Second Republic

Lebanese history

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July 17, 2026

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Lebanon's Second Republic began in 1990 following the end of its civil war. A primary challenge was reconstructing the nation's infrastructure and implementing political reforms agreed upon at Taif. Prime Minister Rafic al-Hariri led a significant reconstruction program aimed at reviving the economy and reestablishing Lebanon as a regional financial center.

Despite efforts to end confessionalism, sectarian allegiances became more entrenched. Real political power rested with the president, prime minister, and speaker of the Assembly, often through elite bargaining. The period saw the reintegration of marginalized groups, including Maronite Christians and Hezbollah, into the political process. The civil war, which lasted over 15 years, resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.12

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Lebanon
Lebanon’s Second Republic (1990– )
The immediate challenges of Lebanon’s post-civil war period were to reconstruct the country’s social and economic infrastructure and to institutionalize the political reforms agreed to at Ṭāʾif. The
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The immediate challenges of Lebanon’s post-civil war period were to reconstruct the country’s social and economic infrastructure and to institutionalize the political reforms agreed to at Ṭāʾif. The
Read More