Lebanon’s Dahiyeh: Rebuilding Amidst Ruin & Israel’s Ongoing Attacks

The latest episode of the MERIP Podcast, featuring anthropologist Iman Ali, delves into the complex realities of reconstruction and ongoing devastation in Lebanon, specifically within the Shi’i community and the southern district of Dahiyeh. Ali, a doctoral candidate at Cornell University, has been conducting fieldwork in Lebanon since the fall of 2024, documenting the impacts of Israel’s war and the near-daily drone and missile strikes that have continued even after the November 2024 ceasefire agreement. The podcast, recorded on February 25, 2026, examines her recently published article, “Repair Amid Ongoing Ruination—Rebuilding Dahiyeh Once More,” which appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of Middle East Report.

The Burden of Resistance and Rebuilding

Ali’s research focuses on the immense material and political challenges facing Lebanon’s Shi’i community. Her work draws a stark contrast between the current rebuilding efforts in Dahiyeh and the situation following the 2006 war between Hizballah and Israel. After the 2006 conflict, Hizballah, under the leadership of Hassan Nasrallah, successfully rebuilt the neighborhoods of Dahiyeh with substantial funding from regional and global partners. Today, although, the landscape is dramatically different. Financing is scarce, Hizballah’s leadership has been weakened, and the constant threat of renewed Israeli aggression looms large.

The podcast episode, co-hosted by MERIP’s executive director James Ryan and Najib Hourani, an associate professor of anthropology and global urban studies at Michigan State University, explores the historical context of Dahiyeh and the profound burden that resistance to Israeli aggression has placed on Lebanon’s Shi’i communities. The conversation centers on Ali’s article, which examines the intricacies of rebuilding in a context of persistent instability and the political obstacles hindering progress.

UNIFIL’s Evolving Role in South Lebanon

Iman Ali’s broader research, supported by a dissertation fieldwork grant from the Wenner-Gren Foundation, extends beyond the immediate challenges of reconstruction. Her dissertation, “Armed in the name of peace: Everyday Militant Peacekeeping in South Lebanon,” investigates the role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Established in 1978 to prevent an Israeli invasion, UNIFIL ultimately failed to prevent subsequent invasions in 1978 and from 1982-2000. Despite this initial failure, UNIFIL remains a significant presence in Lebanon, and has grown in power over the past 45 years.

Ali’s work examines how UNIFIL provisions aid through infrastructure projects and development initiatives, analyzing how the organization, initially intended to restrain Israeli power, inadvertently contributes to conditions that perpetuate its own presence. She approaches UNIFIL as a “militarized cultural institution” shaped by interactions with local communities through infrastructure and development. Her research questions include the relationship between UNIFIL’s presence and the extension of Israeli occupation, the ways in which locals engage with and contest UNIFIL’s activities, and the future that materializes through UNIFIL’s development efforts, as well as how Southerners envision their own futures independent of UNIFIL’s influence. More details on her grant and research focus are available on the Wenner-Gren Foundation website.

Historical Context: Dahiyeh and Hizballah’s Influence

The southern suburbs of Beirut, known as Dahiyeh, have long been a stronghold of Hizballah. Following the 2006 war, the organization played a central role in the reconstruction of the area, leveraging financial support from Iran and other regional actors. This rebuilding effort was not merely physical; it involved the creation of a distinct social and political landscape, solidifying Hizballah’s influence within the community. As noted in research by Mona Fawaz, Hizballah has actively engaged in urban planning, shaping the physical environment to reflect its ideology and strengthen its control.

However, the current situation differs significantly. The political landscape has shifted, regional funding has dried up, and the threat of further conflict remains constant. This creates a unique set of challenges for rebuilding Dahiyeh, as highlighted by Ali’s research. The lack of financial resources and the weakened leadership of Hizballah, coupled with the pervasive fear of renewed Israeli aggression, create a climate of uncertainty and hinder long-term planning.

The Broader Regional Implications

The situation in Dahiyeh and South Lebanon has broader implications for regional stability. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hizballah, even at a low intensity, contributes to the volatile security environment in the Middle East. The reconstruction challenges faced by Lebanon’s Shi’i community also highlight the wider issue of post-conflict recovery in a region plagued by protracted conflicts. The failure to adequately address the needs of affected communities can exacerbate existing grievances and contribute to radicalization.

the role of UNIFIL raises questions about the effectiveness of international peacekeeping operations in complex political environments. Whereas UNIFIL has been present in Lebanon for over four decades, its ability to prevent conflict and promote stability remains limited. Ali’s research suggests that UNIFIL’s very presence can inadvertently contribute to the conditions that necessitate its continued involvement, creating a cycle of dependency and intervention. This dynamic is echoed in other UN peacekeeping missions around the world, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability and impact of these operations.

Confirmed and Unclear Aspects

What is confirmed: Israel conducted a war in Lebanon in the fall of 2024, followed by almost daily attacks since the November 2024 ceasefire. Iman Ali is conducting fieldwork on the impacts of this conflict. Reconstruction in Dahiyeh faces significant challenges due to lack of funding and political instability. UNIFIL remains a powerful presence in South Lebanon despite its historical inability to prevent Israeli invasions.

What remains unclear: The long-term political trajectory of Lebanon and the future of Hizballah’s influence. The extent to which international actors will provide financial assistance for reconstruction. The likelihood of renewed large-scale conflict between Israel and Hizballah. The ultimate impact of UNIFIL’s presence on the region’s stability.

Looking Ahead: Procedural Next Steps

Iman Ali will continue her fieldwork in Lebanon, gathering data and conducting interviews to further refine her analysis of UNIFIL’s role and the challenges of reconstruction. Her dissertation is expected to contribute valuable insights to the academic understanding of peacekeeping operations and post-conflict recovery. The MERIP Podcast will likely continue to provide a platform for critical analysis of the Middle East, offering a space for scholars and experts to share their research and perspectives. The situation on the ground in Lebanon remains fluid, and ongoing monitoring of the political and security dynamics will be crucial for understanding the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the country and its communities. Further research, such as that by Munira Khayyat on life as resistance in South Lebanon, provides additional context to the ongoing situation.