The Interplay Between Policy and Politics in Combatting Terrorism: The Case of Lebanon (2011–2015)

Abstract

This chapter is an exploratory study on the interplay between politics and policy in combatting terrorism in Lebanon. It aims at investigating the contributing factors to the absence of counterterrorism policies by analyzing the relation between the peculiar Lebanese politics and policy formulation in the country. Based on the three most widely used definitions of terrorism, this chapter starts by offering an operational definition of terrorism followed by a brief history of terrorism within Lebanon through the lens of what we conceive to be the two main factors or drivers behind terrorism in the country. This contextual description provides the background to enter into the discussion of the field of counterterrorism and what policies, if any, Lebanon is undertaking to counter these ever-persisting threats arising both from within its borders and just beyond. After briefly identifying the political, social, and economic factors that perpetuates terrorism in Lebanon, this research will answer the following two key questions: what role does the Lebanese government and civil society play in combatting terrorist acts? And what are the main obstacles (political and administrative) that hinder developing comprehensive counterterrorism policies in the country? This is the first academic study that has investigated the interplay between politics and policy as it relates to domestic and transnational terrorism from a governance perspective. The analysis undertaken in this chapter lays the foundation for much needed future studies on the country’s and the region’s counterterrorism policies by identifying some of participants, mapping out the process and providing policy recommendations for a more effective and efficient policies.

“You have to be lucky all the time. We only have to be lucky once.”-IRA (1984)