U.S. to help train, equip Lebanon army

[oberliner]

U.S. to help train, equip Lebanon army

By BARRY SCHWEID, AP Diplomatic Writer
33 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - The United States plans to help train and equip the Lebanese army so it can take control of all of its territory when the warfare between Israel and Hezbollah eases, the State Department said Thursday.

The program was approved by Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to take effect "once we have conditions on the ground permitting," said department spokesman Sean McCormack.

McCormack provided no details on what equipment the United States might provide, the type of training that would be conducted, how many U.S. personnel would be involved, or how much the effort would cost.


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[mike_c]

1. in other words, the U.S. will continue to pour gasoline...

...onto the Middle Eastern fire.

[TheCowsCameHome]

7. Not only pour it, we'll refine, pump, deliver, and douse ourselves in it.

We're in, No doubt about it.

[IndianaGreen]

2. Lebanon will never agree to having American Crusaders train their army

After our shameful role enabling Israeli war crimes in Lebanon, and shipping bombs to Israel that were used on Lebanon's cities, the United States is finished as far as playing any role in the Middle East other than getting the hell out.

The audacity of the Americans to dictate terms to Lebanon is only matched by Hitler dictating terms in Munich in 1938.

[saigon68]

12. lETS SEND TROOPS THERE AND SEE IF WE CAN GET MORE OF THIS?

[54anickel]

3. Sure, why not. We are just freaking dripping with money! No details

available, but not to worry.

[atreides1]

4. Arming both sides

What a grand idea, just think of it, F-16 vs F-16!!!!

[last1standing]

5. I must not be seeing something obvious here.

It seems to me that strengthening Lebanon's army would decrease their dependence on Hezbollah and make for a more reliable form of self defense. That in turn should give Israel fewer excuses to exercise "preemptive defense". It's either that or let them continue to rely on fundamentalist groups to defend their borders.

On the other hand, I can honestly say that in six years, I've yet to see this mis-administration make a solitary move that I've agreed with either on the domestic or international front, so there has to be a catch that I'm not seeing.

[MichiganVote]

6. This admin. operates on the "If only" and "What if" line of thinkin'

Making anything they want possible and probable, if not sensible.

[Sherman A1]

8. If we had perhaps

given the amount of money, arms and such to Lebanon instead of Israel, maybe they could have moved Hezbollah out. Hard to say and it's too late for that now.

[last1standing]

10. Or we could have just used the 3 billion per year on healthcare.

But that would just be silly, I suppose.

[Sherman A1]

11. While I completely agree with you

on healthcare, it really wouldn't line the pockets of the CEO's of the Military - Industrial Complex. Need to make sure the bottom line continues to improve.

[last1standing]

13. Damn! I forgot about that.

We have to make sure they get an extra few million in their bonus, don't we? I'm sure the millions who have to do without will survive....or not.

Doesn't it just piss you off?

[Sherman A1]

14. Sometimes it's just enough to make me

a little bit cranky, but I remember that we must not leave any billionaire behind and then I feel soooo much better. Just try it, you will see that it works wonders for you as well.....

[Clarkie1]

20. A stopped clock is still right twice a day, they say. nt

[last1standing]

25. True, but this administration hasn't met that standard as yet.

I'm willing to bet that within a few days we'll hear something about this plan that negates any benefit it would provide. Either that or it's another example of bush's* pie in the sky talk ala Mission to Mars or Alternative Fuels.

[struggle4progress]

24. Ya kin make mo money in a war if ya arms everybody

The Krupps had this insight before WWI, and it paid off: I'd guess it's SOP nowadays

[last1standing]

26. Very true.

n/t

[mikeytherat]

9. The arming, training, and equipping of Iraq's military is going SO well,

we decided to try that same model with Lebanon. I mean, we're what, three years in on helping Iraq build up it's military so it can secure the nation and we can leave - how's that going? Must be going great if we're gonna do it twice! And man, we must be SWIMMING in money if we're about to do this again.

Let the good times roll!

mikey_the_rat

[MrCoffee]

15. UPDATE: Lebanese Army Says "No Thanks"

"We know what your idea of 'training' is, and we respectfully pass."

[Clarkie1]

19. I'd be surpised if they didn't take us up on the offer, actually. nt

[Anakin Skywalker]

16. Yes! The Training of the Iraqi Army

is going real well too! LOL! What a joke!

[Clarkie1]

18. It should be easier with the Lebanese army.

We will not be occupying Lebanon.

[LuckyChoice]

21. Maybe the DoD could subcontract the Iraqi army

to train the Lebanese army on our behalf. . .

Seriously, the whole thing is unbelievable.

[Clarkie1]

17. Great news! nt

[VegasWolf]

22. Wonder what Lebanon thinks about Rumfilled and Sleazy's plan? nt

[oppositionmember]

23. They've done so well in Iraq.

Right?