Due to Lebanon’s fragile democracy and unique confessional system, the central government does not hold the legitimacy or authority to deliver on capacity. However, this has strengthened partisan and religious politics that is meant to fill the gaps of representation. Historically, it was under the Shihab reign (1958 – 64) that development of Lebanon’s infrastructure received attention. Plans included an extensive road system, provision of running water and electricity to remote villages, hospitals and dispensaries in many rural areas. Since then, conflict and part politics have dominated the governance landscape making the capacity gap vulnerable to external influence. Since the eruption of the Syrian conflict, and the 25-35% surge in the population due to refugee influx has caused disruptions to the “delicate confessional/sectarian balance” (Country Partnership Strategy 2016, 3). Although the conditions for 52% of refugees is dire and below the survival need, the Government of Lebanon has “allowed access to schools, primary health care centers and hospitals, social development centers and other public services, but access is dependent upon availability of funding from the international community” (Country Partnership Strategy 2016, 3).
Citations
COUNTRY PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK FOR THE LEBANESE REPUBLIC (Rep. No. 94768-LB). (2016, June 8). Retrieved February 19, 2018, from The World Bank Group website: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/24678