Carnegie: US Makes Strategic Miscalculation in Disarming Hezbollah
The English section of webangah News Agency reported, citing Mehr News Agency and Al-Mayadeen, that the Carnegie Endowment criticized the recent visit of U.S. envoy Tom Barrack to Beirut.Accompanied by former envoy Morgan Ortagus and Senators Lindsey graham, Jeanne Shaheen, and Joe Wilson, the trip reflected Washington’s disregard for Lebanon’s complex realities.
The report stated that the United States is steering Lebanon toward a military solution to disarm Hezbollah-“the worst possible option.”
Carnegie noted that the failed visit offered no viable solutions and made America’s demands clear: Hezbollah must be disarmed before Israel grants any concessions to Lebanon.
The report referenced previous Lebanese army encounters with armed militias-in 1983-1984 and during the 2007 Battle of Nahr al-Bared-as evidence that any military confrontation would be catastrophic. Such clashes lead to widespread civilian destruction, inflame sectarian tensions, and ultimately end in deadlock.
Carnegie added that Lebanon’s Shiite community today is more concerned with Syria than Israeli-occupied territories. Any U.S.-led military action against Hezbollah without Israel withdrawing from occupied positions in Lebanon could seriously destabilize the country.
Meanwhile, yesterday the Lebanese government welcomed an army plan designed to establish government monopoly over arms but decided to keep its details confidential.
During a cabinet session focused on this plan, officials explained that monthly reports on its implementation would be submitted by military command to the Council of Ministers.
