"Well, we are not aware that there was any U.S. equipment used during the incident. We do have training programs with Lebanon. It’s hard to say whether those who were directly involved in this incident were a part of any training program under IMET. But we have an extensive military cooperation program with Lebanon, because it’s in our interest to have that program. It offers – it allows the Government of Lebanon to expand its sovereignty. We think that is in the interest of both of our countries and regional stability as a whole. I don’t believe that we are planning to reevaluate our current military cooperation with Lebanon in light of this incident."
http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2010/August/20100809190802su0.4156872.html?CP.rss=true
No U.S. equipment involved? Really? Have a look at the AP picture of the Lebanese soldier pointing his automatic rifle across the border at the Israelis removing the tree (http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/u-s-lawmakers-block-money-for-lebanon-s-army-after-border-clash-1.307102?localLinksEnabled=false). I'll give you one guess where that rifle was manufactured.
Is Philip Crowley blind? Yes, as is the entire Obama administration, and this lack of vision extends far beyond last week's border incident. Owing to a Middle East power vacuum created by the Obama administration, Lebanon is being sucked back into the Iranian-Syrian fold, as amply illustrated by recent declarations of obeisance from Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt (see: http://jgcaesarea.blogspot.com/2010/08/lebanon-war-waiting-to-happen-and-yes.html).
Thank goodness U.S. Representatives Nita Lowey and Howard Berman had the common sense to block, on Monday, $100 million in military aid that had been approved for the Lebanese Army.
Observe the common thread between the Lebanese Army sniper attack last Tuesday and the sinking of a South Korean naval vessel by a North Korean submarine in March: In both instances the Obama administration pretended that nothing of significance occurred, so as to avoid any semblance of discord or confrontation.
