Apologies in Post-War Lebanon: An Examination

Abstract

Following the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) the country entered into a period of ‘collective amnesia’ whereby the Lebanese avoided discussing the conflict at all costs. This amnesia was encouraged by Lebanon’s key politicians and elites, who were often perpetrators of violence or leaders of militias. However, since 2001, a series of political apologies have occurred in Lebanon. These apologies have been discussed and debated in the Lebanese press; they have also encouraged various responses from the public regarding motives and sincerity. Using examples of apologies between Lebanon’s Christian community and Palestinian refugees, this article will highlight how apologies are becoming part of the country’s civil war discourse. Art, the press and film will also be examined, as they are other areas which have linked apologies to civil war memory and discussions.