Security or Sectarianism? Beirut’s Neighborhood Watches and the Fragile Quest for Unity in Lebanon
“The sound of war is loud at night in Beirut’s eastern Achrafieh neighbourhood”
The echoes of violence are evident in the Achrafieh neighbourhood of Beirut, both in the locals' heightened awareness and in the far-off noises of explosions. In the midst of Lebanon's most recent crisis—a growing worry for sectarian peace as displaced communities from Hezbollah-controlled areas under siege by Israeli forces seek safety in Sunni and Christian-majority districts—volunteers patrol the streets, supposedly to preserve security. What started out as a community safety measure now runs the risk of deepening sectarian divisions and bringing up memories of the turbulent civil war that raged in Lebanon from 1975 to 1990.
The Precarious Equilibrium of Sectarianism and Security
Residents were reassured by the implementation of neighbourhood monitors in reaction to Lebanon's financial crisis, especially in Achrafieh, which has a Christian majority. However, the founder of these monitors, Nadim Gemayel, has publicly acknowledged that the operation now goes beyond crime deterrence due to rising tensions. Anxiety over the flood of displaced families from Shia-majority areas like Dahieh, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon—regions with a significant Hezbollah presence—is reflected in the "concerns with displaced people who are coming in huge numbers."
Local demographics have changed as a result of this inflow, which has increased concerns in Christian areas while also benefiting landlords who see larger rental incomes. The situation is made more difficult by worries that some of the displaced people may be Hezbollah members, which could lead to Israeli reprisals in some neighbourhoods. Gemayel's comments highlight this conflict: "Many people are terrified that some Hezbollah members reside in a building where Israel is likely to follow and target them." Because of this anxiety, several building management companies have asked tenants for comprehensive information, which raises concerns about privacy and justice and may portend a return of mistrust in Lebanon's neighbourhoods.
Will Sectarian Divisions Reappear or Will Community Security Return?
The bloody civil war in Lebanon was characterised by factional militias occupying different parts of Beirut and sectarian violence. Hezbollah, a resistance group opposing Israeli occupation, kept its weapons and carried on its activities long after Israel withdrew from the region in 2000, despite the 1989 Taif Accord's request for militias to disarm. During the war, Bashir, the father of Nadim Gemayel, led the Lebanese Forces militia before being slain in Achrafieh in 1982. Drawing on a long history of opposition, Gemayel criticises Hezbollah's presence and resistance tactics, saying that the group is "reaping what it sowed over the past 20 years" and that the Lebanese people would ultimately "pay a heavy price in destruction and devastation."
Although Gemayel's neighbourhood watch gives locals a sense of protection, some worry it may be modelled after the way sectarian militias used to run Beirut's neighbourhoods. Because of the lingering memories of the civil war and the fact that volunteers are using walkie-talkies to coordinate and keep a close eye on newcomers, some are concerned that the program could unintentionally incite suspicion rather than safety.
The Wider Effect: Harmony or Discord?
The history of sectarian conflict in Lebanon is still a major concern. Migrating to Sunni or Christian neighbourhoods from Hezbollah-dominated districts reveals hidden tensions and anxieties that have existed since the civil war. However, there is another viewpoint to take into account: should security measures instead be seen as a chance to close gaps within the society and guarantee that all Lebanese, regardless of background, feel equally protected? Lebanon might present a unified front by prioritising group safety above individual safety if security forces cooperated with neighbourhood watches.
However, it is necessary to address a key counterpoint. Some community members hand out pamphlets urging Hezbollah members to depart when more displaced families arrive, a move that could lead to more isolation rather than assimilation. By escalating Lebanon's precarious sectarian balance and strengthening "us vs. them" dynamics, such acts run the risk of creating a precedent that marginalised groups may find unacceptable. Neighbourhood monitors could unintentionally perpetuate the same exclusivist lines that dragged out Lebanon's civil war if they are not controlled.
Rebuttal: The Value of Sectarianism Compared to the Need for Security
Hezbollah's retention of weapons and the danger it poses to Lebanese safety and sovereignty have long been sources of friction, as seen by Gemayel's claim that the organisation is "reaping what it sowed." He has continuously called on Hezbollah to disarm because he believes that the current issue is a result of Hezbollah's inability to adjust to Lebanon's internal stability demands. However, there is a counterargument to his calls for Hezbollah's disarmament: if the group is dismantled without a comprehensive plan for inclusive security, there is a chance that Shia-majority districts may remain unprotected, further dividing Lebanon's sociopolitical landscape.
Although the neighbourhood watch provides instant comfort, its effects can go beyond security. If neighbourhood watches spread throughout Lebanon, the country's society will have to consider if they may strengthen ties or remind citizens of the days when militias ruled, eroding confidence in Lebanon's ability to live in harmony.
Conclusion: Choosing a Course of Action
Initiatives for community safety might either promote unity or rekindle old divisions in Lebanon, which is at a crossroads. The goal of neighbourhood watches is to provide security in an unpredictable environment. Leaders like Gemayel, however, must strike a balance between the immediate security demands of locals and the larger risk of widening rifts in a society still plagued by civil conflict as Lebanese communities deal with the relocation and growing sectarian anxieties. In order to ensure that Lebanon can strive towards true unity in the face of external threats, neighbourhood watches and similar projects must be properly controlled going forward to prevent reiterating previous sectarian splits.
Full article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c99rx89znmlo