Wikileaks Publishes 2368 Cables Issued From US Embassy in Awkar Warning of A “Lebanese Shake”

The Whistleblower website Wikileaks published yesterday secret cables between the US administration and its embassies in different countries worldwide, including countries of the Middle East region.

According to sources, 3862 cables published had a main title on "Situation in Lebanon", out of which 2368 cables were issued by the US embassy in Awkar-Lebanon- warning of a "shake in the country".

Among the leaks is a document dated 07/22/09, issued by the US embassy in the Zionist entity on a meeting between Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro with a number of GOI officials on July 22-23 to stress the importance of the U.S.-"Israeli" political-military relationship, and to discuss among other issues "Israel's" Qualitative Military Edge (QME).
GOI officials expressed reservations regarding U.S. arms transfers to Lebanon, and requested the opportunity to further discuss U.S. strategy and intentions with respect to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

According to the documents, Shapiro met with Director General of the War Ministry Pinchas Buchris, acknowledged that the elections in Lebanon were positive, but countered that Hizbullah's influence remains strong. He argued that items such as the Cessna Caravan and the Raven unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) lack sufficient mitigation measures, which creates the potential for an incident along the Israel-Lebanese border.

Analysts from the MFA's Center for Policy Research argued there has been no dramatic change in the political arena despite the March 14 coalition's significant victory in the elections. They said the fragile political situation in Lebanon is currently stable, but Hizbullah still possesses an unofficial veto over policy.

The document also said "Long term prospects will be tested by the Hariri Tribunal and Hizbullah's desire for a reprisal to the 2008 Mughniyeh assassination."

Moreover, Shapiro asked if the election results might be the result in part of a backlash in the Christian community against Hizbullah; the Policy Research analysts countered that the results were indicative of several factors, including the influx of Saudi money and an unstable opposition camp.