Had to leave the blog for the day due to work. Will return in an hour once I get back home!
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Monday, July 17, 2006
Day 6: More Attacks
Ya Beirut! Ya Beirut, ya sit il dinyeh, ya Beirut!
The couple of hours of "rest" as I thought was just a sign for more brutality to come.
The IDF hit the airport yet again this morning. Hit the Beirut port and killed two civilians. Israeli fire did not spare the UNIFIL; an Indian soldier from UNIFIL stationed in Hawla on the Lebanese-Israeli border was wounded due to a hit from an IDF tank. Of course, more hits on the south, especially the city of Saida.
In return, Hizbullah showered Katyushas on Haifa and Nahariya.
The French Prime Minister, Dominique de Villepin, is heading to Lebanon in a show of solidarity with the Lebanese people.
British PM has called for a ceasefire. UN Secretary General Annan has called for an immediate ceasefire in order to dispatch an interntional military intervention force.
...and that's not even three hours from my last update!
Update: The Iranian Foreign Minister arrived to Damascus conveying a letter from Iran's President Ahmadinejad to President Assad.
Addendum: Israel is working with the US and EU to evacuate foreign nationals from Lebanon. It makes me think that the hits Lebanon is sustaining is a sign for all those who need to leave Lebanon to leave, before Israel completely isolates Lebanon from the rest of the world.
Update 2: It's confirmed, an IDF plane has fallen in Kfarshima, east of Beirut, and both of its pilots have died. The IDF is denying these reports.
An Israeli military source says that some Israeli troops are entering Lebanon by land.
I'm just hearing on TV the Israeli Army alerts to the civilians in the south. They're asked to evacuate to Beirut, because the southern border is considered now a war zone. The alert went to explain in Arabic that the reason for the shelling of the villages is because Hizballah is launching its attacks from there. It's scary listening to the alerts.
The sad part is that when people try to evacuate, they are hit. Just got news of a car completely buried under the rubble after Israeli warplanes hit a bridge in the south. Three died.
500 Lebanese have gathered in Dubai, UAE to call for the end of attacks.
Update 3: A building in Haifa has collapsed as result of the Katyusha rockets.
President Lahoud has officially claimed that he supports the "Resistance" and will not give up Sayyid Nasrallah.
Update 4: AlJazeera reported that the downed Israeli plane is a pamphlet container not an F-16 jet.
Update 5: The Iranian Foreign Minister called for a ceasefire and exchange of prisoners.
Hizbullah has refused to give in to Israel's conditions.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Sleepless Lebanon
Another sleepless night in the South and the Bekaa. More rocket attacks and deaths. Will keep the updates flowing through the evening.
Addendum: Here's a little piece of info shared by a fellow Lebanese in the diaspora:
Apparently "CNN Pipeline" (found on Cnn.com) is providing live transmissions from several lebanese channels for a little monthlhy fee ($2.95).
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Addendum: Here's a little piece of info shared by a fellow Lebanese in the diaspora:
Apparently "CNN Pipeline" (found on Cnn.com) is providing live transmissions from several lebanese channels for a little monthlhy fee ($2.95).
Some outside of Lebanon don't have subscriptions to LBC Sat or any of the other LebaneseTV channels, and this is the only way someone can get video images from Lebanon...I hope this information is helpful.
Update: Air raids on my home city, Tripoli. Baalback was hit 16 times. The village of Ghraifeh in the Chouf mountains has been shelled.
On the other side, Katyusha rockets hit Nasira and other areas around the city.
Update 2: Why are they hitting Tripoli? Talked to my family; Israelis hit a place next to our house. They hit Al-Abdeh area in Akkar, which means that the only way out of Lebanon on the northern front has been hit. And now I found out that what's being hit in the north are Army posts. WHY?????!!!!
Also along the way on the Damascus-Beirut road, shelling is taking place on Bekaai villages. Is the plan to isolate Lebanese completely from the outside world?!!!!
Update 3: Three Lebanese soldiers died in Akkar in the north, as a result of Israeli shelling of a radar installation. I feel sorry for the soldiers; they are doing their job. Who knew the IDF will go as far to the north???!!!
Update 4: Four Lebanese soldiers wounded after their post was hit in Tripoli's port.
Update 5: Only one soldier has died in Akkar, but tens are wounded among them civilians. Now Israel has opened a can of worms; many parts of Akkar are very conservative Sunni. Why is the IDF messing with a sleeping beast????!!!! Why?
Update 6: Worse news - The Lebanese Red Cross reported that 6 Lebanese have died and 10 wounded in the assault over Al-Abdeh, Akkar.
Update 7: Three out of the four soldiers wounded in Tripoli have died.
Update 8: On TV there's live footage of the southern suburbs of Beirut burning. So more pounding of Beirut. Fuel tanks in the airport also have been shelled. Worst of all is news that a five-story building in Tyre has been destroyed. 10 dead already amongst them 4 children.
Update 9: Sources say that a food storage facility was hit in Choueifet. It's actually burning; I can see it on TV.
Update 10: It's 6:30AM Lebanon's time and it seems that for a while the IDF and Hizbullah have taken a break. Will snooze and return in a couple of hours. Salam!
Update: Air raids on my home city, Tripoli. Baalback was hit 16 times. The village of Ghraifeh in the Chouf mountains has been shelled.
On the other side, Katyusha rockets hit Nasira and other areas around the city.
Update 2: Why are they hitting Tripoli? Talked to my family; Israelis hit a place next to our house. They hit Al-Abdeh area in Akkar, which means that the only way out of Lebanon on the northern front has been hit. And now I found out that what's being hit in the north are Army posts. WHY?????!!!!
Also along the way on the Damascus-Beirut road, shelling is taking place on Bekaai villages. Is the plan to isolate Lebanese completely from the outside world?!!!!
Update 3: Three Lebanese soldiers died in Akkar in the north, as a result of Israeli shelling of a radar installation. I feel sorry for the soldiers; they are doing their job. Who knew the IDF will go as far to the north???!!!
Update 4: Four Lebanese soldiers wounded after their post was hit in Tripoli's port.
Update 5: Only one soldier has died in Akkar, but tens are wounded among them civilians. Now Israel has opened a can of worms; many parts of Akkar are very conservative Sunni. Why is the IDF messing with a sleeping beast????!!!! Why?
Update 6: Worse news - The Lebanese Red Cross reported that 6 Lebanese have died and 10 wounded in the assault over Al-Abdeh, Akkar.
