U.S. lawmakers: Lebanon's embrace of Ahmadinejad may affect military aid
U.S. representatives renew opposition to transfer of $100 million in U.S. assistance to Lebanon in wake of visit by Iran President, Lebanese daily reports.
By Jack Khoury and News Agencies Tags: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Lebanon Iran USThe Lebanese daily An-Nahar on Thursday quoted sources in the U.S. Congress as renewing opposition to U.S. military assistance to Lebanon. The renewed opposition comes in the midst of a visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Lebanon.
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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad waves to the crowds from his SUV upon arrival in Beirut, Oct 13, 2010. |
| Photo by: AP |
In August, two key Democrats, Representatives Nita Lowey and Howard Berman, announced they were holding up $100 million that had been approved for Lebanon's army but not yet spent. At the time, lawmakers said they were blocking U.S. funding due to a deadly border clash between Lebanon and Israel.
According to An-Nahar, Lowey and Berman vehemently oppose the transfer of the funds, scheduled for next month, in light of the warm welcome with which Ahmadinejad was received in Lebanon.
On Wednesday, the U.S. expressed concern over Ahmadinejad's two-day visit to Lebanon, saying support for Hezbollah militants undermines Lebanese sovereignty.
Ahmadinejad is continuing his "provocative ways," the White House said in a statement Wednesday.
"He continues his provocative ways, even as he leaves his county in further economic stress and turmoil as a result of his actions that have led to international sanctions that are having a great impact," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
Gibbs was referring to UN Security Council sanctions placed on Iran over its alleged refusal to come clean about its nuclear activities suspected by the West as intended to develop a bomb. Tehran says the program is purely for peaceful purposes.
"We reject any efforts to destabilize or inflame tensions within Lebanon," U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said. "We would hope that no visitor would do anything or say anything that would give cause to greater tension or instability in that country."
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We all know Ahmadinejad is a barking dog never bites. Soon he will be history!
I for one believe the US should hold up all aid to Lebanon. They like the US money ... to bad ... Either join the world looking for peace or starve with those who are bent on hate and destruction !
and other countries that breed terrorists in the first place.
Hint, if Iran is being given credit for helping rebuild Lebanon after the $billions destruction inflicted by Israel in 2006 how much do you think they forked over? Leban should tell the US to stuff their $100 million where the sun don't shine.
Why not? The USA have always armed their later enemies. What should be new here?
Ever dawn on them that our refusal to supply aid might have prompted Lebanon's 'embrace' of Ahmadinejad?
Lebanon-Hezbolla embraced Iran way before the two Congressmen expressed opposition in the last two months. You confuse your opinion with facts.
Although we have some trouble in internal politician, But about Israel i agree with our president Ahmadinejad.
Of course you agree with him, that's why he is President. Unfortunately for you, Iran will forcibly be stopped from their march to nuclear weapons. Watch and learn.
FIRST THE DOLLAR WILL SOON BE LESS WORTHY THAN TOILETPAPER! SECOND IF US GIVES UP SUPPORT CHINA WILL JUMP IN WITH PLEASURE!GAME IS OVER; ISRAEL! THE SOONER U AKNOWLEDGE THE LESS PAINFUL THE FUTURE WILL BE! AMEN!
is still the currency of choice!!
how people are always critizing the US, predicting it's downfall, while their hand is out begging for money.
Why America? You don't aprove of Lebanon dealing with other countries? Does Lebanon not have the democratic right to do so? Or does dealing with the USA is the only democracy you accept from other nations? Maybe if you look at your foreign policy towards the Middle East, which are a one sided policy favoring Israel and your own interests, you will realize that nations around the world are finaly realizing the truth about your "Democracy" and "Freedom", that they are slowly moving away from you and Israel. This is a new trend that you and all of your mighty military power will not be able to stop unless you change your policies and make them fair and just for all, not just for you and Israel.
We give, they take. We get nothing in return.
Pathetic traitors.
Seems like any country that takes "aid" from the US becomes a slave of it and get pacified.
