Members of the ATFL delegation consistently emphasized “#peace” in meetings across #Lebanon, underscoring that peace between #Lebanon and #Israel is achievable within a broader regional process. Read more in Mounir Rabih's piece for L'Orient Today: buff.ly/raZdRpf

ATFL concluded a senior-level delegation visit to #Qatar and #Lebanon from December 6-11, 2025. The trip combined participation in the #DohaForum with individual consultations with senior Qatari officials, and three days of high-level engagements in Lebanon.

With #Lebanon’s demographic diversity and turbulent history making it vulnerable to regional power struggles, the country's long-term stability requires a posture of non-alignment.

Our delegation’s visit to #Lebanon focused on taking stock of its stability, reform trajectory, and sovereignty at a pivotal moment—one marked by ongoing uncertainty and the imminent threat of an Israeli escalation in the event the state does not meet the US deadline for disarming Hezbollah.

Did you know that #Lebanon has one of the highest number of mountains per capita in the world? Although located in the Middle East, Lebanon's mountain tops often receive large amounts of snow, represented by the white stripe in Lebanon's national flag.

From security de-escalation to economic stabilization, we had frank and constructive discussions in Qatar during the #DohaForum. #Lebanon has a narrow window to move forward, and partners like #Qatar can help ensure progress is real and visible.

On the anniversary of the Assad regime’s downfall, we honor the courage of Syrians who rose up for dignity, freedom, and justice. Now, a new generation continues to organize, rebuild, and imagine a democratic future.

ATFL was honored to participate in the #DohaForum and meet with Qatari officials this week. Discussions centered on #Lebanon’s urgent need for economic stabilization and a renewed Lebanese-led path toward recovery—with continued support for the Lebanese Armed Forces as a cornerstone of stability.

Check out "Train Train Lebanon", an NGO championing the rehabilitation of Lebanon’s railways and the preservation of its rich railway heritage. Their work highlights the essential role rail can play as a backbone of national transportation and a pillar of sustainable mobility.

ATFL welcomes the Israeli Ambassador to Washington's message of peace to #Lebanon, and looks forward to dialogue, not confrontation, to move the process forward. buff.ly/nJCRMdf

For Lebanon, meaningful banking sector reform is essential to restoring public trust and enabling sustainable economic growth. A restructured and accountable financial system--rooted in transparency and strong regulation—is critical to guiding the country out of its prolonged crisis.

ATFL's Patricia Karam for the Arab Center: "The successful targeting of a senior #Hezbollah commander in a dense urban area refocuses attention on Lebanon’s fragile sovereignty...

ATFL welcomes the 14th session of the Pentalateral convened today in Naqoura, where senior officials reviewed ongoing efforts to reach an enduring cessation of hostilities arrangement in #Lebanon and to lay the foundation for enduring security and stability along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Under new leadership, #Lebanon ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities this year. This move reflects the Lebanese government's commitment to its population with disabilities as advocates continue to call for the full implementation of Lebanon's disability rights law.

ATFL welcomes with deep gratitude the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon, a journey that embodies hope, solidarity, and the enduring value of peaceful coexistence in a country scarred by conflict and political and economic crisis.

Today, on Lebanon’s Independence Day, we honor the spirit of a country that has endured crisis after crisis but refuses to surrender its identity or aspirations.

President Joseph Aoun, in a televised address on the eve of #Lebanon’s 82nd Independence Day: “Today marks a new chapter in Lebanon’s history—one that begins with independence and ends only when we regain full sovereignty, secure a dignified life for all, and build a state of rights and justice."

On #WorldPhilosophyDay, we celebrate the enduring wisdom of Khalil Gibran — the Lebanese American poet, artist, and philosopher whose words continue to inspire across generations.

ATFL is deeply concerned by recent calls for the United States to reconsider its support of #Lebanon at a critical moment in the country’s political and security trajectory.

Today on #WorldChildrensDay, we remember that Lebanon’s children are paying the highest price for the country’s prolonged crises. From collapsing public services to rising poverty, every governance setback is one for a child’s future.

In a letter to President Trump, Congressmen Darrell Issa and Darin LaHood urged US pressure against Lebanese officials who are obstructing reforms, including the expansion of diaspora voting rights. english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-...

Last week, the Lebanese government submitted a bill to Parliament to suspend restrictions on diaspora voting. While not a permanent fix, it would enfranchise millions of Lebanese abroad ahead of next year’s pivotal parliamentary elections.

Expanding diaspora participation opens space for a different reality--one where reformist, independent and opposition voices have a fair chance to compete, and where Hezbollah’s dominance is finally broken. - ATFL VP of Policy & Comms Patricia Karam writes in The Hill. #Lebanon #DiasporaVotes

Will a #Gaza ceasefire affect #Hezbollah’s disarmament in #Lebanon? ATFL VP of Policy Patricia Karam argues that a credible Gaza stabilization deal could open Lebanon’s best window since 2006—if the state can assert its sovereignty. Read via @ArabCenterWDC buff.ly/vRXou3W

The Lebanese Justice Ministry has reopened investigations into attacks on journalists, including cases linked to cross-border strikes, and is exploring possible legal avenues for accountability. ATFL underscores the importance of justice and protection for journalists everywhere.

