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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Lebanon’s economic collapse spells doom for Mideast Christians |
| 2020-03-03 |
| [NYPOST] Last month, the US Senate confirmed America’s new ambassador to Leb, Dorothy Shea. She will need all the help she can get. Although the ambassador is well-respected for her regional expertise, she is dealing with a country on the verge of economic "implosion," according to the World Bank, and one mired in formidable humanitarian and security challenges. Leb’s Christian community, the largest in the Middle East (excluding Egypt), is at risk. She should have the help of a special envoy who can bolster and broaden her outreach. Ambassador Shea takes up her post just as that small Mediterranean country is poised to hit rock bottom in a downward economic spiral brought on by entrenched governmental mismanagement. For years, the government has failed to meet international goals for reducing deficit spending. It even passed up generous aid by Cedre, a multilateral donors’ conference for Leb, rather than adopt reforms. March 9 marks the first of several deadlines over the next quarter, when Beirut is obligated to repay billions of dollars in Eurobonds. A sovereign default, which seems likely, could result in the collapse of Leb’s banking system, wiping out depositors’ savings and bankrupting businesses and government services. The United Nations ...boodling on the grand scale... ’ top official in Leb warns that thousands of Lebanese could be driven out by economic despair. Many Christians are not waiting for the state to fail, according to Lebanese sources. The exodus has already begun. All 18 of the country’s religious communities are feeling economic pain. Forty percent of the population is living in poverty, according to the government’s own statistics, and that number could soon reach 50 to 70 percent. Leb’s hundreds of Christian charities are depleting their reserves to serve the needy, irrespective of religion. Hunger is now reported in all parts of Leb, as some are no longer able to provide the basic needs for their families. In some places, schoolchildren tell teachers, they haven’t eaten in days. Nationwide, there are critical shortages of medicine, and hospitals are curtailing treatments and have ended nonessential surgeries. Meanwhile, ...back at the Hubba Hubba Club, Nunzio wondered: Where the hell was Chumbaloni? And where was his $600?... unprecedented protests, drawn from all of Leb’s religious groups, have been going on for four months. While these protests are mostly peaceful, as unemployment increases, violence undoubtedly will too. As we write, there are media reports of protesters’ tents being targeted in drive-by shootings. There is a risk of complete chaos if the state fails. Christians in the region have been leaving their native countries in strides. Will Leb’s faithful be the next ancient Church to face a mass exodus? |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #1 And all they have to do is offer open arms to their southern neighbors. Hard to do when one is holding weapons. |
| Posted by: Skidmark 2020-03-03 10:40 |