Yahia in the United Kingdom:
Enough is enough, Lebanon belongs to all the Lebanese people, regardless of their religion and beliefs. The people who are causing all the suffering, mainly Hezbollah, should relinquish their weapons and allow the Army to enforce the rule of law across all of Lebanon. No more state within a state. Time for the Lebanese to reunite and set aside their differences.

Dina from Canada:
I would love to congratulate you for this wonderful and rich news site, that shows the true
face of our story - the Lebanese story. God bless you and God bless Lebanon. Keep up the great work.

Carlos from Florida, US:
In the Ya Libnan article: The new prisoners of war in Lebanon, the fifth picture shows a Druze sheikh blind folded sitting on the chair (pictured right). He was kidnapped by Hizb Iran from his home. His only fault was being a Druze. He spent 16 hours in custody of those criminals, they released him in exchange with the Hizb Iran prisoners that the Druze in the shouf had captured. Hezbollah beat him, leading to him spending 2 days in the Hospital. I want everyone to know what is really happening. This information came from the Sheikh himself, I spoke with him yesterday.

Kelly in Pennsylvania, US:
I wish every Lebanese would read your article. This would enlighten so many who can't see what you see. I live in US and I feel your pain. Thank for the wonderful article.

Antoine in Hawaii, US:
One can not express his or her feelings better than Sami's articulated letter to the editor. He writes for all Lebanese, like me and family who have yet to see their cousins back in Lebanon. We live in Hawaii, a paradise of immense beauty where people of various races and religion live side by side in harmony and coexistence. My heart is broken for what is happening in my country of birth. Not one day passes by without thinking of Lebanon and praying for peace, to spare this sacred land of my fathers. Long Live Lebanon!!

Robert in the UK:
I can not agree more than what you stated. Leaders need to go. However, the complexity of the situation is that those leaders were supposedly chosen by the people of Lebanon. Are they working for the benefit of their citizens or for their own personal gains selfishly? The reality is the later. Our nation unfortunately is still lacking maturity. We still have our citizens aligning themselves to out side forces rather than themselves. There self identity as Lebanese perhaps! I do not know they have to figure this out themselves. The sad part is that all parties are working for the benefits of outside source thinking this is the way to get more control of our Lebanon and forgetting that the outside does not give a damn about our well being nor our standard of living. They care for their strategic political influence in the world stage. Unfortunately again the Lebanese people in all sects and religion are all immature to decide for which leader is good for them. In the history of Lebanon and its leaders, I have yet to find any political candidate who came out with an agenda for implementation that would benefit the people of Lebanon. They all go to the election with only one agenda Leadership itself without any vision to improve nor build for their citizen. How could you elect a person not knowing what he has in mind for his country and his nation. A military person could never be a politician and it has been proven to Lebanon during the previous president " Emile Lahoud". He did nothing and could not do anything except being a puppet to Syria.

I am afraid that the same thing is going to happen again with the new one to be elected. Hope keeps people alive but sadly enough, I do not see any solution to our nations wows soon. Even for a person that wants to build and improve people in Lebanon are so blind led to kill that person's ambition or kill that person directly like they did to Mr. Hariri. They kill the hand the gives them internally and implement outside interest over theirs waiting for the outside to be their savior.

Malfean in Georgia, US:
To Ali in Scotland...

Ali in Scotland wrote: Please note that Hezbollah did not use weapons against Lebanese people. the governmant is pro-american meaning israeli allied in Lebanon.

By that twisted logic; then Hezbollah, being a rabid pack of dogs for Iran, who in turn has contacts with Al Qaeda, means that Nasrallah is Al Qaeda allied and therefore responsible for 9/11 and every other terrorist attack. Perhaps Hezbollah is really Israeli allied, because...after all, Hezbollah gets a lot of help from Syria, doesn't it? And doesn't Syria occasionally speak with Israel? Therefore, Hezbollah must be Allied with Israel!

Your logic is as demented as your belief that Hezbollah didn't shoot at its own people.

Why don't you own up to your actions? They lied like the cheap, tawdry rugs that they are. Nasrallah lied as plainly as that beard on his face. He swore he would never use those weapons on the Lebanese... yet, half of Beirut came under fire from his trained little brainwashed minions.

