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The Sunni-Shiaa Tension Is Real And Dangerous.

By Mustapha ⋅ May 17, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

The New York Times reports on grizzly details of Lebanon’s latest ordeal.
He says Hezbollah electrocuted his Genitals (Photo: NY Times)
Hezbollah and Amal appear to be in complete denial that any “Sunni-Shiaa” fitna is taking place in Lebanon. They argue that Hezbollah’s only cause is Jihad against Israel, and that the Sunnis surely must understand [...]

Lebanese Politics For Dummies

By Mustapha ⋅ May 15, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

The latest issue of The Economist has a helpful, nuanced and aptly-titled 4-page briefing on the events that took place in Lebanon in the last three years. Also, while you’re at it, you should check their leader on the current situation…

Iran Smart, America Dumb?

By Mustapha ⋅ May 15, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

Two veteran American commentators who have spent time in Beirut and who are sometimes referred to as the “Liberal Neocons”, have seen what happened in Lebanon and reached similar conclusions.
David Ignatius, in “Iran is winning; can the US bolster the Arab center?”
The center is under siege in Lebanon and across the Middle East as the [...]

The War for Lebanon “has not even begun yet”

By Mustapha ⋅ May 12, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

Just in case you think that this thing is winding down, think again. I’ve said this before, but now Elie Fawwaz writes at Michael Totten’s Blog about the expected push back against Hezbollah.

Reading Into The Situation

By Mustapha ⋅ May 12, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

Did Hezbollah make a big mistake? Is it Bush’s fault? What will Israel do now?
(photo credit: AFP)The Daily KOS (American activist Left blog, leans towards Obama), makes the argument that Lebanon is already messed up and that someone as incompetent as Bush shouldn’t have made it worse by meddling with it:
Given Lebanon’s vexed history [...]

Lebanese-forces.com Is Paralyzed, War in Mount Lebanon.

By Mustapha ⋅ May 11, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

After the Future TV Network, The official website of the Lebanese forces was shut down by Hezbollah’s “freedom fighters”. I was told that the site will be back in around 2 hours.
Meanwhile, a large scale operation, spearheaded by Wi2am wahhab and Talal arselan is taking place to purge Mount Lebanon of Mr. Jumbalt’s PSP.
For [...]

So, What Can We Learn From What Happened?

By Mustapha ⋅ May 10, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

Pundits are starting to analyze the meaning of what happened in Lebanon.
First, here’s my absolute favorite metaphor of the situation, courtesy of Hot Air:
…The government [was] temporarily brought to its knees to remind it who’s boss. Think of it as a visit from mafia goons to some poor bastard who’s late in repaying his debt [...]

Detailed Account of Hezbollah Operations On The Ground

By Mustapha ⋅ May 10, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

An on the ground reporter, Ghaith Abdul Ahad, pens a descriptive article for The Guardian on how the fighting on the ground was taking place. Here’s a sample:
Like a traffic conductor, he organised the stone throwing at Sunnis across the street, raising his arm for a volley to start and then pushing back the teenagers [...]