Lebanon
Lebanese presidential deal is possible but problematic
International partners have stepped up demands to fill the vacuum left since October 2022
LebanonLebanese elites will scapegoat Syrian refugees
International condemnation has caused the cabinet to double down on deportation plans
LebanonLebanon’s dual crisis will degrade public security
Financial shortfalls drive up crime and demotivate the underpaid security forces, with political leadership lacking
LebanonLebanese salary hikes are only a short-term fix
The government has approved a range of increases for public and private sector wages
LebanonLebanese elites will sidestep local accountability
Parliamentarians have failed to find US10mn to fund overdue municipal elections
LebanonMiddle East and North Africa face rising tax issues
Personal income tax take by regional governments is very weak due in part to the size of the informal economy
Middle EastLebanon will struggle to attract foreign investors
The bankrupt government has cancelled a contentious plan to build a new airport terminal
LebanonSyria-Lebanon drug sanctions will spark Saudi concern
New US and UK sanctions target makers and smugglers of the notorious amphetamine Captagon
Syria