Let Lebanon replace US quality weapons with the newest Iranian technology. That would be advantagous for Israel in the next Hezabolla war.
isnt that precious! he's exactly where he belongs in a toilet bowl, precisely where a piece of excrement belongs!!! LOLOL
you have to love the picture haaretz posted of the little man riding around lebanon in a toilet bowl on wheels, exactly where this piece of crap belongs!!! LOLOLOL
that , due to his now legendary bad judgement, Obama can not come to this obvious conclusion himself - US weapons to Hezbollebanon is futile, counterproductive, money-wasting and no longer in US interests. Lebanon has begun a pattern of unprovoked attacks on israel, is already squarely in Iran's pocket, receiving massive arms from them, don't need anything from the US. They are historically a fiercely anti-American nation going back to the 1950's (the embattled Christian minority we have protected a possible but irrelevant exception). Yet Obama can't bring himself to not waste $100 million more of taxpayers dollars and destabilize israeli security (while he is asking them to take "risks for peace"!) because that would mean he'd have to change his mind and (in his view) wind up "admitting he was wrong, and therefore looking bad". This is precidely why the Obama regime is nosediving in popularity here, as they wreck our country with one crazy policy after another - because egomaniac Obama is driven by rigid far-left ideology utterly out of touch with America: although he is on a steep learning curve due to a total lack of experience, he refuses to recognize error, learn and alter course, just keeps putting the ladder against the wrong wall again and again, its always somebody elses fault, or "You just didn't understand me". With any luck, this jackass will pick yet another no-win fight with Congress over arms to terrorist Lebanon, so every US voter can see just how dangerous to America he really is.
When will we stop allowing Israel to dictate our foreign policy?
GO LEBANON AND IRAN!
PURE financial blackmail... oh and i shouldnt forget : PURE lebanese ignorance. Get independent from IRAN and the USA, and i'm quite sure we'll get peace with israel in a couple of days. can PLEASE someone explain why we're constantly at war? i could one find ONE reason : foreign countries. when we will eventually have peace, i honestly dont think our children will understand why we were at war for SO long.. it's gonna be hard to explain.. i suggest u archive these haaretz articles... it'll help
as long as YOUR constitution allows Iran (through Hezbollah) a veto of anything the Lebanese civilians want or is good for them, you will be a target. Israel cannot be expected to sit idly by if threatened or attacked. I wish you luck. But it seems nothing short of another civil war to the death of the caliphate will bring you the peace you deserve
there is a coalition government in wich the opposition have enough seats to block certain decisions. Israelis should be the first to understand how coalition governments work
Well if the United States won't provide the funds to equip the Lebanese Army I am sure Ahmedinijad will offer to instead.
That would be great.....for Israel and the West. Their Islamic weapons are worse than the Soviet ones.
FUNDING THEIR OWN DEATH....
The only way babies can be killed if their daddies hide in the babies crib,play pen.They will dress in womans clothing holding the babies. BRAVE DADDIES
Israel drops white phosphorus on a whole neighborhood.
The better alternative would be for the US to help re-build the West bank so that a potentially democratic and progressive state can evolve as the contradiction to the Maniacs in Gaza.
It is US money. If the congress wants NOT to give it, they speak for the American People. The more Lebanon moves closer to Iran, the stronger Israel's case in the region and the world becomes.
Nothing like a bunch of Yahoo's that are so obsessed with striking out that they become a great boon to their enemies. What could help Iran become more important to Lebanon and Hisbollah more important in Lebanon than what the cretins in Congress propose? Iran becomes the major weapons suppler, Hisbollah gains even more leverage and importance. Brilliant, in a dim-witted way.
Lincoln has no sense of reality. With or without US funding, the LDF receives its primary supplies through its Hezbollah brigade delivered by Iran through Syria. The US comment is a gesture at best. Perhaps we should take the money and move it to defend the Texas border from the Hezbollah funded and trained narco-terrorists that are openly killing your fellow Texans Lincoln? Or do you, like BHO, find that offensive to the corrupt narco-terror dominated Mexican governemnet?
