Political groups will exploit Lebanon’s water failures

Significance

Water pollution has long been a problem in the area, linked to poor sewage, farming practices and rubbish disposal. Despite abundant water resources from the mountains, state dysfunction and corruption have prevented construction of adequate infrastructure. Shortages of clean water are exacerbated by the current economic crisis and COVID-19 pandemic.

Impacts

• The mounting crisis could focus popular concerns more closely on the provision of basic necessities, especially in cities.
• The civil war model of factions providing food and aid raises risks of communal violence.
• Infrastructure failures are likely to boost public resentment of hosting the world’s largest per capita refugee presence.