Following the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, Lebanon’s ensuing Cedar Revolution was a popular uprising that ended Syria’s 30-year military stranglehold on the country and looked to be a harbinger of Western-style democracy. This hope was quickly extinguished, however, as Hezbollah asserted itself during the power vacuum.

Now, after electing a Hezbollah-backed billionaire as prime minister in January, Lebanon has confirmed that Hezbollah is the most powerful political force in the country. This has raised concerns in the United States, who, since the election, has very quietly halted weapon shipments to the Lebanese military.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. has provided more than $720 million worth of materials to the Lebanese military since 2006 including antitank missiles, launchers, ammunition, other equipment and advanced training. Seen by U.S. Defense officials as “the only state institution with a chance of maintaining stability,” Lebanese armed forces have enjoyed continued American support despite indications that Washington’s ability to influence events in the country are marginal at best.

These freely-given resources have done little to prevent Hezbollah from establishing itself as the dominant governing body of the nation. As a consequence, the United States suddenly found itself supporting the military for a country governed by a terrorist, anti-Israeli political and military group backed by Syria and Iran.

The Pentagon is now reviewing U.S. aid to Lebanon, evaluating “the composition and conduct of the next government” before deciding on future policy. The current state of affairs in Lebanon shows that Western-style democracy does not easily take hold and Western political influence seems ever more elusive. As the U.S. considers arming other rebel groups to support “democratic revolutions” which are erupting all over the Middle East, we need to remember the lessons of Lebanon.