US Security Aid For Lebanon Withheld: Reuters

The US House of Representatives has launched an impeachment inquiry for suspending military aid to Ukraine, which is fighting Russian aggression at its eastern border. US officials report that the Trump administration is also withholding $105 million in military aid for Lebanon, reports Reuters. Amid protests over corruption, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri resigned on October 29. “Following Hariri’s resignation on Tuesday amid huge protests against the ruling elite, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Lebanon’s political leaders to help form a new government responsive to the needs of its people and called for an end to endemic corruption,” Reuters reports. The administration advised Congress on the delay, but not the reason. Despite requesting the aid in May, Washington expressed concern about Hezbollah’s role in government. Lebanon also hosts large numbers of Syrian refugees, who represent one out of every four people in the country. US officials expressed concern that delaying Lebanon's aid could “pave the way for Russia to move in” and extend influence. Before Hariri’s resignation, foreign donors had balked at releasing $11 billion in assistance pledged last year. Government workers and external observers hunt for patterns in distribution of foreign aid. – YaleGlobal