The United States is in the process of creating a new embassy in Lebanon that is far larger than any government facility in the nation. In fact, the 19 building, 43-acre compound is 2.5X larger than the White House and accompanying land and 10X the size of Nine Elms in London. The only larger embassy is the one the US built in Iraq. “The Land of Plenty,” as the structure will be called, will cost US taxpayers an estimated $1.2 billion. Why does the US government need a mega compound in Lebanon?
It is all about Israel. The site in Awkar, Lebanon, is 10 miles from the center of Beirut and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. More importantly, the compound is only 60 miles from Israel. The US State Department declared that the “primary purpose” would be to “assist American citizens” within a host country. There are only 86,000 US citizens in Lebanon. The purpose of this structure is to protect Israel and American interests in the Middle East.
This is not a partisan issue, as Obama initially approved building a colossal embassy in Lebanon, and the ground broke for this massive structure in 2017 after Trump began his first term. Everyone in the US government is eager to protect its vassal state. “Breaking ground today on our New Embassy Compound is a strong message to the Lebanese people that we are with you for the long term. We intend to continue the spirit of cooperation and partnership that has defined our journey together for 200 years,” Ambassador Elizabeth Richard said. Sorry, but America has turned a blind eye to Lebanon’s problems in recent years and would not shell out $1 billion if the invisible hand was not at play.
Hezbollah is aggressively present near the two largest US embassies. The 1983 marine barracks bombing in Beirut claimed 241 American soldiers and has not been forgotten. Iranian forces bombed the US embassy again that same year, claiming another 17 American lives. This structure stands as a reminder that the West still controls the Middle East.
The embassy includes airports, entertainment venues, consulate buildings and residential units. Former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan Craig Murray said that this is “not an embassy, but something 50 times bigger.” Murray has attempted to speak out on government human rights abuses abroad. He just so happened to have a pulmonary embolism days after he refused to leave his post in 2004. Murray survived and continues to speak out, though few will publish his work since he is extremely critical of the Israeli government.
“The Land of Plenty” is far too massive to operate as a simple embassy. It appears to be more akin to a small city, or military base for that matter. B.L. Harbert of Birmingham, Alabama, was awarded this lucrative contract and the press release notes that they are incorporating a Marine Security Guard Residence. Those living within the compound will likely not leave the compound.
Edward Snowden claimed in his book, “Permanent Record,” that these buildings actually serve as a platform for espionage.
“‘The worst-kept secret in modern diplomacy is that the primary function of an embassy nowadays is to serve as a platform for espionage. Sure, embassies do still send the occasional demarche and help support their citizens abroad, and then there are the consular sections that issue visas and renew passports. But what justifies the expense is the ability for a country to use the cover of its foreign service to conduct and legitimize its spying,” Snowden wrote.
“The Land of Plenty” will operate as a key intelligence hub for the US in the Middle East. Syrians, Iranians, and the Saudis can all safely travel through Lebanon at the moment. America is not so concerned about spying on Lebanon as they can do that through Israel. It is no coincidence that America chose Lebanon at the height of its economic downfall when the nation desperately needed this investment. America’s commitment to protecting Israel has always been at the forefront. As Biden said, “If there were not an Israel, America would have to invent one.”
