What's Going On In Lebanon?

Professor Juan Cole, London Times reporter Nicholas Blanford, and an anonymous Beirut commenter have the early run-down, including explanations of who Fatah-al-Islam are (hint - Seymour Hersh wrote about them already in the New Yorker).

Is Syria Behind It? Read Col. Patrick Lang, (Retired), a US Defense Dept. Middle East specialist on whom I rely for analysis of military matters. Here's what he says about the early coverage, especially the allegation that Syria is behind this:

The 24/7 news networks were hard at work today trying to make Syria responsible for the Sunni zealots in the camps. The statement was being made today that these groups were connected to AQ. No evidence was offered, but the assertion was repeatedly made based on the "possibility" that had supposedly been voiced by some nameless person in the Lebanese government. Various Lebanese were asked that question - "Is this Al-Qa'ida?" Nobody could be found who was willing to say that there was an organizational link to Al-Qa'ida, but the question was asked over and over again. This question was paired with another - "Is Syria controlling and "behind" this group?" Nobody could be found who would say that either, but the question was asked over and over again.

Now, think about it, folks Al-Qa'ida is a virulently anti-Shia Sunni group. Everyone "knows" how much Syria supports Hizbullah, a virulently anti-Sunni Shia group. So, which is it? Which side does the syrian government support? Does the Syrian government support both at the same time? If you believe that, then you really are a sucker for propaganda.

I will be updating my "Lebanon Round-up" sidebar soon. Until then, feel free to browse the links at right for background information.

We're all staying calm. It's the only thing to do. Pray that the Lebanese back away from this precipice as well.

Comments

[Sophie]

Hi Leila,

I am one of your second cousins who has never met you, but would sure love to. I am Nouhad's (your father's niece) daughter, Sophie. Leila, please contact me at my email address as I don't have your email address. I met your father for the first time in 2004 and he gave me your email address and asked me to contact you..well I never did and now I would like to get to know you. If you have time, I would love to hear from you, Leila.
xo Sophie

[Alison Chaiken]

I admit that I have only the foggiest understanding of what's going on in Lebanon at the moment, but I do note that the Seymour Hersh article you link to mentions al-Qaeda repeatedly with regard to Sunni extremists in Lebanon. Ironically Hersh also mentions Saad Hariri, son of the late Refik Hariri, whose assassination has so outraged the West. Thanks for the thought-provoking link. I liked the article but feel even more bewildered than before!

[Leila A.]

Alison - I no longer pretend to understand what's going on. HOwever it looks to me like the Lebanese Army feels free to massacre Palestinians, so long as they can say they are "rubbing out terrorists."

It's the same old story. I scream pretty loudly when Israel does it - bombs a civilian area to "exterminate terrorists." When I wake up from my depression I will write a post denouncing Lebanon's actions.

In the meantime, read the Angry Arab for more info. He rants but he does post informative links.