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Arab Americans & Lebanon
Posted on Friday October 10, 2008
Arab Americans and Lebanon
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In the 2008 elections, many Arab Americans will be guided by their reaction to post-9/11 policies, in both the domestic and foreign spheres. Lebanon remains a top foreign policy concern to many Arab Americans, especially in times of Lebanese political transition and in the context of broader regional instability.
Arab Americans are committed to the territorial integrity, political independence, and cultural integration of Lebanon and believe that Syria should continue to work with the leadership in Lebanon to expedite full governance in Lebanon by Lebanese authorities. A thriving Lebanon is a key component to a stable, peaceful Middle East; no country should interfere in its domestic political and economic affairs.
Arab Americans want the United States to support the continued efforts of the Lebanese people to achieve reform, reconciliation and national unity; work to strengthen the Lebanese army and develop other national institutions; investment in economic development that ensures fair distribution of services, opportunities and employment; and encouragement for the implementation of all U.N. reforms. Arab Americans want U.S. leadership that will demonstrate to the Lebanese people that their country, as a unified and sovereign nation, is a respected U.S. partner in the Middle East-rather than a battleground for foreign confrontation or competition.
McCain and Lebanon
McCain understands that Lebanon is an important country in the Middle East; that it is an emerging democracy whose people have long ties to the United States.
On March 14, 2008, Senator John McCain issues the following statement on the third anniversary of the Cedar Revolution:
“It has been over three years since former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri was assassinated in the streets of Beirut. Following his murder, the Lebanese people came together in the Cedar Revolution, which saw its culmination on March 14, 2005. This popular movement led to the demise of Lebanon’s Syrian occupiers, Iranian proxies in their midst, and the puppet government that denied them independence and freedom.”
“Sadly, three years later, so much of this promise remains unrealized as the forces of repression stand firm against the prospect of a free Lebanon. Syria and Iran have reasserted their dominance and paralyzed Lebanon’s government, which earlier this week postponed election of a new president for the 16th time. Those who systematically killing Lebanese patriots and denying the Lebanese people their democracy must be brought to justice. I commend Lebanese of all religions and sects who reject Syrian and Iran terror and tyranny and embrace the great principles of the Cedar Revolution.”
Links to Select Remarks on Lebanon
Policy towards Hezbollah, Christians United for Israel Address
AIPAC Policy Conference, June 2008 (PDF)
John McCain on Security in the Middle East
Arab Americans for McCain Official Website
Obama and Lebanon
Barack Obama understands that Lebanon is an important country in the Middle East; that it is an emerging democracy whose people have long ties to the United States.
Obama believes that the United States must turn the page on the Bush Administration’s failed Lebanon policy and replace hollow rhetoric with sustained diplomatic engagement that partners with our European and Arab allies to foster a new Lebanese consensus around a stable and democratic Lebanon.
On February 4, 2008, Senator Barack Obama paid tribute to former Lebanese President Rafiq Hariri in the U.S. Senate, stating that
“As the tragic events of the past few years make clear, what happens in Lebanon affects other American priorities in the region, including the fight against al-Qaeda and other extremists, as well as opportunities for regional stability and peace. To neglect Lebanon would not only serve our interests badly, it would fail a nation whose people have suffered too much for too long a nation that could now be on the edge of a new precipice.”
Links to Select Remarks on Lebanon
