Rep. Gary L. Ackerman, chairman, House Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, hearing on “Update on the Situation in Lebanon,” July 29, 2008:
"[T]he United States cannot continue to try to shape events in the region by reading the newspaper. … what’s done is done; the reality in Lebanon is what it is regardless of our likes or dislikes, and we have to go back to work on building up the strength of our allies. But this time, I think we have to focus not only on the capacity of Lebanese governing institutions, but also on helping our friends learn some important lessons about coalition building, grassroots politics, political outreach, and voter registration and mobilization. Ultimately, as people who believe that Lebanon must be governed by and for the Lebanese people, we must recognize that this democratic test is the true center of gravity in the struggle for Lebanon’s future. It is Lebanon’s best hope, and it is a challenge Lebanon’s enemies can never hope of winning."
