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How did American forces influence the outcome of the 1958 Lebanon crisis?

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The U.S. military's involvement in the 1958 Lebanon Crisis marked a significant chapter in the Cold War, where American forces exerted considerable influence in stabilizing the country and supporting the pro-Western government of President Camille Chamoun. The crisis unfolded against a backdrop of growing instability in Lebanon and the broader Middle East, with U.S. intervention playing a critical role in shaping the outcome.

Background to the Crisis

The Lebanon Crisis of 1958 stemmed from a combination of internal and external pressures. The Lebanese political system, characterized by a delicate sectarian balance, was under strain, as President Chamoun's bid for re-election in violation of Lebanon's constitution alienated many, particularly among the Muslim population. His policies were seen as pro-Western, aligning Lebanon closely with U.S. interests, especially during the rise of Arab nationalist sentiments, led by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser(1958: When America first went to war in the Middle East)(1958 Lebanon crisis - Wikipedia).

Tensions in Lebanon escalated as many Lebanese Muslims, particularly Sunnis, supported the ideology of Nasser and his vision for a pan-Arab union under the banner of the United Arab Republic (UAR), formed by the union of Egypt and Syria in 1958. The situation worsened with the assassination of a prominent pro-Nasser journalist and the eruption of violent protests, particularly in Beirut and Tripoli(1958 Lebanon crisis - Wikipedia).

The U.S. was deeply concerned about Nasser's growing influence in Lebanon and the wider Arab world. This came amid the backdrop of the 1958 coup in Iraq, which saw the overthrow of the pro-Western Hashemite monarchy. The U.S. feared that this might lead to a wave of similar movements across the region, threatening Western interests, including access to oil and the strategic balance against the Soviet Union( National Security Archive).

U.S. Intervention

As the Lebanese government teetered on the brink of collapse, President Chamoun appealed to U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower for assistance. Eisenhower, following the principles of the Eisenhower Doctrine, which sought to contain the spread of communism and prevent Soviet influence in the Middle East, decided to intervene. This doctrine had already been endorsed by Chamoun in 1957, which had led to the U.S. providing military aid to his regime(1958: When America first went to war in the Middle East)(1958 Lebanon crisis - Wikipedia).

On July 15, 1958, the United States began deploying troops to Lebanon. The operation was initially led by a battalion of U.S. Marines, who were airlifted from North Carolina, followed by additional forces. By the end of the intervention, more than 14,000 U.S. troops, including both Marines and Army personnel, had been stationed in Lebanon( National Security Archive). The U.S. military also conducted a show of force with the Sixth Fleet, deploying numerous naval assets, including aircraft carriers, to the Mediterranean to assert American presence and deter any escalation of the conflict( National Security Archive).

The presence of American troops was not just a military action; it was a symbol of U.S. commitment to preserving the stability of Lebanon's pro-Western government. The intervention successfully prevented the rebels, backed by Nasser, from seizing power. This military support was coupled with diplomatic efforts to persuade the Lebanese factions to reach a resolution, ultimately stabilizing the country long enough for Chamoun’s government to remain in power until his term ended(1958: When America first went to war in the Middle East)( National Security Archive).

Impact of American Forces

The immediate impact of American intervention was the stabilization of Lebanon. The U.S. military's presence acted as a deterrent to further escalation of the conflict and helped suppress the rebellion. U.S. Marines secured key positions, and military advisors worked with the Lebanese army, which, while initially divided, became more cohesive with American support(1958 Lebanon crisis - Wikipedia).

On the political front, U.S. intervention shifted the balance of power. With American backing, President Chamoun was able to maintain control, but the intervention also paved the way for a broader political settlement. After Chamoun's term ended, a new president, Fouad Chehab, was chosen in the hopes of healing the sectarian divisions. His election, seen as a compromise candidate, helped stabilize Lebanon in the short term(1958 Lebanon crisis - Wikipedia).

While the U.S. intervention in Lebanon did not result in a lasting peace, it prevented a potential takeover by pro-Nasser forces, preserving Lebanon's alignment with the West for the time being. The intervention demonstrated the U.S.'s willingness to use military force to counter Soviet and Arab nationalist influence in the Middle East, setting a precedent for future American involvement in the region(1958: When America first went to war in the Middle East).

Long-Term Consequences

Although the intervention helped avert a worse crisis in 1958, it also entrenched Lebanon’s dependence on U.S. support, setting the stage for future U.S. involvement in Lebanese affairs. Over the subsequent decades, Lebanon would continue to experience political instability and sectarian tensions, leading to the Lebanese Civil War in 1975. The U.S. presence in Lebanon, while initially stabilizing, also contributed to the complexities of Lebanese politics and the broader Middle East conflict.

In conclusion, American forces played a decisive role in the outcome of the 1958 Lebanon Crisis. Through military intervention, strategic diplomacy, and a show of force, the U.S. helped secure the Lebanese government and prevent a communist or Nasserist takeover. However, the intervention also highlighted the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, where U.S. involvement, while stabilizing in the short term, did not resolve the underlying sectarian and political tensions in Lebanon.

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