Jim Risch actually said...

"the lesson--unsatisfying as it might seem--is that outside actors, the U.S. among them, should deal cautiously with Lebanese affairs."

"Lebanon has been a regional center for finance and trade for centuries, and has always been an important nation in the Middle East."

"But, it also sits in a very rough neighborhood today, with many outside forces attempting to upset the balance among its sectarian political forces."

"This hearing is very timely, given a number of international conferences on Lebanon and upcoming elections in Lebanon in May."