Lebanon targets gas and aid

The crisis-hit nation dreams of better diplomatic relations to help boost its crippled economy and unlock a gas bonanza. But dreams they may remain

The administration of US president Donald Trump—seeking a foreign policy win ahead of a bitterly contested election—has brokered maritime delineation talks between Israel and Lebanon. The historic negotiations, which stretch from gas development to regional geopolitics, kicked off in mid-October with the two sides, technically at war, sitting in the same room but communicating only through US and UN mediators. Experts say the tapping of veteran Lebanese politician Saad Hariri as the country’s prime minister in late October may be a positive development for the talks. Nonetheless, low oil and gas prices and possible spoiler actions by Turkey and Russia—as well as Iran—could render any deal me