Iraq's Position Towards the 1968 Lebanese Parliamentary ‎Elections

Turki, Elham Hatem; A. Farhan, Fahmi

doi:10.37653/juah.2025.188304

	Iraq's Position Towards the 1968 Lebanese Parliamentary ‎Elections
Journal of University of Anbar for Humanities
Volume 2025, Issue 2, June 2025, Pages 425-436 PDF (4.29 M)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.37653/juah.2025.188304
Authors
Elham Hatem Turki^* ¹; Fahmi A. Farhan²
¹University of Anbar - College of Education for Girls
²University of Anbar - College of Education for Humanities
Abstract
Aims: This research aims to study the Lebanese parliamentary elections of 1968 as a prominent political turning point in Lebanon's modern history, and the accompanying internal conflicts and blocs that had a direct impact on Lebanese political life. The research also focuses on analyzing Iraq's official and unofficial stance on these elections, in light of the regional and international political interactions that the region was witnessing at the time. Methodology: The historical-analytical approach was adopted in addressing the subject of the study, through a review of official documents, sources, and statements issued by Iraqi authorities, in addition to what was reported in the Iraqi and Lebanese press during that period. Political data related to the course of the electoral process and the conflict between the various Lebanese forces were also analyzed. Results: The research demonstrated that the Lebanese elections of 1968 were not merely an internal event, but rather reflected a broader political struggle between two main movements: one inclined to maintain the situation as it is, led by Camille Chamoun and Pierre Gemayel, and the other calling for reform and change, led by Kamal Jumblatt and Sabri Hamadeh. Iraq showed clear interest in these elections due to the potential impact of their outcomes on the regional balance of power. The elections reflected in official, diplomatic, and media coverage. Conclusions: The study concluded that Iraq's position on the 1968 Lebanese parliamentary elections stemmed from its vision of its regional role and its support for nationalist and reformist forces in Lebanon. The elections also revealed the fragility of Lebanese political balances amid sectarian divisions and external tensions, making them a pivotal moment in Lebanon's modern political history.
Keywords
Iraq; position; Lebanon; parliamentary; elections

References
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