Special to WorldTribune.com

NICOSIA — The United States has continued training of the Lebanese
military despite the fact its government is dominated by Iran-sponsored Hizbullah.

U.S. Central Command has been examining training programs with the
Lebanese military in 2012. On Feb. 13, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Bartlett, director
of exercises at Centcom, met Lebanese commanders and senior officials in
Beirut.

“Military cooperation continues to be strong between the two countries,” Bartlett said.

The U.S. general met Lebanese Chief of Staff Gen. Jean Kahwagi and
members of the General Staff. Officials said Bartlett outlined U.S. training plans in 2012 that would be based on border security as well as Lebanese cooperation with the United Nations peacekeeping force.

Despite concerns in Congress, Washington has maintained military
training and non-lethal programs for the Lebanese military. A major program has been the construction of a U.S.-origin patrol boat for the Lebanese Navy, expected to be delivered in mid-2012.

This marked the second visit by Centcom to Lebanon in as many months. On
Jan. 13, Centcom chief Gen. James Mattis arrived in Beirut and met the
Lebanese military and political leadership.

Since 2006, the United States has relayed more than $800 million in
military aid to Lebanon, led by a government controlled by the
Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah. In late 2011, Congress lifted a freeze on $100
million in U.S. aid to Lebanon’s military and security forces.

Officials said President Barack Obama has sought to highlight U.S. aid
to Lebanon amid the revolt in neighboring Syria. The Syrian Army has
conducted several raids into eastern Lebanon in search of Sunni rebels.

  Barack Obama, Centcom, Despite concerns in Congress, Gen. James Mattis, Gen. Jean Kahwagi, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Bartlett, Obama administration continues military aid to Hizbullah-controlled Lebanon, patrol boat for Lebanese Navy, Sunni rebels, Syrian Army