Remembering the Beirut Barracks Bombing: 40 Years Later

(This article first appeared in the Capitol Institute: https://www.thecapitolinstitute.org/2023/10/25/remembering-the-beirut-barracks-bombing-40-years-later/)

On the morning of October 23, 1983, the world was jolted by the shocking news of a catastrophic terrorist attack that severely undermined peacekeeping efforts in the Middle East. Forty years later, the memory of the Beirut barracks bombing, which took the lives of 241 American service members and 58 French paratroopers, remains indelibly imprinted in our collective consciousness.

The attack was a calculated suicide truck bombing that targeted two barracks housing U.S. and French multinational peacekeeping troops in the heart of Beirut. The sheer magnitude of the explosion obliterated the buildings, leaving them in ruins and inflicting a severe blow to the international peacekeeping mission during the tumultuous Lebanese Civil War. Subsequent investigations attributed the attack to Hezbollah, and the calamitous aftermath resonated deeply worldwide.

This bombing marked a pivotal moment in peacekeeping endeavors in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East. In the aftermath of such profound loss, both the United States and France opted to withdraw their troops from Lebanon. The events of that fateful day emphasized the paramount importance of robust intelligence and stringent security measures in volatile regions. Furthermore, they highlighted the necessity of a swift, decisive response to any aggression against the U.S. and its allies.

On the 34th anniversary of this grievous incident, I had the privilege of hosting President Reagan’s National Security Advisor, Bud McFarlane, in my office. During our discussion, he detailed the happenings in the White House on that historic day.

Within a mere 48 hours of the attack, President Reagan had assembled his cabinet, the National Security Council principals, and presented the compelling evidence at hand. However, Secretary Weinberger sought even more definitive proof of the perpetrators. To cut a long story short, a united front comprising the U.S., the French, the Italians - all of whom had representatives in Beirut on that very day - alongside their embassies, jointly concluded with unwavering certainty that Hezbollah, with the backing of Iran, was responsible.

The delayed response was primarily attributed to internal divisions within the cabinet, particularly between the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense. Approximately 10 days post-incident, after the president had traveled to Asia and returned, a meeting was convened. At this juncture, Director Casey presented compelling evidence linking Hezbollah to the attack, detailing their preparations and the locations where they had rehearsed.

Despite this evidence, objections were raised by the Secretary of Defense over concerns of potential collateral damage. He emphasized that a retaliatory move would be unlikely to harm civilians. The Sixth Fleet, with resolute intent, was prepared to target the Beqaa Valley facility. However, the Secretary of Defense highlighted the broader implications, arguing that our actions could inadvertently strengthen the Arab world's bargaining position, potentially leading to increased oil prices and deteriorating our diplomatic relations. He firmly advised against any retaliatory measures. Upon hearing the details, the President immediately made a decision, stating, "We cannot tolerate acts that harm Americans with impunity. We will pursue those responsible. Is everyone present clear on this directive?"

The consensus was unanimous, and the meeting was adjourned.

Close to midnight, as the Seventh Fleet, in collaboration with the French naval force that had the aircraft carrier Foch stationed in the eastern Mediterranean, was preparing to act, I received an unexpected call from the Situation Room. The attack had been aborted by the Secretary of Defense. I was taken aback by this development.

I promptly informed the President. It transpired that post the meeting, the Secretary of Defense had communicated with the President, raising concerns about the potential risks involved. He persuaded the President that a more cautious approach was warranted in responding to the situation. While there are more intricacies to this episode, the repercussions of that moment of hesitation persist even today.

As we grapple with the challenges posed by extremist groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, Al Qaeda, and state actors like Iran, it is imperative to underscore the significance of swift and decisive actions, and to acknowledge the consequences of inaction. The 1983 Beirut barracks bombing stands as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace. As the 40th anniversary of this tragic event approaches, we pay tribute to the lives tragically taken and commit to understanding and heeding the lessons it imparted.

Eli M. Gold is the President of the Gold Institute for International Strategy, a leading Washington, DC foreign policy and national security think tank.