Obama Won”t Compromise with Damascus At Lebanon”s Expense
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has expressed hope that Lebanon would be a stability factor and not an explosive one, adding that Washington will not compromise with Damascus at the expense of Lebanon.
The daily An Nahar on Friday, citing an official who visited Obama advisors recently, said the newly elected president is "aware that fundamental problems suffered by Lebanon primarily originate from Syria and Iran. They are also linked to the Arab-Israeli conflict."
Some Lebanese officials fear that a U.S. re-engagement with both Syria and Iran could lead to sacrificing legitimate Lebanese interests and cutting a deal with these two countries at Lebanon”s expense and at the expense of the international tribunal.
Obama”s advisors said Lebanon, unlike the 1975-1989 era, does not face a "real problem" that necessitates foreign protection.
They pointed three problems Lebanon was facing:
1- Hizbullah arms and the dangers of using it domestically and dealing with Israel.
2- The officially unannounced wish of the Syrian regime in maintaining its hegemony over Lebanon.
3- Incomplete implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.