Suraiyya Aziz

Lebanon stands at a critical crossroads. As the balance of power in the Middle East shifts, growing Turkish and Syrian involvement in Lebanon is being viewed by some Lebanese communities, particularly many Sunnis, as a possible opportunity to weaken Hezbollah’s long-standing dominance. The emergence of a new political order in Syria and Turkey’s expanding regional role have created expectations that the traditional Iranian influence over Lebanon could finally be challenged.

Lebanon stands at a critical crossroads. As the balance of power in the Middle East shifts, growing Turkish and Syrian involvement in Lebanon is being viewed by some Lebanese communities, particularly many Sunnis, as a possible opportunity to weaken Hezbollah’s long-standing dominance. The emergence of a new political order in Syria and Turkey’s expanding regional role have created expectations that the traditional Iranian influence over Lebanon could finally be challenged.

The visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Paris represents far more than another high-level diplomatic engagement between two longstanding partners. At a time when the international system is being reshaped by geopolitical rivalry, regional conflicts, economic uncertainty and growing pressure on traditional diplomatic mechanisms, the strengthening of Saudi-French relations carries significance well beyond the bilateral relationship.