The hypocrisy and double-speak of U.S. officials is daunting. American officials are apparently oblivious to their own words as they do exactly as they advise or threaten other nations not to. American officials maybe blind to such double-stands, but Arabs are not which only further undermines America’s already ailing reputation in the region.

A case in point is Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s recent to Lebanon. The often embattled nation is holding an election this June where the March 14 pro-Western, U.S.-backed coalition looks set to lose the election to the Iranian and Syrian-backed March 8 coalition.

March 14 is made up of Sunni Muslims, right-wing Christians and Druze. March 8 is composed of the Shia party-cum-militia Hezbollah and Christian aligned with Michel Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement. The parliamentary majority will be decided by the Christian vote. Since the seats allocated to Sunnis and Shias will not change hands, the Christians will tip the balance. Michel Aoun has the support of 70% of Lebanese Christians and it is unlikely they will abandon him in the next month.

The public sentiment of the Lebanese people? Now Lebanon.

The U.S. is worried that Lebanon will be “lost” [as if it were America’s to own in the first place] as an ally in the region. It need not be that way. Even Hezbollah, Lebanon can still be constructive partner in the region. But it depends on the United States not antagonizing the new government.

Clinton is worried and fears that Iran will play too big a role in the coming election. She urged non-interference. Clinton made such a statement without a hint of irony she visited Lebanon a month before the election in order to boaster the sinking fortunes of March 14. Clinton stated that the United State will never abandon Lebanon; meaning its allies in Lebanon. What does this mean? That the United States will support a coup triggering a civil war if its side loses? Clinton also hinted that U.S. aid to Lebanon may be cut if March 8 wins.

But, please, be assured that the United States does not interfere in the domestic affairs of Arab nations. That apparently is only the prerogative of “rogue” nations like Syria and Iran.