1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov October 6, 2020Lebanons Economic CrisisLebanon faces a serious economic crisis. The government defaulted on its debt in March 2020, its currency has lost 80% of its value since 2019, consumers and businesses are grappling with hyperinflation, and the banking sector is
2、 insolvent. Unemployment and poverty in the country have surged. Lebanons economic challenges have exacerbated political turmoil, fueling nationwide protests against inequality and the perception that political elites across the spectrum have manipulated financial institutions for their own gain. Pr
3、otests and political gridlock have resulted in the resignation of three prime ministers since October 2019; Lebanon has been unable to form a government since the August 2020 resignation of Prime Minister Hassan Diab. While Lebanon is urgently seeking financial assistance abroad, its current caretak
4、er government cannot enact the reforms that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated are necessary for aid negotiations to progress. Lebanons economic crisis has wide-ranging implications for political stability and regional security. U.S. adversaries in Lebanonincluding Hezbollah and its pa