Roland in Kuwait:
Great article. It's a shame what happened in Lebanon. There are two things I can't understand: first how some people are so blind and aren't seeing what's on the way: what does Hezbollah want to do with Lebanon with the help of Iran and Syria? It's so obvious! The second point, how some Lebanese people laugh and are happy about what's happening, especially Hezbollah supporters. There's nothing funny seeing people die and fight between them. As i always said, we live in an hypocrite world where everyone thinks about religion, politics and money. Can someone care for once about its people? Is it too difficult? One last thing to conclude: Hezbollah will pay for what they did...no matter when and how. God bless Lebanon and all its people.

Kelly in Pennsylvania, US:
I really agree with you 100%. God bless you we need more writer like you so people can see where these leaders are taking us, especially since we elect them. Thanks again for the great article.

Anonymous from Agriculture and Agrifood, Canada:
Walid Jumblat and his Druze are the ones killing all the Christians in Beirut. He has always been a Snake and will always be. Jajaa burned Churches with people in them, funny how no one remembers "Zebra and Chatila massacre". If you want a democracy in Lebanon first we need to rid our selfs of the Cancer within: Jajaa, Harriri and Walid Jumblat.

Sami in Colorado, US:
To Hassan Nasrallah: GO TO HELL

Chris in Michigan, US:
There should be NO TOLERANCE of Hizballeh being in the streets shooting and killing innocent people! I believe the LEBANESE ARMY should kill every single Pro-Syrian who threatens to kill the LEBANESE people, including HASSAN NASRALLAH!

George in Oman:
I enjoy reading the articles on your news site. I would like to recommend a book to your readers. Safinat Al-Rahaen (Ship of Hostages) by Nemer Freiha, is currently published in Arabic. This political novel was published in February 2008, and he has an excellent portrayal of how we are ruled, looked upon, and treated by those who call themselves "Zouama". He also focuses on the reasons behind the Lebanese migration. It is very relevant to the current situation in Lebanon

Fawaz from Canada:
To all the Leaders of Lebanon: For destroying our Lebanon (not yours) over and over again, F**K YOU! For stealing every penny you could, F**K YOU! For oppressing the people and brainwashing them into surrendering to your deranged plans, F**K YOU! For turning our Piece of Heaven into a battlefield of hell, F**K YOU! For placing Lebanon on the list of terrorist countries, F**K YOU! For not having the balls to lead a country without taking orders from the US, France, Iran and Syria, F**K YOU! For turning tables and transferring all of Lebanon's wealth to the Gulf countries, who turned a desert into a heaven while you're busy turning a piece of heaven into a desert (Antoine Kerbaj), F**K YOU! For sacrificing your country for the sake of a chair and a pay check, F**K YOU! And finally, for massacring us, raping our wives and girls, and killing our babies, we forgave but won't forget - F**K YOU!

To the followers of Geagea, Jumblatt, Berri, Hariri, Aoun, and Hassan Nasrallah: Shame on you, the time is now to WAKE UP!

This to the Editor, if you post my comment: THANK YOU
If You Don't: F**K YOU!

It took me years to even look back. We lost our identity because no one knew of what a Lebanese was. People identified us when we spoke because of our accents, or because of the color of our skin. In 1982 we were put on the map and people knew of us. But it was not because of our rich history, or because of our great summer vacation resorts, or perhaps of a medical breakthrough that found a cure of some horrific disease. It was because of our bombing and killing of US Marines in West Beirut.

It took me 25 years or so to begin to take interest of what my true identity was supposed to be. I chose to be isolated for it all. I just did not want to even live another night under gunfire or trapped in a closed dark room in the middle of the house. Or even open another can of processed meat to have for lunch or dinner. I had no interest traveling in the dark with blacked out head lights to elude any possible snipers. Or to even look at another car that is riddled with AK47 bullet holes or RPG shrapnel.

I wanted to just sleep in peace and quiet. No sounds of bombs going off in the middle of the night, no funerals of my nine year old class mates that died in the lines of fire during some battle. I was tired of seeing photos of Martyrs hanging from the street lights, and looking at statues made of ammunition brass and copper findings. I did not want to see this anymore. I was tired, I was angry, and I was done.

I just carried the anger and the sadness of losing my home from when I was young. You see, like many of us reading this article, my life was stripped from me. So many things: family, friends, school, and most of all my nationality.

A nationality that I am proud of. A nationality with a deep culture and a profound history. A nationality of freedom and spiritual commitment to our faith no matter of what faith you were born into. An intelligent culture that is filled with Ideas and opinions. A culture that has endured the worst of times and no matter what, they turned it into the best of times. Regardless of the conflict that they have had to endure, a true Lebanese would always live the best life they can.

