Today's Times' story on Russian MIGs in Lebanon offers a refresher on Cold War-style politics through arms. The Russians proposed giving ten MIG 29s, which is sure better than the prop engine Cessnas the US offered. Seriously? Cessnas?
"The Cessna would allow Lebanon to strike a domestic terrorist target, Mr. Straub said. But it would be no threat to Israeli forces; it could easily be shot down. The MIG-29 has the potential to be a threat, given its speed, maneuverability and ability to carry advanced weapons."
The second sentence is the key to understanding American weapons offers. I don't think anyone in the US government believes the current Lebanese government would be so foolish to attack Israel directly, thus why they don't get serious hardware. I presume it's the concern that Siniora or Suleiman, or any future government, could fall and that risk carries with it the threat of a Nasrallah/Hezbollah terrorist state, which wouldn't happen, or somehow could be manipulated by Iran. Again, doubtful. Regardless, it's doubtful the Lebanese would accept, but it's entertaining to see arms employed for these political purposes again.
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