The Congressmen rushing to suspend aid to the Lebanese army were all subsidized by AIPAC and in turn supporting right-wing Israeli positions. Unfortunately, Israeli positions are not always wise, and sometimes they may hurt Israel and the US, even in the near future. If the US withholds support from Lebanon, they will be able to get even more advanced arms from other sources, from France or even Russia for example, paid for by the Saudis. And if they want to be nasty, they will take the Iran offer and get weapons from that source. In short, the US will lose the influence it has in Lebanon and somebody else will gain it. The fact is that the US does not supply arms that are dangerous to Israel, not even defensive anti-air missiles that can shoot down Israeli intruders. Another source can supply that, if the US loses influence. It is best for AIPAC not to run their own foreign policy. Remember, you are American first...
and no one was interested. He understands, and knows Israel is his only solid and real ally in the region. i think this is pretty clear to all, including to most of the Arab/Muslim word
No they're not ,...
Now I understand why there is so much Saudi / George Soros floating on the Hill and in the personal Swiss accounts on a numerous senior members of the Democratic Party like Carter, Clintons, Obama,Farakhan, and Pelosi
"America’s ties to Israel are NOT based primarily on U.S. strategic interests. At the best of times, an Israeli government that pursues the path to peace provides some intelligence, some minor advances in military technology, and a potential source of stabilizing military power that could help Arab states like Jordan. Even then, however, any actual Israeli military intervention in an Arab state could prove as destabilizing as beneficial.. Israel should show enough discretion to reflect the fact that it is a TERTIERY U.S. strategic interest in a complex and demanding world.. Israel’s government should act on the understanding that the long-term nature of the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship will depend on Israel clearly and actively seeking peace with the Palestinians—the kind of peace that is in Israel’s own strategic interests. Israelis should understand that the United States opposes expansion and retention of its settlements and its efforts to push Palestinians out of greater Jerusalem. Israeli governments should plan Israeli military actions that make it clear that Israel will use force only to the level actually required, that carefully consider humanitarian issues from the start, and that have a clear post-combat plan of action to limit the political and strategic impact of its use of force." - Anthony Cordesman (2 June 2010) csis.org/publication/israel-strategic-liability
So according to your brilliant logic, the US should supply weapons to all its enemies, so that they don't buy better ones from other sources. Beautiful leftie logic, as is all your nonsense about what Israel should do.
they should have thought about curtailling thier iad to lebanon a long time ago. if you go back to the last war between lebanon and Israel you will see that a large percentage of the weapons that were used against Israel were american. if you are surprised you are quite blind america claims friendship to Israel but supplies weapons and other military aid to thier enemies.
Wasn't aware the Katyusha Rocket was American made and designed, it really is true you learn something new everyday
Just like the Taliban is using American made weapons to fight American soldiers. So, it really is true you learn something new everyday.
was evident in the last 20 years, especially during wars with israel
I'm not involved in any way with either party in this discourse but can't help to be facinated by this 'Shakespearian' tragedy/farce. Why can't the world just tell America to F**K off? What is America's hold on the entirety of the rest of the world? America is near bankrupt and will eventually turn on itself. They are so hell bent on preventing other nations to do to them what they have done to others, it would have been quite comical if it wasn't for all the innocent people being killed on all sides. If I was Lebanon, I'll tell America to shove their aid right where they least want it. It is a well known fact that America arm groups just so they can attack them in future. Am I the only one that notices this cycle? America has broken every single promise they have ever made in one way or the other and their arrogance is asstounding. I'm sure there are many countries out there that are quite sick and tired of American foreign policy but they are simply too scared or too dependant to voice opposition. (Let's rather play along and hope we escape the wrath of a crumbling giant.) I can't help but smile when I read about America's concerns with China and North Korea but merely issue statements in this regard while they have no quarrel in attacking poor countries that don't really stand a chance to begin with. For me, America is just the bully on the block and it will take only one little 'girl' to give this bully a bloody nose and the tides will turn dramatically. I'm all for peace and tollerance but I hate bullies!
Foreign policy? Such as monetary aid, medicine, technology ...to almost any country who asks. Yes, American should reconsider this foreign aid. I agree. Meanwhile, keep supporting those countries that support freedom and justice.
