The US, and by implication its allies within Lebanon’s government, has been put on the defensive in the 11 days since the ceasefire between Israel and Hizbollah came into effect.

In one of the most visible manifestations of Hizbollah’s vigorous anti-American campaign, placards with slogans such as “made in the USA” have been appearing on the remnants of destroyed buildings. Written in Arabic and English, the slogans are aimed not just at the local population but also designed to attract international media attention.