The Lebanese military, considered to be the most broadly representative institution in a country starkly divided into rival religious and political groups, got a major boost from Saudi Arabia last weekend. President Michel Sleiman made the announcement on live television: “The Saudi king decided to give a generous, well-appreciated grant to Lebanon amounting to $3 billion for the Lebanese army, which will allow it to buy new and modern weapons. The king pointed out that the weapons will be bought from France quickly…” President Hollande of France, visiting Riyadh, added: “If there are demands that are addressed to us, we will satisfy them.” It will be the biggest ever grant for Lebanon’s armed forces.