Lebanon Background and Issues

Lebanon is a religiously diverse, democratic state transitioning toward independence after a ruinous civil war and the subsequent Syrian and Israeli occupations. The United States and Lebanon have historically enjoyed a good relationship due in part to cultural and religious ties, the democratic character of the state, a large, Lebanese-American community in the United States, and the pro-western orientation of Lebanon, particularly during the Cold War. Current U.S. concerns in Lebanon include strengthening the weak democratic institutions of the state, limiting the influence of Iran, Syria, and others in Lebanon's political process, and disarming Hezbollah and other militant groups in Lebanon. This book provides an overview of Lebanese politics, recent events in Lebanon, and the current issues in U.S.-Lebanon relations.