Lebanon’s Salameh Arrested, Regional Strikes Escalate, and Morocco Faces Deadly Flooding
Lebanon’s former Central Bank Governor, Riad Salameh, has been arrested following a hearing at the judicial palace, as reported by the state-run National News Agency (NNA). The arrest was ordered by Judge Jamal al-Hajjar, who serves as the Public Prosecutor, after he interrogated the 73-year-old Salameh on Tuesday. This marks the first time Salameh has appeared before the Lebanese judiciary since stepping down as the governor of the Central Bank, Banque du Liban (BDL), in July of last year, a post he held for 30 years without a named successor.
Salameh’s tenure ended amid allegations of financial misconduct, including illicit enrichment using public funds. These accusations have been brought against him by authorities both in Lebanon and other countries. He is also wanted in France for alleged financial crimes, and Interpol has issued red notices in connection with the charges. Lebanon, however, does not extradite its citizens. Since the onset of the financial crisis in late 2019, many in Lebanon have blamed Salameh for the country’s economic collapse.
Media reports on Friday revealed that the legal case against Salameh will focus on allegations concerning 40 million dollars in commissions. Annahar newspaper noted that widening the investigation to encompass all related files could prolong the process for years, or even decades, due to the intricate nature of the case and potential political interference, which could exert pressure on the judiciary.
The report also pointed out that politicians involved in the investigations may be worried about the potential outcomes. According to legal experts, the scope of the investigation is likely to remain limited to Salameh as part of a larger political deal that could include other key political and regional issues, such as the presidency and matters related to the south.
In Lebanon
8/9/2024: The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported that three emergency workers were killed while attempting to extinguish a fire in the town of Froun, Nabatieh district. This incident marked the second time in twelve hours that an ambulance team was targeted, which the Ministry condemned as a violation of international law.
The Amal movement later confirmed that two of its members were killed “while fulfilling their humanitarian and national duty in defense of Lebanon and the south.”
8/9/2024: Caretaker Minister of Agriculture Abbas Hajj Hassan, along with his delegation, concluded their visit to Italy with a meeting with the Lebanese community in Bari. During the gathering, Hajj Hassan discussed Lebanon’s current situation and outlined the sustainable projects his Ministry is working on in collaboration with local, regional, and international partners.
He also provided an update on the Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory, emphasizing that “Lebanon’s strength lies in its resilience and the unity of its people.” Hajj Hassan urged the Lebanese expatriates to embody the positive and unified image of Lebanon in Italy and across the diaspora.
7/9/2024: MP Gebran Bassil, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), reiterated the party’s support for defending Lebanon against Israel but opposed involvement in conflicts that don’t align with Lebanon’s interests. He emphasized that the FPM rejects imposed political or economic decisions.
Regarding former Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh’s arrest, Bassil noted that the FPM was the only party to confront the case, citing their incorruptibility. He accused Salameh of bribing officials and praised the judge who pursued justice against regime interests. Bassil warned that no judge could release Salameh without facing the consequences.
On Lebanon’s presidential vacancy, Bassil called for dialogue, stressing that those blocking the process bear responsibility for the continued political deadlock.
In The Region
Time for war?: Former Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz suggested that Israel’s military focus should shift to Lebanon and countering Iran, especially after nearly a year of conflict in Gaza. Speaking at a Middle East forum in Washington, Gantz mentioned that Israel has sufficient forces to manage Gaza and should now concentrate on the situation in the north, where daily cross-border fire with Iran-backed Hezbollah has been occurring. He acknowledged that Israel may have made an error by evacuating northern areas, where over 60,000 residents have reportedly left their homes.
Gantz downplayed the significance of Hamas, referring to it as “old news,” and emphasized that Tehran and its proxy groups are the “real issue.” He noted that Israel has reached a decisive point in its campaign in Gaza and has the capability to pursue its objectives there. While Gantz advocated for securing the release of hostages in Gaza, he argued that if this goal is not achieved within the coming days or weeks, Israel should shift its focus northward, a move he believes is overdue.
