Secretary of State Clinton is on the job (having just reassured the Iraqis):
"The people of Lebanon must be able to choose their own representatives in open and fair elections without the specter of violence or intimidation and free of outside interference," Clinton told a news conference in Beirut after meeting with President Michel Suleiman.
"Beyond the elections, we will continue to support the voices of moderation in Lebanon and the responsible institutions of the Lebanese state they are working hard to build. Our ongoing support for the Lebanese armed forces remains a pillar of our bilateral cooperation," she added.
Syria dominated Lebanon for nearly three decades before it was forced to withdraw its tens of thousands of troops four years ago this week in the wake of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. There have been concerns among anti-Syrian factions in the pro-U.S. parliamentary majority that the Obama administration talks with Syria could weaken American support for Lebanon.
Right off the bat, reaching out to enemies (and since Syria still helps jihadis into Iraq to kill Americans and Iraqis, can we really doubt they are our enemy right now?) we reduce our security by making our friends nervous. they may be less willing to resist our common enemies if they think they'll be thrown under the bus.
Of course, the Lebanese might be punished by Clinton just for doubting the powers of the soothing balms of hope and change! How dare they express worry?