Update 7: Three out of the four soldiers wounded in Tripoli have died.
Update 8: On TV there's live footage of the southern suburbs of Beirut burning. So more pounding of Beirut. Fuel tanks in the airport also have been shelled. Worst of all is news that a five-story building in Tyre has been destroyed. 10 dead already amongst them 4 children.
Update 9: Sources say that a food storage facility was hit in Choueifet. It's actually burning; I can see it on TV.
Update 10: It's 6:30AM Lebanon's time and it seems that for a while the IDF and Hizbullah have taken a break. Will snooze and return in a couple of hours. Salam!
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Peaceful Demonstrations in Canada
MONTREAL
TUESDAY, JULY 18 @ 5:00 PM
DORCHESTER SQUARE, 1155 METCALFE
TORONTO
TUESDAY, JULY 18 @ 5:00 PM
QUEENS PARK, DOWNTOWN TORONTO
----
http://stopdestroyinglebanon.com/
----
PLEASE STOP THE AGGRESSION AGAINST THE PEOPLE OF LEBANON.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
TUESDAY, JULY 18 @ 5:00 PM
DORCHESTER SQUARE, 1155 METCALFE
TORONTO
TUESDAY, JULY 18 @ 5:00 PM
QUEENS PARK, DOWNTOWN TORONTO
----
http://stopdestroyinglebanon.com/
----
PLEASE STOP THE AGGRESSION AGAINST THE PEOPLE OF LEBANON.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
UN Delegation Support Lebanese Government
Veejay Nambia, one of the UN delegation representatives, standing alongside UN Middle East mediator, addressed the Lebanese people by saying that the UN calls for three things:
Update: AlJazeera is claiming that the rockets which hit Haifa today were Syrian-made rockets. Why is Lebanon being punished?
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
- The end to killings of innocent civilians and destruction of infrastructure, on both sides.
- The full support of the Lebanese government and the Prime Minister Seniora for his call to an immediate ceasefire.
- The return of the captive Israeli soldiers as a solution towards ending this conflict.
Update: AlJazeera is claiming that the rockets which hit Haifa today were Syrian-made rockets. Why is Lebanon being punished?
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
G-8 Summit Statement
The G-8 Summit leaders have released a statement requesting a ceasefire on both sides, asking for Hizbullah to return the kidnapped Israeli soldiers, and asking the UN to send troops to the South of Lebanon to help the Lebanese Army deploy on the borders.
Addendum: Since a decision was made to disable comments, I got a lot of emails supporting me and some against it. I have consulted with my fellow blogger Raja and decided to bring back the comment section when cooler heads start prevailing (which is very soon). We both believe in open debate, but also responsible debate, especially that we are going through tough times right now.
Update: A whole neighborhood in Tyre was hit. The death toll has increased to 16 and might be even higher. On another front, 7 have died, 5 of whom hold the Canadian citizenship, in a southern village, Aitroun, by Israeli rockets.
Update 2: 20 dead now in the Tyre massacre. EU envoy Javier Solana will very soon be making a public address. He has met with PM Seniora, Parliament Speaker Berri and MP Walid Jumblatt. Shimon Perez, former Israeli Prime Minister, said that the IDF is only hitting Hizbullah fighters. Is the picture below a depiction of a fighter?:
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Addendum: Since a decision was made to disable comments, I got a lot of emails supporting me and some against it. I have consulted with my fellow blogger Raja and decided to bring back the comment section when cooler heads start prevailing (which is very soon). We both believe in open debate, but also responsible debate, especially that we are going through tough times right now.
Update: A whole neighborhood in Tyre was hit. The death toll has increased to 16 and might be even higher. On another front, 7 have died, 5 of whom hold the Canadian citizenship, in a southern village, Aitroun, by Israeli rockets.
Update 2: 20 dead now in the Tyre massacre. EU envoy Javier Solana will very soon be making a public address. He has met with PM Seniora, Parliament Speaker Berri and MP Walid Jumblatt. Shimon Perez, former Israeli Prime Minister, said that the IDF is only hitting Hizbullah fighters. Is the picture below a depiction of a fighter?:
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
"Banned" Weapons Used Now
Phosphorus incendiary bombs, which are "banned" weapons (some are saying that they're not banned) and are poisonous, have been used by the IDF on some southern villages, al-Habariyye and Qlayle. Hizbullah has also hit the Golan Heights.
Update: Tyre has been hit severely. A 12-story high building for the Lebanese Civil Defense have been shelled. Tens of dead and wounded reported. Also a residential building in Tyre has been destroyed, with reported of about ten dead already.
Addendum: It was a painful decision, but I have decided to block comments for now. Though this blog is a public forum and I believe in freedom of speech, but I don't believe it's the time for sarcasm and caustic comments when on both sides of the border people are dying. Lebanese citizens are being killed by the dozens; it hurts too much to overanalyze such realities. I will continue to update the blog regularly for all the Lebanese (and others) abroad who are concerned about what is going on inside Lebanon.
Update 2: Hizbullah's Secretary General Sayyid Nasrallah has just addressed everyone. His speech I felt was geared towards the Israeli government and to the "Arab/Muslim Street" and less addressed to us, the Lebanese.
Update 3: Read From Beirut to the Beltways Massacre in Tyre.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Update: Tyre has been hit severely. A 12-story high building for the Lebanese Civil Defense have been shelled. Tens of dead and wounded reported. Also a residential building in Tyre has been destroyed, with reported of about ten dead already.
Addendum: It was a painful decision, but I have decided to block comments for now. Though this blog is a public forum and I believe in freedom of speech, but I don't believe it's the time for sarcasm and caustic comments when on both sides of the border people are dying. Lebanese citizens are being killed by the dozens; it hurts too much to overanalyze such realities. I will continue to update the blog regularly for all the Lebanese (and others) abroad who are concerned about what is going on inside Lebanon.
Update 2: Hizbullah's Secretary General Sayyid Nasrallah has just addressed everyone. His speech I felt was geared towards the Israeli government and to the "Arab/Muslim Street" and less addressed to us, the Lebanese.
Update 3: Read From Beirut to the Beltways Massacre in Tyre.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Updates and Mediations
Hizbullah hit Haifa a couple of hours ago and killed 8 and the number of wounded has gone up to 40. Israel has asked its citizens to be on alert in Tel Aviv. The IDF has been hitting and has increased its shelling of southern villages and of the southern suburbs of Beirut. The death toll in Lebanon has increased tremendously, beyond the 100+ as of yesterday night. Israel has asked its citizens to be on alert in Tel Aviv.
