Lebanon: Strategic and Political Challenges and Opportunities
Abstract
The first U.S. military intervention in Lebanon was embarked on in 1958. Now after almost 50 years American interventionism in Lebanon has recurred due to new U.S. priorities triggered by Operation Iraqi Freedom. A new U.S. foreign policy orientation toward Lebanon gained further momentum with the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003. The U.S. government has stated that its goals are to help Lebanon regain its sovereignty freedom and independence. However U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East is such that these goals are concomitant and compete with the preservation of the U.S.-Israeli strategic relationship. The United States should promote freedom and sovereignty for foreign nations without creating conditions whereby governments are perennially dependent on U.S. interventions for their survival. The United States can help the spread of democracy, but without causing chaos and disorder. This case study of Lebanon analyzes the current strategic and political challenges in light of Lebanon's political developments and U.S. interests in the country.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA479599
Entities
People
- Andre B. Maachar
Organizations
- United States Army War College