U.S. Foreign Aid to Lebanon: Issues for Congress

Publication Date: March 2007

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

Type:

Coverage: Lebanon

Abstract:

In Lebanon today, there is a battle for political primacy between the anti-Syrian, pro-Western government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and the opposition, led by the Hezbollah and former General Michel Aoun. Each camp has its external patrons; the United States, France, and Saudi Arabia support Siniora, while Syria and Iran back the opposition. The 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war and Hezbollah's subsequent campaign to obstruct the government through street protests and general strikes have placed enormous strains on the Siniora-led government. In order to prevent Lebanon's fragile sectarian political system from imploding and to strengthen proWestern and anti-Syrian elements, the United States has pledged to significantly increase its assistance to Lebanon. For FY2007, the Administration is requesting an estimated $770 million in supplemental aid from Congress. This report analyzes this request, highlighting potential issues of concern for Members. This report will be updated as events warrant. For more information on Lebanon, see CRS Report RL33509, Lebanon, by Alfred Prados.

H.R. 1591, the House Appropriation Committee's FY2007 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill, would fully fund the Administration's request for aid to Lebanon; however, it would require the Administration to certify to Congress that before assistance is disbursed, the Lebanese government and Administration have fulfilled certain conditions placed on the assistance.