Month: August 2006

BEIRUT – As the war in Lebanon approaches the one-month mark, and amid the destruction of much of Lebanon, Hezbollah appears to be gaining strength within the country and around the Arab world. The Israeli aim of widespread bombing of the Lebanese infrastructure in order to create resentment against Hezbollah seems to have played into … Continue reading “Hezbollah Rides a New Popularity”

Last week, thousands of angry demonstrators attacked United Nations headquarters in Beirut in an outpouring of grief, anger, and frustration at yet another Qana massacre. Although not a demonstrator herself, refugee Sawsan Ali from southern Lebanon said she wished the UN would “disappear because its presence is as useless as its non-presence.” “The UN never … Continue reading “The UN on Trial”

If there were any remaining illusions about the purpose of Israel’s war against Lebanon, the draft United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a "cessation of major hostilities" published over the weekend should finally dispel them. This entirely one-sided document was drafted, noted the Hebrew-language media, with close Israeli involvement. The top adviser to Israeli … Continue reading “The End of Illusions”

"You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, Know when to walk away, and know when to run." – Kenny Rogers, "The Gambler" (words by Don Schlitz) Given the fiasco of Iraq – the slide into outright civil war and the inability of the Shi’ite-dominated government to act – the … Continue reading “The Wisdom of Cutting and Running”

The UN Security Council resolution draft on Lebanon reflects a new stage of Western colonialism in the Middle East, and perhaps a historic precedent: for the first time, the UN Security Council – should the resolution draft be endorsed – breaches the fundamental principle of the right of people under occupation to resist, and in … Continue reading “The End of Lebanon?”

As the rape of Lebanon proceeds on schedule, the "civilized world" rushes to give its imprimatur to the slaughter. The U.S. and France are sponsoring a United Nations resolution that neither calls for a cease-fire nor demands the withdrawal of invading Israeli troops. So much for the UN as the last, best hope for peace. … Continue reading “The New Munich”

First, there was one, Little Boy, which the United States dropped on Hiroshima as a bitter war was nearing its end 61 years ago Sunday; then came Fat Man, dropped on Nagasaki three days later. Both cities were essentially obliterated. By the time the Russians got theirs – Joe (for Joe Stalin)-1 in 1949, the … Continue reading “Bunker-Busting
the Nuclear Taboo”

BEIRUT – "Rockets landed on our house and destroyed it totally; so many people were injured," says 9-year-old Issara. Her two brothers, 4-year-old Hussein and 5-year-old Mahmoud, listen carefully. So does Ola Attaya, 31, a psychologist heading a pilot project to help traumatized children. In a bit, Ola gets up and gives Issara a hug. … Continue reading “Beirut: Another Generation Learns to Cope With War”

ARBIL, Iraq – Amid failed moves for a peace deal between the government and insurgents through a national reconciliation plan, the Shia majority in Iraq are pushing ahead for creating a federal region for themselves in the southern part of Iraq. The move is hugely sensitive in the light of the increasingly hard political positions … Continue reading “Iraq’s Shias Going Their Own Way”

BEIRUT – The poster on the corniche near the American University campus in Beirut has become justly well known. It shows a Muslim woman in full black abaya walking next to a slender woman in a bikini. Together, they’re the face of Beirut. Again this weekend Israeli jets bombed the Muslim areas of Beirut, "Hezbollah … Continue reading “Beirut Lives On With Its Ill-Fated Charm”