US “hearts” Lebanon…well…some of them or at least some of the time
The US has a dualism in its relations with Lebanon. While it continues to condemn Hezbollah, has a checkered military history there, it does still like to give Lebanon largesse gifts of arms from time to time. Of course, the US foreign policy of military sales and assistance to select partners is one of the most powerful tools in its armory. In provisioning arms to its friends, it can easily disturb delicate regional balances. By ill-considered transactions it can arm friends that later turn into enemies, such as happened with the Taliban. In giving military capabilities to Lebanon the US walks that thin line between helping friends or enabling enemies.
The US, however, has plenty of goodies to give. The US is responsible for around 50% of the total worldwide arms business. The next Top 20 countries are only responsible for around 20% of all arms sales, so the power is relatively concentrated. Many developing nations want to be invited to eat at the top table, and the best way to get invited is to be an ally of the US. The US just handed out a small carrot to Lebanon but what it buys in the longer term is yet to be seen.
Sphere: Related ContentBEIRUT: The United States provided several significant deliveries of equipment to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) during the past two weeks, a statement by the US embassy said on Saturday. “Specifically the navy was given eight Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats which are specially suited for coastal patrolling and counter-smuggling operations,” the statement added. The US also contributed nine Humvee ambulances and 60 Humvee tactical military vehicles. Lastly, according to the embassy statement, the US delivered a fire truck to the LAF to assist in fighting fires on military bases.
The Daily Star – Politics – US provides LAF marine equpiment to patrol coast
