SOMETHING LESS.

SYRIA; LEBANON; UNITED States

Focuses on the strategies of White House national security adviser Robert McFarlane to solve the present political crisis in Lebanon. Criticism of U.S. President Ronald Reagan since he is unable to adopt an aggressive policy in Lebanon; Suggestion of Robert McFarlane that U.S. Marines should be authorized to fight along with the Lebanese Army against Syrian-backed Druse militias; Apprehension that the present reconciliation process between different Lebanese factions will result in the dismantling of present Lebanese pro-Western regime and its replacement with a pro-Syrian government; Unwillingness of the U.S. to indulge in any war with Syria; Appreciation of McFarlane's performance and his ability as a national security adviser in comparison to those of other aspirants for the post.