American Task Force on Lebanon
@atflebanon.bsky.social
Our mission is to strengthen the historic ties between the United States and Lebanon 🇺🇸🤝🇱🇧
Today, on Lebanon’s Independence Day, we honor the spirit of a country that has endured crisis after crisis but refuses to surrender its identity or aspirations.
November 22, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Today, on Lebanon’s Independence Day, we honor the spirit of a country that has endured crisis after crisis but refuses to surrender its identity or aspirations.
President Joseph Aoun, in a televised address on the eve of #Lebanon’s 82nd Independence Day:
“Today marks a new chapter in Lebanon’s history—one that begins with independence and ends only when we regain full sovereignty, secure a dignified life for all, and build a state of rights and justice."
“Today marks a new chapter in Lebanon’s history—one that begins with independence and ends only when we regain full sovereignty, secure a dignified life for all, and build a state of rights and justice."
November 22, 2025 at 1:30 PM
President Joseph Aoun, in a televised address on the eve of #Lebanon’s 82nd Independence Day:
“Today marks a new chapter in Lebanon’s history—one that begins with independence and ends only when we regain full sovereignty, secure a dignified life for all, and build a state of rights and justice."
“Today marks a new chapter in Lebanon’s history—one that begins with independence and ends only when we regain full sovereignty, secure a dignified life for all, and build a state of rights and justice."
On #WorldPhilosophyDay, we celebrate the enduring wisdom of Khalil Gibran — the Lebanese American poet, artist, and philosopher whose words continue to inspire across generations.
November 22, 2025 at 12:00 AM
On #WorldPhilosophyDay, we celebrate the enduring wisdom of Khalil Gibran — the Lebanese American poet, artist, and philosopher whose words continue to inspire across generations.
ATFL is deeply concerned by recent calls for the United States to reconsider its support of #Lebanon at a critical moment in the country’s political and security trajectory.
mailchi.mp
November 21, 2025 at 7:13 PM
ATFL is deeply concerned by recent calls for the United States to reconsider its support of #Lebanon at a critical moment in the country’s political and security trajectory.
Today on #WorldChildrensDay, we remember that Lebanon’s children are paying the highest price for the country’s prolonged crises. From collapsing public services to rising poverty, every governance setback is one for a child’s future.
November 20, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Today on #WorldChildrensDay, we remember that Lebanon’s children are paying the highest price for the country’s prolonged crises. From collapsing public services to rising poverty, every governance setback is one for a child’s future.
In a letter to President Trump, Congressmen Darrell Issa and Darin LaHood urged US pressure against Lebanese officials who are obstructing reforms, including the expansion of diaspora voting rights.
english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-...
english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-...
November 18, 2025 at 8:02 PM
In a letter to President Trump, Congressmen Darrell Issa and Darin LaHood urged US pressure against Lebanese officials who are obstructing reforms, including the expansion of diaspora voting rights.
english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-...
english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-...
Last week, the Lebanese government submitted a bill to Parliament to suspend restrictions on diaspora voting. While not a permanent fix, it would enfranchise millions of Lebanese abroad ahead of next year’s pivotal parliamentary elections.
November 12, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Last week, the Lebanese government submitted a bill to Parliament to suspend restrictions on diaspora voting. While not a permanent fix, it would enfranchise millions of Lebanese abroad ahead of next year’s pivotal parliamentary elections.
Expanding diaspora participation opens space for a different reality--one where reformist, independent and opposition voices have a fair chance to compete, and where Hezbollah’s dominance is finally broken. - ATFL VP of Policy & Comms Patricia Karam writes in The Hill. #Lebanon #DiasporaVotes
November 4, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Expanding diaspora participation opens space for a different reality--one where reformist, independent and opposition voices have a fair chance to compete, and where Hezbollah’s dominance is finally broken. - ATFL VP of Policy & Comms Patricia Karam writes in The Hill. #Lebanon #DiasporaVotes
Will a #Gaza ceasefire affect #Hezbollah’s disarmament in #Lebanon?
ATFL VP of Policy Patricia Karam argues that a credible Gaza stabilization deal could open Lebanon’s best window since 2006—if the state can assert its sovereignty.
Read via @ArabCenterWDC
buff.ly/vRXou3W
ATFL VP of Policy Patricia Karam argues that a credible Gaza stabilization deal could open Lebanon’s best window since 2006—if the state can assert its sovereignty.
Read via @ArabCenterWDC
buff.ly/vRXou3W
November 3, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Will a #Gaza ceasefire affect #Hezbollah’s disarmament in #Lebanon?