Now, once again, bad memories are haunting me. What do I say to my children that are now asking me, "Dad why do you have tears in your eyes," as I am watching news on Lebanon? How can I explain how I feel, of how I lived, and what I have lived through? How can I tell them that I want them to go home with me to see my true blood, my land and my people? How can I express my anger and my fear with out sounding like a total ass? How can I tell them that I want to return to my homeland, but I cant?

How can we as people of such grace, pride and intelligence, be so unable to get rid of this parasite that is hounding our land? This cancer that is lingering in the dark shadows of our alleys and streets. How is it that a proud nation such as ours is unable to undo this humiliating passage that is slowly taking over everything that our forefathers have worked so hard for.

I plead with everyone to hold your ground and stress peace. A new generation is embarking on our future in government, support it and work for a common goal. Bring peace so we can all return to our homes. Bring peace so we can all work together and be recognized as a civil and educated nation. Bring peace so we can exercise our liberties and our freedom to fly the Lebanese flag. Bring peace so we can represent our country as "ONE" on the front stage of the world communities. Let us be part of a world that can prosper our economy and bring wealth to our people.

I love you all - Druze, Muslims, Christians - I love Lebanon

Jack from Australia:
I am an Australian/Lebanese. I am Maronite & I am proud of my heritage. I call Lebanon my Lebanon. For so many years Lebanon has been visualized by the media in Australia and abroad as a country of war, a country that is not safe, and a third world. These images portrayed have been negative. This is because of Hezbollah and the presence of their allies in Iran & the Baath party of Syria. It's also because of the betrayers of the Lebanese nation, the followers of evil Nabih Berri, Michael Aoun and their friend Sleiman Franjeih. These people do not know the meaning of Democracy, Peace and Love. They do not have a God. They MUST be brought to justice for demonstrating Terrorism. These people must not see sunlight again for once again bringing darkness into the lives of my fellow Lebanese brothers and sisters who want a peaceful life in the land of my beautiful Lebanon.

Emad in New Hampshire, USA:
WE SHALL NEVER FORGET... Once again, the Druze strength and resolve were tested by invaders from the Iranian regime and their supporters, and once again we showed them that the Druze people, old and young, men and women, would never kneel to anyone but God almighty. Many thanks and gratitude to Walid Jumblatt and Talal Arslan who worked together to ensure that all Druze communities remain calm in dealing with each others. But nevertheless, this is a declaration to Hezbollah and Hassan Nassrallah: You have come to our homes to harm our families, and WE SHALL NEVER FORGET. You have come to take away our pride and values, and WE SHALL NEVER FORGET. You have come to destroy our homes and belongings, and WE SHALL NEVER FORGET. You have come to silence our voice and destroy our spirit, and WE SHALL NEVER FORGET. Hassan Nasrallah, history shall judge you with for what you have done to your country, and God shall judge you for silencing the voice and the soul of your brothers and sisters.

Adam in Texas, USA:
I respect your point of view and wish the same for our country to leave in peace and prosperity. But how are we to accomplish this when a large segment of the country is not so well represented in the government, while after 2 years now since the conflict with Israel, the majority of those whose houses were destroyed have yet to see help from this government, which I am sure really care about them. Also how about all the increases of food and gas for the poorest of the poor, how are we to manage the basic necessities of our people. There is an old saying, a man that is hungry is not a free man. First Let's start showing good intention by allowing one of the largest party in Lebanon to be represented fairly in politics, second let's show good will by rebuilding the houses of those destroyed by the war. And third let's start a line of reconciliation such as any country which has witnessed this amount of hatred and instability among its citizen.

Fadia in Georgia, USA:
It is really sad of the things that are happening in Lebanon, and I hope the Lebanese people will be awaken before it is too late. Iran, Syria, and Israel are using the Lebanese people as a puppets. They are turning them against each other for their best interests. If all of these countries would really wants to help us, they won't provide us with weapons to kill each other. They would make our Lebanese army the strongest and destroy anything called a militia.

Why can't all of us live in peace and try to build Lebanon with unity, and why do we need to be occupied by any foreign countries. Wake up!! all the militia leaders are afraid of losing their seats in the government and their money. All their children are placed in the best universities in the world. Where is the future of our children and youngesters that grew up during the war and the only thing tought to them is hating another lebanese person just because of his or her religion or he or she is from the opposite side of their militia. Wake up Lebanese people and try to fight for your rights. your rights of living free and happy not worrying about getting killed or worrying about losing somebody's life that you value for any terrorist leader or militia leader.

