Conflict on Mount Lebanon

Explores the underlying reasons for the conflict between the Druze and the Maronites of Lebanon The Druze and the Maronites - arguably the two founding communities of modern Lebanon - have the reputation of being primordial enemies. Makram Rabah attempts to gauge the impact of collective memory on determining the course and the nature of the conflict between these communities in Mount Lebanon. He takes as his focus 'the War of the Mountain' in 1982, reconstructing the events of this war through the framework of collective remembrance and oral history. He challenges the idea that these group identities were constructed by their respective centres of power within the Maronite and Druze community, providing an alternative to the prevailing meta-narrative. Telling the stories of the many people who took part in these events, or who simply suffered as a consequence, helps to expose the intrinsic motives which led to this conflict and makes a valuable contribution to the field of Lebanese historical scholarship. Key Features  Introduces an innovative lens and framework (collective memory) for understanding sectarian and communal hostilities: equally applicable to other disputes including the current Sunni-Shiite conflict in the region  Employs new methodologies as well as interdisciplinary approaches to the Lebanese conflict, from memory studies, anthropology and oral history  Uses untapped primary and secondary sources, paving the way for further research on collective memory and conflict  Draws on extensive interviews with many of those involved in or affected by the conflict  Presents collective memory as a reason for conflict, challenging the view that equates Lebanese civil strife with sectarianism or foreign intervention Makram Rabah is a Lecturer of History at the American University of Beirut. He is also the author of A Campus at War: Student Politics at the American University of Beirut 1967-1975 (2009).