Does the US have a foreign policy? Not when it comes to situations where US politics is dominated by ethnic voter blocks. For example Greece-Turkey and Armenians-Turkey. The classic example was Irish-British where the US for a century tolerated Fenian and later IRA supporters to finance and in some cases arm the Irish and later Ulster insurgents. The current situation is Israel vs Lebanon. There was and is a Lebanese-American group which voted republican and gave some balance to the Jewish democrat influence - but not much. Some politicians in the US wish to score brownie points by lashing out at Lebanon without thinking for a second if that serves US foreign interests and policy.
The NYT writes: "Hezbollah’s leaders .....see the tribunal as an Israeli plot aimed at discrediting them". Of course this is not true. Hezbollah of course knows that they are guilty, so they know very well it is not an Israeli plot, just that they don't wan't the tribunal to tell the world about their guilt. So Hezbollah PRETENDS that it is an Israeli plot, they CLAIM it is an Israeli plot, but it is not true that they actually see it as an Israeli plot. They may perhaps see the convening of the tribunal as an Israeli or Western 'plot' against them (as a murderer might see police action to arrest him as a 'plot' against him), but they do not see the conclusions of the tribunal as a plot, since after all, they know those conclusions to be true.
The Bush people really opened up the floodgates. I'm a Sunni Muslim and I know the harm and radicalization that the Shiite religion can have on people. The Iranian Revolution radicalized the Middle East and proliferated the radicalization of the Muslim faith. The Sunnis of the Middle East and the Israelis should united against this common threat a replace it with a friendly secular government.
It is only in the ME that Muslims divide themselves so. I, a Sunni Muslim, but a Muslim foremost, European born, non-immigrant, believe that Shiite Muslims are capable of secular lifestyle, just like Sunni Muslims. They just need right leadership.
You can only ask yourselves: Do you really help Lebanon when you are called the US of A? Moreover, this "State Department" comment or warning is another proof that the US don't know how to do diplomacy... Threats to Arabs only leads to threatening Arabs...
This financial blackmailing is unacceptable , lebanon is a sovereign country and it can recieve anyone it wants, Lebanon is not advising the US whom they should recieve or not.
They advise US whom to invite and who not. When to veto and when not. What to do and what not. Who to support and whom not. Who to blame and whom not. US Congress and US senate is a Israeli Occupied territory where the victim loves the occupation.
dozens of posts appear about how israel is so arrogant to disagree (even when israel is forced to use the money on US-made war planes). When Lebanon invites a major opponent of the US, who is arming Hezb (who according to UNSCR should be disarmed), posts blame the US for being shocked with lebanon. can anyone explain?
enough explanation?
If the Americans are stupid enough to grant the Leb. Government the 100 million $$ be quite sure that all or almost all will trickle to Hezbollah..If the American law makers think that by greasing that failed state to get them over to their side, they are completely mistaken. The Lebanese,like all; the Arabs will bow down with thanks, & with their free hand stab the Americans in their backs,not without having a good laugh !
What a racist remark! But why am I not surprised? not even by the many thumbs up? Some have done a lot to raise the racism level, and I do not mean the Arabs in this case. Racism has no excuse, it is just plain dumb, to say the least.
Iran is paying$450 millions to lebanan, plus military arms without any clauses or condition(s), while us is giving$100m next month for arm if would not be used against israeli, It will be assumed that lebanan will not accept this grant and refuse to take it, as US is better to save it for its very hardshi finicial situation
So the "champion of freedom and democracy " is meddling in the internal affairs of Lebanon ? This is a clear exemple of the fact that the US has nothong to do with freedom or democracy. It is just a colonial power acting by proxies like isrel and the EU.
Lebanon doesnt even need the 100 mil. what is the US offering other than humvees and M16's to the army?? their donations are a joke you cant even call them military aid. Let me see the US give Lebanon SAM missiles or a jet fighter!!! Now they wouldn't do that would they :)
The US blocked military aid for lebanon after the skirmish between lebanese and isreali soldiers. Consequently this united Lebanon and Hezbollah and brang Iran even closer. Every move the united states and isreal makes seems to hit itself in the face. Irans popularity and influence is growing in the region mainly due to the perceived threat, double standards and crimes commited by Isreal and supported blindly by the US.
or even Afghanistan where bounties are paid for killing NATO members.