Joseph in Dearborn, Michigan, USA:
Well written! Thank you for being unbiased factual and informative. I admire those who write a good news piece and shows that they don't have to fabricate or sugar coat the story to appease one side or the other.

Milad in Iran:
I'm embarrassed that my government in Iran has caused an entire nation such grief.

George from Canada:
It is time for the Lebanese Army to consider Hezbollah an invader group from Iran, and to destroy this enemy who is in violation of our Lebanon. If the Lebanese Government really want to keep the independence of Lebanon, they should Destroy Hezbollah and his leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Anonymous in Boston, USA:
The Druze heroes withstood the Hezbollah attacks from all directions. I am from Deir Qoubel. My village was under mortar fire from Keyfoun and the southern Beirut suburbs. Only 40 men, armed with hunting rifles and limited ammunition, were standing in the face of a militia armed to the teeth with semi-automatic weapons and heavy artillery.

No Druze village fell to the Hezbollah invaders. The heroes of the Mountain were brave in the face of the world's most dangerous militia. Won't the world wake up to see the injustice taking place in Lebanon! These villagers only want to live in peace and dignity! To have a country run not by the rule of the jungle but the rule of law and democracy!

Who has the back of the Druze? They have only the faith that righteousness will have its way!

The 300 shall remain, and Lebanon shall remain for the free! Hezbollah CAN be stopped! No one is invincible in the face of righteousness! Lebanese unite! Resist! Lebanon is ours to protect!

Rola in Aitat, Lebanon:
When a photographer from Associated Press came to Aitat Monday morning asking us to recommend some locations to take some good pictures we told him just watch the movie 300 and you will see it all live. We are happy that someone else sees it this way. Please remember to mention Aitat. Aitat has always been a great defense line and a front in all battles.

Ramzi in Georgia, USA:
What a beautiful article. Congratulations

Ziad in Pennsylvania, USA:
Christians left Lebanon long time, now it is time to Druze to do that, then Lebanon will be totally under the Iranian control by it proxy party HIZBULLAH. Shame on those who live in a country & bears it identity card & yet is loyal to a foreign country than hi/her own.

I am a secular Druze lebanese,living in the US for 12 yrs now. I believe that the Future Lebanon will be Goverened by IRAN's version of ISLAM. Now we do not have a Christian presidant, nor a government, and an army who's loyalty is questionable. We have a proxy Hizbullah ruling us. What a shame, when a country has multiple loyalties rather than one.

Celia in Saudi Arabia:
As a proud Druze from Chouf mountain, i thank Dr. Phares for this beautiful description of the battles fought and won by our people who are known for ages for defending their homes and lands to death.and who have conquered through history many foriegn armies and who are known as the first founders of the lebanese republic. I hope that this lesson of courage will be an inspiration to the UN and to play a more effective role. I totally agree with Dr. Phares's conclusion. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Nasry in Dubai:
Excellent article, you gave a realistic picture that was supported by ground facts. Like you mentioned, Druze villagers were fighting with hunting weapons against big military canons. Thank you for being insightful in transmitting the picture to the world.God bless you and hope that your pen will always be as powerful as it is now. I personally would like to read any future article you generate in future.

Jason in California, USA:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your articulate article. You are a true Lebanese indeed. Mount Lebanon belongs to the real citizens of Lebanon,and victory will prevail by few good brave hearted noble men. Their great grand parents washed these mountain hills land with their blood sweat and tears and set an example for many generations to come. Lebanon's '300' heroes are the true loyal citizens of this magnificent land not the terrorists and the gangsters of Hezbollah and their allies. Thanks and God Bless.

Rami in California, USA:
Dr Phares - you should be writing another Star Wars Episode for George Lucas

Nutjob in Syria:
The Druze are destined to burn your temple and you shall be their slaves. May you never see the savage gleam of the eyes of a Druze for this will be your last sight.

Antoine in Virginia, USA:
Shame on you Dr Phares, your comments are so idiotic and your story is full of crap. You think Lebanon only belongs to you and yuo're not willing to share it. Well I tell you that your days are numbered now. The real Lebanese are going to call the shots from now on. Half of you should move to Syria and the other to Israel since you've always been traitors and backstabbers. Long live Hezbollah

Rita in London, UK:
Thanks for always being there and updating us with the latest so accurately,and in such a interesting style. You kept me in touch with Lebanon every minute,when i am at work or when i am home... Please keep it up and thank you again, excellent work.

