The U.S. Government is Cutting Military Aid to Lebanon

The U.S. has really taken a serious and active role in promoting peace and stability across the region. In the Middle East for example, the U.S. has been spending billions of dollars in foreign aid to various countries that need it. Countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel and Egypt are the ones that receive the most or the bigger chunk of money compared to other countries. Lebanon, for one is also a recipient of U.S. foreign aid which goes directly to the strengthening of their military.

Just recently, the chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Howard Berman, decided to suspend the financial assistance the U.S. is giving to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The military aid is estimated to be around $100 million. The reason for such suspension is based on the assumption that the Lebanese government is being highly influenced by Hezbollah militants. Hezbollah is a Shi’a Islamist political and paramilitary organization which asserts influence into Lebanese politics and government decision.

The U.S. was afraid that Lebanon might also use the aid to stage a war against Israel. As we all know, Israel is a major ally of the U.S. and absolution mutual protection is being exercised by both nations. The move by Congress was being reinforced with the recent clash between Israel and Lebanese troops near the border. The August 3 clash claimed the lives one Lebanese journalist, two Lebanese soldiers and an Israeli senior officer. Speculations of Iranian-backed Hezbollah militiamen were the cause of such a deadly skirmish.

Lebanese officials immediately condemn the suspension stating that the move will only weaken the national army which for years has been limited only to internal affairs. For years, the Lebanese Army has maintained over 60,000 troops most of which are still incapable of handling external affairs. Lebanese officials also stated that Shiite militants were in no way involved in the recent deadly clash. Whatever the reason for such unacceptable behavior between both sides, the U.S. is determined to cut military aid and protect Israel, its major ally.

Why is the U.S. sending tons of money to Lebanon in the first place? It is a given fact and we can’t deny it that the Lebanese government is definitely being influenced by Hezbollah militants. It is not a very good idea for the U.S. to support such types of government. Also, with so much financial problems the U.S. is facing internally, cutting on excess spending might very well help a lot. Foreign aid should be the least priority of U.S. government now and must focus instead with basic social services that the American people badly need. With a huge budget deficit, the U.S should rethink their priorities and remove any unnecessary spending.