Saudi Arabia has pledged $50 million for aid to Lebanon.
The Lebanese government is stepping up to its duties by being on alert humanitarian wise. The Social Affairs Minister Moawwad is in Beirut working to funnel refugees from the south to Beirut's public schools. She has also called on private schools to open their doors for the refugees.
The Cabinet has also called on all government workers to uphold the role and presence of the Lebanese state.
Two mediation teams are arriving to Beirut today: one headed by Javier Solana of the EU and another from the UN. Lebanon will be a big subject on the G-8 Summit agenda in Russia.
Italy's Prime Minister appears to be playing a mediator role. He was the first European high level official to call directly the Syrian President Assad yesterday. He has called PM Seniora to reiterate Israeli PM Olmert's conditions for cease-fire, namely to return the kidnapped soldiers and to have Hizbullah retreat its forces behind the Litani River. Yesterday, the Israeli Prime Minister has rejected PM Seniora's plea for ceasefire and gave these two conditions.
A lot of information, perhaps I'm sounding less coherent. Check out a new blog by a Swedish friend who's stuck in Beirut (or let's just say, who doesn't want to leave Beirut): Beirut Under Siege.
I will keep you posted of things as they come this Sunday.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Saudi Arabia has pledged $50 million for aid to Lebanon.
The Lebanese government is stepping up to its duties by being on alert humanitarian wise. The Social Affairs Minister Moawwad is in Beirut working to funnel refugees from the south to Beirut's public schools. She has also called on private schools to open their doors for the refugees.
The Cabinet has also called on all government workers to uphold the role and presence of the Lebanese state.
Two mediation teams are arriving to Beirut today: one headed by Javier Solana of the EU and another from the UN. Lebanon will be a big subject on the G-8 Summit agenda in Russia.
Italy's Prime Minister appears to be playing a mediator role. He was the first European high level official to call directly the Syrian President Assad yesterday. He has called PM Seniora to reiterate Israeli PM Olmert's conditions for cease-fire, namely to return the kidnapped soldiers and to have Hizbullah retreat its forces behind the Litani River. Yesterday, the Israeli Prime Minister has rejected PM Seniora's plea for ceasefire and gave these two conditions.
A lot of information, perhaps I'm sounding less coherent. Check out a new blog by a Swedish friend who's stuck in Beirut (or let's just say, who doesn't want to leave Beirut): Beirut Under Siege.
I will keep you posted of things as they come this Sunday.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Projections And The Wild Card
From Stratfor.com
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
So far, there has been only one reported airstrike on a Syrian target. Both Israel and Syria were quick to deny this.Addendum: Peaceful Demonstration in Montreal, Canada today, Sunday July 16 at 11:00AM – PEEL AND RENE LEVESQUE
What is interesting is that it was the Syrians who insisted very publicly that no such attack took place. The Syrians are clearly trying to avoid a situation in which they are locked into a confrontation with Israel. Israel might well think this is the time to have it out with Syria as well, but Syria is trying very hard not to give Israel casus belli. In addition, Syria is facilitating the movement of Westerners out of Lebanon, allowing them free transit. They are trying to signal that they are being cooperative and nonaggressive.
...While Syria does not want to get hit and will not make overt moves, so long as the Syrians cannot guarantee supplies will not reach Hezbollah or that Hezbollah won't be given sanctuary in Syria, Israel cannot complete its mission of shattering Hezbollah and withdrawing. They could be drawn into an Iraq-like situation that they absolutely don't want. Israel is torn. On the one hand, it wants to crush Hezbollah, and that requires total isolation. On the other hand, it does not want the Syrian regime to fall. What comes after would be much worse from Israel's point of view.
This is the inherent problem built into Israel's strategy, and what gives Hezbollah some hope... No matter how many roads are destroyed, Israel won't be able to prevent major Hezbollah formations moving across the border. If they do attack Syria and crush al Assad's government, Hezbollah could come out of this stronger than ever.
Judging from the airstrikes in the past 24 hours, it would appear Israel is trying to solve the problem tactically, by degrading Lebanese transport facilities. That could increase the effectiveness of the strategy, but in the end cannot be sufficient. We continue to think Israel will choose not to attack Syria directly and therefore, while the invasion will buy time, it will not solve the problem. Hezbollah certainly expects to be badly hurt, but it does not seem to expect to be completely annihilated. We are guessing, but our guess is that they are reading Israel's views on Syria and are betting that, in the long run, they will come out stronger. Of course, Israel knows this and therefore may have a different plan for Syria. At any rate, this is the great unknown in this campaign...
In the meantime, that Israel has not sent major ground units into Lebanon yet (lots of small units are operating there) but is taking rocket attacks and hunkering down indicates it does not plan to act piecemeal. If we were to guess, the main thrust would likely begin late Sunday night or Monday morning. They will be ready by then. Of course we are not privy to Israeli operations, so it could be delayed 24-48 hours to give forces a chance to gear up. But given the Hezbollah bombardment, the Israelis are under pressure to move sooner rather than later.
We are in a relatively "quiet" spell. Both sides have made their strategic decisions. Both know how the war will be fought. Hezbollah thinks it can give as good as it will get for a while, and will ultimately be able to regroup for a guerrilla war against the Israelis. Israel thinks it can immobilize and crush Hezbollah quickly and decisively and will be able to withdraw. Both sides know Syria is the wild card, and neither is quite sure how it will play its hand. One side is wrong in its expectations about the outcome. That's the nature of war.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Raining Rockets
Beirut's southern suburbs sustained shelling all night. It was surprising reading that it actually rained in Beirut. It never rains in July. Never.
Al-Hazmieh bridge which connects Hazmieh with il-Dahyeh was hit. The bridge is under construction and has been hit twice so far.
It's close to 6AM now in Lebanon. Very soon we'll know the number of casualties.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Al-Hazmieh bridge which connects Hazmieh with il-Dahyeh was hit. The bridge is under construction and has been hit twice so far.
It's close to 6AM now in Lebanon. Very soon we'll know the number of casualties.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
North Attacked Again This Night
Air attacks on the city of Tripoli, Dinnieh and Akkar in the north. Why?
Update: Israeli fliers thrown down Batroun warning civilians from being close to the Batroun bridge and the tunnel on the highway.