Anonymous in Hong Kong:
The Lebanese need a petition highlighting some of these points.
1. We say NO to State within a State
2. We say NO to Hezbollah's & Amal's weapons
3. One People, One Democratic Government, One Army

Let's get a million + signatures and have it presented to the United Nations

Ramsey in Oregon, USA:
Thank you for your coverage. We are Lebanese in America now and you are our only true and in-depth source for day to day events other than the few emails we are getting from family. Thank you. We don't know what we can do here to press the cause for peace in Lebanon.

Anonymous in Amsterdam:
It annoys me badly that Arabs are so damn bad at standing together and Jews are so damn good at standing together, how can Arabs expect any support from anyone if they cant even get along internal, they behave like little kids with toy guns, except for that these guns are real and they kill real people, shame on you all and shame especially on Hezbollah, Iran and Syria who stick there noses where it should not be, one would think they have plenty to do back home, what a sad and primitive behavior.

Nader in Canada:
It's very easy to sum up the situation: Hizballa = TERRORISM. That's all they know

Ali in Scotland, UK:
Please note that Hezbollah did not use weapons against Lebanese people. the governmant is pro-american meaning israeli allied in Lebanon.

Ali in California, USA:
If Hizb Allah wanted to topple the Goverment it would take them 1 day & 1 day only. Syria & Iran are completely innocent. By the way, I am not a Shiite. I think the Opposition waited too long, in my opinion, to show those morons what true Nationalist look like.

Karen in California, USA:
The Lebanese people should that their country be returned. Lebanon belongs to all the Lebanese, not the Hezbollah & Amal thugs with weapons.

Lalo in California, USA:
For Hesbollah to rage war against the towns of mount Lebanon and Druze civilians is a disgrace and untolerable action to any civlized society. The gangsters of hesbollah are nothing but bunch of terrorists as the world now can see. These terroists should know the Mountains of Lebanon were built on noble-men's shoulders by Druze, Christians, and Sunnis, those illiterate people should go back to history books and nourish their souls. If they want to become a pillar of the Lebanese society
they should lay down their weapons and let the army of the people execute their
duties and extend protection for every Lebanese, they are no longer being trusted by the majority peaceful citizens of the state of Lebanon. God bless Lebanon and its loyal citizens.

Sandra in Massachusetts, USA:
My heart is so heavy from what has transpired over the past week from Hezbollah. I
can't begin to say I know much about the politics there. I sort of thought that Hezbollah was like the Black Panther Party here in the states. They were a militant group. They did a lot of good for the black poor. But as violence became their credo, they lost in the end. The military and police and court in America wiped them out. It seemed to me that Hezbollah wanted a seat at the table of the governing of Lebanon. I think they have shown now what drives them.

Marya in Romania:
I am really sorry for what is happening in Lebanon. Nobody has the right to use weapons in this manner, especially in this modern age. Despite what Hezbollah may think, we don't live in tribes. What is most grave, is that they are using weapons to kill fellow lebanese. They share the same country, maybe they are friends, maybe they are relatives. Only living in unity will you succeed and be strong before your enemies. Even animals don't kill their own species, we are better than this. God bless Lebanon.

Mo in Virginia, USA:
Hezbollah has always said their weapons would only be used against Israel. Now that they have used them against fellow Lebanese, they clearly cannot be trusted. The time is now for Hezbollah to disarm and for a new Army to be formed - the current one obviously cannot protect its people.

Sara in Australia:
u r stupid stupid jewish loving bastards.hezballah should close this website down. go to hell, in witch uuu willllll

Maria in Ohio, USA:
The only traitors in Lebanon are Hezbollah, Michel Aoun and all their allies that kill fellow Lebanese under the premise that THEY are the ones who care about Lebanon. That is why Aoun aligned himself with Syrian and Iranian puppets, that is why Hezbollah kidnapped and started a war that NOBODY wanted...that is why all the major roadways and bridges were destroyed. My bad, that was for the honor of Lebanon, ahmm I mean Hezbollah. I think that these traitors to their own country should pack up and move to Syria and get out of our hair already. Lebanese want to live in peace, we want a future for our children under DEMOCRATIC rule not a DICTATORSHIP, and we want to live in the best country in the world...our country, LEBANON.

Joe in Boston, USA:
The developments in our country were appalling, disgusting and obscene to say the least. However, it doesn't come as a surprise to me to see a battle titled "Hezbollah vs Lebanon". Let me elaborate. First of all, war in its broader context does not just include the mere act of actual fighting, but also the disposition thereto. Since Hezbollah has been threatening to overturn the government since more than a year now, and given that they possess the weapons and the capability with no equally powerful opponent anywhere close, this "war" has been coming for a while.

