Since 2006, the United States has provided about $550 million in
military and security aid to Lebanon.
In the latest measures, the U.S. military decided to accept three
Lebanese cadets into the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Navy Academy. The
cadets, in a first for Lebanon, plan to join the U.S. academies over the
next few months.
"These three young men will learn things you won't find in any
classroom," Sison said. "They will learn how to push themselves to the
limits. They will develop strength and character as a human being. We are
proud of their accomplishments thus far, and know that we expect continued
excellence as they represent the best of Lebanon while studying in the
United States."
Washington has also delivered 20 Harley Davidson motorcycles to
Lebanon's Internal Security Forces in a project reported at about $500,000.
The motorcycles, presented on May 18, were said to be identical to those used by U.S. law enforcement agencies.
"The delivery of these 20 motorcycles complements the fleet of police
vehicles and other equipment donated to the ISF by the United States,
including 480 Dodge Chargers and 60 SUVs," the U.S. embassy in Beirut said.
"In addition to the 20 new motorcycles, the United States also provided
spare parts and technical assistance to refurbish an additional 24 Harley
Davidson motorcycles already in the ISF fleet."
Since 2007, Washington has provided more than $104 million for training
and equipment for ISF. The Lebanese agency, with more than 50,000 officers,
was not deployed against the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah during its takeover
of the political party of Prime Minister Said Hariri in 2008.
The United States has been training ISF in a range of skills. On May 20,
49 ISF cadets and officers were graduated from the newly developed Community
Policing training class in a program directed by the State Department.
The State Department plans to train 300 ISF officers from the northern
city of Tripoli in community police techniques. Tripoli has become a
battleground between Saudi-financed Sunni fighters and Hizbullah.
"The Community Policing course is an eight-week, state-of-the-art
training program taught by U.S. and Lebanese police instructors with the
assistance of legal professionals," the U.S. embassy said. "ISF officers
learn the latest policing, law enforcement and community relations skills —
and how to implement them effectively in on-the-job situations."
ShareThis
