Syrians Entering Lebanon Face New Visa Restrictions

In the latest and most significant step to stop the flow of Syrian refugees into Lebanon, Syrians will soon need visas to enter the country, the BBC reports.

The move represents a major shift for the two countries, whose citizens have long moved across the Syrian–Lebanese border with ease, and marks a steep policy response to the weight of Syria’s conflict on its neighbours. As a result of the Syrian war, Lebanon has become the country with the highest per capita concentration of refugees in the world: It is home to more than 1.1 million Syrian refugees, who now make up over 20 percent of Lebanon’s population.

Before the new restriction was imposed, Syrians were able to stay in Lebanon for up to six months. As of today, Syrians attempting to enter Lebanon will now have to meet certain criteria to be granted a visa at the border.

“The measure says Syrians must apply for one of several types of visas, such as student, business and transit, but refugee was not listed among them,” the New York Times reports.

“It is unclear what the rule will mean for the many Syrians already in the country and not registered as refugees,” the BBC adds.

The political and social climate in Lebanon has become increasingly hostile to Syrian refugees. Resentment against Syrians has grown, with many complaining that refugees are using Lebanon’s already overstretched resources and creating tensions near border areas. As fighting escalated between the Lebanese army and ISIS militants, there have been several reports of revenge attacks on Syrian refugees, including refugee tents being set on fire.

Jabhat al-Nusra Clashes with Syrian Army and Hezbollah on Lebanese–Syrian Border

Jabhat al-Nusra fighters battled with members of Hezbollah and the Syrian army on the Syrian–Lebanese border over the weekend, Reuters reports.

Fighters on both sides were killed when Jabhat al-Nusra attacked the Syrian village of Flita, in the Qalamoun mountain range. According to security sources, three Hezbollah fighters, five Syrian soldiers and more than 15 members of Jabhat al-Nusra died.

Fighting from Syria spilled into Lebanon several times last year, threatening to drag the country into its neighbor’s war. In one of the most intense incidents, Jabhat al-Nusra and ISIS fighters launched an incursion into Arsal, Lebanon; they seized more than 20 Lebanese soldiers, beheading two and shooting one.

Hezbollah’s role in the Syrian conflict has amplified tensions in Lebanon and Syria. The support of Hezbollah has been critical to the political survival of President Bashar al-Assad and his government, as it sent thousands of its fighters to support the Syrian army.

Syria’s Western-Backed Opposition Elects New Leader

Syria’s Western-backed opposition group has elected Khaled Khoja as its new president, AP reports.

Khoja, who replaced Hadi al-Bahra, was elected Sunday after a three-day meeting of the National Coalition in Istanbul.

The election comes amid discussion of peace talks in Moscow between the Syrian government and the opposition. “The coalition has not ruled out participating, but has so far insisted on conditions,” AP writes.

The coalition has been criticized for being out of touch with Syrians on the ground and with the militant groups fighting the Assad regime.

Recommended Reads:

• NY Times: As Refugee Tide Swells, Lebanon Plans a Visa Requirement for Syrians
• Al Jazeera: Syrians Fleeing War Maimed by Landmines
• Reuters: Foreigners Fighting Islamic State in Syria: Who and Why?
• Washington Post: Pentagon Denies Attempted Special Operations Raid in Syria
• Al Jazeera: Europe’s Fear of Syria’s Ghost Boats
• NBC News: American Volunteers Refuse to Abandon Syria’s Children
• Deutsche Welle: Airstrikes, Rival Shelling Kill Dozens in Syria
• Reuters: Islamist Group Seizes Damascus Suburb From Rivals
• Telegraph: Syria Rebels Burned Down Churches and Destroyed Christian Graves