THE Lebanese army launched an all-out attack on left-wing Druze militia positions last Friday, in the wake of the joint US-Saudi attempts to arrange a ceasefire. In fact, the ceasefire was a trick. While the Lebanese government stronghold of Souk al-Gharb was in danger of falling, the United States made barely-concealed threats to unleash its aircraft and marines against the Druze militias in the mountains, unless a 'status quo' arranged.
While the fighting subsided the Lebanese army regrouped ior an attack. even setting into motion its six-plane airforce, unused for ten years. Two of the ancient Lebanese planes were shot down.
Even British Foreign Office officials last week were saying that the name 'peace keeping force' was a misnomer for the allied
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ceasefire was armies in Lebanon. The brief of the US, French, British and Italian armies is not at all to 'keep the peace' but to shore up and support the Lebanese government.
Both the Lebanese government and its army are dominated by the right wing Christian Maronite community. For the world's imperialist armies, especially for the United States, the Maronite Christians Palestinian resistance took place in many Euro pean capitals on the same day. the key to establishing some sort of pro-Western state in Lebanon.
The US intervention is an alarming its counterpolice role If the weak Lebanese army fails to defeat Druze militias the US will undoubtedly force. United States, with the military establishNicks accu overcome 'the Vietnam svndrome widespread feeling in the Us that foreign military entanglement should be avoided. While the world's press has highlighted the US build up Central America, the actual deployment of ' US troops combat marks a potentially more decisive blow in overcoming US isolationism. If Reagan can get away with an expedition in Lebanon.
easier to strike at Central British military the Lebanon are in full swcaneer jets which have been moved to Cyprus, which have already overflown Beirut, 1000 British marines have beer moved to the Mediterra lical Although the Ministry of Defence refuses to detail their precise destination, it's no secret that they're on their way to Cyprus, as a staging post for Lebanon If British troops do go into Lebanon, then they will of course be able to put to good use their experience of house-to-house and street fighting obtained Doubtless the 'lessons' of the Falklands adventure will come in useful as well. The time has come for the to make the Middle East, and British involvement there, a major campaigning priority Oh CARS AUSTO GUARITA (Photon)