Update 2: It turns out that the flyer news was not correct; just a rumor. Thank God.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Update: Israeli fliers thrown down Batroun warning civilians from being close to the Batroun bridge and the tunnel on the highway.
Update 2: It turns out that the flyer news was not correct; just a rumor. Thank God.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
LEBANON IS HERE TO STAY
A very moving speech by Prime Minister Seniora. So moving, so moving.
The last thing he said is: Loubnan sa yabka, Loubnan sa yabka, Loubnan sa yabka! (Lebanon is here to stay!)
Yes, Lebanon is here to stay. No one has the right to destroy it, to undermine it. We have paid so much.
He reiterated that the Lebanese state needs to be strong, and is required to protect its citizens and establishments. Therefore, he declared that all parties need to cease fire, and negotiations need to start in cooperation with the international community. Second, the Lebanese Army needs to head out to the South in close cooperation with the UN. Third, a call to all friends of Lebanon to help Lebanon, a country declared as devestated, in every single way, through diplomacy, aid and so far.
He again said that the government does not endorse what Hizbullah did and was not aware of it. He also condemned strongly Israel's attacks which has led to many deaths of civilians, especially those families who were trying to flee the south. It's so disheartening. Lebanon is now facing a humanitarian crisis and also economic.
PM Seniora is a true statesman, no matter what many might say. Lebanon is here to stay, is here to stay, is here to stay!
He addressed the whole world from the heart of Beirut, not like how our President who headed to Faqra in the mountains.
Update: So an Israeli General said that the IDF did not afterall hit Syrian military posts on the Lebanon-Syrian border. They only hit inside the Lebanese territories, but next to the Syrian posts. He added that in the IDF defense strategy, it's not planned to have Syria hit, just Lebanon.
Thank you so much for letting us know. Of course it seems that Israel is hitting an easy target, Lebanon. No one can fight back, except for Hizbullah. We don't have a strong army. News even is saying that all of the Army radars positioned in Lebanon's ports have been destroyed by the IDF. So...please don't tell me Lebanon is not an easy target. It's not that the Syrian Army is equal in force to the IDF, but perhaps the IDF should hit those behind Hizbullah, not the Lebanese people.
Addendum: Peaceful World Wide Rally to Protest Ongoing attacks on LEBANON
France - le samedi 15 juillet 2006 à 15h00 Lieu La place des droits de l’homme à Trocadéro – Paris Métro Trocadéro.
USA / Los Angeles - infront of the Israeli embassy in LA. Saturday and Sunday, July 15 and 16, from 10am till 6pm.
USA / Washington - July18, 2006 (5-7pm) at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW - in front of the White House.
Bring Your Lebanese Flags!
Visit www.lebanonexpats.org for more information.
Update 11:26PM (Lebanon's time): Air raids on the city of Tripoli, in the north.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
The last thing he said is: Loubnan sa yabka, Loubnan sa yabka, Loubnan sa yabka! (Lebanon is here to stay!)
Yes, Lebanon is here to stay. No one has the right to destroy it, to undermine it. We have paid so much.
He reiterated that the Lebanese state needs to be strong, and is required to protect its citizens and establishments. Therefore, he declared that all parties need to cease fire, and negotiations need to start in cooperation with the international community. Second, the Lebanese Army needs to head out to the South in close cooperation with the UN. Third, a call to all friends of Lebanon to help Lebanon, a country declared as devestated, in every single way, through diplomacy, aid and so far.
He again said that the government does not endorse what Hizbullah did and was not aware of it. He also condemned strongly Israel's attacks which has led to many deaths of civilians, especially those families who were trying to flee the south. It's so disheartening. Lebanon is now facing a humanitarian crisis and also economic.
PM Seniora is a true statesman, no matter what many might say. Lebanon is here to stay, is here to stay, is here to stay!
He addressed the whole world from the heart of Beirut, not like how our President who headed to Faqra in the mountains.
Update: So an Israeli General said that the IDF did not afterall hit Syrian military posts on the Lebanon-Syrian border. They only hit inside the Lebanese territories, but next to the Syrian posts. He added that in the IDF defense strategy, it's not planned to have Syria hit, just Lebanon.
Thank you so much for letting us know. Of course it seems that Israel is hitting an easy target, Lebanon. No one can fight back, except for Hizbullah. We don't have a strong army. News even is saying that all of the Army radars positioned in Lebanon's ports have been destroyed by the IDF. So...please don't tell me Lebanon is not an easy target. It's not that the Syrian Army is equal in force to the IDF, but perhaps the IDF should hit those behind Hizbullah, not the Lebanese people.
Addendum: Peaceful World Wide Rally to Protest Ongoing attacks on LEBANON
France - le samedi 15 juillet 2006 à 15h00 Lieu La place des droits de l’homme à Trocadéro – Paris Métro Trocadéro.
USA / Los Angeles - infront of the Israeli embassy in LA. Saturday and Sunday, July 15 and 16, from 10am till 6pm.
USA / Washington - July18, 2006 (5-7pm) at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW - in front of the White House.
Bring Your Lebanese Flags!
Visit www.lebanonexpats.org for more information.
Update 11:26PM (Lebanon's time): Air raids on the city of Tripoli, in the north.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
PORTS AND ARMY UNDER ATTACK
The Tripoli Port has been shelled by Israelis!
OH MY GOD!!! THAT'S MY HOME CITY. MY FAMILY IS IN THE CAR RIGHT NOW LEAVING THE CITY UP TO THE MOUNTAINS. THEY WERE SCARED WHEN I LAST CALLED THEM. I SHOULD CALL THEM RIGHT NOW TO DOUBLE CHECK ON THEM. YA ALLAH!!!!!
The Beirut port is also being hit!!!
Update: Al-Manara, next to AUB in Beirut, is being shelled right now!!!!!!!!!!! It's getting worse.
Update 2: BEIRUT LIGHTHOUSE DESTROYED!!! ALL LEBANON NOW IS UNDER ATTACK!!!!
Update 3: Jounieh and Aamchit ports have been hit.
Update 4: A raid targets the army radar base in Wajh al-Hajar in the northern city of Batroun. Casualties reported.
Update 5: One Lebanese soldier died and three wounded. Okay, so now the Lebanese Army is being attacked. And also all the Lebanese ports. In Tripoli's port they hit wheat reserves. I'm sure Hizbullah fighters are not hiding there. What about Jounieh or Aamchit? They are touristic ports.
