The massive ammonium nitrate blast that rocked Beirut has brought to the fore – and exacerbated – the ongoing political crisis in Lebanon. The country’s geographical location and the vortex of geopolitical tensions among which it is positioned can hardly be under-emphasised. The combined forces of domestic politics and international influence have led to Lebanon becoming a proxy battleground.

Key points:

• The explosion in Beirut has brought to the fore – and exacerbated – the ongoing political crisis in Lebanon.
• Lebanon’s geographical location and the vortex of geopolitical tensions in which it is located can hardly be under-emphasised.
• The combined forces of domestic politics and international influence have led the country to become a proxy battleground.
• Lebanon, to avoid becoming a failed state, must revitalise its once rich economy.