Lebanon is too small of a country to be fighting wars it can't win. That said, we don't need a military, we don't need weapons. Lebanon should be a neutral country with a large police and security force instead of a military- like Switzerland.
Hesbolla is eating up your country with the help of Syria and Iran. Are you awake?
... is to recognize Israel and sing a military cooperation treaty. You will have a reliable and loyal ally; no satanic regimes will dare to provoke a civil war in your country. Hopefully your government realizes that, the sooner the better.
.......... still a couple of sandwiches short of a picknick. Switzerland has a huge well-armed army. Lebanon doesn't have a big regular army, but there are too many armed idiots around, that is Lebanon's main problem.
with Israels vision of annexing all the lebanese land up to the Litani river, a demilitarized state would be easy pickings for Israel.
your under occupation held hostage to those who use and abuse you. Lebanon gave up her freedom and put her hands in the air. Sadly, your people will pay the price for your captivity.
Lebanon will always need weapons in order defend its borders and soverignty.Hezbollah was born due to the Isreal annexation of Shebaa farms. As long as this Colonialist,imperialist expansionist project exists in the middle east there will always be a need to be well armed. The Lebanese governnment and its people and millions of others in the region have realised that there is only one threat in the region hence why Ahmedinejad is embraced and supported overwhelmingly amounst all arabs whether it be sunni,shia christian and druze.
we tried before in the eighty's (christians) look where we are now ;no thank you. we want peace but not like egypt and jordan ,just open your eyes and think that peace has a price ,we are ready to pay for it are you ready?
If you were so ready for peace as you proclaim then why does Isreal continue to build settlements in the occupied territory, which is Illegal under international law and condemned by the world. Isreal has chosen settlements as opposed to peace.
Thank God there is media (To clarify the most of the Lebanese Mentality) We will get Weapons, from US, Iran, China, Russia and even zimbabweh to protect our country and every inch of it will be regained! You want Lebanon to be like Switzerland! Go live there its a more feasible solution for you! Lebanon is in the heart of the middle east with "Israel" on its borders, wake up and understand the situation, Slogans that you pick up from Stupid Lebanese "Politicians" are just to tickle your emotions. When "Israel" decides to enforce the logic of its "flag" (till the Litani river" those politicians and their children will be the first ones going to switzerland, and claim that "israel" is very strong, and we cant do anything! )Maximum, they might cry on TV)
Just like the USA is eating up Iraq and its resources. One difference, Hisbullah are Lebanese people, not Americans. Hisbullah cares for the well being of their country, not like the Americans who only care for their own self interests and the interests of Israel. Are you awake yet???
so its ok for him to go to America but not Lebanon hmmmmmnnn...........
Ahmedinejad goes to the US because it is where the UN is and he is entitled to make his speeches (as hateful as they are), not because the US feels Ahmedinejad is a good person or responsable leader. During his visit in lebanon, he is getting a hero's welcome (anyone who threatens to wipe out isreal does in the ME. its a pre-requisite), and getting and honorary phd. surely you can make the distinction....
thats gotta be the best comment ever. He goes to the US every year, but when he goes to Lebanon they want to punish Lebanon. Lebanon isnt allowed to have friends besides the US. Sounds like a jelous kid = US. Hypocracy
IF ISLAM WANTS TO ENJOY THE FREEDOMS OF THE WEST YOU BETTER MAKE UP YOUR MIND ... YOU CANT SLEEP WITH THE DEVIL AND WANT TO ENJOY OUR WESTERN FREEDOMS .. ITS A CULT YOU ARE FOLLOWING
or does it have to be with the west...
The countries in the Middle East are disapointed and completely frustrated about Americas one sided support of the present Israeli government .Lebanon has been attacked and devastated so many times despite political ties with America and the West , apparently they are now looking for new allies who will assist them incase their country will be attacked again.
Remeber, Lebanon or should I say, Hezbollahanon started the war by ubducting our soldiers. It is only natural that Israel responded by war. You cant pick a fight and then complain when you get wooped. Grow up
"support for Hezbollah militants undermines Lebanese sovereignty" I guess support for Israeli militant government undermines US sovereignty.
