Iran Is Qualified to Assist Lebanon

19 August 2010 | 04:59 Code : 8420 Editorial
As a part of its strategic depth. By Amir Mousavi.
Iran Is Qualified to Assist Lebanon
The national compromise made between Lebanon’s major political factions nearly two years ago—embodied in the Doha Agreement—would have been another failure in the byzantine political procedures of Lebanese politics were it not for Iran’s consent and cooperation. Iran has acknowledged and respected Saad Hariri’s authority since then.

Despite some claims to the contrary, Iran has tried to keep a balance in its relations between its protégé Hezbollah and the political factions of the 14th of March alliance, even on an issue as sensitive as Hezbollah’s withdrawal behind the Litani River in south Lebanon (and its replacement there with the Lebanese army).

Nevertheless and contrary to its promises, Washington has left Lebanon vulnerable against a neighbor as aggressive as Israel by suspending the promised (200 million dollar) aid for upgrading the Lebanese army, fearing clashes with the Israeli army. Iran has now seized the opportunity and announced its readiness to fill the vacuum. Iran enjoys warm relations with Lebanon, and has set this country up as its ‘strategic depth’ against the Israeli enemy.

Iran is able to equip the Lebanese army with defensive –and not aggressive- equipment such as anti-aircraft artillery, anti-tank guided missiles, night vision goggles, small arms, radar, etc. A militarily powerful Lebanon could actually serve Iran’s interests, as Lebanon is Iran’s strategic depth in the silent war against Israel. UN Resolutions mandate against Hezbollah’s presence in border areas. Thus, their substitute, namely the Lebanese army, should not be left vulnerable and defenseless against a much more powerful army. The recent clashes in the Addisseyh region in southern Lebanon proved how much Israeli equipment outperformed that of their Lebanese enemy, who tried to compensate through fierce resistance. To protect its territorial integrity, Lebanon needs a modern, competent army.

Lebanon’s geopolitical and political realities prevent it from being the aggressive party in any military conflict. That is why patrons of the different political factions in this country, including Iran, feel obliged to build up the country’s strength against any imminent threat.

Iran’s bid has actually put the Americans between the hammer and anvil. Any likely scenario, with or without the US, will facilitate an upgrading of the Lebanese army, which ultimately will respond to Iran’s demands.

Amir Mousavi is a strategic affairs analyst.