BICOM

An article in the Wall Street Journal has revealed that the United States suspended arms sales to Lebanon in January, following the collapse of the government led by March 14 leader Saad Hariri. The decision was not publicised at the time, according to the report, because of a US desire not to hinder efforts to form a new government in Lebanon. The US is continuing to provide training and non-lethal equipment to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

The move is of considerable political significance, since it reflects an apparent US acknowledgement that Hezbollah, Iran and Syria are now in the ascendant in Lebanon, and that therefore there is no further logic in Washington providing extensive aid to the LAF. Following the collapse of the Hariri government, the pro-western March 14 movement went into opposition. A pro-Syrian prime minister, Najib Makati, is currently engaged in attempting to establish a coalition consisting of Hezbollah and pro-Syrian representatives.

The US has provided Lebanon with $720 million in assistance since 2006.