Ed Gabriel, head of the Washington-based ATFL, said that the Lebanese army’s cautious approach to disarming Hezbollah reflects concern over potential civil strife if it moves too fast beyond the south. "It’s a Lebanese answer to disarmament," he said. "The U.S. wants Lebanon to do more—and faster."

“A safer South [Lebanon], secured by the Lebanese Armed Forces, free of armed groups, sustained by limits on heavy weapons and reciprocal Israeli restraint...

During UN #DisarmamentWeek, ATFL reaffirms that Lebanon’s sovereignty depends on restoring the state’s full monopoly over arms. UN Resolutions 1559 and 1701 call for the disarmament of all militias, with Lebanese security forces as the sole guarantors of national security.

“The issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament is not a corollary of any Gaza settlement; it remains a function of the Lebanese state’s will and capacity to reclaim authority over its future." - ATFL VP of Policy Patricia Karam at the Arab Center Washington DC conference. Watch full remarks: buff.ly/QHch1LJ

On #UnitedNationsDay, ATFL acknowledges the UN’s complex but enduring role in #Lebanon--one that has contributed to stability and humanitarian relief while continuing to evolve amid new political and economic challenges. 🇱🇧🇺🇳

ATFL held a community reception on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, bringing together senior US and Lebanese officials, members of the international diplomatic corps, and members of the Lebanese-American community for an evening of...

Today we honor the 241 United States service members, 58 French peacekeepers, and 6 Lebanese civilians who lost their lives in the 1983 Beirut barracks attack. ATFL stands with their families and loved ones who continue to carry their memory and sacrifice. 🇺🇸🇫🇷🇱🇧

US policy could and should shift to supporting the consolidation of the state and help #Lebanon transition into institutional recovery by: 1️⃣ Aligning donor support with measurable governance reforms 2️⃣ Scaling up assistance to LAF 3️⃣ Ensuring that any international aid does not bypass the state

Intern with ATFL this spring! We're looking for students or recent graduates in Washington, DC who are passionate about US-Lebanon relations to join our team. You'll gain firsthand insight into US foreign policymaking and acquire valuable professional experience by working directly with ATFL staff.

About the American Task Force on Lebanon 🇺🇸🤝🇱🇧 | 2025 www.youtube.com/watch?v=csd_...

This past month, Congress confirmed Michel Issa as the 31st U.S. Ambassador to #Lebanon and approved $230 million in security assistance for the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces.

Amid economic collapse, poverty in #Lebanon has more than tripled over the past decade, according to the World Bank. As Lebanon seeks to chart its recovery, reforms must advance inclusive growth and protect those most affected by the crisis. #WorldPovertyDay Read more: buff.ly/ls810NU

Six years ago today, the #Lebanese people rose above sectarian divides on October 17 to demand accountability, transparency, and a state that serves the public good.

After meeting with President Joseph Aoun and the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces in #Lebanon, ATFL President Ed Gabriel told Bassem Mroue from AP that, despite the lack of a specific timetable, the president is “determined to get things (disarmament) done." Read more: buff.ly/4kOS9cu

ATFL President Ed Gabriel told Salah Hijazi from L'Orient Today: "The administration’s support for #Lebanon remains strong, and...President Trump cares very much about Lebanon"..."It’s also worth noting that the proposal by Congressman Greg Steube to cut funding for the Lebanese Army...

On MTV Lebanon, ATFL President Ed Gabriel said that while the "glass is half full" as far as #Lebanon's progress on #Hezbollah's disarmament is concerned, "time is not on [Lebanon's] side." Watch the interview in English: buff.ly/bXE1MUF

ATFL extends its congratulations to Michel Issa on his confirmation as the 31st United States Ambassador to Lebanon 🇺🇸 🇱🇧

ATFL President Ed Gabriel met with Central Bank Governor Karim Souaid to discuss combating corruption, addressing the cash economy, advancing financial reforms, and the Governor’s plan to jumpstart #Lebanon’s economic recovery.

ATFL President Ed Gabriel met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to discuss #Lebanon’s reform agenda, US-Lebanon relations, the disarmament process, and the path toward economic recovery and institutional stability.

ATFL welcomes the United States’ recent $230 million assistance package to Lebanon as a clear testament to the enduring US commitment to Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and reform.

ATFL President Ed Gabriel met with Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab to discuss the status of judiciary, financial, and banking sector reforms under consideration by #Lebanon’s Parliament.

ATFL President Ed Gabriel met with Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Rodolphe Haykal to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and areas of continued US support for the LAF.

We honor the educators in #Lebanon who dedicate their lives to investing in the new generation and building the country's future, even in the face of deep challenges: low wages, high cost of living, and lack of funding. #WorldTeachersDay

المعلّمات والمعلّمون هم عماد أي نهضة. في 5 تشرين الأوّل/أكتوبر، نحيّي في #لبنان من يواصلون التدريس وتربية الأجيال وبناء المستقبل، رغم تحدّياتٍ مزمنة تشمل الأجور المتدنية، الغلاء الفاحش، ونقص التمويل. دعم حقوقهم هو استثمار مباشر بمستقبل وطننا. #WorldTeachersDay #اليوم_العالمي_للمعلم

In a meeting with IMF Lebanon, ATFL President Ed Gabriel discussed #Lebanon’s efforts to advance long-delayed reforms needed to secure an IMF agreement and unlock international aid.