Moreover, what is war? War is a tool that an entity resorts to in order to coerce another entity to live by their standards and rules. In that regard, Hezbollah has been launching an assault in our society since I opened my eyes to this world. By systematically and implicitly working towards the prospect of an Islamic State of Lebanon, showing contempt to the diverse fabric of the Lebanese society, and taking unilateral decisions regarding attacking Israel thereby putting every Lebanese in danger, Hezbollah has effectively alienated itself from Lebanon and structured itself as a sword held to our necks. The message is loud and clear: you people are welcomed to live here as long as everything goes my way. It's their way or no way! Michel Aoun probably saw this happening and decided to go aboard that train which he saw as the most forceful way to the presidency or political power.

Now the question of "what to do now" begs itself. Unfortunately, I can only see a bleak and grim future for Lebanon. It saddens to me to say that the only way out is caving in. If we want our Airport opened and if we want some stability back, there have to be some concessions, even if at the expense of the people's dignity and the honor of the people whose homes and businesses were vandalized. For instance, I don't see a difference now between giving hezbollah veto power in the government or backing down from decisions under their "peaceful civil disobedience". The only concrete and practical way out for us is by breaking the buttress that holds Hezbollah's back and emboldens it. That can only be accomplished by a western attack on Iran or Syria. I am not going to evaluate the odds of this happening anytime soon, but if it does, it's not going to make my eyes tear.

Wally in Connecticut, USA:
Excellent work on sounding the voice of free Lebanon and clearing the fog that Syria and Iran has been hiding behind. It is time to say enough and show the world and our Lebanese brothers the way to be for Lebanon and not for someone else.

At least 62 people are reported to have been killed and more than 200 injured in clashes across the country since violence erupted on May 7.

01:40 Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa and the Arab ministerial committee will travel to the airport today, after it was announced that they will arrive yesterday evening, for direct contacts with the government and the opposition.

22:38 French ambassador Andre Parant after meeting former President Amine Gemayel: France condemns the recent armed movements in Lebanon and calls for an immediate cessation of armed violence and for the lifting of barriers that are preventing the movement and also calls for respect for the legitimate Government of Lebanon and for the respect of democracy in Lebanon

22:37 MP Hariri: Dialogue to resolve the crisis should begin with the Hezbollah disarmament issue. What happened against Beirut and other areas is exactly what we have consistently warned against

22:26 Second Deputy Chairman of the Phalange Party Salim el Sayegh told "Future TV": The agreement between the Free Patriotic Movement ( Aoun) and Hezbollah was used as a means to divide the Christian community

22:15 Lavrov contacted Aboul Gheit by telephone to brief him on the outcome of the Cairo meeting on Lebanese crisis. Sergey Lavrov is the Russian Foreign Minister, who is Armenian Russian. Ahmad Aboul Gheit is the Egyptian Foreign Minister

21:54 MP Akram Chehayyeb tells Future TV: "Hezbollah will not be able to translate its success on the ground into political gain politics and we refuse any dialogue at gunpoint"

21:43 Minister of youth and Sports Ahmad Fatfat tells "Future TV": Any dialogue under pressure is worthless and will not produce any results and the Lebanese citizens will never abide by any decision issued under duress or gunpoint

21:30 Moussa in an interview with German news agency: "No obstacles for the travel to Beirut by the ministerial committee and the situation in Lebanon reminds me of a saying: once a crises intensifies, it is time to be resolved"

21:20 Education minister Qabbani tells LBC TV: "The schools are not officially closed. It is up to the discretion of parents and school administrator."

21:12 French FM Kouchner: A draft resolution may be presented to the Security Council to resolve the Lebanese crisis

21:07 PM Fouad Siniora called for a cabinet meeting Wednesday

21:05 Children march in the camp of Ein el Helwa Palestinian refugee camp in commemoration of the Nakba and the occupation of Palestine

20:56 Siniora tells Future TV: "The weapons of Hezbollah are supposed to defend the homeland and not directed against the Lebanese people. The use of arms against citizens will only harm the nation. There are many reasonable people who can help find a solution ... May the martyrs rest in peace. I want to congratulate all staff and personnel in Future Television ... Free press in Lebanon will remain one of our most important characteristics. We will remain the harbingers of freedom of expression."