Update 6: Army establishments in the Beirut port were hit. The Hamat airport in the north was hit also. Amr Mousa the Secretary General of the Arab League is speaking right now.
Update 7: The Arab League has decided to "help" Lebanon. How? The Arab Ministers have came to a conclusion that they have all dropped the Peace Negotiations long time ago. Therefore, they decided to revive the negotiations by taking the issue to the UN Security Council. Go figure!
Update 8: Our President went from Baabda to Faqra (for "rest"). While PM Seniora is making his incessant calls and meetings. Our President is pathetic.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
OH MY GOD!!! THAT'S MY HOME CITY. MY FAMILY IS IN THE CAR RIGHT NOW LEAVING THE CITY UP TO THE MOUNTAINS. THEY WERE SCARED WHEN I LAST CALLED THEM. I SHOULD CALL THEM RIGHT NOW TO DOUBLE CHECK ON THEM. YA ALLAH!!!!!
The Beirut port is also being hit!!!
Update: Al-Manara, next to AUB in Beirut, is being shelled right now!!!!!!!!!!! It's getting worse.
Update 2: BEIRUT LIGHTHOUSE DESTROYED!!! ALL LEBANON NOW IS UNDER ATTACK!!!!
Update 3: Jounieh and Aamchit ports have been hit.
Update 4: A raid targets the army radar base in Wajh al-Hajar in the northern city of Batroun. Casualties reported.
Update 5: One Lebanese soldier died and three wounded. Okay, so now the Lebanese Army is being attacked. And also all the Lebanese ports. In Tripoli's port they hit wheat reserves. I'm sure Hizbullah fighters are not hiding there. What about Jounieh or Aamchit? They are touristic ports.
Update 6: Army establishments in the Beirut port were hit. The Hamat airport in the north was hit also. Amr Mousa the Secretary General of the Arab League is speaking right now.
Update 7: The Arab League has decided to "help" Lebanon. How? The Arab Ministers have came to a conclusion that they have all dropped the Peace Negotiations long time ago. Therefore, they decided to revive the negotiations by taking the issue to the UN Security Council. Go figure!
Update 8: Our President went from Baabda to Faqra (for "rest"). While PM Seniora is making his incessant calls and meetings. Our President is pathetic.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Rumours and Fire
Rumous in Beirut are that a massacre in southern Lebanon is currently under way. Israeli artillery barrages are reportedly pounding certain villages, in which residents were warned to leave with pamphlets, but for some reason could not.
The problem appears to be one of implementation. the Education Minister, Qabbani, issued orders but the schools are not responding. However, later the Minister refuted such claims and asserted that schools have been opened.
All major roads leading anywhere in Lebanon (between cities and towns) have been cut off. The Lebanese isolated; staying in homes and bracing themselves.
Il-Dahyeh and Haret Hreik are under heavy artillery fire. News report that the Hizbullah headquarters have been decimated.
Al-Masna'a area, the last part of the Damascus-Beirut highways that is part of the Lebanese territories, has been hit.
Jabal Turbol next to Tripoli in the north has been raided. The Akkar and Dinnieh, two regions in the north, have been cut off. And an electricity power plant in Minieh in the north has been hit. I'm trying to call my family who are in the north and cannot reach them.
More to come....
Addendum: Just a thought that came to my mind: PM Seniora in his interview with CNN yesterday said that the Lebanese want safety and security for their children and Israeli's children. He said that this won't happen overnight, but Israel must create an atmosphere that is conducive for us to move to that point. Seniora asserted the government's respect for international resolutions and law. This means that PM Seniora openly does not endorse what Hizbullah is doing and if given an opportunity he will move towards their disarmament. PM Seniora will go down in history as a true statesman.
Update: Most European countries and the U.S. are arranging for the evacuation of their nationals. What does that mean? Worst things are to come. Allah yistor!
Update 2: Not rumors anymore - 23 already have died in an attack on the village of Marooheen. Jdaidet Yabous is being hit, an area which is on the Lebanon-Syria border, but on the Syrian side.
Addendum 2: For all commentors: We don't have a strong government. We are just starting to build ourself after the Syrians left last year. The Syrian military-intelligence apparatus controlled every aspect of Lebanese life and government. We are just starting to talk; yes we might have failed because we were not seizing the moment, but we were just starting to talk. Something that we couldn't do when the Syrians were there.
Hizbullah has almost betrayed us. Betrayed the dialogue, everyone. But let's face it: The Israeli attacks have completely paralyzed the political body of the country. So how can something be done?
Yes, sometimes all what we have is rhetoric. But for those who don't know history: PM Seniora, who is a Sunni Muslim, saying that he does not endorse and is not responsible for what Hizbullah did is a breakthrough. His saying that he longs for peace on both sides is a breakthrough. Alluding that Hizbullah should be disarmed is a breakthrough!
So give me a break!
Update 3: Israel says warplanes are bombing roads and bridges near Masnaa border checkpoint to prevent Hizbullah from taking 2 captured soldiers out of Lebanon. Israel Radio says Nasrallah is hiding in a tunnel under Hizbullah's headquarters in Haret Hreik.
Syrian sources deny that Syrian military checkpoints were targeted by Israeli fire.
Update 4: My whole extended family were able to spot Israeli warships from the Tripoli port; they are freaked out and are all heading to the mountains.
Update 5: Il-Dahyeh is being hit further. Ba'albeck is being hit right now.
We are left alone to fend for ourselves. What will the Arab leaders do now? They are meeting in Cairo right now. But if the UN Security Council could not decide on a ceasfire, then the Arabs will? Since when did the Arabs help Lebanon, more than just let Syria get away with everything in the name of al-ourouba.
Hearing on TV that some Lebanese in Majayoun are taking out their guns to fend for themselves. As refugees from the south are heading to the Chouf and Beirut, they are being hit by Israeli raids. Who is there to protect them? Lebanon is on its own!
Update 6: Tabarayya is being hit right now with more Hizbullah rockets; it's the furthest point that the rockets reached the depth of Israel.
Update 7: IDF informing the villages next to the Israeli border, in Bint Jbeil, that any car after 7PM leaving the villages will be hit. That's after one hour from now.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
The problem appears to be one of implementation. the Education Minister, Qabbani, issued orders but the schools are not responding. However, later the Minister refuted such claims and asserted that schools have been opened.
