Lebanon’s Dahiyeh: Reconstruction Amidst Constant Threat
Beirut’s southern district of Dahiyeh is once again grappling with the immense challenge of reconstruction, but the current situation differs drastically from the rebuilding efforts following the 2006 war with Israel. This reality is the focus of recent research by Iman Ali, a doctoral candidate in anthropology at Cornell University, and was discussed on the MERIP Podcast.
The Shifting Landscape of Reconstruction
Ali’s fieldwork in Lebanon investigates the impacts of Israel’s war in the fall of 2024 and the almost daily Israeli drone and missile attacks that have continued since the November 2024 ceasefire. Her article, “Repair Amid Ongoing Ruination—Rebuilding Dahiyeh Once More,” published in the Winter 2025 issue of Middle East Report, highlights the material and political obstacles facing Lebanon’s Shi’i community.
Following the 2006 conflict between Hizballah and Israel, Dahiyeh was rebuilt relatively quickly, supported by funding from regional and global partners and spearheaded by Hizballah’s Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah. Today, financial support is scarce, Hizballah’s leadership has been weakened, and the constant threat of renewed Israeli aggression looms large. Ali notes that the challenge of rebuilding is significantly different now.
UNIFIL’s Role and Local Community Impact
Iman Ali’s broader research interests include the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and its relationship with local communities in south Lebanon. She is funded by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Program (NSF-GRFP) and the Wenner-Gren Foundation.
The podcast discussion, featuring Ali and Najib Hourani, an associate professor of anthropology and global urban studies at Michigan State University, explored the history of Dahiyeh and the burden placed on Lebanon’s Shi’i communities by ongoing resistance to Israeli aggression.
Challenges to Long-Term Stability
The lack of consistent funding and the precarious security situation present significant hurdles to long-term stability in Dahiyeh. The contrast with the post-2006 reconstruction, which benefited from robust financial backing and strong leadership, underscores the severity of the current challenges.
The situation highlights the complex interplay between political factors, international relations, and the lived experiences of communities affected by conflict. Ali’s research provides valuable insights into these dynamics.
Further Research and Perspectives
Related research explores urban interventions in conflict zones, the history of the Shi’i movement in Lebanon, and the role of Hizballah in urban planning. Scholars like Hiba Bou Akar, Tamara Chalabi, Lara Deeb, Mona Fawaz, Mona Harb, Najib Hourani, Munira Khayyat, and Salim Nasr have contributed to this body of knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is UNIFIL?
A: UNIFIL is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, a peacekeeping mission established to monitor the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
Q: What are the main obstacles to rebuilding Dahiyeh?
A: The main obstacles include a lack of financial support, weakened leadership, and the constant threat of renewed Israeli aggression.
Q: Where can I read Iman Ali’s article?
A: You can read her article, “Repair Amid Ongoing Ruination–Rebuilding Dahiyeh Once More,” on the MERIP website: https://www.merip.org/2026/02/repair-amid-ongoing-ruination-rebuilding-dahiyeh-once-more/
Did you know? The situation in Dahiyeh reflects broader challenges facing communities in conflict zones worldwide, where reconstruction efforts are often hampered by political instability and limited resources.
Pro Tip: To learn more about the historical context of the Shi’i movement in Lebanon, explore the work of Salim Nasr, particularly his 1985 article “The Roots of the Shi’i Movement” in Middle East Report.
Stay informed about the ongoing challenges and reconstruction efforts in Lebanon. Explore more articles on MERIP and contribute to discussions on these critical issues.
