In August 2024, The What If held a second dialogue between residents of two Beirut neighborhoods long impacted by conflict, this time joined by participants from Tripoli, who shared their own experiences of building coexistence.

Objective of the Dialogue

The dialogue sought to examine the persistent tensions between Chiyah and Ain el-Remmane, two neighborhoods in Beirut historically at the flashpoint of civil conflict. and to explore how lessons from successful peacebuilding experiences in Tripoli (between Jabal Mohsen and Bab al-Tabbaneh) could inform future efforts. It aimed to shift the conversation from recounting past violence toward designing practical, community-led solutions for coexistence.

Participants’ Names and Backgrounds

  • Fouad Dirani, University professor, trainer, and peacebuilding activist, member of “Fighters for Peace”. Leads reconciliation efforts involving ex-fighters and youth in Tripoli, Aley-Chouf, and Abra (East Sidon).
  • Dr. Nour Elhouda Gharib, University instructor & peace activist.
  • Hiba Mohamad Hussein, Driving instructor and psychosocial support facilitator from Tripoli; worked with International Alert to connect women from Jabal Mohsen and Bab al-Tabbaneh through joint activities and trainings.
  • Sarwat Kari, Social activist based in Jabal Mohsen, participant in International Alert’s women-led peacebuilding programs.
  • Laudy Wehbe, Director of the Ain el-Remmaneh Social Center (affiliated with the Ministry of Social Affairs), Has worked in the Chiyah/Ain el-Remmaneh area for over 27 years.
  • Rana, Peacebuilding practitioner (Tripoli-based), speaking on behalf of Nour Elhouda after her departure, Involved in youth dialogue programs and women’s peace activities.

5 Key Takeaways from the dialogue

Tripoli’s Model Offers Transferable Peacebuilding Lessons

Tripoli’s history of violence between Jabal Mohsen and Bab al-Tabbaneh was transformed through long-term, community-led efforts. Activities like joint cooking classes, theater, parenting workshops, and shared iftars enabled women and youth from opposing sides to form deep bonds. These examples provide concrete, adaptable templates for initiatives in Tayyouneh and similarly fractured areas.

We started our initiatives in Tripoli, creating a ‘Roadmap to Peace’ for the city. We met with fighters from various areas… and facilitated dialogue among them to address how they were manipulated during the conflicts.

Fouad Dirani

In Chiyah–Ain el-Remmaneh, Tension Persists Due to Political Interference and Unresolved Bias

Unlike in Tripoli, peacebuilding efforts in Chiyah and Ain el-Remmaneh often stall. Participants cited political manipulation, demographic shifts, and a persistent presence of provocateurs on both sides who inflame tensions. The legacy of the civil war is compounded by deep-seated prejudices passed through generations, often reinforced by parental attitudes.

Youth Are Both the Most Vulnerable and the Most Transformative

Unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, and exposure to drugs and violence make youth in these regions highly susceptible to recruitment into conflict. Yet, they are also crucial agents of change. When involved in dialogue and skills training, youth become bridge-builders between communities, and even influence their more conservative parents.

“In all our initiatives, we consistently incorporate sessions on anger management and active listening, focusing on fostering acceptance of others.

 Dr. Nour Elhouda Gharib 

Women and Mothers Are Key to Sustained Peace

Women-led peacebuilding in Tripoli proved transformative. Mothers who had lost children in the war connected across divides, resulting in their children building trust and friendships across formerly hostile lines. Replicating this model in Beirut, through localized, mother-led initiatives, was strongly endorsed by participants as a sustainable peace strategy.

Peace Needs to Be Locally Driven, Consistently Funded, and Credible

Several participants emphasized that peacebuilding cannot rely on short-term, donor-dependent projects. Initiatives must be rooted in local needs, involve credible representatives from all communities, and ensure continuity beyond the life of a grant. Community centers can provide space; but long-term funding, coordination, and political will are missing links.

It’s the parents who need to attend these courses… Parents shouldn’t abandon their principles, but they should let go of the prejudices they’ve held onto. Encourage your children to live in peace and enter a new phase in life.

Laudy Wehbe

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We used AI to help us with the summary of the dialogue’s transcript, and with the copy editing of the final draft.