It
is evident that the recent expansion work undertaken by the US in Lebanon is
aimed at encircling the resistance, or at the very least, exerting pressure on
the Lebanese authorities to incite them against the resistance under the
pretext of avoiding severe brutal sanctions.
Preventing Iranian flights from landing at Beirut airport seems
to be a part of US President Donald Trump’s plan to control the world,
sometimes by proposing plans to displace Palestinians and other times by
occupying countries.
Washington considers controlling the northern part of the
West Asia region, in addition to the southern part, especially the Persian Gulf
countries, a fundamental issue in light of the conflict with competing powers,
as was the case decades ago when the Soviet Union existed.
The
“Eisenhower Doctrine” was implemented in the 1950s, during the era of President
Camille Chamoun, when the US naval forces landed on the shores of Beirut. Their
interest was focused on Beirut airport because ensuring influence lies in
tightening the noose around strategic outlets such as public facilities and
airports.
This is exactly what is happening today, as the US embassy
in Beirut is only functioning as a military base that insults the sovereignty
and prestige of the Lebanese state whenever it wants.
Since Beirut air base is the only international airport in
Lebanon, it has sought to reactivate some airports, such as Rayak air base,
which currently witnesses a suspicious American and British military presence,
given its strategic location in the heart of the Bekaa Valley near the Syrian
border.
In 2011, Rayak air base was officially opened as a military
air base for the Lebanese army. Before opening, the airport underwent expansion
work funded and supervised directly by the US embassy.
Recently, it underwent additional expansion work as large capacity
hangars were added to it. It was equipped with modern radars and surveillance
devices.
It is worth noting that the Lebanese army used Rayak air
base during its battles with Jolani’s terrorist groups during the Liberation of
the Bekaa Outskirts Battle in 2015, which culminated in late August 2017 with
the total elimination of all terrorists in the eastern chain of Lebanon and its
liberation.
The US
embassy also controls Qlayaat air base on the northern coast of Lebanon as a
logistical base linking them to US bases in Cyprus, Greece, and the rest of
West Asia.
It is worth noting that Qlayaat air base is close to Syria
and close to the Russian air and naval bases in Tartous and Latakia, which enhances
its strategic importance for the Americans.
There is also effort to establish a facility at Qlayaat air
base to facilitate the entry of weapons to support their anti-Hezbollah proxies
in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s airports are small in size but large in influence,
just as Lebanon itself, which is small in size but great in influence.
Courtesy: Tehran Times
