Hardin Lang
Monday, September 11, 2017 - 07:36
The report focuses on the Lebanese government’s ability to mitigate threats from Salafi-jihadi groups, and explores aspects of U.S. policy toward Hezbollah. It argues against the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and suggests additional steps that it and Congress can take to strengthen Lebanon’s counterterrorism capabilities, including continued Foreign Military Financing for Lebanon and leveraging U.S. assistance for better counterterrorism coordination.
Thursday, September 7, 2017 - 11:45
During the last week of August 2017, the Lebanese government completed its largest counterterrorism operation in years, pushing Islamic State (IS) militants from the group’s stronghold along the Lebanese border with Syria. As many as 7,000 soldiers from the Lebanese army and special operations forces took part.1 The offensive underscored Lebanon’s contribution to the global counter-IS coalition and the key role that its military and security services have played in blocking the expansion of Sunni militant groups in the region.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014 - 13:23
After more than a decade of extended U.S. military deployments and costly counterinsurgency efforts, the United States needs to find a new pathway that employs a more targeted use of force in coordination with reliable partners in the region. The United States must use all elements of statecraft to get countries in the region to stop engaging in policies that undermine long-term stability and start taking steps to respond to the crushing social, economic, and demographic trends that are affecting every country in the region.
Thursday, June 12, 2014 - 06:38
Jordan remains one of the United States’ closest, most reliable, and most trusted partners in the Middle East, and the country requires help to address the spillover effects of the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. The support needed most urgently is continued security cooperation, including intelligence sharing, surveillance, and military equipment to help Jordan manage serious security threats. In addition, continued and increased humanitarian aid for refugees is essential