ATFL VP of Policy Patricia Karam argues that a credible Gaza stabilization deal could open Lebanon’s best window since 2006—if the state can assert its sovereignty.
Read via @ArabCenterWDC
buff.ly/vRXou3W
ATFL VP of Policy Patricia Karam argues that a credible Gaza stabilization deal could open Lebanon’s best window since 2006—if the state can assert its sovereignty.
Read via @ArabCenterWDC
buff.ly/vRXou3W
The Lebanese Justice Ministry has reopened investigations into attacks on journalists, including cases linked to cross-border strikes, and is exploring possible legal avenues for accountability. ATFL underscores the importance of justice and protection for journalists everywhere.
November 2, 2025 at 5:01 PM
The Lebanese Justice Ministry has reopened investigations into attacks on journalists, including cases linked to cross-border strikes, and is exploring possible legal avenues for accountability. ATFL underscores the importance of justice and protection for journalists everywhere.
Ed Gabriel, head of the Washington-based ATFL, said that the Lebanese army’s cautious approach to disarming Hezbollah reflects concern over potential civil strife if it moves too fast beyond the south. "It’s a Lebanese answer to disarmament," he said. "The U.S. wants Lebanon to do more—and faster."
October 31, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Ed Gabriel, head of the Washington-based ATFL, said that the Lebanese army’s cautious approach to disarming Hezbollah reflects concern over potential civil strife if it moves too fast beyond the south. "It’s a Lebanese answer to disarmament," he said. "The U.S. wants Lebanon to do more—and faster."
“A safer South [Lebanon], secured by the Lebanese Armed Forces, free of armed groups, sustained by limits on heavy weapons and reciprocal Israeli restraint...
October 26, 2025 at 6:02 PM
“A safer South [Lebanon], secured by the Lebanese Armed Forces, free of armed groups, sustained by limits on heavy weapons and reciprocal Israeli restraint...
During UN #DisarmamentWeek, ATFL reaffirms that Lebanon’s sovereignty depends on restoring the state’s full monopoly over arms. UN Resolutions 1559 and 1701 call for the disarmament of all militias, with Lebanese security forces as the sole guarantors of national security.
October 25, 2025 at 6:01 PM
During UN #DisarmamentWeek, ATFL reaffirms that Lebanon’s sovereignty depends on restoring the state’s full monopoly over arms. UN Resolutions 1559 and 1701 call for the disarmament of all militias, with Lebanese security forces as the sole guarantors of national security.
“The issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament is not a corollary of any Gaza settlement; it remains a function of the Lebanese state’s will and capacity to reclaim authority over its future." - ATFL VP of Policy Patricia Karam at the Arab Center Washington DC conference.
Watch full remarks: buff.ly/QHch1LJ
Watch full remarks: buff.ly/QHch1LJ
October 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
“The issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament is not a corollary of any Gaza settlement; it remains a function of the Lebanese state’s will and capacity to reclaim authority over its future." - ATFL VP of Policy Patricia Karam at the Arab Center Washington DC conference.
Watch full remarks: buff.ly/QHch1LJ
Watch full remarks: buff.ly/QHch1LJ
On #UnitedNationsDay, ATFL acknowledges the UN’s complex but enduring role in #Lebanon--one that has contributed to stability and humanitarian relief while continuing to evolve amid new political and economic challenges. 🇱🇧🇺🇳
October 24, 2025 at 2:04 PM
On #UnitedNationsDay, ATFL acknowledges the UN’s complex but enduring role in #Lebanon--one that has contributed to stability and humanitarian relief while continuing to evolve amid new political and economic challenges. 🇱🇧🇺🇳
ATFL held a community reception on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, bringing together senior US and Lebanese officials, members of the international diplomatic corps, and members of the Lebanese-American community for an evening of...
October 23, 2025 at 2:29 PM
ATFL held a community reception on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, bringing together senior US and Lebanese officials, members of the international diplomatic corps, and members of the Lebanese-American community for an evening of...
