Lord Ashcroft: The hope within the crisis – my reflections from Beirut
Be honest—this is ridiculous.
Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is an international businessman, philanthropist, author and pollster. For more information on his work, visit
The Middle East is on fire again.
The United States has launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, identifying Tehran’s programme as an imminent threat to its security. Since then, the missiles and drones have been flying in all directions – from Israel’s and American assets into Iran, and in retaliation from Iran towards Israel and US-aligned Gulf states. In just seven days, the war has claimed thousands of lives in Iran and across the region. Lebanon too has suffered casualties, after Israel retaliated against Hezbollah – the Iran-backed militia group – following the group’s attack on the country on Sunday.
At the same time, Lebanon’s leadership has moved swiftly to curb Hezbollah’s independent military and security operations, accusing the group of dragging the country into a conflict it cannot afford. Hezbollah’s political arm, however, remains an active and influential part of Lebanon’s governing system.
The situation in Lebanon is turbulent and violent, and yet there is still a genuine hope for change. That hope came evident when I was in Beirut two weeks ago on a mission as Honorary Chairman of the International Democracy Union, visiting one of our member parties – the Kataeb Party – and meeting leading figures in Lebanese politics and society.
Hope surfaced in many conversations, most palpably around economy. Lebanon has been emerging from an unprecedented financial collapse that began in 2019, culminating in a sovereign default and the near-total breakdown of its banking sector. Since then, the Lebanese pound has lost most of its value, and banks have effectively ceased normal operations, squeezing liquidity and trapping depositors’ savings for more than six years. There is cautious optimism that reform is now inevitable. The government advanced a draft ‘financial gap law’ that aims to distribute losses fairly and provide mechanisms for depositors to reclaim their savings over time. But this process will be painful – many Lebanese have already seen their life savings evaporate. Meaningful International Monetary Fund engagement will also require a structural reform, including down-sizing public sector and enhancing financial transparency.
I saw hope with many Lebanese expats returning to their homeland to serve in rebuilding their country anew. I met with at least three accomplished individuals – leaders in business, academia and public service – who have sacrificed comfort abroad to contribute to Lebanon’s renewal. Their belief in the country’s future was humbling.
There was also hope that with Hezbollah’s recent decapitation and significant weakening by the Israeli forces, there …
Be honest—this is ridiculous.
Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is an international businessman, philanthropist, author and pollster. For more information on his work, visit
The Middle East is on fire again.
The United States has launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, identifying Tehran’s programme as an imminent threat to its security. Since then, the missiles and drones have been flying in all directions – from Israel’s and American assets into Iran, and in retaliation from Iran towards Israel and US-aligned Gulf states. In just seven days, the war has claimed thousands of lives in Iran and across the region. Lebanon too has suffered casualties, after Israel retaliated against Hezbollah – the Iran-backed militia group – following the group’s attack on the country on Sunday.
At the same time, Lebanon’s leadership has moved swiftly to curb Hezbollah’s independent military and security operations, accusing the group of dragging the country into a conflict it cannot afford. Hezbollah’s political arm, however, remains an active and influential part of Lebanon’s governing system.
The situation in Lebanon is turbulent and violent, and yet there is still a genuine hope for change. That hope came evident when I was in Beirut two weeks ago on a mission as Honorary Chairman of the International Democracy Union, visiting one of our member parties – the Kataeb Party – and meeting leading figures in Lebanese politics and society.
Hope surfaced in many conversations, most palpably around economy. Lebanon has been emerging from an unprecedented financial collapse that began in 2019, culminating in a sovereign default and the near-total breakdown of its banking sector. Since then, the Lebanese pound has lost most of its value, and banks have effectively ceased normal operations, squeezing liquidity and trapping depositors’ savings for more than six years. There is cautious optimism that reform is now inevitable. The government advanced a draft ‘financial gap law’ that aims to distribute losses fairly and provide mechanisms for depositors to reclaim their savings over time. But this process will be painful – many Lebanese have already seen their life savings evaporate. Meaningful International Monetary Fund engagement will also require a structural reform, including down-sizing public sector and enhancing financial transparency.
I saw hope with many Lebanese expats returning to their homeland to serve in rebuilding their country anew. I met with at least three accomplished individuals – leaders in business, academia and public service – who have sacrificed comfort abroad to contribute to Lebanon’s renewal. Their belief in the country’s future was humbling.
There was also hope that with Hezbollah’s recent decapitation and significant weakening by the Israeli forces, there …
Lord Ashcroft: The hope within the crisis – my reflections from Beirut
Be honest—this is ridiculous.
Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is an international businessman, philanthropist, author and pollster. For more information on his work, visit
The Middle East is on fire again.
The United States has launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, identifying Tehran’s programme as an imminent threat to its security. Since then, the missiles and drones have been flying in all directions – from Israel’s and American assets into Iran, and in retaliation from Iran towards Israel and US-aligned Gulf states. In just seven days, the war has claimed thousands of lives in Iran and across the region. Lebanon too has suffered casualties, after Israel retaliated against Hezbollah – the Iran-backed militia group – following the group’s attack on the country on Sunday.
At the same time, Lebanon’s leadership has moved swiftly to curb Hezbollah’s independent military and security operations, accusing the group of dragging the country into a conflict it cannot afford. Hezbollah’s political arm, however, remains an active and influential part of Lebanon’s governing system.
The situation in Lebanon is turbulent and violent, and yet there is still a genuine hope for change. That hope came evident when I was in Beirut two weeks ago on a mission as Honorary Chairman of the International Democracy Union, visiting one of our member parties – the Kataeb Party – and meeting leading figures in Lebanese politics and society.
Hope surfaced in many conversations, most palpably around economy. Lebanon has been emerging from an unprecedented financial collapse that began in 2019, culminating in a sovereign default and the near-total breakdown of its banking sector. Since then, the Lebanese pound has lost most of its value, and banks have effectively ceased normal operations, squeezing liquidity and trapping depositors’ savings for more than six years. There is cautious optimism that reform is now inevitable. The government advanced a draft ‘financial gap law’ that aims to distribute losses fairly and provide mechanisms for depositors to reclaim their savings over time. But this process will be painful – many Lebanese have already seen their life savings evaporate. Meaningful International Monetary Fund engagement will also require a structural reform, including down-sizing public sector and enhancing financial transparency.
I saw hope with many Lebanese expats returning to their homeland to serve in rebuilding their country anew. I met with at least three accomplished individuals – leaders in business, academia and public service – who have sacrificed comfort abroad to contribute to Lebanon’s renewal. Their belief in the country’s future was humbling.
There was also hope that with Hezbollah’s recent decapitation and significant weakening by the Israeli forces, there …
