Rebuild Quickly or Wait: The Dilemma Facing Lebanon

Beirut, January 2025 – Lebanon is at a crossroads. Years of economic collapse, political instability, and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut port explosion have left the country in dire need of rebuilding. But a critical question divides leaders and citizens alike: should Lebanon focus on rapid reconstruction to restore normalcy, or take a slower, more deliberate approach to ensure lasting reform?

Case for Speed

For advocates of immediate action, the reasoning is simple: the country’s basic infrastructure is collapsing. Power outages last most of the day, clean water is scarce, and key institutions like schools and hospitals are struggling to operate. Rapid rebuilding could:

• Create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic recovery.
• Restore confidence among international investors.
• Address the urgent humanitarian needs of displaced citizens.

But history casts a long shadow. Critics warn that hastily rebuilding without systemic reform risks repeating the mistakes of the past, where corruption and mismanagement plagued recovery efforts, leaving Lebanon worse off in the long run.

A Call for Caution

Others argue that Lebanon must address its foundational issues before undertaking large-scale reconstruction. For them, tackling corruption, reforming governance, and investing in long-term planning are prerequisites to meaningful recovery.

“Rushing into reconstruction without accountability is like building on quicksand,” says a civil society leader in Beirut.

This camp believes Lebanon should take the time to:

• Ensure transparency in the allocation of reconstruction funds.
• Engage international experts in urban planning and sustainable development.
• Reform political and financial institutions to prevent further crises.

Yet, delaying too long could deepen public despair and force more Lebanese to emigrate, draining the country of its talent and hope for recovery.

A Balancing Act

The path forward seems to lie in a delicate balance. Lebanon cannot afford to wait indefinitely, nor can it afford to ignore the need for reform. Immediate steps, such as restoring critical infrastructure and addressing humanitarian crises, must go hand-in-hand with deeper, systemic changes.

International Pressure and Hope

The global community has offered financial support, but much of it is contingent on reforms. While this pressure is necessary, experts caution that international donors must also provide technical guidance to ensure funds are used effectively.

Lebanon’s struggle to rebuild is emblematic of challenges faced by nations recovering from crises. The decisions made now will shape not just the country’s immediate future, but the prospects for generations to come.