Who won the Lebanese Civil War 1975? This question has intrigued historians and scholars for decades. The Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 1990, was a complex conflict that involved various factions, including Christians, Muslims, and Palestinians. Determining a clear winner in such a chaotic and multifaceted conflict is a challenging task, but this article aims to explore the different perspectives and provide an insight into the possible outcomes of the war.
The Lebanese Civil War began in April 1975 and ended in October 1990, making it one of the longest conflicts in modern Middle Eastern history. The war was primarily fought between two main factions: the Maronite Christian Phalange and the Muslim-dominated National Movement. However, the conflict was further complicated by the involvement of various other groups, including the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and various Shia factions.
One perspective suggests that the Maronite Christian Phalange, led by Bashir Gemayel, could be considered the winner of the Lebanese Civil War. During the war, the Phalange enjoyed significant support from the United States and Israel, which provided them with military aid and strategic assistance. By the end of the war, the Phalange had managed to maintain control over a significant portion of Lebanon, particularly in the northern and eastern regions.
However, this perspective is often challenged by the fact that the Phalange’s victory was short-lived. Bashir Gemayel was assassinated in 1982, and the Phalange’s power waned as other factions gained influence. Moreover, the war’s aftermath saw a significant increase in the power of Shia factions, particularly Hezbollah, which played a crucial role in the conflict.
Another perspective argues that the Muslim-dominated National Movement, which included various factions such as the Amal Movement and Hezbollah, can be seen as the winner of the Lebanese Civil War. These groups emerged as the dominant forces in Lebanon after the war, largely due to their strong support from Syria and Iran. Hezbollah, in particular, gained international recognition and became a significant player in Lebanese politics.
Furthermore, the Taif Agreement of 1989, which brought an end to the civil war, was brokered by Syria and heavily influenced by the Muslim-dominated factions. This agreement restructured Lebanon’s political system, granting Hezbollah and other Shia factions a significant share of power.
In conclusion, determining a clear winner of the Lebanese Civil War 1975 is a complex task. While the Maronite Christian Phalange and the Muslim-dominated National Movement can both be seen as winners in different aspects of the conflict, the war’s aftermath saw a shift in power dynamics that favored the Muslim factions. The Lebanese Civil War was a multifaceted conflict with no single winner, and its legacy continues to shape Lebanon’s political landscape today.
