Lebanon’s new banking reform laws and forensic audits mark a rare chance to pursue accountability for the financial collapse. Their success, however, depends on political will to expose corruption and enforce reform.

Lebanon’s overlapping crises, wars, and the question of disarmament have deepened sectarian polarization and intensified the isolation of the Shi’a community. Preserving social cohesion requires the state to engage in local politics, counter sectarian incitement, and advance cross-sectarian causes.

Lebanon’s new bank resolution law concentrates power with the bankers it is supposed to oversee, and shifts the burden of the financial collapse onto the state and the population.

Bassem believed Arab youth should not just get a seat at the table where policies about their futures are decided. They should build their own table.

Lebanon’s independent media outlets are among the few counterpowers that continue to hold the country’s political and financial elite accountable, despite the intimidation and threats they face.