Lebanon: Background and U.S. Relations

Lebanon is a religiously diverse country transitioning toward independence and democratic consolidation after a ruinous civil war and the subsequent Syrian and Israeli occupations. The United States and Lebanon have historically enjoyed a good relationship due in part to cultural and religious ties the democratic character of the state a large, Lebanese-American community in the United States and the pro-western orientation of Lebanon, particularly during the Cold War. Current policy priorities of the United States include strengthening the weak democratic institutions of the state limiting the influence of Iran, Syria, and others in Lebanons political process and countering threats from Hezbollah and other militant groups in Lebanon. Following Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon in 2005 and the war between Israel and Hezbollah in the summer of 2006, the Bush Administration requested and Congress appropriated a significant increase in U.S. assistance to Lebanon. Since 2006, U.S. assistance to Lebanon has topped 1 billion total over 3 years, including for the first time U.S. security assistance for the Lebanese Armed Forces LAF and Internal Security Forces ISF of Lebanon. Several key issues in U.S.-Lebanon relations could potentially affect future U.S. assistance to Lebanon. The scope and influence of foreign actors, primarily Syria and Iran unresolved territorial disputes concerns about extremist groups operating in Lebanon and the strength and character of the LAF are among the challenges facing the Lebanese government and U.S. objectives in Lebanon. Current U.S. policy toward Lebanon centers on containing Irans sphere of influence while maintaining security and stability in the Levant. This report provides an overview of Lebanese politics, recent events in Lebanon, and current issues in U.S.-Lebanon relations.