We should not pretend that the marines original mission has not changed over the past 12 months. They were initially sent to Lebanon to oversee the withdrawal of the Palestinian forces. They they were reintroduced to protest civilians after the refugee camp massacres and to allow the Lebanese Army to stabilize the countryside. It now appears that their purpose is to reinforce President Gemayals government. protect the multinational force and secure the removal of all foreign forces in the belief that they can thereby guarantee Lebanons independence. sovereignty and territorial integrity. But the marines presence also makes them hostage to changing security conditions there.