It's A Wide, Wide World

Good for President Bush for barring pro-Syrian, anti-government forces from entering the U.S. Nevertheless, this decision likely had nothing to do with protecting Lebanese democracy -- and very little to do with Lebanon at all, as a matter of fact.

Of all of America's weapons to affect Mideast policy, this is merely a symbolic one. Let's be honest -- how many of the ten "examples" of those affected by the ban, such as Syrian military intelligence chief Asef Shawkat, were really planning a vacation to the Grand Canyon? For more low-level operatives, the policy could conceivably be an annoyance -- but, given their stake in toppling Siniora's government, it's not going to convince anybody to change sides in the larger struggle.

Also, look at what is happening in the United States right now. Bush is hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Maine today. Putin is a Syria ally -- though his decision not to veto the international tribunal was a welcome split from the Assads. By barring anti-government forces from the United States before the Russian delegation arrives, Bush sends a strong signal that he is not going to back down to Putin. Sure, the decision nominally benefits Lebanon -- but only incidentally, as a side effect to its intended purpose.

Just another reminder -- as if one was needed -- about Lebanon's desperate need for local, nationalist leaders who don't need to rely on America, Saudi Arabia, France, Syria, or Iran to keep their country together.