20:40 "March 14 supporters in Paris called on the Friends of Lebanon to participate in a demonstration of solidarity in front of the Iranian embassy in Paris under the slogan "No to the intervention of Iran - Syria, no to a coup by Hezbollah against the homeland, no to the civil war, yes to the respect of the constitutional institutions, yes to Lebanon' s freedom, Independence, Sovereignty and democracy, yes to freedom of expression, yes to a state of law and order "

20:36 Gen. Sulaiman: What happened in the Lebanese streets is a real civil war that no army in the world could face and suppress

20:24 Suaed told Future TV : What Hezbollah did is the biggest " stupid mistake " and the party sacrificed the interests of the Shiite sect for the regional projects of its mother Authority (in reference to Iran and Syria)

20:11 MP Hariri met with Egyptian Ambassador at his home in Qoraytem

20:05 After a meeting at the home of the Mufti of Akkar Hezbollah was condemned for distorting facts and for turning its guns against the Lebanese people for achieving political gains

19:52 Former minister Talal Arslan: No one is seeking or expecting the handover of personal weapons of the people of Mt Lebanon or any Lebanese people. MP Walid Jumblatt has appointed Raja Harb to coordinate with the army the hand over of PSP centers and any weapons if any were found.

It is important to note that all the Lebanese factions handed over their weapons to the government at the end of the civil war in 1990 . The only group that was able to keep its weapons was Hezbollah on condition that these weapons will be only used for resisting the Israeli occupation and never ever against the Lebanese citizens. Hezbollah was accused breaching the trust of the Lebanese people when it violated this trust and pointed its weapons against its own people

19:29 Former minister Qandil: the government decisions in on May 5 equal to the war decision in July 2006 ( in reference to the Hezbollah Israeli war ).
The Hezbollah led opposition still consider army chief Michel Suleiman as a compromise candidate

19:28 Lebanese Forces' leader Samir Geagea after meeting with British Ambassador: I received information that does not reassure me or make me optimistic about the methods or the role of the Arab Ministerial Committee in trying to end the crises

18:54 Army: Israeli reconnaissance aircraft flew over the south before noon today and left over the sea off the town of Naqoura

19:03 : Information minister Ghazi Aridi participated in the re-opening of the Future ( almustaqbal ) channels and the resumption of their broadcasting.
The future movement ( almustaqbal ) denied any involvement in the prevention of the broadcasts by other channels in the north of Lebanon. They called the rumors fabrications and lies

19:00 Aridi: I hope that the pain suffered as a result of the destruction of news Al Sharq radio station, The Armenian Radio station "Sevane" "al Shiraa" magazine and a number of newspapers and magazines and TV stations will be the end of the pain and suffering that affected the photographers ,reporters, and journalists who carry the banner of the freedom of speech in Lebanon and order to protect Lebanon

18:55 Lebanese throughout the country are mourning their sons and daughters who were killed as a result of the open war Hezbollah declared on Lebanon and the Lebanese people. In the upper Matn region of Mt Lebanon five martyrs, who died in clashes in the city of Shouifat, were mourned in the villages of Kafr Silwan, Qubbaii and Ruwasit el Ballout

18:50 Lebanese Army: Israeli reconnaissance aircraft flew over the South of Lebanon and left over the sea off the town of Naqoura

17 :48 Parliament majority leader Saad Hariri said from Quraitem: What has happened is an alarm clock call that the civil war is coming, Hariri said.

18:30 resigned Hezbollah Minister Mohammed Fneish discuss for one hour the developments with Egyptian Ambassador Ahmad Badawi

17:26 Hariri: The Lebanese army has been unable to defend the citizens but the citizens were able to defend the unity of the army

17:19 Hariri: the issue of security in all parts of Lebanon should be on top of the agenda of any dialogue

17:14 Saad Hariri : Hezbollah-led opposition is asking the leaders of March 14 alliance to hand over Lebanon to the Syrian and Iranian regimes and this will be impossible for us to agree to

17:12 Hariri: Heroes of Hezbollah-led opposition committed a crime against the Lebanese under the slogan of defending the resistance

17:08 Hariri: I hold the party that started this war responsible for the blood that was spilled in this war. In reference to Hezbollah

17:05 Hariri: The May 2008 coup is far bigger than Hezbollah to decide, it is a coup engineered by Syria and Iran and executed by our brothers and by our relatives in Lebanon. Again in reference to Hezbollah

