Trump's Lebanon fantasy is running smack into reality

['Aurélie Daher', 'Aurélie Daher Is An Associate Professor Of Political Science At Paris-Dauphine Psl University. She Holds A Phd In Political Science Sciences Po Paris', 'Was A Visiting Scholar At The University Of Oxford On Two Occasions', 'A Visiting Fellow At Princeton University', 'Nj', '. Her Book', 'Hezbollah', 'Mobilization', 'Power', 'Was Published In English Oxford University Press.'] Responsible Statecraft 2026-07-30 05:05:01

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, openly enthusiastic, framed the event as paving the way toward “lasting peace and security” between Beirut and Tel Aviv. A month later, President Donald Trump received Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House. Like Tel Aviv, Rubio favors a top-down approach that centers on force and coercion. This reality check led Western governments to pressure Lebanese political parties into postponing the parliamentary elections scheduled for spring 2026 by two years. One thing is certain: it was a rather isolated Lebanese president who took off from Beirut last week to accept Trump’s invitation.