Posted on 01/23/2025 6:26:13 AM PST by delta7
The United States is in the process of creating a new embassy in Lebanon that is far larger than any government facility in the nation. In fact, the 19 building, 43-acre compound is 2.5X larger than the White House and accompanying land and 10X the size of Nine Elms in London.
The only larger embassy is the one the US built in Iraq. “The Land of Plenty,” as the structure will be called, will cost US taxpayers an estimated $1.2 billion. Why does the US government need a mega compound in Lebanon?
It is all about Israel. The site in Awkar, Lebanon, is 10 miles from the center of Beirut and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. More importantly, the compound is only 60 miles from Israel. The US State Department declared that the “primary purpose” would be to “assist American citizens” within a host country. There are only 86,000 US citizens in Lebanon. The purpose of this structure is to protect Israel and American interests in the Middle East.
This is not a partisan issue, as Obama initially approved building a colossal embassy in Lebanon, and the ground broke for this massive structure in 2017 after Trump began his first term. Everyone in the US government is eager to protect its vassal state. “Breaking ground today on our New Embassy Compound is a strong message to the Lebanese people that we are with you for the long term.
We intend to continue the spirit of cooperation and partnership that has defined our journey together for 200 years,” Ambassador Elizabeth Richard said. Sorry, but America has turned a blind eye to Lebanon’s problems in recent years and would not shell out $1 billion if the invisible hand was not at play.
Hezbollah is aggressively present near the two largest US embassies. The 1983 marine barracks bombing in Beirut claimed 241 American soldiers and has not been forgotten. Iranian forces bombed the US embassy again that same year, claiming another 17 American lives. This structure stands as a reminder that the West still controls the Middle East.
The embassy includes airports, entertainment venues, consulate buildings and residential units. Former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan Craig Murray said that this is “not an embassy, but something 50 times bigger.” Murray has attempted to speak out on government human rights abuses abroad. He just so happened to have a pulmonary embolism days after he refused to leave his post in 2004. Murray survived and continues to speak out, though few will publish his work since he is extremely critical of the Israeli government.
“The Land of Plenty” is far too massive to operate as a simple embassy. It appears to be more akin to a small city, or military base for that matter. B.L. Harbert of Birmingham, Alabama, was awarded this lucrative contract and the press release notes that they are incorporating a Marine Security Guard Residence. Those living within the compound will likely not leave the compound.
Edward Snowden claimed in his book, “Permanent Record,” that these buildings actually serve as a platform for espionage.
“‘The worst-kept secret in modern diplomacy is that the primary function of an embassy nowadays is to serve as a platform for espionage. Sure, embassies do still send the occasional demarche and help support their citizens abroad, and then there are the consular sections that issue visas and renew passports. But what justifies the expense is the ability for a country to use the cover of its foreign service to conduct and legitimize its spying,” Snowden wrote.
“The Land of Plenty” will operate as a key intelligence hub for the US in the Middle East. Syrians, Iranians, and the Saudis can all safely travel through Lebanon at the moment. America is not so concerned about spying on Lebanon as they can do that through Israel. It is no coincidence that America chose Lebanon at the height of its economic downfall when the nation desperately needed this investment. America’s commitment to protecting Israel has always been at the forefront. As Biden said, “If there were not an Israel, America would have to invent one.”
Huh?
There was a lot of damage to Beirut a few years back. Maybe the Lebanese government could use most of it for office space.
We probably only need 10% of the space for an embassy and key personnel.
We can hire from Dearborn, MI and Paterson, NJ to get Arab-speaking clerks.
More:
https://lb.usembassy.gov/new-embassy-beirut-compound/
Considering this was Obama’s plan, can we expect another Beirut debacle?
“There are only 86,000 US citizens in Lebanon.”
Of which 84,000 are probably dual citizens.
Breaking ground = equal long term, but actually completing the building = we’re here to stay….
The purpose of this structure is to protect Israel and American interests in the Middle East.
Huh?
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All eyes on Rubio, it will be interesting to see if President Trump’s new DOS pick
buys into this.
In any case, this most likely plays into the Greater Israel plan, of which I have no opinion.
I voted for a “convicted felon” not long ago.
For a $30 million/year CEO to read a page costs about $100/minute.
We should have as few people in Lebanon as possible.
With high-speed Internet, we can get by with fewer people outside of the US.
Many US government employees like to work from home.
A multi billion dollar target.
Cancel it.
Just finished Jack Carr’s “Targeted: Beirut”
My infantry school bunkmate was killed in the 83 bombing.
Totally foreseeable and avoidable.
The whole chain of command right up to Reagan were guilty of gross negligence and incompetence.
Martin Armstrong: Is he an Israel hater? He sneers at Israel in this by describing Israel with the pejorative “vassal state.”
the definitions and examples of a “vassal” country
A vassal state is a country or region that is under the control of a more powerful state.
The vassal state is expected to be loyal to the more powerful state, and may provide military support or pay tribute.
Examples of vassal states
Manchukuo
In the 20th century, this state in northeastern China was a vassal state of Imperial Japan
European countries in the Middle Ages
Many European countries were vassal states of the Holy Roman Empire
Japan during the Tang Dynasty
Japan was a vassal state of China, granted trading rights in exchange for paying tribute
Japan after World War II
Japan was a vassal state of the United States, occupied and governed by the US after the war
Characteristics of vassal states
Vassal states have limited rights and privileges
Vassal states have varying degrees of internal autonomy, but are dominated by the more powerful state in foreign affairs
Vassal states may provide military support or pay tribute when requested
I’m well aware of the nature of the relationship between the USA and Israel. But to describe Israel as a “vassal” state? He can get bent.
Plus, I presume this is the Martin A. Armstrong who was a con man, crook, swindler and puppet master of a Ponzi scheme that defrauded a bunch of people.
Lebanon is such a charming country; do they offer vacation packages? I can hardly wait to go there.
“The US State Department declared that the “primary purpose” would be to “assist American citizens” within a host country. There are only 86,000 US citizens in Lebanon.”
For those who don’t know, 95% of people assigned to US embassies overseas are there to shape and control, and overthrow if necessary, the host government. They are not there for usual embassy functions (facility communications and help Americans), not at all. They’re more like military bases.
need space to temp house all the mid east ILLEGAL ALIENS TERRORISTS AND VIOLENT MUSLIMS that biden infiltrated into our nation over the last 4 years.
“The Leb” as its called locally, is known for two things.
One, its were the USA Intelligence community makes all its connections with other countries.
Two, its where the Saudi princes keep their mistresses.
If they are expanding, its for one of the two reasons...or both.
Nope, it's all about Biden and his 10% +.
I thought the Hokey Pokey is what it’s all about.
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