Today we honor the 241 United States service members, 58 French peacekeepers, and 6 Lebanese civilians who lost their lives in the 1983 Beirut barracks attack. ATFL stands with their families and loved ones who continue to carry their memory and sacrifice. 🇺🇸🇫🇷🇱🇧
October 23, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Today we honor the 241 United States service members, 58 French peacekeepers, and 6 Lebanese civilians who lost their lives in the 1983 Beirut barracks attack. ATFL stands with their families and loved ones who continue to carry their memory and sacrifice. 🇺🇸🇫🇷🇱🇧
US policy could and should shift to supporting the consolidation of the state and help #Lebanon transition into institutional recovery by:
1️⃣ Aligning donor support with measurable governance reforms
2️⃣ Scaling up assistance to LAF
3️⃣ Ensuring that any international aid does not bypass the state
1️⃣ Aligning donor support with measurable governance reforms
2️⃣ Scaling up assistance to LAF
3️⃣ Ensuring that any international aid does not bypass the state
October 22, 2025 at 3:22 PM
US policy could and should shift to supporting the consolidation of the state and help #Lebanon transition into institutional recovery by:
1️⃣ Aligning donor support with measurable governance reforms
2️⃣ Scaling up assistance to LAF
3️⃣ Ensuring that any international aid does not bypass the state
1️⃣ Aligning donor support with measurable governance reforms
2️⃣ Scaling up assistance to LAF
3️⃣ Ensuring that any international aid does not bypass the state
Intern with ATFL this spring!
We're looking for students or recent graduates in Washington, DC who are passionate about US-Lebanon relations to join our team. You'll gain firsthand insight into US foreign policymaking and acquire valuable professional experience by working directly with ATFL staff.
We're looking for students or recent graduates in Washington, DC who are passionate about US-Lebanon relations to join our team. You'll gain firsthand insight into US foreign policymaking and acquire valuable professional experience by working directly with ATFL staff.
October 21, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Intern with ATFL this spring!
We're looking for students or recent graduates in Washington, DC who are passionate about US-Lebanon relations to join our team. You'll gain firsthand insight into US foreign policymaking and acquire valuable professional experience by working directly with ATFL staff.
We're looking for students or recent graduates in Washington, DC who are passionate about US-Lebanon relations to join our team. You'll gain firsthand insight into US foreign policymaking and acquire valuable professional experience by working directly with ATFL staff.
About the American Task Force on Lebanon | 2025
YouTube video by American Task Force on Lebanon
www.youtube.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:21 PM
This past month, Congress confirmed Michel Issa as the 31st U.S. Ambassador to #Lebanon and approved $230 million in security assistance for the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces.
October 20, 2025 at 6:50 PM
This past month, Congress confirmed Michel Issa as the 31st U.S. Ambassador to #Lebanon and approved $230 million in security assistance for the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces.
Amid economic collapse, poverty in #Lebanon has more than tripled over the past decade, according to the World Bank. As Lebanon seeks to chart its recovery, reforms must advance inclusive growth and protect those most affected by the crisis. #WorldPovertyDay
Read more: buff.ly/ls810NU
Read more: buff.ly/ls810NU
October 17, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Amid economic collapse, poverty in #Lebanon has more than tripled over the past decade, according to the World Bank. As Lebanon seeks to chart its recovery, reforms must advance inclusive growth and protect those most affected by the crisis. #WorldPovertyDay
Read more: buff.ly/ls810NU
Read more: buff.ly/ls810NU
Six years ago today, the #Lebanese people rose above sectarian divides on October 17 to demand accountability, transparency, and a state that serves the public good.
October 17, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Six years ago today, the #Lebanese people rose above sectarian divides on October 17 to demand accountability, transparency, and a state that serves the public good.
After meeting with President Joseph Aoun and the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces in #Lebanon, ATFL President Ed Gabriel told Bassem Mroue from AP that, despite the lack of a specific timetable, the president is “determined to get things (disarmament) done."
Read more: buff.ly/4kOS9cu
Read more: buff.ly/4kOS9cu
October 15, 2025 at 2:02 PM
After meeting with President Joseph Aoun and the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces in #Lebanon, ATFL President Ed Gabriel told Bassem Mroue from AP that, despite the lack of a specific timetable, the president is “determined to get things (disarmament) done."
Read more: buff.ly/4kOS9cu
Read more: buff.ly/4kOS9cu
ATFL President Ed Gabriel told Salah Hijazi from L'Orient Today: "The administration’s support for #Lebanon remains strong, and...President Trump cares very much about Lebanon"..."It’s also worth noting that the proposal by Congressman Greg Steube to cut funding for the Lebanese Army...
October 14, 2025 at 8:48 PM
ATFL President Ed Gabriel told Salah Hijazi from L'Orient Today: "The administration’s support for #Lebanon remains strong, and...President Trump cares very much about Lebanon"..."It’s also worth noting that the proposal by Congressman Greg Steube to cut funding for the Lebanese Army...