This report gives an overview of the social and political situation in Lebanon and in Syria, and discusses how the uprising in Syria could affect U.S. relations with Lebanon. Syria exerts a strong political influence on Lebanon and Syrian business interests remain prominent in the Lebanese economy. Both Lebanon and Syria have diverse societies where ethnic and sectarian groups compete and cooperate as they seek power within the confines of a rigid political system. Congress may review U.S. priorities and programs in relation to future U.S. policy in Lebanon.

Hamas, or the Islamic Resistance Movement, is a Palestinian Islamist military and sociopolitical movement that grew out of the Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni religious and political organization founded in Egypt in 1928 that has branches throughout the world. The United States, Israel, the European Union, and Canada consider Hamas a terrorist organization. The overarching U.S. goal regarding Hamas is to deter, transform, marginalize, or neutralize it so that it no longer presents a threat to Israel's security, to a peaceful and lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, or to other U.S. interests. This report discusses U.S. efforts and policy debates on these issues.

This report provides an overview of Lebanese politics, recent events in Lebanon, and current issues in U.S.-Lebanon relations and will be updated to reflect major developments.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about the Middle East. Heavy military and civilian casualties resulted from an afternoon of clashes between Lebanese soldiers and Palestinian guerillas.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating three news summaries. Lebanese troops and Palestinian guerrillas fought in a refugee camp in Lebanon. Two peace-keeping helicopters were recalled from a mission. Talks between German Chancellor Willy Brandt and President Nixon were covered as well.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, covering national and international news stories in Arizona, Beirut, and London.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story.