Many reports and indicators have lately come to light about the state of Lebanon’s economy. They have all pointed to deterioration occurring in public finances, as well as various production sectors, and reflected the seriousness of the economic situation. Meanwhile, no one at the cabinet or state level seems to be giving the matter any attention or warning about its repercussions. These reports and publications also have not, unfortunately, been given import in the media. Front pages and headlines solely focus on the main event of the day, namely the Syrian crisis, in all its dramatic chapters. Yet, the situation is so dire as to merit thorough discussion, in addition to quick and assertive decisions.
The latest of these reports was one published by the rating agency Business Monitor International, which ranked Lebanon 112th among 159 countries worldwide and 12th among 20 Arab countries, in the level of risk engendered by its political and economic situations. This ranking came to prove the fragility of the country’s political situation, the states’ waning ability to perform its essential functions, the prevalence of corruption in state institutions, and the decreased ability of the economy to maintain growth without an increase in inflation levels.
