General James Mattis, who faces Congression hearings next week on his nomination to succeed General David Petraeus as the Head of the United States Central Command, said Thursday that he would continue a policy of boosting the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to balance against the influence of Syria and Hizbullah in Lebanon, according to the As-Safir newspaper.

Responding to written questions he received from members of the US Armed Forces Committee, General Mattis said, “A strong and effective LAF constitutes a pillar for the stability of the Lebanese Cabinet on which Lebanese citizens can rely, the fact clearly demonstrated during the conflict of Nahr al-Bared camp in 2007.” The army was given credit for defeating terrorists.