** The 50th anniversary of the Lebanese civil war: a return to the dynamics of a complex conflict **
On April 13, 2025 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the beginning of the Lebanese civil war, a conflict that devastated this small country in the Middle East between 1975 and 1990. A conflict which remains emblematic of the difficulties in solving interior tensions, while illustrating the influence of external actors. To better understand this war, which cost hundreds of thousands of people and left deep scars in the Lebanese social fabric, it is important to examine the internal and external issues that have shaped this conflict.
### The roots of the conflict
The Lebanese civil war did not spontaneously triggered; It has its origins in a complex conjunction of historical, political and social factors. Lebanon, a multi -fate by nature, has seen its fragile balance undermined by increasing inequalities between the different communities. Tensions between Shiites, Sunnis and Lebanese Christians were exacerbated by demographic evolution and the influx of Palestinian refugees in the 1970s. This last event notably enabled militias of different religious groups to strengthen themselves, thus increasing the risk of open conflicts.
The analysis of Jonathan Hassine, associate researcher at the French Institute of the Near East, underlines that this need for power and influence, coupled with the absence of real mechanisms of inter-community dialogue, contributed to the break-up of hostilities. This cataclysm was also fueled by external interference, with neighboring countries such as Syria and international powers with divergent interests seeking to extend their influence in the region.
### An intercommunity and internationalized conflict
What distinguishes the Lebanese civil war from other conflicts is both its intercommunity nature and its internationalization. The struggles between the different Lebanese factions have often been used as an experimental space for external actors. Syria, Israel and even Western powers have all had their share of influence, making the conflict even more difficult to solve.
The consequences of this internationalization are multiple. On the one hand, they allowed a dynamic of sometimes surprising alliance between opposing factions, as was the case during the war, but on the other hand, they strengthened fragmentation and violence, making any reconciliation process difficult.
### Lessons to be learned
While Lebanon remembers this tragic chapter of its history, it is crucial to learn from the future. The country has since experienced periods of lull and tension, but the question remains: how to build a peaceful and inclusive future?
It is of paramount importance to preserve a space for dialogue between the different Lebanese communities. This requires a sincere commitment on the part of political leaders, who must favor the common interest to the detriment of partisan interests. The implementation of measures aimed at strengthening peace education and intercultural understanding in Lebanese schools could also be an important lever to prevent history from being repeated.
Finally, the need for sustained vigilance in the face of foreign interference in Lebanese internal affairs is also topical. Lebanon must seek to redefine its relations with its neighbors and to establish partnerships based on mutual respect and cooperation, rather than on the instrumentalization of internal conflicts.
### Conclusion
The fiftieth anniversary of the trigger for the Lebanese civil war is not only a moment of commemoration, but an invitation to collective reflection on the challenges of peaceful coexistence. The complexity of the Lebanese conflict must remind us of the importance of approaching differences not as sources of division, but as opportunities for mutual enrichment. A commitment to reconciliation and dialogue could, over time, open up new prospects for unity and peace for this country with multiple faces.