US sticks by Lebanese army despite Hariri resignation

State Department and Defense Department officials tell Al-Monitor that US military assistance is unaffected by Beirut’s latest political crisis.
A Hezbollah fighter stands in front of anti-tank artillery at Juroud Arsal, the Syria-Lebanon border, July 29, 2017. REUTERS/Ali Hashisho TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC1B7DA4AC10
A Hezbollah fighter stands in front of anti-tank artillery at Juroud Arsal, at the Syria-Lebanon border, July 29, 2017. - Reuters/Ali Hashisho
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Jack Detsch
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The Donald Trump administration is standing by the Lebanese army despite Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s shocking resignation over the weekend.

Hariri announced his decision to step down during a visit to Saudi Arabia, citing threats from Hezbollah and its Iranian patron. The move raises concerns about US support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which critics worry is too close to the Shiite militia.

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