Reagans Failed Adventure in Lebanon

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum Education Department

The Middle Eastern Jigsaw Puzzle:Lebanon in the 1980sLebanon & The Middle East

Situation & TimelineApril 13, 1975 Lebanese Civil War beginsChristians & Muslims competed for political powerJune 1982 - Peace for Galilee InvasionIsrael responded to Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) guerilla attacksAugust 1982 U.S., France, and Italy sent a Multi-National Peace Keeping Force to supervise removal of PLO forcesU.S. sought to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian Issue, and created the May 17th Agreement (formally signed in 1983)Syria rejected the agreement

Situation & TimelineSeptember 29, 1982 Redeployment of the M.N.F. forces in response to Bachir Gemayels assassination, and the Sabra & Shatila massacres.October 23, 1983 Marine Barrack bombingsSince re-deployment, the U.S. had become entangled in the Civil WarAs a result, the U.S. was seen an enemy to certain factionsMajor PlayersAmine Gemayel

The U.S. supported Lebanese President during the Civil War, who worked with Israel, and Reagan to create the May 17th Peace Agreement.

Menachem Begin

As the Prime Minister of Israel during the Lebanese Civil War, Begin worked with the Americans to create the May 17th Peace Agreement.

George P. Shultz Philip Charles HabibThe Secretary of State who worked with Lebanon and Israel in creating the May 17th Agreement.The diplomat who negotiated a cease-fire settlement, calling for Israeli and PLO troop withdrawal.

Hafez al-AssadThe President of Syria who did not approve of the May 17th Agreement. It is believed that al-Assad also supported the group that caused the Marine Barracks Bombing.

Beirut Before the Civil War

Beirut After the Civil War

Events UnfoldingThe U.S. contingent of the M.N.F. arrives in Lebanon in 1982.

Events UnfoldingPresident Reagan morning meeting with Senior Staff for National Security Planning Group meeting on Lebanon bombing in the situation room. 10/23/83.

What questions do we have?What options did the United States Government have for responding to this crisis?OptionsImmediately withdraw U.S. troopsSend more U.S. troopsAttack SyriaEngage in Economic SanctionsSupport Economic Assistance to cooperative factionsHave the U.S. intervene among the various factions in Lebanon, and attempt peace negotiations Other?

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and MuseumEducation Department

Mira CohenDirector of EducationMira.cohen@nara.gov805-577-4019