All major roads leading anywhere in Lebanon (between cities and towns) have been cut off. The Lebanese isolated; staying in homes and bracing themselves.
Il-Dahyeh and Haret Hreik are under heavy artillery fire. News report that the Hizbullah headquarters have been decimated.
Al-Masna'a area, the last part of the Damascus-Beirut highways that is part of the Lebanese territories, has been hit.
Jabal Turbol next to Tripoli in the north has been raided. The Akkar and Dinnieh, two regions in the north, have been cut off. And an electricity power plant in Minieh in the north has been hit. I'm trying to call my family who are in the north and cannot reach them.
More to come....
Addendum: Just a thought that came to my mind: PM Seniora in his interview with CNN yesterday said that the Lebanese want safety and security for their children and Israeli's children. He said that this won't happen overnight, but Israel must create an atmosphere that is conducive for us to move to that point. Seniora asserted the government's respect for international resolutions and law. This means that PM Seniora openly does not endorse what Hizbullah is doing and if given an opportunity he will move towards their disarmament. PM Seniora will go down in history as a true statesman.
Update: Most European countries and the U.S. are arranging for the evacuation of their nationals. What does that mean? Worst things are to come. Allah yistor!
Update 2: Not rumors anymore - 23 already have died in an attack on the village of Marooheen. Jdaidet Yabous is being hit, an area which is on the Lebanon-Syria border, but on the Syrian side.
Addendum 2: For all commentors: We don't have a strong government. We are just starting to build ourself after the Syrians left last year. The Syrian military-intelligence apparatus controlled every aspect of Lebanese life and government. We are just starting to talk; yes we might have failed because we were not seizing the moment, but we were just starting to talk. Something that we couldn't do when the Syrians were there.
Hizbullah has almost betrayed us. Betrayed the dialogue, everyone. But let's face it: The Israeli attacks have completely paralyzed the political body of the country. So how can something be done?
Yes, sometimes all what we have is rhetoric. But for those who don't know history: PM Seniora, who is a Sunni Muslim, saying that he does not endorse and is not responsible for what Hizbullah did is a breakthrough. His saying that he longs for peace on both sides is a breakthrough. Alluding that Hizbullah should be disarmed is a breakthrough!
So give me a break!
Update 3: Israel says warplanes are bombing roads and bridges near Masnaa border checkpoint to prevent Hizbullah from taking 2 captured soldiers out of Lebanon. Israel Radio says Nasrallah is hiding in a tunnel under Hizbullah's headquarters in Haret Hreik.
Syrian sources deny that Syrian military checkpoints were targeted by Israeli fire.
Update 4: My whole extended family were able to spot Israeli warships from the Tripoli port; they are freaked out and are all heading to the mountains.
Update 5: Il-Dahyeh is being hit further. Ba'albeck is being hit right now.
We are left alone to fend for ourselves. What will the Arab leaders do now? They are meeting in Cairo right now. But if the UN Security Council could not decide on a ceasfire, then the Arabs will? Since when did the Arabs help Lebanon, more than just let Syria get away with everything in the name of al-ourouba.
Hearing on TV that some Lebanese in Majayoun are taking out their guns to fend for themselves. As refugees from the south are heading to the Chouf and Beirut, they are being hit by Israeli raids. Who is there to protect them? Lebanon is on its own!
Update 6: Tabarayya is being hit right now with more Hizbullah rockets; it's the furthest point that the rockets reached the depth of Israel.
Update 7: IDF informing the villages next to the Israeli border, in Bint Jbeil, that any car after 7PM leaving the villages will be hit. That's after one hour from now.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Aoun: The Fall Guy
An email I received from a friend:
I have been thinking. How much of what is currently transpiring in Lebanon is Aoun's fault? I know, the easiest thing to do in a situation like this is to find a fall-guy, but really: how much of this destruction and death lies squarely on Aoun's shoulders?
I have been thinking. How much of what is currently transpiring in Lebanon is Aoun's fault? I know, the easiest thing to do in a situation like this is to find a fall-guy, but really: how much of this destruction and death lies squarely on Aoun's shoulders?
Let us look at the events over the past year and simplify everything into one linear chain of events. Let us take a look at the fact that the International Community apparently unanimously decided that Hizballah was to be disarmed when resolution 1559 was passed at the UN Security Council. Then, assume that the March 14 forces were given a specific amount of time to implement that resolution, which, again, manifested an almost unanimous international consensus. March 14 failed. Israel is now doing the job.
When you look back at the political developments in Lebanon ever since the late Hariri's assassination, what constituted the major stumbling block to March 14's initiatives? Was it not Aoun and the FPM?
Aoun prevented them from selecting a suitable replacement to Lahoud. Aoun formed an alliance with Hizballah to counter the majority. Aoun essentially took the opposition role to heart, and went with it all the way! He did so under the apparent assumption that Lebanon was out of troubled waters, and consequently, he could go back to business as usual - opposition and sectarian bickering.
I respect Aoun, and the positions he claims regarding the Lebanese state, and its appropriate role. However, couldn't Aoun have seen what now appears so clear in hind sight? Couldn't he and his advisors see that if the Lebanese political elite, in unison, did not pressure Hizballah to disarm peacefully, the Israelis would do so, and destroy everything we built over the past decade and a half in the process?
All I see from this (admitedly narrow) angle of looking at Lebanon, is that Aoun holds a significant responsibility for all the costs in blood and treasure that Lebanon is bearing as I write this e-mail. If Aoun wants to blame Hariri for the $30 billion of debt he accumulated over the past 10 years, then I will blame Aoun for the $10 billion in damages and losses that Lebanon will suffer this year alone, as well as all the loss in lives - which have exceeded 70 thus far.
For the past year I have looked at the General with a kind of hope. Friends tried to tell me he was being manipulated and he was a political nincompoop. But now, I look back, and ask: how could he not have seen this coming? You would think that someone in his shoes would be a little more politically savvy!
A strong counter argument could be that even if Aoun sided with March 14, Hizballah would never have disarmed, and any attempt at doing so, would have led us to a much more destructive civil war. There is a very powerful truth to that statement, however, imagine how different the dynamics of Lebanese politics would have been had we elected a more powerful and legitimate President who tagged the line of March 14 regarding Hizballah. I believe that, at the very least, some positive steps could have been taken - steps that may have prevented what is currently tanspiring in our Lebanon.
