At MESH you can read an interesting exchange of views on the topic.
From 2005 to 2008, the U.S. Government provided over $1 billion to Lebanon, including nearly $380 million in assistance to the LAF. During this time, Washington's generosity toward the LAF made Lebanon the second-largest recipient of U.S. foreign military assistance per capita, after Israel. [David Schenker]
On the other hand, advanced military technology does not make an army invincible. Just take a look at the difficulties the US army met in Iraq and more recently, NATO in Afghanistan. The Gulf emirates buy the latest weaponry, yet they are far from being able to defend themselves.
A main and valid concern is the political willing. Those who watched the returning of Kuntar et comp on Al Manar understand who is really in control in Lebanon. I am curious what the cabinet statement will say about Hizballah's army, but it would be a miracle to have the “resistance” condemned. Quite the contrary. The last government raised Hizballah's army at the status of national resistance thus giving the party the freedom to do whatever necessary to obtain victory, whatever that may mean in Khomeninist ideology.
The UK just put Hizballah's military wing on the terrorist list. Both the political and military wing are under the leadership of the same man and council, and work to achieve the very same objectives. Even so, UK will have contacts with the party, as Hizballah is part of the cabinet and has the veto power in the Parliament. The double standard is not helping anyone. Hizballah is either terrorist or not. You can't have it both ways. On the other hand, labeling Hizballah as a terrorist movement would have deep socio-political implications in Lebanon and the region. No easy answers.
Nonetheless, LAF needs to be strengthen, but that alone is not enough. Not without political willing to bring some sort of change in the country.
