Many adults in Lebanon keep negative views on the United States, according to a poll by Gallup. 59 per cent of respondents have an unfavourable opinion of the U.S., while 28 per cent express a favourable assessment.

Dec. 17, 2006- On Jul. 12, Hezbollah militants based in Lebanon killed eight Israeli soldiers and captured two more in a cross-border attack. The Israeli armed forces launched air strikes inside Lebanese territory to fight Hezbollah, targeting the country’s infrastructure and its airport. Hezbollah retaliated by firing rockets into several Israeli towns.

A ceasefire brokered by the United Nations (UN) came into effect on Aug. 14. Security Council Resolution 1701 calls for "a full cessation of hostilities" from both sides and allows Lebanese government troops and a 15,000-member peacekeeping force to enter into southern Lebanon during the withdrawal of Israeli forces, but sets no timetable for the disarmament of Hezbollah or the return of the two abducted Israeli soldiers.

Lebanese voters renewed the Assembly of Representatives last year. In June 2005, Fuad Siniora—a former finance minister—was appointed as Lebanon’s new prime minister. In November, six Lebanese ministers, including two members of Hezbollah, quit the cabinet after complaining of the current administration’s "anti-Syrian bias." Several anti-government demonstrations have taken place in Beirut.

On Dec. 11, U.S. state secretary Condoleezza Rice expressed disappointment with the situation, saying, "The fact of the matter is that Syria is engaged in a policy that is being demonstrated right now in the streets of Lebanon, where there is an attempt to bring down the Siniora government using or supporting extremist forces."

In general, what opinion do you have of the United States?

Very unfavourable 47%

Somewhat unfavourable 12%

Neutral 12%

Somewhat favourable 15%

Very favourable 13%