Reference

The 1991 amnesty law in Lebanon, promulgated on August 26, 1991, had significant political impacts on former militia leaders. This law was designed to cover all political and wartime crimes committed prior to March 28, 1991, effectively providing a clean slate for individuals involved in the civil conflict that ravaged the country from 1975 to 1990.

1. Reintegration: Former militia leaders, thanks to the amnesty, were able to reintegrate into Lebanese society and its economy. Many were able to leverage their past connections and influence to establish or place former fighters into private firms both domestically and abroad. The demand for such placements was high, especially during the economic reconstruction phase following the war (Conciliation Resources).

2. Political Stability and Transition: The amnesty law was part of a broader move towards political reconciliation and stability by turning "a new page" in Lebanon’s history. It allowed the country to focus on rebuilding and moving forward, as prosecuting all war crimes would have been socially and politically destabilizing (Amnesty International PDF).

3. Impunity and Criticism: Despite its aim to promote national reconciliation, the amnesty law has been criticized for perpetuating a culture of impunity. Many former warlords transitioned into political figures, maintaining their influence in post-war Lebanon, which in some views entrenched systemic corruption and patronage networks. This lack of accountability for past crimes has been a source of ongoing tension and criticism (Refworld).

In summary, while the 1991 amnesty law facilitated a significant degree of political stability and reintegration of former militia leaders into society, it has also been criticized for fostering a political culture of impunity and corruption.