Just in case nobody knew, the US is having elections next month. Berman and Lowey are running for reelection. If the US decides to walk away from lebanon, the Iranians will move closer, just like the Soviets during the Cold War. So President Berman and VP Lowey will have to readjust after the election is over and go back to Congress. Foreign policy is the province of the Presidency. As it was in the Beginning and was with Bush, so shall it be, so long as the US has a Presidential system of government.
You should read the Constitution. Article I.
WHEN YOU TALK HATE HAVE FACTS TO PROVE YOUR POINT. YOU HAVE NO IDEA THE DISTRICTS THESE PEOPLE REPRESENT MAKE A BET THIS DOESNT GET PRINTED.IT DOESNT SHOW HATE
The free world must not let this regime, that murders its own people, expand and grow its influences and forces over its neighbours. Actions need to be taken now, to isolate the country's imports & exports, travel to the country should be banned and, if still no change, overwhelming action against nuclear sites taken.
I wonder who brain washed you with this ridiculous propaganda? You really need to research your history. Who are the "real" international terrorists over the last 65 years? Who have wreaked more havoc, death and destruction across neighbours and other countries world wide? Certainly not Iran. They've not attacked anyone for centuries. Can the same be said for our so called advanced democracies with their trumped up excuses? I bet you regard Afghanistan and Iraq are huge successes.
Sure, I do. They got what they asked for and are in ruins now.
Yea Iran is a hell of a peaceful place, right Ian, you are the real propagandists that works against all of the poor people in Iran who actually want REAL freedom and you support this election stealing anti-semitic(he is). WHY, you cannot be taken seriously in the real world supporting a barbarian with vile beliefs who believes that Iran has "no gays" not to mention the denying of the holocaust (which did happen if your warped mind believes otherwise). Thank you, peace and love
The other point is that what is the limitation of AHmadinejad to help more Lebanon? He has a complete Authority on Iranians oil money, and has sent milliards of dollars, to lebanon while millions are living in Iran misrably and gain money with prostitution and drugg traficking. So tell me what can stop him to not give more to Lebanon? Only one thing that US can does: Peace with Iran
Lebanon should tell the US to take a hike and obtain all the modern Russian, Chinese and Iranian weapons it can get. I'd take a few hundred Kornet's over anything the US would provide any day .
modern indeed by WWII standards. So far this "modern" weapon won no war, at most several battles with limited tactical gains and it brougth the Russians to be screwed by Afganis, the Iranians to be screwed by the Iraqis and the Chinese to be screwed by the Vietnamese.
tank etc defences were adjusted accordingly. Care to provide evidence that Lebanon is getting WW2 equipment ? Why would they take stuff that useless instead of turning to Iran?
Its funny to see how full of themselves those American AIPAC-puppets act in U.S. Congress. Holding up $100 million in military aid for Lebanon? LOL Iran and Russia will now likely provide $500 million in military aid to Lebanon just to annoy the U.S. and Israel. The AIPAC emperors do not seem to wear clothes.
is it because Russian/Persian equipment is so inferior?
Like Israel takes. Why not take free stuff?
that Iran, Lebanon and Syria fall victim to their own sinister devices and that your biased slanderous tongue be paralysed for the rest of your life, you despicable anti-Semitic putz!
Israel ueber alles. Rick Sanchez and Helen Thomas were right on the mark.
So this is probably what Iran is waiting for. Morons...
Whatever aid they say they will provide is propaganda nonsense
And so is America my friend.
The Iranians are in real financial trouble. All the national wealth is tied up in Amdinjad's military race, and Nuke program, and no amount of propoganda can cover that up. ......so by the way where are the millions and millions of dollars the Iranians promised the Palastinians....as we say in the promised land of Israel...PAKA PAKA PAKA.
US ME policy is hijacked by some crackpot zionists in the state department.Does the US really believe other countries will sit idle for Lebanon to be defenseless?Iran has already made the offer whenever they want.And they're talking real weapons not the old M-16 rifle junk the US supplies.What dipp sh*t US has become..
Iran is a high-tech wealthy country that is on par with the USA and the rest of the developed world. Iran has taken up more than it can handle. It can not withstand an all-out confrontation with the USA and they better behave accordingly. Iran overrates itself and hopefully will suffer the consequences soon.
so who cares?