Trump erroneously says Lebanon is 'on the front lines' fighting Hezbollah, a partner in their Govt

[DonViejo]

Trump erroneously says Lebanon is ‘on the front lines’ fighting Hezbollah, a partner in the Lebanese government

By Anne Gearan July 25 at 7:10 PM

President Trump lumped the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah among militants and terrorists he praised the government of Lebanon for fighting, saying during Rose Garden remarks Tuesday that the tiny Mideast nation was “on the front lines” of a shared battle against extremism.

The only problem? Hezbollah is a political partner of the man standing next to Trump, visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

“The prime minister and I have just concluded an extensive conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing Lebanon and its neighbors,” Trump said at a news conference following his Oval Office meeting with Hariri. “Lebanon is on the front lines in the fight against ISIS, al-Qaeda and Hezbollah. The Lebanese people, of all faiths, are working together to keep — and you know this, and we've been discussing this at great length — their country safe and prosperous.”

Hezbollah is fighting the Islamic State in Syria on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, but Lebanon is not fighting Hezbollah. It was not clear whether Trump was confused about that, or simply misspoke.

The United States has long condemned Hezbollah, a sprawling organization with military and political arms, and considers it a threat to Mideast stability. The group is Lebanese, but receives backing from Iran. And, in various forms, it has been a fact of political life in Lebanon for decades.

more
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2017/07/25/trump-erroneously-says-lebanon-is-on-the-front-lines-fighting-hezbollah-a-partner-in-the-lebanese-government/?utm_term=.dccd6d5a2d09&wpisrc=nl_politics&wpmm=1

[left-of-center2012]

1. "It was not clear whether Trump was confused about that, or simply misspoke."

That could be said every day !

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. When he'd just been talking to the Lebanese PM, who was standing next to him?

Dear God, is there no part of governing that Trump can do? This sends a clear message to foreign governments: "it doesn't matter what you say to him, he's too dumb to understand, there is no possible constructive part he can take in dialog or policy making. He is a buffoon that everyone must ignore. But he'll stir up shit among his equally stupid followers."

But there's no possibility that he 'misspoke'. He went on to call Hezbollah a major threat to Lebanon:

Threats to the Lebanese people come from inside, as well. Hizballah is a menace to the Lebanese state, the Lebanese people, and the entire region. The group continues to increase its military arsenal, which threatens to start yet another conflict with Israel, constantly fighting them back.

With the support of Iran, the organization is also fueling the humanitarian catastrophe in Syria. Hizballah likes to portray itself as a defender of Lebanese interests, but it's very clear that its true interests are those of itself and its sponsor -- Iran.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/07/25/remarks-president-trump-and-prime-minister-hariri-lebanon-joint-press

[BSdetect]

3. Next he can attack Australia or Austria.