Far from helping Lebanon solve its acute energy crisis, the US is leveraging Egypt's gas supply to pressure Beirut over US-brokered maritime border talks with Israel
Consider the chaos in Europe today caused by a sudden reduction in Russian gas supplies. Now imagine the catastrophic state of Lebanon's energy sector after two years of fuel shortages, limited foreign currency with which to purchase new, urgent supplies, and US-sanctions on Syria impeding Lebanon's only land route for imports. After decades of stalled reforms, Lebanon is running out of time and money. In June 2021, a lifeline was handed to the country in a deal struck with Baghdad to supply two Lebanese power stations with Iraqi fuel. The agreement, which was due to expire in September 2022, has recently been extended for one year. But while there are short and long term solutions available to remedy Lebanon's energy crisis, the two main options are both monopolized by US policymakers with stakes in regional geopolitics. by Yeghia Tashjian
Poster Comment:
The US is allowing Israel to steal natural gas from Palestinian and Lebanese offshore deposits.