The Lebanese-American community in the United States, known for its deep roots and political engagement, has long sought to influence U.S. policy toward Lebanon. Despite a rich history of advocacy, including several prominent former U.S. officials of Lebanese descent, the community’s lobbying efforts have achieved limited results when compared to other ethnic and national lobbying groups in Washington.

While the community boasts a diverse range of organizations and influential individuals, the impact of their advocacy has been hindered by a combination of internal fragmentation, competing interests, and the complex political landscape surrounding Lebanon.

Prominent Figures in Lebanese-American Politics

Lebanese Americans have made notable contributions to U.S. politics, with many rising to prominent positions. From the first Arab American congressman, George A. Kasem, and Congressman Abraham Kazen to former U.S. Presidential envoy Ambassador Philip Habib and current Ambassador Thomas Barrack, the community’s presence in U.S. politics is significant. Other key figures include former Senate Democratic majority leader George Mitchell, Senators James Abourezk, Charlie Christ John Senunu, Spencer Abraham U.S. Secretary of Energy (2001-2005), Congressmen Nick Rahall, Ray LaHood U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2009-2013), Darrell Issa, Darin LaHood, Charles Boustany, Richard Hanna, Garett Graham, Ruben Kihuen, Toby Muftett, Ralph Abraham, and Congresswomen Marie Rose Awkar, Donna Shalala, Debbie Moukarzel, and Patt Dunner.

These figures have used their positions to advocate for Lebanese interests, including sovereignty, U.S. aid, and the country's security. They have spoken out on issues like the exclusion of "Hezbollah" from Lebanon's government and the empowerment of the Lebanese Army as the country's sole legitimate armed force.

Major Lebanese-American Advocacy Organizations

Several organizations have played pivotal roles in lobbying for Lebanon's interests, both in Washington and abroad.

The American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL) focuses on policy analysis and fostering bipartisan support for Lebanon.

Similarly, the Lebanese-American Coordinating Committee (LACC), a coalition of various Lebanese-American groups, is one of the leading entities, advocating for Lebanese sovereignty and stability.

Other groups like the Lebanese Information Center (LIC), the American Lebanese Policy Institute PAC (ALPI-PAC), and the Lebanese American Renaissance Partnership (LARP) also contribute to advocacy efforts. These organizations have lobbied for U.S. support in Lebanese economic recovery, democracy, and humanitarian aid.

The Hariri Foundation, founded by the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 1979, focused on education and humanitarian programs and had certain political influences in Washington, DC. Political developments in Lebanon, especially those related to former Prime Minister Saad Hariri after 2017 led the foundation to refrain from attempting to influence US policies in Lebanon.

However, despite the diversity and number of groups, their impact has been constrained by a fragmented approach to lobbying, often exacerbated by Lebanon's own political divisions.

Challenges in Lebanese-American Advocacy

Several factors have contributed to the limited success of Lebanese-American lobbying efforts:

1. Internal Divisions

The Lebanese-American community is deeply divided along sectarian lines, which mirrors the political and sectarian divisions within Lebanon itself. This fragmentation makes it difficult to present a unified front on key issues. The community's varied priorities, based on religion or political affiliation, often result in conflicting goals that undermine advocacy efforts.

2. Lebanon's Troubling Image

Lebanon's association with "Hezbollah", a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, has created a significant barrier to effective lobbying. U.S. policymakers are cautious in supporting Lebanon's initiatives for fear of inadvertently empowering "Hezbollah" or other militant factions.

3. U.S. Policy Priorities

Lebanon's ongoing political instability, economic crises, and corruption often place the country on the backburner for U.S. policymakers, overshadowed by more pressing Middle Eastern issues such as Iran's nuclear ambitions or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

4. Resource Constraints

Compared to other lobbying organizations like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Lebanese-American groups struggle with fewer financial resources and limited professional lobbying infrastructure. Many organizations rely on volunteer efforts, leaving them at a disadvantage when competing for the attention of decision-makers.

5. Limited Grassroots Mobilization

The Lebanese-American community is relatively small, dispersed across the United States, and lacks the ability to mobilize voters in critical states. This limits the ability to influence elections or gain significant political support from members of Congress.

6. Reactive, Not Proactive Advocacy

Most lobbying efforts are reactionary, focusing on immediate crises such as sanctions or political instability, rather than a long-term strategy that addresses ongoing issues in U.S.-Lebanon relations.

Path Forward: Strengthening Advocacy for Lebanon

To improve their effectiveness, Lebanese-American groups must adopt a more strategic approach. Here are several recommendations:

1. Build a Unified Agenda

To overcome sectarian divides, the Lebanese-American community should aim to develop a unified platform that emphasizes shared values, such as Lebanese sovereignty, political stability, and economic recovery. A centralized, coordinated approach among organizations could yield better results in advocating for U.S. policy changes.

2. Professionalize Lobbying Efforts

A more professional, sustained lobbying infrastructure is essential. This could involve hiring full-time lobbyists, public relations experts, and policy analysts who are dedicated to maintaining ongoing engagement with U.S. officials.

3. Expand Grassroots Mobilization

To increase political influence, it is crucial to build grassroots support through national voter registration campaigns and political engagement initiatives. Events like town halls, community gatherings, and advocacy days in Washington could help demonstrate the community’s political clout.

4. Forge Strategic Partnerships

Collaborating with other Middle Eastern American groups, human rights organizations, and think tanks could broaden support for Lebanese causes. Partnerships with non-Lebanese members of Congress who focus on Middle Eastern policy and humanitarian aid would also strengthen advocacy efforts.

5. Focus on Positive Messaging

The Lebanese-American community should shift its narrative from one centered on crisis management to one that highlights potential opportunities for U.S.-Lebanon cooperation in areas such as education, business, and cultural exchange.

6. Develop a Long-Term Strategic Plan

Finally, Lebanese-American advocacy should move beyond short-term crisis responses. Establishing a long-term strategic plan with clear policy goals and actionable research could help shape U.S. policy toward Lebanon more effectively.

By overcoming internal divisions, expanding resources, and adopting a more proactive approach, the community could enhance its ability to influence U.S. policy in ways that promote Lebanon's sovereignty, stability, and prosperity. With unity and strategic planning, the Lebanese-American lobby has the potential to become a more powerful force in Washington, capable of shaping U.S. relations with Lebanon for the better.