Security sector reform in Lebanon. (c2013)

Abstract

This thesis highlights whether Lebanon is undergoing Security Sector Reform by examining the critical timing of Women’s recruitment in the Internal Security Forces. The statuses of the Lebanese women and the ISF have been maturing at their own pace due to the country’s unique nature. This law enforcement agency has recently witnessed change and improvement after being neglected for so many years. The wars and political allegiances have all delayed the ISF from the path of professionalism. Women’s presence in the ISF has long been limited to two members until 2011 where the doors for applicants have been opened. This decision is the most recent resolution taken after series of choices destined to strengthen the ISF. Lebanon is considered to be a post-conflict society marked by its unfortunate history. A diversified portfolio of literature defining Security Sector Reform (SSR) and its application is deeply discussed in order to establish a benchmark for Lebanon. In addition, Gender Sensitive Reform is defined on the premise that women’s and men’s socially constructed roles, behaviors, social positions, access to power and resources create gender specific vulnerabilities or gendered insecurities, some of which are particularly salient during and after conflict, because sexual and gender based violence may have been used as a weapon of war, and may continue at high levels when conflict is formally ended. This thesis explores the possibility of applying security sector reform to the ISF occurring changes. In addition to that several reasons can be determined for initiating Women’s recruitment. The foreign assistance program, the flaws in the system, success of previous experiences or the political reasons behind the change, can all offer us an insight to determine the reasons of this critical timing. The prospects of this step seem promising on every level. The surveys conducted on the public and ISF members highlight a positive reaction to this new measure. The ISF is undergoing a change caused by several factors working together. Women recruitment could be considered as a double edge sword either driving the ISF forward or holding it back even more than the volatility of the political situation and internal problems.