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The DDR process that took place in Lebanon after the internal wars (1975-89), based on the Ta'if Accord (1989), was not co-ordinated by any international organisation. This paper assesses the reintegration of a number of combatants of one of the militias, the Lebanese Forces, placing particular emphasis on the context in which it unfolded. A programme of reintegration into the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) was proposed to the ex-combatants, but because of the high number on one side and because of the situation within the LAF itself (a pluri-religious organisation under reorganisation) this programme had little effect on the process. Instead the majority of the ex-combatants came to rely on their family and network established within the militia for their social and economic reintegration. This study finds that there has been little rupture between life as combatants and life as civilians. Three contextual factors were particularly important: the small size of the country, the rhythm of the war where periods of combat alternated with periods of calm, and the close contact combatants managed to keep with their family, work, schools and universities. A key lesson for DDR processes more generally stems from the study: DDR initiatives are likely to be most effective when they work alongside and augment indigenous positive social processes contributing to reintegration. Adapted from the source document.

Etter sederrevolusjonen i 2005 følte majoriteten av Libanons kristne at de hadde oppnådd mange av sine viktigste mål. Men tiden etter Syrias retrett ble også preget av attentater som i hovedsak rammet kristne områder og kristne, antisyriske journalister og politikere. Demografisk utvikling, mangel på samlende ledere og en voksende islamisme gjør at de kristne føler seg stadig mer usikre.

For 20 years Norway participated in the UN peacekeeping forces in South Lebanon. On average there were 30 women in each contingent, which consisted of up to 900 persons. During the first years they served in the medical corps, logistics, & staff units. In 1984 full gender equality was introduced in the Norwegian armed forces, & from then on a growing number of women also served in military positions in South Lebanon. In 1992, a Swedish Major-General took over as force commander. One of his initiatives was to recommend the exclusion of women from most military functions, a decision based on the assumption that they could not perform their duties because of the presence of Muslim men. This initiated an intense discussion in Norway, revealing some of the contradictions that may occur within a multinational force between the intentions of UN headquarters, different nations' policies, & the reality in the field. It also presented an opportunity to debate women's contribution to peace operations. Adapted from the source document.