Lebanon is often described as "the most successful failed state of the 21st century." This ironic phrase perfectly summarizes the reality of a country that has a wealth of life-giving energy and remarkable economic and cultural potential, but which has suffered extreme and inextricable violence for two centuries. From the 19th century onwards, Lebanon was constantly buffeted by external interventions from the Ottomans, the Iranians, the Syrians, the Israelis, the British, the Americans and, not forgetting the French, who continue to play a prominent role there. While this gateway to the Middle East has managed to survive and heal its internal divisions, in recent years it has been hit by a succession of unprecedented crises that have caused the exodus of many Lebanese and the massive arrival of Syrian migrants-representing half of the indigenous population-driven by the war in their own country. To top it all off, the destructive confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah has devastated entire swathes of Lebanon.Like the author of a thriller whose hero is an entire state condemned to constant struggle, Fouad Khoury-Helou tells this fascinating story with gusto. He also considers the various scenarios likely on the horizon and tries to come up with solutions that would enable the Land of the Cedars to overcome its problems.
