US Rushes to Aid Lebanon

The US has rushed military aid to Beruit, as the Lebanese army continues to battle Islamist militants holed up in a Palestinian refugee camp. The first shipment arrived today. Condoleeza Rice expressed support for Lebanon's government, if not confidence: "I certainly hope that the Lebanese government will be able to deal with these extremists," Rice said.

Lebanese troops are building up around the Nahr el-Bared camp, strengthing the siege or preparing to enter the camp where hundreds of Fatah al-Islam militants  have vowed to  "fight until the last moment, the last drop of blood and the last bullet."  Some analysts  fear an incursion could ignite deeper rebellion in Nahr el-Bared and other Palestinian camps. (More Lebanon stories.)