Syria targeted, again: Israeli airstrikes on Sunday evening hit five military sites in central Syria, resulting in at least five deaths, according to state media. Faysal Haidar, director of a government hospital in Masyaf, told the Sana news agency that the strikes killed five people and left 19 others wounded, some in critical condition.
The primary target was a military research center in Masyaf, linked to Syria’s chemical weapons and ballistic missile program. However, explosions were also reported in Damascus, Homs, and Tartus. Syrian state media reported 16 fatalities and 40 injuries.
The Sunday night attack hit locations associated with pro-Iranian militias and a “scientific research facility” near Hama, allegedly operated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The International Atomic Energy Agency had previously sought access to the facility following the 2007 airstrike destruction of Syria’s suspected al-Kibar nuclear reactor along the Euphrates. Israel later confirmed in 2018 that its forces had been behind the strike.
Jordan’s new role: Jordan announced on Sunday that one of its citizens was responsible for the shooting at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge crossing with the occupied West Bank, which left three Israelis dead. The interior ministry identified the shooter as Maher Diab Hussein al-Jazi, based on preliminary investigations.
Floods and rains: Torrential rains in southeast Morocco’s Tata province have caused severe flooding, killing at least four people, according to authorities’ preliminary reports on Sunday. Authorities also confirmed that at least 14 people remain missing after floods inundated multiple villages, including Aoukerda, where eight homes were destroyed.
What We’re Reading
Will Salameh Be Prosecuted?: Political psychologist Ramzi Abu Ismail writes about Riad Salameh, Lebanon’s former Central Bank Governor, noting that his arrest in early September 2024 is a pivotal moment for Lebanon’s financial and political crisis. Salameh, who led Banque du Liban for nearly 30 years, was both lauded and criticized, with allegations of money laundering, embezzlement, and illicit enrichment swirling around him. The central question now is whether he will face prosecution for these serious accusations.
Beirut Political Review: Lebanon’s First Student-Led Think Tank: Journalist Dana Hourany highlights Charbel Abi Khalil, a 22-year-old Lebanese working to reshape the country’s future through the Beirut Political Review (BPR). Amid Lebanon’s severe crisis, Abi Khalil transitioned from studying physics abroad to addressing key issues like climate change and inequality with the Warwick Think Tank. His goal is to bring this intellectual engagement back to Lebanon and provide a voice for the youth.
Back to school uniform and stationary stretches Lebanese parents’ budgets to the limit: Journalist Rodayna Raydan reports that Lebanon’s severe economic crisis has drastically inflated the cost of school stationery and uniforms, creating a significant burden for families. Essential supplies have become luxury items, with prices soaring to over 300 dollars per child for basic items. Hiba Al Abani, for instance, faces a $900 expense for her three children’s school needs, putting her into debt despite her $300 monthly salary as a nurse. Uniform prices alone range from $180 to $300, surpassing the average monthly salary and adding to the financial strain on parents.
Breaking the Cycle: Can Lebanon Overcome its Resistance to Reform?: Journalist Khalil Gebara reports on how Lebanon’s Energy Minister, Walid Fayad, has recently drawn attention with his vibrant personal life, overshadowing updates on the country’s electricity crisis. Fayad has been criticized for his social activities but has also faced scrutiny for his handling of power shortages. He has accused the US Department of Energy and the World Bank of stalling vital projects, which he claims deprived Lebanon of essential power, attributing the World Bank’s refusal to Lebanon’s conflicting stance with Western interests.
Standard and Poors warns of market deterioration risk: Journalist Maan Barazy reports on the Lebanese pound’s severe depreciation, noting that Standard and Poor’s has warned of further declines. The Lebanese pound has lost much of its value, as evidenced by a market increasingly reliant on dollars, with dollarization now at nearly 99%. The ongoing political deadlock and regional tensions, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, exacerbate the economic crisis. Multiple exchange rates and high inflation have left the Lebanese people grappling with the currency’s diminishing worth and a daily struggle marked by economic hardship.
Lebanon +
In a new episode of Ones and Tooze, Foreign Policy discusses the role that Hezbollah played in the downfall of the Lebanese economy as well as other key factors.
