The Dilemma of the Syrian Refugees

Abstract

Syrian refugees are often perceived as threats to the Lebanese state and the Lebanese population’s welfare and security. This research argues that Syrian refugees have both positive and negative impacts on Lebanon. Moreover, it finds that Lebanese identity construction and differentiation contributes to how Syrian refugees are categorized due to several considerations. Lastly, under the rigid power sharing political structure in Lebanon, Syrian refugees could be considered threatening for some groups while in fact, it is the current political structure that should be revised to build more inclusive progressive national identity.