Iran Snap Analysis: Ahmadinejad's Beirut Manoeuvre

We begin this morning by looking for signs of change from President Ahmadinejad's trip to Beirut.

So far, it's hard to see impact. Ahmadinejad used his Beirut stage to put out standard rhetoric. There were the "arrogant powers" who had inflicted Israel on all of us: "In a premeditated way … and under a pretext to compensate for the World War [II] damages, they occupied Palestine … and set up an illegitimate regime and created a permanent threat for all governments and nations across the world."

There was the hailing of the "common goals and ideas" of Iran and Lebanon as they led the world in resistance against oppressors.

There was the satisfaction that the Ahmadinejad trip had "angered" the White House, with its statement, ""He (Ahmadinejad) continues his provocative ways, even as he leaves his country in further economic stress and turmoil as a result of his actions that have led to international sanctions that are having a great impact."

There was a crowd of thousands to welcome Ahmadinejad. The Lebanese President and other representatives said the required nice things, with the incentive of Iran's $450 million offer of aid to Lebanon's oil, electricity, and water sectors, and signed documents of co-operation. Sayyid Hassan Nasrullah, the leader of Hezbollah, said Iran was "the Middle East's guarantee for justice and security".

However, beyond the formalities, the effect is uncertain. Even Nasrullah's message had limits. The rumour had spread that he would show Hezbollah's support for Ahmadinejad by appearing alongside the President at an evening rally, but in the end, he did not show because of "security concerns". Instead he gave his message by video link, as Hezbollah deputy commander Naim Qassem joined Ahmadinejad on the platform.

And, given that the primary audience of Ahmadinejad's trip was boosting his standing at home, the jury is out. Beyond state media's cheerleading, there are few signals so far of political response.

Of course, it's only half-time. Day Two of the Ahmadinejad show begins, as he travels to Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, only miles from the Israeli border. Another headline-catching move, but so far, there is no score to post on this trip.