Tuesday, August 14, 2007

""We need weapons, conventional and advanced ammunition," he said Monday. "We didn't get anything but promises and best wishes and some ammunition, but no equipment. It's as though they are telling us, 'die first and assistance will follow,'" he added, without referring directly to the U.S. The United States dramatically increased its military aid to Lebanon as a show of support for the beleaguered pro-Western prime minister, Fuad Saniora. When the battle at Nahr el-Bared began on May 20 -- sparked when Fatah Islam militants attacked army troops near the base -- Washington rushed supplies to Lebanon, particularly automatic rifle ammunition, helmets, body armor and night-vision goggles....But the United States has for decades adhered to an unofficial policy of not arming the Lebanese military with heavy or sophisticated weapons for fear they may be used against its ally Israel, former senior Lebanese military commanders say."
Also, is it not cute that Arab governments strictly adhere to US standards even when dealing with other Arab governments? "The United Arab Emirates gave Lebanon 10 old French-made Gazelle attack helicopters, but removed their anti-tank missiles before delivering them." UAE presumably worried about danger to Israel.