It is clear that the majority commited serious mistakes in dealing with Aoun. Were these mistakes worth the destruction and blood that we are experiencing today? Couldn't Aoun have waited until the elite had dealt with Hizballah before he started his "business as usual" opposition? I don't know.
Aoun: fall guy. The picture is probably much more complex, however his behavior over the past year have made labeling him as such so much easier.
Aoun: fall guy. The picture is probably much more complex, however his behavior over the past year have made labeling him as such so much easier.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Friday, July 14, 2006
Iran-Syria Axis Fully Materializing
I don't know what to say anymore. Sayyid Nasrallah is still alive and declaring an open war. Where is our President? Where are our Ministers? Prime Minister? Members of Parliament?
All these institutions and the guardians of these institutions are obsolete at this point. Nasrallah is leading the show. He's defying everything and everyone. He is assuming the position of the guardian of the Prophet's Family, against all odds. This is not about Lebanon anymore; this is about Nasrallah's pride.
The Iran-Syria Axis has just fully materialized!
An Israeli warship was hit on the coast off of Beirut, the same warship that hit Hizbullah's headquarters which housed Nasrallah.
Lebanon is a hostage and all the Lebanese people are a pawn in the hands of the few.
Update: Rumours in the streets of Saida are that the Israelis have landed a ground force. The rumours are unfounded, but the city is terrified!
Update 2: The story has just been clarified by NTV. It appears that reconnaisance personnel from Hizballah noticed Israeli frogmen (i.e. Naval Commandos) on the shores of Saida. They then reported their suspicions to the Lebanese Army. The Army then responded by sealing the area, and searching it thoroughly. The Army then announced that it was all clear and withdrew. They either did not find the frogmen, or the frogmen never landed in the first place.
Update 3: The latest reports (or maybe rumors flowing around in Lebanon) is that Israel will destroy the last major land route leading outside of Lebanon within the next 24 hours. (i.e. they are going to hit the road to syria that goes through Tripoli).
Update 4: Hizbullah attempted to hit another Israeli warplane, but missed and hit an Egyptian ship instead.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
All these institutions and the guardians of these institutions are obsolete at this point. Nasrallah is leading the show. He's defying everything and everyone. He is assuming the position of the guardian of the Prophet's Family, against all odds. This is not about Lebanon anymore; this is about Nasrallah's pride.
The Iran-Syria Axis has just fully materialized!
An Israeli warship was hit on the coast off of Beirut, the same warship that hit Hizbullah's headquarters which housed Nasrallah.
Lebanon is a hostage and all the Lebanese people are a pawn in the hands of the few.
Update: Rumours in the streets of Saida are that the Israelis have landed a ground force. The rumours are unfounded, but the city is terrified!
Update 2: The story has just been clarified by NTV. It appears that reconnaisance personnel from Hizballah noticed Israeli frogmen (i.e. Naval Commandos) on the shores of Saida. They then reported their suspicions to the Lebanese Army. The Army then responded by sealing the area, and searching it thoroughly. The Army then announced that it was all clear and withdrew. They either did not find the frogmen, or the frogmen never landed in the first place.
Update 3: The latest reports (or maybe rumors flowing around in Lebanon) is that Israel will destroy the last major land route leading outside of Lebanon within the next 24 hours. (i.e. they are going to hit the road to syria that goes through Tripoli).
Update 4: Hizbullah attempted to hit another Israeli warplane, but missed and hit an Egyptian ship instead.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
UN Security Council Meeting
Today I heard one of the most historical addresses by the Israeli UN ambassador on Lebanon.
Just quickly: he quoted Marwan Hamadeh, Elias Atallah and another unnamed Minister saying yesterday that Lebanon has been taken hostage by regional forces (Iran and Syria) and by terror (form Hizbullah).
He looked the Lebanese UN representative in the eye and said: I would like to make an appeal to Lebanon's representative. You know deep down that if you could, you would add your brave voice to the voices of your brave compatriots in Lebanon. You could be sitting next to me now to negotiate a solution. If we succeed, it will be beneficial for all of us. Lebanon has an opportunity to be a free, prosperous democratic Lebanon.
The Lebanese representative claimed what the government statements have been saying: that the government did not know, is not responsible and does not endorse the attacks by Hizbullah on northern Israel. But also said that Israel is brutally attacking civilians and infrastructure in Lebanon and that the attacks do not equate in magnitude to what they claim they want to do, which is target Hizbullah's military base.
By the way, the Israeli ambassador said that Hizbullah is launching its rockets from civilian houses with children and women acting as hosts of such rockets.
This is truely a brutal way of operating by Hizbullah. I hate violence and death. Enough is enough; the Lebanese government needs to take a stand. My country is wounded.
Update: Israeli Army has renewed attacks on the southern suburbs of Hizbullah.
Update 2: The Qatari UN representative had a moving statement, saying that Lebanon will not be left alone and that Lebanon is a great example of democracy in the Arab world and asked for a ceasefire.
Update 3: The Chinese ambassador asked Israel to end its land, sea and air blockade of Lebanon. But also called on Hizbullah to stop infiltrating the blue line to attack the Israeli army and to stop launching rockets on the north of Israel. He supports the decision of Kofi Annan of sending a group of mediators to the Middle East to broker a deal.
Update 4: Haret Hreik in Beirut is being bombarded by Israeli warships. Aita il-Sha3ib, a southern village, has been given by the IDF two hours to evacuate its civilians. Oslo called on its Israeli ambassador to object to what the Israeli government is doing in its attacks on Lebanon.
Update 5: According to the FPM website, CNN reported that the planes which were claimed to have been transported to Jordan, under the watchful eye of the IDF, are not those of MEA, but 4 are owned by Hariri and 1 by Najib Mikati.
Update 6: Hizbullah has launched rockets on IDF barracks in the Golan Heights. It shows that Syria is Hizbullah's patron.
Update 7: Al-Damour bridge was shelled, 17 injured including 7 children. Hizbullah's main headquarters was shelled. Hizbullah claimed that HA's Secretary General Sayyid Nasrallah is still alive.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Just quickly: he quoted Marwan Hamadeh, Elias Atallah and another unnamed Minister saying yesterday that Lebanon has been taken hostage by regional forces (Iran and Syria) and by terror (form Hizbullah).
He looked the Lebanese UN representative in the eye and said: I would like to make an appeal to Lebanon's representative. You know deep down that if you could, you would add your brave voice to the voices of your brave compatriots in Lebanon. You could be sitting next to me now to negotiate a solution. If we succeed, it will be beneficial for all of us. Lebanon has an opportunity to be a free, prosperous democratic Lebanon.
