In our new Staff Spotlight series, we are taking you behind the scenes to meet the people pushing our mission forward.
Today, we are thrilled to feature Matthew Audi, our Government Affairs and Policy Associate. 2/2
At the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), our mission is driven by a dedicated team that deeply understands both the complexities of U.S. policy and the vibrant heart of the Lebanese diaspora. 1/2
ATFL encourages all parties to act with urgency and purpose to translate this moment into lasting progress.
Read our full wrap-up statement here: buff.ly/1RiDpug
#Lebanon #Diplomacy #USPolicy 6/6
Lebanon faces a narrow but meaningful window. If seized, it shifts the trajectory toward recovery. If missed, the risks of renewed escalation, economic collapse, and regional spillover will only grow. 5/6
Progress now depends on consolidating the ceasefire into a state-led process to restore authority and address the question of arms. Over time, this can lay the groundwork for long-term peaceful coexistence between Lebanon and Israel. 4/6
But stabilization cannot wait. The new $200M World Bank loan is a vital step toward addressing urgent recovery needs. Moving forward, global institutions like the IMF will be critical to shaping Lebanon’s economic recovery. 3/6
The ceasefire and renewed US diplomatic engagement, led by Sec. Rubio, show that diplomacy is the only viable path. We commend this effort to anchor an independent, Lebanon-specific diplomatic track. 2/6
The past week marked a pivotal moment for Lebanon. From a $200M World Bank loan to a ceasefire and direct talks in DC, we are seeing renewed international engagement at a critical juncture. 🧵 ⅙
She took the artistry of Beirut and brought it to the pinnacle of global luxury.
This #ArabAmericanHeritageMonth, our Heritage Highlights series honors Reem Acra, the visionary designer who redefined modern elegance.
Read her story here:https://buff.ly/eczwdof
#LebaneseAmerican #Fashion
ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel (@EdGabrielDC) met with Druze leader Walid Jumblatt (@walidjoumblatt). Mr. Jumblatt reaffirmed his support for Lebanon–Israel negotiations and underscored the importance of achieving a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, with no buffer zones.
ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel is currently in Lebanon and met with US Ambassador Michel Issa. Ambassador Issa’s leadership continues to play a critical role in advancing Lebanon–Israel negotiations, bringing renewed focus and momentum to efforts aimed at achieving lasting stability and security.
We remember the American and Lebanese lives lost that day, and all those who have since fallen victim to terrorism. In honoring their memory, we reaffirm our commitment to peace, accountability, and to advancing efforts that support a more stable and secure future free from terror.
We join the US Embassy in solemnly marking the 43rd anniversary of the April 18, 1983 terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassy in Beirut.
Anthony Shadid didn’t just report the news; he told the human story. ✍️
This #ArabAmericanHeritageMonth, we honor the 2x Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who fundamentally changed how America understood the Middle East. Read his story:
buff.ly/toSNLBP
#LebaneseAmerican
ATFL supports a future in which Israelis and Lebanese alike can live in peace, prosperity, and security. With a ceasefire now in place, the focus must turn to ensuring all parties remain committed to sustained peace talks as the only viable path forward.
There is growing concern amongst US lawmakers about the widespread civilian harm caused by Israel's decision to attack civilian targets in Lebanon. The international community and bipartisan voices in Congress are fully supportive of current US-led diplomatic efforts between Israel and Lebanon.
Last night, the Senate voted on two joint resolutions introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to block the sale of 1,000-pound bombs and military bulldozers to Israel. While the measures failed, as expected, they did so while securing the highest level of support for such a measure.
ATFL President Amb. Ed Gabriel: “This is an historic opportunity for Lebanon and Israel. While significant challenges remain, this opening must be seized to advance a new era of peace and stability in the region.” 5/5
Read our full statement: buff.ly/3W3rK9d
#Lebanon #Diplomacy
Long-term stability requires restoring Lebanese sovereignty, addressing Hezbollah’s presence outside state authority, and supporting the LAF. The international community must mobilize to support Lebanon's recovery. 4/5
While this temporary ceasefire is an essential breakthrough, it must serve as the beginning of a diplomatic process. Consolidating the ceasefire will require robust mechanisms for deconfliction, monitoring, and enforcement. 3/5
We appreciate President Trump’s leadership in securing this ceasefire. We also commend the sustained diplomatic efforts of Sec. Rubio & US Amb. Michel Issa, alongside the leadership of Lebanese President Aoun & PM Nawaf Salam. 2/5
ATFL welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. This is a critical and long-overdue step towards halting a dangerous escalation that has inflicted significant harm across Lebanon. 🧵 1/5 buff.ly/3W3rK9d
The father of modern cardiovascular surgery was the son of Lebanese immigrants.
Join us this #ArabAmericanHeritageMonth as our Heritage Highlights series celebrates the legacy of Dr. Michael DeBakey. Read his incredible story and explore our interactive timeline:
buff.ly/AvDVNmD
The US has a vital role in sustaining this through support for the LAF & international coordination. We must seize this moment for diplomacy and state-to-state engagement. Read our full statement:
buff.ly/qrgu2q8
#Lebanon #Diplomacy 4/4
Near-term success means establishing de-escalation and disarmament mechanisms, and confidence-building measures. This is critical to preventing further deterioration and charting a path toward peace. 3/4
A Lebanon track must stand on its own, independent of broader regional negotiations. Achieving a durable outcome will also require addressing the role of Hezbollah, which operates outside Lebanese state authority. 2/4
ATFL welcomes the launch of direct talks between Lebanon & Israel in Washington. We applaud the US administration for prioritizing this and commend President Joseph Aoun for proposing them. This is an urgent diplomatic opening. 🧵 1/4
buff.ly/qrgu2q8
The US has a vital role in sustaining this through support for the LAF & international coordination. We must seize this moment for diplomacy and state-to-state engagement. Read our full statement:
buff.ly/qrgu2q8
#Lebanon #Diplomacy 4/4
Near-term success means establishing de-escalation and disarmament mechanisms, and confidence-building measures. This is critical to preventing further deterioration and charting a path toward peace. 3/4
A Lebanon track must stand on its own, independent of broader regional negotiations. Achieving a durable outcome will also require addressing the role of Hezbollah, which operates outside Lebanese state authority. 2/4