Acceso usuarios
Mona Fawaz
This research looks at post-2006-war reconstruction of the southern suburbs of Beirutunder the auspices of Hezbollah (the Islamic resistance movement in Lebanon). Theproject was widely acclaimed as an alternative to current neoliberal planning practicesin the Middle East and beyond. Based on a critical reading of the conception of propertyissues in this planning project, the article argues that this reconstruction presents a newgeometry or alternative to the mainstream configuration of neoliberal urbanism, ratherthan a departure from its precepts. The reason for this is that the adopted language ofproperty corresponds closely with the conception of property advocated by neoliberalplanning, one that enshrines private, individual ownership as sacred and desirable andthat works to strengthen its model in the city. I further argue that the ‘neoliberal planningregime’ within which Hezbollah’s urban intervention occurs is not accidental; rather, itis necessary for the party’s control of this space’s future and for consolidating itsterritory in the city. It is hence expected that Hezbollah’s planning in the city willproduce the same decried effects as neoliberal planning elsewhere in the city rather thanusher an innovative, progressive model of planning.
