What Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri seeks from White House visit

[Jefferson23]

In his first official White House visit, Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri is looking for President Obama to help ease tensions with Israel. His coalition government includes a member of Hezbollah, whose fighters say they are readying for a fresh war.

Beirut, Lebanon
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri met with President Barack Obama today for talks that were expected to focus on recent tensions between US ally Israel and Lebanon’s militant Shiite organization, Hezbollah.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said on Friday that the two leaders would discuss “a broad range of mutual goals in support of Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence, regional peace and security.

Supporting Lebanon was a cornerstone of the Bush administration’s Middle East policy, particularly following the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Saad’s father, when the tiny Mediterranean country broke briefly from neighboring Syria’s tight grip.

President Obama's administration has been focused on drawing Syria out of Iran's orbit and lessening its support for Hezbollah. But recent US and Israeli allegations that Syria has been transferring Scud rockets to Hezbollah's control have brought Lebanon back toward the center of Washington's radar screen.


remainder: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2010/0524/What-Lebanon-Prime-Minister-Saad-Hariri-seeks-from-White-House-visit

[Scurrilous]

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