L’enlèvement : une arme centrale de la Guerre du Liban (1975-1990)

Abstract

Abduction is an original form of violence generally understood as limited to two of its most visible forms : kidnapping and disappearances. As a result, abduction is rarely taken into account in the universe of war and is not considered as a mode of combat. In spite of this, the tens of thousands of abductions that took place in Lebanon between 1975 and 1990 illustrate the importance of this practice in the context of complex armed civil conflicts. Due to its widespread use by combatants, abduction became one of the central means by which war was fought. Analysing abduction allows us to shed light on the mechanisms used on the ground during this period of war. Abduction was used as a means of achieving several objectives, thanks in part to its capacity to adapt to the rhythm of war and the different forms combat may take. Abductions illustrate some of the strategic issues of war and the nature of the relationship between rivals. They act as a means of negotiating with the opponent and they also represent a ritual of vengeance and a means of shifting the balance of spatial control. As a result of their permanent use during fifteen years of conflict and their effects on both the civilian and military populations, abductions constitute one of the most traumatising aspects of war, producing long term-effects on inhabitants. The withholding of individuals as an act of war raises a series of unanswered questions that open the door to a long-forgotten reality : that of the Lebanese war experience. This “ new ” weapon also raises questions regarding modern forms of combat. The multiple uses of abduction and the relation to the enemy that it expresses may explain why it became such a widespread practice in a highly unorthodox armed conflict.