The brutal Syrian occupation of Lebanon is finally on the world's radar screen. Militant Islam, civil war and Marxist ideology demolished what was once the jewel of the Middle East. The Lebanese people have lived under Syrian tyranny for a quarter century now, while the world has remained silent. Meanwhile, Syria is a prime supporter of terrorism, and a strategic partner of Iran.
But the assassination of Lebanese Opposition leader Rafik Hariri has finally attracted world notice. Refreshingly, even the French are on the side of the angels for a change.
For those interested in the historical context of recent events, check out this primer on Lebanese history. And here's an overview of Syrian crimes against the Lebanese people.
The Weekly Standard has a very interesting look at religious politics in Syria -- the population is Sunni, but is dominated by Assad's Alawite sect.
As always, Reliapundit is on top of things: "LEBANESE ORANGE REVOLUTION BEGINS!" So is Prairie Pundit.
Posted by Discoshaman at février 19, 2005 02:26 AM | TrackBack
Disco, THANKS for posting about Lebanon. Believe it or not, I was made aware of the persistence of this situation by an executive I supported (in my communications job at my Major Airline employer)who is Lebanese by birth. Since then, I have been keenly attuned to the fact that Lebanon has been a puppet state of Syria for quite a while now.
If this ultimately drives the Syrians out of that country then the death of Hariri will not have been in vain. I pray that it becomes so!
Posted by: Reid at février 19, 2005 03:25 AMBut why would the Syrians be so stupid to hit so public a target? It's like whizzing in their own cerial bowl.
Posted by: Brian Greenwell at février 19, 2005 05:05 AMLebanon has been an exciting thing to cover. Of course, there have also been no short of weirdos who think it was Israel or America. One of the most interesting things I have read are interviews with the Lebanese who are debating about the explosion. To many, it is not so simple as pointing the finger. While they all believe it was Syria, they are very keen on their ways of investigating. Was it a car bomb? Or was it a trigger bomb in the road, set to go off as a car went over it? The difference in these tactics, to them, could totally change the direction of the investigation.
I hope you don't mind me pimping this post I made, Disco, but it covers everything from the news to polls to reactions to legislative efforts. http://www.publiuspundit.com/index.php?p=424
Posted by: Robert Mayer at février 19, 2005 09:30 PMhello. im lebanese living on grounds.. right here things are really stirred up and its quite emotional. lebanon has never seen such a crowd on the streets, all shouting and asking for the same thing : independance and a sovereign country. i am a marxist myself and if i searched for this site it is because i wish to contact the orange party for more information about how to lead a peaceful revolution. and to become a member of this amazingly uncorrupted site. please do reply.
Posted by: rita at février 21, 2005 01:40 PMa revolution without bloodspill seems to be impossible here in lebanon. the oppressor is far too stubborn and too infiltrated in all the country's system . today, as a response to the opposition very peaceful manifestation in the aim of a sovereign free lebanon, the muslim groups and palestinian refugees as well as minorities of people forced to go, manifest in the center of beirut to cancel the un resolution 1559. they claim and ask for the oppressor to stay.
Posted by: mae at mars 8, 2005 01:41 PM