Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

US Warship Heads for Lebanon

Deployment of USS Cole signals 'we're engaged,' official says

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 29, 2008 4:30 AM CST
Email

(Newser) – The US has ordered a warship to the coastal waters of Lebanon amid fear the country's political deadlock could turn violent, Reuters reports. The country's presidential election has just been delayed for the 15th time and the US blames the political quagmire on Syrian meddling on behalf of its Hezbollah allies. "The presence is important. It signals that we're engaged, we're going to be in the vicinity," said the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Another official said the "show of support is important for regional stability—we are very concerned about the situation in Lebanon." The destroyer will be stationed beyond the horizon, out of sight of the Lebanese coast. It could soon be joined by other vessels, including the amphibious assault vessel the USS Nassau.

Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa, foregound right, meets with meets with Christian Opposition Leader Michel Aoun, foreground left, leader of the Parliamentary Majority, Saad Hariri, left background, and former President Amin Gemayel, right background, in the Parliament building, in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008. Moussa arrived in Beirut to...
Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa, foregound right, meets with meets with Christian Opposition Leader Michel Aoun, foreground left, leader of the Parliamentary Majority, Saad Hariri, left background,...   (Associated Press)
The USS Cole is pushed away from its berth at Northrop Grumman Ship systems at Ingalls in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Friday April 19, 2002 after completion of the repairs on the ship after it was attack
The USS Cole is pushed away from its berth at Northrop Grumman Ship systems at Ingalls in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Friday April 19, 2002 after completion of the repairs on the ship after it was attack   (KRT Photos)
The USS Cole, pictured in this 2002 file photo, has been ordered to the Lebanon coast as a show of support for regional stability. The country's presidential elections have been delayed for the 15th time and President Bush is said to be very concerned.
The USS Cole, pictured in this 2002 file photo, has been ordered to the Lebanon coast as a show of support for regional stability. The country's presidential elections have been delayed for the 15th time...   (Getty Images)
Hezbollah fighters hold their party flags as they attend a rally to commemorate slain top Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyeh and two other leaders, Abbas Musawi and Ragheb Harb, in the Shiite suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday Feb. 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Hezbollah fighters hold their party flags as they attend a rally to commemorate slain top Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyeh and two other leaders, Abbas Musawi and Ragheb Harb, in the Shiite suburb of...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Ships will be there 'for a while,' Navy says
CNN

Arab leaders put pressure on Syria
Financial Times (UK)

PM downplays civil war fears
BBC

 
Middle East • Lebanon • Syria • Hezbollah • US Navy • Michel Suleiman • Lebanese presidential elections • warship

More Newser Stories

Lebanon Backs General as Prez Candidate

Syria Accused of Supplying Hezbollah With Scuds

Syria Eyes a New Start With America

Lebanon Pays High Price to Avert Civil War

US Pledges Support as Lebanon Government Fails
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne