Military Spending
When it comes to military spending, Lebanon has opened its pockets and stuck its hand deep into it:
Facing increased security threats, Lebanon’s defense and security spending is forecast to increase by 22 percent by the end of 2009, European analysts predict.
If you’re expecting the money went to procure arms and munitions, then think again:
While the country is said to be probing prospective suppliers of arms to increase its defense capabilities, the SIPRI report indicated that Lebanon’s increased military spending was due to increased salaries and wages following a 66 percent increase in the country’s minimum wage.
Weapons are still obtained through donations rather than purchases. So if you were expecting a significant change in the Armed Forces, you can release your breath, we still have the smallest army in the Middle East.
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No one seems to realize in Lebanon that higher wages are not a good thing especially if its across the board. Plus the other benefits army personnel receive, we may not be getting our money’s worth.
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Does the “smallest army in the Middle East” assessment take the HA into account?
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No, it doesn’t. Actually the “smallest army in the Middle East” comes from an Israeli article I read recently (but cant seem to find it). The issue was the the procurement of Iranian weapons to be used by the Army. It was questioning why “the smallest army in the Middle East” would need such weapons.
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Watch for a large increase in inflation going forward.