Lebanon and U.S. Establish Joint Military Commission
With concerns about Lebanon’s security situation building, an announcement was made on Monday of a new joint military commission with the United States, aiming to deepen cooperation between the two states and strengthen Lebanon’s military against security threats. The United States has become increasingly alarmed at the growing Syrian presence along the border of Lebanon, as well as the enclave of mounting militant Islamic activity in the northern part of the nation. U.S. deputy spokesman Robert Wood said of the issue, “Any intervention by Syrian troops into Lebanon would be unacceptable…The recent terrorist attacks that took place in Tripoli and Damascus should not serve as a pretext for further Syrian military engagement.” The agreement, following the first official visit of Lebanese president Suleiman to Washington, provides $400 million of U.S. military assistance to Lebanon (with an additional $60 million awaiting congressional approval) and arranges for annual meetings between the nations to discuss further military cooperation.
Stefanie Demetriades
