Tag: lebanon

Hard Line on Hezbollah Clashes with Political Reality

Lebanese President Michel Sleiman visited Washington last week, for his first visit with President Barack Obama. The meeting was a quick one, tucked in amongst the myriad of domestic issues that are demanding Obama’s attention. Yet despite its brevity, the meeting touched upon issues that strike at the heart of the U.S.-Lebanon relationship — U.S. … Continue reading “Hard Line on Hezbollah Clashes with Political Reality”

Hezbollah Fortifies Frontier Against Israel

NABATIYEH, Lebanon – In the mountains towering above this southern city, Hezbollah (Party of God) is building a new line of defense on lands where a fierce war was once fought between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel. An asphalt road rising up from the sea seems to carve up the southern chain of … Continue reading “Hezbollah Fortifies Frontier Against Israel”

Lebanon’s Election: An International Affair

It was touted as an historic election, a vote to determine the future direction of Lebanon. But even with the winners declared, analysts say the Jun. 7 ballot was far from decisive, and did little to alter the fundamental balance of power in the country. In the U.S., Lebanon’s poll has been characterized as another … Continue reading “Lebanon’s Election: An International Affair”

Lebanese Polls Closely Watched by US and Region

WASHINGTON, Jun 5 (IPS) — After emerging from a political crisis last year, the Lebanese people will head to the polls Jun. 7 to determine the composition of the new parliament. A variety of foreign powers, including the U.S., will be watching closely, waiting for the electoral results before they determine their policies towards the … Continue reading “Lebanese Polls Closely Watched by US and Region”