Bilal Saab, a close advisor to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, expressed strong optimism following Aoun’s recent visit to Washington. He believes the meeting was highly successful in potentially securing increased international support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and its state institutions. Saab acknowledges significant hurdles, including Hezbollah’s influence, regional instability, and complex Israeli-Lebanese security issues. However, he argues that a military approach is not the solution and that strengthening the Lebanese state is crucial. Saab emphasized that Lebanon requires consistent political backing from the US, beyond simply symbolic gestures. He views Lebanon as a key test case for American regional diplomacy and a delicate state-building project.