What factors led to civil war in Lebanon?

The Lebanese Civil War was primarily caused by religious and political tensions, foreign interference, and socio-economic disparities.

The Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 1990, was a complex conflict with multiple causes. One of the main factors was the religious and political tensions between different groups in Lebanon. The country has a diverse population with a multitude of religious sects, including Maronite Christians, Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, and Druze. The political system, known as confessionalism, was designed to balance power among these groups, but it often led to conflict and power struggles. The Christian Maronites, who had traditionally held power, felt threatened by the increasing Muslim population and their demands for more political representation.

Foreign interference also played a significant role in the outbreak of the civil war. The Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), which had been expelled from Jordan in 1970, established a strong presence in Lebanon. Their attacks on Israel from Lebanese territory led to Israeli retaliations, escalating tensions within Lebanon. Additionally, other regional powers, such as Syria and Iran, intervened in the conflict to support different factions, further fuelling the war.

Socio-economic disparities were another major cause of the civil war. Lebanon's wealth was unevenly distributed, with a small elite controlling a large portion of the country's resources. This led to widespread dissatisfaction and resentment among the poorer sections of society, particularly the Muslim population. The influx of Palestinian refugees, who were mostly Sunni Muslims, further exacerbated these socio-economic tensions.

In conclusion, the Lebanese Civil War was a multifaceted conflict with deep-rooted causes. The combination of religious and political tensions, foreign interference, and socio-economic disparities created a volatile situation that eventually erupted into a devastating war. Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehending the complexities of Lebanon's history and the challenges it continues to face today.