The Lebanese representative claimed what the government statements have been saying: that the government did not know, is not responsible and does not endorse the attacks by Hizbullah on northern Israel. But also said that Israel is brutally attacking civilians and infrastructure in Lebanon and that the attacks do not equate in magnitude to what they claim they want to do, which is target Hizbullah's military base.
By the way, the Israeli ambassador said that Hizbullah is launching its rockets from civilian houses with children and women acting as hosts of such rockets.
This is truely a brutal way of operating by Hizbullah. I hate violence and death. Enough is enough; the Lebanese government needs to take a stand. My country is wounded.
Update: Israeli Army has renewed attacks on the southern suburbs of Hizbullah.
Update 2: The Qatari UN representative had a moving statement, saying that Lebanon will not be left alone and that Lebanon is a great example of democracy in the Arab world and asked for a ceasefire.
Update 3: The Chinese ambassador asked Israel to end its land, sea and air blockade of Lebanon. But also called on Hizbullah to stop infiltrating the blue line to attack the Israeli army and to stop launching rockets on the north of Israel. He supports the decision of Kofi Annan of sending a group of mediators to the Middle East to broker a deal.
Update 4: Haret Hreik in Beirut is being bombarded by Israeli warships. Aita il-Sha3ib, a southern village, has been given by the IDF two hours to evacuate its civilians. Oslo called on its Israeli ambassador to object to what the Israeli government is doing in its attacks on Lebanon.
Update 5: According to the FPM website, CNN reported that the planes which were claimed to have been transported to Jordan, under the watchful eye of the IDF, are not those of MEA, but 4 are owned by Hariri and 1 by Najib Mikati.
Update 6: Hizbullah has launched rockets on IDF barracks in the Golan Heights. It shows that Syria is Hizbullah's patron.
Update 7: Al-Damour bridge was shelled, 17 injured including 7 children. Hizbullah's main headquarters was shelled. Hizbullah claimed that HA's Secretary General Sayyid Nasrallah is still alive.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
WARNING: Country To Burn By 6PM
Another piece of information by fellow blogger Raja:
ALERT: Swiss embassy in Lebanon has given Swiss nationals until 6:00 PM today to leave the country. They base this timing on the fact that the Israelis have given Hizballah until 6:00 PM to return the prisoners after which, they will effectively burn the country down.
This is only one hour to go. It's 5PM in Lebanon.
Update: Hizbullah is showering North Israel with rockets and tens are wounded and dying. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Health Ministry has declared that 65 Lebanese have died and 195 are wounded.
Saudi Arabia's statement yesterday that what Hizbullah is doing is far from resistance might just be a green light to Israel to eliminate the party's military base. That's scary because we are entering the unknown, an unchartered territory.
Update 2 - 5:35PM (Lebanon's time): Watching the UN live webcast of a UN Security Council meeting to discuss the situation in Lebanon. The Lebanese spokesman is speaking right now.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
ALERT: Swiss embassy in Lebanon has given Swiss nationals until 6:00 PM today to leave the country. They base this timing on the fact that the Israelis have given Hizballah until 6:00 PM to return the prisoners after which, they will effectively burn the country down.
This is only one hour to go. It's 5PM in Lebanon.
Update: Hizbullah is showering North Israel with rockets and tens are wounded and dying. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Health Ministry has declared that 65 Lebanese have died and 195 are wounded.
Saudi Arabia's statement yesterday that what Hizbullah is doing is far from resistance might just be a green light to Israel to eliminate the party's military base. That's scary because we are entering the unknown, an unchartered territory.
Update 2 - 5:35PM (Lebanon's time): Watching the UN live webcast of a UN Security Council meeting to discuss the situation in Lebanon. The Lebanese spokesman is speaking right now.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Tyre Calling For Humanitarian Assistance
This piece of news was sent to me by my fellow blogger Raja, who has no access to the blog and has left Beirut for a safer place east.
The coalition of municipalities of the Tyre region has urgently called out for humanitarian assistance. They currently host around 3000 refugees, and they only have enough food for one day.
They have no electricity, so the fridges in which dead bodies are kept until burial are no longer working.
This is merely one region in the south. Maybe if this is posted in the blog with a plea for all Lebanese in the diaspora to try to help through the way they know best, that would help.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
The coalition of municipalities of the Tyre region has urgently called out for humanitarian assistance. They currently host around 3000 refugees, and they only have enough food for one day.
They have no electricity, so the fridges in which dead bodies are kept until burial are no longer working.
This is merely one region in the south. Maybe if this is posted in the blog with a plea for all Lebanese in the diaspora to try to help through the way they know best, that would help.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
Lebanon's Achile's Heel
Just woke up. The airport's terminal has been hit this time around. The latest hits on Dahyeh led many to flee their homes and seek shelter in other parts of Beirut. More intensified hits in south Lebanon.
I am just angry because the airport is being hit beyond just its runways, which will take more than a week to repair. The airport, as noted by Jihad el-Khazen, the editor of al-Hayat daily, is Lebanon's "Achile's heel."
Many Lebanese have so much faith in the international community. My father, whose forever optimistic view of Lebanon is always contagious, keeps on saying that this offensive will not take long and that someone will intervene to stop all this.
But what if, just like 30 years ago, everyone turned their backs on Lebanon? We were left alone to fend for ourselves and ended up killing each other and destroying the innocense and beauty of a land...
Extreme fear mixed with streaks of optimism, but every time I go to sleep thinking that things will calm down, I only wake up to more tragic stories.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
I am just angry because the airport is being hit beyond just its runways, which will take more than a week to repair. The airport, as noted by Jihad el-Khazen, the editor of al-Hayat daily, is Lebanon's "Achile's heel."
Many Lebanese have so much faith in the international community. My father, whose forever optimistic view of Lebanon is always contagious, keeps on saying that this offensive will not take long and that someone will intervene to stop all this.
But what if, just like 30 years ago, everyone turned their backs on Lebanon? We were left alone to fend for ourselves and ended up killing each other and destroying the innocense and beauty of a land...
Extreme fear mixed with streaks of optimism, but every time I go to sleep thinking that things will calm down, I only wake up to more tragic stories.
"Nobody knows how many rebellions, besides political rebellions, ferment in the masses of life which people earth."
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