Lebanon: Politician urges nation to join NATO, sparking mockery
Lebanese Member of Parliament Walid Al-Baarini, a Sunni representative from the National Moderation Bloc, urged the Lebanese state to “take a bold stance and submit a request to join NATO as soon as possible,” as reported by The New Arab on June 16th.
This prompted a flood of public criticism and mockery. Observers dismissed the proposal as both politically unrealistic and legally unfeasible.
During a visit to the Akkar region, Al-Baarini clarified that his appeal stemmed from a desire to protect Lebanon and to not involve it in international military issues. He claimed a regional alliance has been deceiving Lebanon for years before collapsing “more quickly than anyone had expected.”
Al-Baarini claimed that NATO membership would shield Lebanon from Israel and other external threats. He insisted that, under NATO rules, member states must defend any fellow member.
He further argued that NATO could supply arms and support to Lebanon’s army and security institutions, while offering international political backing to deter regional dangers. In North Africa, Morocco has wanted to strengthen their alliance with NATO, according to Arab Weekly plus agencies on April 8th.
According to Al-Baarini, recent events proved that diplomacy, not slogans or ideology, remains Lebanon’s only viable safeguard. He urged the nation to reassess its position within what he labelled as a shifting regional order, following the fall of the so-called resistance axis.
Social media users swiftly mocked his comments. One remarked that Al-Baarini “has a bundle of bread and four goats and wants to join NATO,” and suggested the lawmaker joins a local charity. Another joked that the lawmaker viewed NATO as a karate club open to all.
Critics highlighted key obstacles. NATO’s Article 10 restricts membership to European states. Lebanon, in conflict with Israel, a NATO partner, lacks eligibility and remains internally divided, with groups like Hezbollah opposing any Western military alliances.
The New Arab, Arab Weekly plus agencies, Maghrebi.org
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