Lebanon is a religiously diverse, democratic state transitioning toward independence after a ruinous civil war and the subsequent Syrian and Israeli occupations. The United States and Lebanon have historically enjoyed a good relationship due in part to cultural and religious ties; the democratic character of the state; a large, Lebanese-American community in the United States; and the pro-western orientation of Lebanon, particularly during the Cold War. Current U.S.

The Bush Administration has pursued several avenues to attempt to contain or end the potential threat posed by Iran, at times pursuing limited engagement, and at other times leaning toward pursuing efforts to change Iran's regime. Some experts believe a potential crisis is looming over Iran's nuclear program because the Bush Administration is skeptical that efforts by several European allies to prevent a nuclear breakout by Iran will succeed, although the Administration announced steps in March 2005 to support those talks.

Lebanon is a religiously diverse, democratic state transitioning toward independence after a
ruinous civil war and the Syrian and Israeli occupations that followed. The United States and
Lebanon have historically enjoyed a good relationship due in part to cultural and religious ties;
the democratic character of the state; a large, Lebanese-American community in the United
States; and the pro-western orientation of Lebanon, particularly during the Cold War. Current
U.S.