What do Saudi’s gain in supporting Lebanon politically
Introduction
Saudi Arabia’s support for Lebanon is driven by several strategic and geopolitical considerations:
Countering Iranian Influence
The primary motivation for Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Lebanon is to counter Iran’s growing influence in the country, particularly through Hezbollah. By supporting Lebanon politically and economically, Saudi Arabia aims to:
Reduce Hezbollah’s power and influence within Lebanese politics
Limit Iran’s ability to use Lebanon as a proxy in regional conflicts
Strengthen pro-Saudi factions within Lebanon’s political landscape
Regional Stability
Saudi Arabia sees Lebanon as an important piece in maintaining regional stability. By supporting Lebanon, Saudi Arabia hopes to:
Prevent Lebanon from becoming a failed state, which could lead to further instability in the region
Reduce the risk of conflict spillover from neighboring countries, particularly Syria
Maintain Lebanon as a buffer against Iranian expansion in the Levant
Economic and Diplomatic Leverage
Supporting Lebanon provides Saudi Arabia with economic and diplomatic leverage in the country and the broader region. This allows Saudi Arabia to
Influence Lebanese politics and decision-making
Protect Saudi investments and economic interests in Lebanon
Maintain a foothold in the diverse Lebanese political landscape
Preserving Arab Identity
Saudi Arabia views its support for Lebanon as a means to preserve the country’s Arab identity and prevent it from falling completely under Iranian influence. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goal of maintaining its leadership role in the Arab world.
Humanitarian Considerations
While not the primary motivation, Saudi Arabia’s support for Lebanon also has a humanitarian aspect, particularly in times of crisis. This allows Saudi Arabia to:
Enhance its image as a regional leader and benefactor
Build goodwill among the Lebanese population
Demonstrate its commitment to stability and prosperity in the Arab world
Conclusion
It’s important to note that Saudi Arabia’s approach to Lebanon has evolved over time, moving from unconditional support to a more conditional stance based on Lebanon implementing reforms and reducing Iranian influence. This shift reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader regional strategy and its desire for more tangible returns on its political and economic investments in Lebanon.
