Can Hezbollah maintain control of hostile Beirut?

Hezbollah the occupiers… Looks familiar? (Photo: Reuters)

The impressive invading powers swept through the place and all defenses melted away. No, I’m not talking about the Americans who initially breezed through Iraq 5 years ago, I’m talking about Hezbollah’s “Gaza scenario”: The purge of the Future Movement’s offices, social centers, MPs residences and media last night.

Apparently, the Future Movement’s security personnel “dropped their guns” and “ran away” at the first sights of Hezbollah soldiers. Even Future TV, March 14’s pulpit has stopped broadcasting for fear for the safety of their staff. But have we seen the end of this? Will Hezbollah maintain its control on Sunni neighborhoods? Of all people, Hezbollah should know better.

5 years later, the Americans have learned that their mission was not accomplished. Expect the fight for Beirut to begin in earnest later with the distinct trademark of an occupied population: Hit and run. Meanwhile, Future TV will resume broadcasting soon (Maybe from Tripoli?), but what matters is this: The world has seen the real face of Hezbollah.