WI: No 1983 Lebanon barracks bombing?

How would the US’s relationships with Iran, Syria, and Israel be affected? Would the US keep forces in Lebanon without the loss of support caused by the bombing? Would Hezbollah’s formation be delayed or prevented?
 
The mission of the Multinational Force was pretty much over anyway. The truck bombing attacks on the French and US contingents occurred in October & the trajectory of internal Lebanese politics made the decision to withdraw likely by spring. The February withdrawal was not much earlier.

The Hezbollah organization existed previously, & its leaders refused to take credit for the attacks, preferring to gain support through other methods. In the longer term little changes in the Israeli & Syrian relationships with the US. Within the US government there was little attention to the idea either nation was connected to the attacks.
 
Last edited:
Top