Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad caused a lot of consternation around the region when he went to Lebanon on Wednesday, accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, military commanders, Revolutionary Guard officials and businessmen. The US State Department voiced concern over the visit, saying that it would undermine Lebanon's sovereignty, due to Iran's association with groups such as Hizbullah. Israel, meanwhile, called the visit a provocation and there have been calls in the Israeli media to assassinate Ahmadinejad or capture him during the visit, on account of his call for the destruction of Israel. Haaretz said that the opportunity has presented itself for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to send Israeli Special Forces to cross the border, arrest Ahmadinejad and bring him to trial in Israel. The newspaper added that Hassan Nasrallah should also be captured and exchanged with Gilad Shalit, the soldier held by Hamas. In Lebanon, the reaction to the visit was mixed. In the south, welcoming banners and pictures of Ahmadinejad have appeared in the streets, and sacrificial animals were prepared for slaughter during the visit. Meanwhile, the Western-backed 14 March movement mostly considered the visit a move that lacked the support of two-thirds of the country. The visit could turn Lebanon into an Iranian base on the eastern Mediterranean, supporters of 14 March argued. Shia Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri welcomed the visit and chastised its critics. "When the Americans play host to the Iranian president, they are classier and kinder than some of the Lebanese who are being so nasty about it." That the visit is controversial is not in doubt. For one thing, it comes at a time when political rivalries in the country are such that some think that the country is headed to civil war. The visit gives Hizbullah and its leader, Nasrallah, a clear advantage over their adversaries. Iranian sources say that Ahmadinejad will offer to provide weapons to the Lebanese army, supply Lebanon with energy, and create industrial cities in Lebanon, all of which would help consolidate the power of Lebanese Shia groups. The visit includes a tour of South Lebanon and the border area with Israel. An Iranian centre is to be inaugurated in Maroun Al-Ras, a border village that saw the worst battles between Hizbullah and Israel in 2006. Tehran said that Israeli threats on Ahmadinejad would not affect the itinerary. But the Iranians have sent three security squads to offer the president protection during his visit. Units from Hizbullah will also escort Ahmadinejad during the visit. The visit is of great significance in terms of boosting Iranian influence in Lebanon and the region. However, its full impact on Lebanon and the region may need some time to be fully understood.
