From Ain El Remmaneh to Damascus: Tracing the roots of Lebanon’s long war

On April 13, Lebanon marks the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of its devastating civil war (1975–1990), a conflict that left more than 150,000 people dead, hundreds of thousands wounded, and the country deeply fractured.

In commemoration, the Ministry of Education has asked schools and universities to observe a minute of silence on Monday—a solemn gesture that invites national reflection on the causes, consequences, and enduring legacy of the 15-year conflict.

While the war was fueled by internal sectarian and political rivalries, its eruption and prolongation were heavily influenced by regional actors—most notably Palestinian factions and Syria. Their involvement played a decisive role in transforming what began as localized clashes into a full-scale, protracted war.

The increasing militarization of Palestinian groups in Lebanon—especially the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)—was a major source of tension in the early 1970s. Following their expulsion from Jordan after the Black September events in 1970, large contingents of armed Palestinian fighters relocated to Lebanon, establishing quasi-autonomous zones of control.

The PLO's growing influence, particularly in southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut, disrupted the fragile sectarian balance and raised concerns among many Lebanese factions, particularly Christian militias.

The Palestinians often acted independently of Lebanese authorities, engaging in military operations against Israel from Lebanese territory and clashing with Lebanese forces. Their autonomous military and political actions—backed by foreign funding and weapons—contributed significantly to the climate of instability.

The attack on a Christian church bus in Ain El Remmaneh on April 13, 1975, by Palestinian gunmen is widely recognized as the spark that ignited the civil war.

Syria’s Dual Role: Guardian and Manipulator

Syria, under President Hafez al-Assad, quickly positioned itself as both a peacekeeper and power broker in Lebanon. Initially intervening in 1976 under the pretext of stabilizing the country and preventing a total collapse, Syrian forces remained in Lebanon for nearly three decades.

While publicly calling for unity and coexistence, Syria played a divisive role—arming multiple factions at different times, manipulating political rivalries, and embedding its intelligence apparatus deep into Lebanese institutions. Damascus used Lebanon as both a buffer zone and a bargaining chip in its regional calculations, particularly regarding its tense relationship with Israel and its influence in Arab politics.

The Syrian military presence, which reached over 40,000 troops at its peak, became a symbol of occupation for many Lebanese, especially after the war's end. Syria's grip on Lebanon was eventually broken only in 2005, after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and ensuing international pressure.

A Complex War with Enduring Scars

The Lebanese Civil War was not a two-sided conflict but a convoluted, shifting battle involving multiple sectarian militias, foreign armies, and ideological factions. Israeli invasions in 1978 and 1982, the rise of Hezbollah, and the massacres of civilians in places like Sabra and Shatila further compounded the tragedy.

Half a century later, Lebanon is still grappling with the legacies of that war: a confessional power-sharing system that often paralyzes governance, unresolved sectarian tensions, and the enduring presence of non-state armed groups.

As the country pauses for a moment of silence, many Lebanese are reminded not only of the loss but of the dangers of allowing internal divisions to be exploited by external powers. The commemoration is not just about remembrance—it is also a warning.

The scars of the war remain visible across Beirut and other cities—in the bullet-ridden buildings, in the collective memory, and in the cautionary tales passed between generations.

For a nation still in search of lasting stability, the 50th anniversary is both a moment of mourning and a call for sovereignty, reconciliation, and accountability—starting with an honest recognition of how foreign interference helped turn political disagreements into a national catastrophe.