Ending 2013 on a high note, the Lebanese Republic (Lebanon) announced that its armed forces would receive a grant of $3 billion from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2014; the size of which dwarfs the Lebanese army’s 2013 budget of $1.2 billion. (Source: Jane’s Information Group.)

Most regional observers have focused on how this promised grant counters the influence – political and military – of the Iran-backed, Syria-supporting, militia organization Hezbollah – by far the most powerful military force in Lebanon.

What these observers have not discussed is how this package reflects Riyadh’s declining confidence in the US’ Middle East policies, and the Obama administration’s desire and capability to stand strong against Iran.

Before discussing this promised aid, let’s first consider Riyadh’s history of broken promises. Like most nations, it always promises more than it delivers but I am confident this won’t happen in this case.

The primary reason…