaves Israeli-occupied Beirut for Tunis, on August 30 1982.
Lebanese army soldiers patrol the streets of the mountain village of Souk Al Gharb, south-east of Beirut, on September 26, 1983, after a ceasefire was established throughout Lebanon.
Lebanese army soldiers patrol the streets of the mountain village of Souk Al Gharb, south-east of Beirut, on September 26, 1983, after a ceasefire was established throughout Lebanon.

It is worth considering however, that in early 2025, Lebanon is in a better position to build a brighter future that it has been for several years. A new President, Prime Minister and government are in place, there is international support for the state’s institutions, and a weakened Hezbollah has lost much of its ability to act as a spoiler. Added to these are the energy and spirit of the Lebanese people, who are among the most educated, entrepreneurial and dynamic in the Middle East.

Lebanon has not given up on the goal of creating a republic that all citizens can call home. That various Lebanese governments have often fallen short of these ideals does not invalidate them

If the country wants to harness this energy and stem the brain drain of young talent, there is much work to be done. Lebanon’s sovereignty must be re-established by building up institutions such as its armed forces and removing occupying Israeli troops in the south. The Lebanese authorities must also work to curtail corruption, provide essential services, maintain law and order, and ensure opportunity for all.

Friends of Lebanon must step up and ensure its government has the tools to maintain a real path of reform. The ultimate goal should include restoring the Lebanese people’s confidence in their institutions and leaders, and reinstating the country’s place as a regional and international hub, therefore ensuring that the kind of deadly divisions seen 50 years ago are never allowed to return.

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
While you're here
Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

Ireland v Denmark: The last two years

Denmark 1-1 Ireland 

7/06/19, Euro 2020 qualifier 

Denmark 0-0 Ireland

19/11/2018, Nations League

Ireland 0-0 Denmark

13/10/2018, Nations League

Ireland 1 Denmark 5

14/11/2017, World Cup qualifier

Denmark 0-0 Ireland

11/11/2017, World Cup qualifier

 

 

 

Tomorrow 2021
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)

Power: 141bhp 

Torque: 250Nm 

Price: Dh64,500

On sale: Now

Mobile phone packages comparison
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Challenge Cup result:

1. UAE 3 faults
2. Ireland 9 faults
3. Brazil 11 faults
4. Spain 15 faults
5. Great Britain 17 faults
6. New Zealand 20 faults
7. Italy 26 faults

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Carzaty%2C%20now%20Kavak%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECarzaty%20launched%20in%202018%2C%20Kavak%20in%20the%20GCC%20launched%20in%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20140%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Automotive%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECarzaty%20raised%20%246m%20in%20equity%20and%20%244m%20in%20debt%3B%20Kavak%20plans%20%24130m%20investment%20in%20the%20GCC%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas

Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa

Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong

Rating: 3/5

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

Iraq politics
Roll of honour

Who has won what so far in the West Asia Premiership season?

Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain

Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons

West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles

West Asia Cup - Winners: Bahrain; Runners up: Dubai Exiles

West Asia Trophy - Winners: Dubai Hurricanes; Runners up: DSC Eagles

Final West Asia Premiership standings - 1. Jebel Ali Dragons; 2. Abu Dhabi Harlequins; 3. Bahrain; 4. Dubai Exiles; 5. Dubai Hurricanes; 6. DSC Eagles; 7. Abu Dhabi Saracens

Fixture (UAE Premiership final) - Friday, April 13, Al Ain – Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
When is VAR used?

• Goals

• Penalty decisions

• Direct red-card incidents

• Mistaken identity

Founders: Ines Mena, Claudia Ribas, Simona Agolini, Nourhan Hassan and Therese Hundt

Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure

Number of Employees: 18 employees, including full-time and flexible workers

Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised

Funders: Oman Technology Fund, 500 Startups, Vision Ventures, Seedstars, Mindshift Capital, Delta Partners Ventures, with support from the OQAL Angel Investor Network and UAE Business Angels

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm

Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km

Price: from Dh94,900

On sale: now

On Women's Day
Updated: April 14, 2025, 4:28 AM`
LebanonBeirutMiddle EastHistory
Read next...
Two of three genetically modified wolf pups successfully bred by reconstructing a genome from the DNA of fossils from the dire wolf, which was extinct for more than 12,000 years. Reuters

Is reviving extinct animals the way forward for conservation?

A street money exchanger in Sanaa holds bundles of Yemeni banknotes as he waits for customers. As with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis exploit a governance vacuum. EPA

Yemenis need a government they can believe in