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Embassy of the United States, Beirut

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Coordinates: 33°56′6″N 35°35′53″E / 33.93500°N 35.59806°E / 33.93500; 35.59806
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Embassy of the United States, Lebanon
Map
LocationLebanon Beirut, Lebanon
AddressU.S. Embassy, Mazraat El Hdaira, Lebanon
Coordinates33°56′6″N 35°35′53″E / 33.93500°N 35.59806°E / 33.93500; 35.59806
JurisdictionLebanon
Websitehttps://lb.usembassy.gov

The Embassy of the United States, Beirut is the diplomatic mission of the United States of America located in the capital city of Beirut, Lebanon. After the American embassy in Baghdad, the embassy is anticipated to grow to be the second-largest in the world and take up a 43-acre site.

History

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The United States formally recognized the sovereignty of Lebanon on September 8, 1944. Diplomatic relations were established when George Wadsworth II presented his credentials as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary on November 16, 1944. The diplomatic mission was elevated from a Legation to an Embassy on October 3, 1952, when Harold B. Minor was appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.[1]

In April 1983, the embassy was the target of a suicide bombing perpetrated by Hezbollah with support from Iran which resulting in the death of 63 people including 17 Americans.[2][3] Hezbollah, again with Iranian support, followed this with the 1984 US embassy bombing in Beirut which resulted in 23 deaths including two Americans.

As the Lebanese Civil War continued, due to increasing danger to personnel, the American Embassy was closed and all staff, including Ambassador John Thomas McCarthy, were evacuated on September 6, 1989. The closure occurred following the besieging of the embassy by supporters of a civil war faction, compromising its security and disrupting its operations. The Embassy was reopened on November 29, 1990, with Ryan Crocker presenting his credentials as the new Ambassador.[1]

On 5 June 2024, it was reported that a shooting took place here.[4]

Building

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Since its announcement in 2015, the new U.S. embassy compound in Lebanon has been the subject of a significant building project. The embassy is being constructed on the site of the present embassy in the Awkar neighbourhood of Beirut, which is 13 kilometres from the city's centre. With multi-story buildings with tall glass windows, recreational spaces, and a swimming pool surrounded by vegetation and offering views of the Lebanese capital, the new complex is spread on a 43-acre property. According to the project website, the compound contains a chancery, staff housing, facilities for the community, and related support facilities.[5]

The embassy complex, which is expected to cost $1 billion, is being built under the supervision of the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations (OBO). The construction of numerous additional US embassies across the world was overseen by the OBO. One of the biggest U.S. diplomatic buildings in the world, the new embassy complex is scheduled to be finished soon.[6]

Controversy

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Particularly given that Lebanon is going through a financial crisis, the scale and price of the new U.S. embassy complex in Lebanon have generated debate and criticism. Some question why the U.S. needs such a sizable embassy in a nation with barely six million inhabitants.[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Lebanon". history.state.gov. Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  2. ^ "40 years after bombing that killed Americans in Beirut, US troops again deploy east of Mediterranean". AP News. October 23, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  3. ^ "Terrorist Attacks On Americans, 1979-1988 | Target America | FRONTLINE | PBS". www.pbs.org. Archived from the original on December 16, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  4. ^ "Lebanese army says gunman attacked US embassy". AP News. June 5, 2024. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  5. ^ "Why is US embassy in Beirut built on land over twice as large as White House?". The News. May 14, 2023. Archived from the original on May 15, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  6. ^ Ebrahim, Nadeen (May 12, 2023). "A massive new US embassy complex in a tiny Middle East nation is raising eyebrows". CNN. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  7. ^ "Fortress-like new US embassy in Lebanon raises questions". Geo News. May 14, 2023. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
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