How did the civil war in Lebanon start? The Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 1990, was one of the most devastating conflicts in the country’s history. It was marked by intense fighting, political strife, and religious tensions. Understanding the origins of this conflict requires a look back at the complex historical and social context of Lebanon at the time.>
The roots of the Lebanese Civil War can be traced back to the late 1960s, when Lebanon was experiencing significant political and social changes. The country was a melting pot of different ethnic and religious groups, including Maronites, Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, and Druze. These groups had coexisted for centuries, but the late 1960s saw an increase in tensions and rivalries among them.
One of the key factors that contributed to the outbreak of the civil war was the presence of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. After the Six-Day War in 1967, thousands of Palestinian refugees fled to Lebanon, seeking shelter from the conflict. This influx of refugees created a significant demographic shift in the country and led to increased competition for resources and political power.
Another crucial factor was the rise of political parties and militias that represented different religious and ethnic groups. The most influential of these were the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the Maronite Christian Phalange, and the Shia Muslim Amal Movement. These groups had their own agendas and were often at odds with one another, leading to a breakdown in the country’s political stability.
The conflict officially began on April 13, 1975, when a clash between Christians and Muslims in the town of Sidon escalated into widespread violence. The fighting quickly spread to other parts of the country, and within a few months, Lebanon was engulfed in a full-scale civil war. The conflict was characterized by intense urban warfare, with many of the battles taking place in the capital city of Beirut.
The war was further complicated by the involvement of external powers. Syria, Egypt, Israel, and Iran all had their own interests in Lebanon and were willing to support different factions within the country. This regional involvement only served to prolong the conflict and exacerbate the violence.
The Lebanese Civil War ended in 1990 with the Taif Agreement, which was brokered by Saudi Arabia. The agreement aimed to end the conflict and establish a new political order in Lebanon. However, the war left a lasting impact on the country, leading to widespread destruction, loss of life, and deep-seated resentment among the various communities.
In conclusion, the civil war in Lebanon started due to a combination of internal tensions, the presence of Palestinian refugees, and the rise of political parties and militias. The conflict was further exacerbated by the involvement of external powers, leading to a devastating and protracted war that reshaped the political and social landscape of Lebanon.