17:02 Hariri: they initiated an open war on the state and its institutions and civil liberties and peace to change all the equations and to return the Syrian presence as an Iranian tool in the area

16:20 We have been informed by some people in Tripoli, they can get and watch "OTV" and "NBN," and "Al-Manar" TV stations. Earlier New TV has reported that these stations accused Future movement ( almustaqbal) supporters of attacking the stations to prevent them from broadcasting

16:19 former minister Talal Arslan: Siniora's continuation is becoming a burden on the country. The Lebanese Democratic Party is in all the mountain villages and is a fundamental structure of the fabric of this community. Do not believe the rumors you hear

16:13 Arslan: No one wants in any way to enter the homes of the people of mount Lebanon, no one in mt Lebanon like the rest of Lebanon wants to hand over their personal weapon and we should not expect them to do so

16:12 Arslan: My primary concern is the stopping of the bloodshed , protection of Mt Lebanon from any violence , protection of the noble resistance and protection of a free, independent and sovereign Lebanon and ...you can always count on Mt Lebanon in this regard

16:10 Arslan: I am not after any political gain or personal interests but my main concern is the interest of our people who trusted me. I hereby confirm that the weapons are being handed over to the arm wherefore they are found

15:57, New TV : "NBN," and "Al-Manar" called for halting of the attacks by the supporters of the Future movement ( almustaqbal) against their broadcast stations in north Lebanon . NBN is owned by Berri ( Amal movement) and Al Manar by Hezbollah .
It is important to note that Hezbollah and Amal gunmen destroyed / set on fire all the Future movement ( almustaqbal) TV broadcasting stations , Newspaper operations , Radios , offices (including the Hariri educational centers that spent billions on scholarships for all Lebanese including Shiites) and searched the contents of these locations and replaced the pictures of the slain PM Rafik Hariri that were found in these institutions with posters of Syrian president Basher el Assad

15:47 Tourism minister Joe Sarkis: We will be opening sea shipping line between Tripoli and Cyprus and another shipping between Jounieh and Tripoli within the coming hours and the port of Jounieh will return to work normally for the transfer of passengers by cruise ships to and from Lebanon

15:38 Iranian president Ahmadinejad: Iran is the only country that did not interfere in internal Lebanese affairs what Lebanon is witnessing is not a war but a move to face the U.S. interference

15:35 LBCTV : No meeting of the cabinet so far and all decisions are frozen pending the arrival of the Arab delegation

15:30 cautious calm in the Shouf region and Aley, the army began to deploy on the hills of the Shouf and especially Maaser, Mrusti and Niha which were attacked by Hezbollah gunmen last Sunday

15:26 LBC: shooting heard in Jdeeta area . The army is deploying in the area

15:18, Druze Sheikh el Akl Naim Hassan:The Lebanese army is called upon today more than ever to impose security and law and order on all the Lebanese lands, including the mountain regions and prevent all forms of militancy presence of any party whatsoever, and to whatever group they belong to preserve civil peace

Sheikh el Akl Hassan 15:17: we forbid any one of us to assault anyone and we forbid anyone to assault anyone of us

15:15, Sheikh el Akl Hassan: We reject all practices and abuses against our folks in Mount Lebanon and violation of the sanctity of our homes and villages and the violation of our safety

15:10 Sheikh el Akl Hassan: emphasized the strength and unity of the Druze community and the solidarity among themselves in the face of the danger and applauded the steps taken by the two Druze leaders Walid Jumblatt and Talal Arslan to maintain and preserve the dignity of the Druze community

15:00 NewTV: Moussa is expected to arrive today at 9: 00 pm to Rafik Hariri International Airport , Beirut

14:58 Solana told "KUNA:" we follow the events in Lebanon closely and call on parties concerned to exercise restraint and to speed up the election of a new president as soon as possible and stop this wave of violence

14:52 Aley members of Parliament stressed peace and internal stability and commended the role of the army in maintaining security and called for the strengthening of the presence of the State throughout the country

14:46 road to the airport is still closed

14:39 new: cautious calm in the Bekaa and traffic returned to normal, all shops and institutions and banks opened their doors and all roads opened to pedestrians after the removal of all barriers and obstacles, the army deployed everywhere in the region and no armed elements are visible on the streets

14:35 New TV: cautious calm in the city of Tripoli and the area around the el Tabbaneh and Jebel Mohsen, the army reinforced its deployment and the streets were empty of armed elements and traffic movement is gradually and slowly returning to normal

14:30 French ambassador André PARANT after meeting with resigned Minister Salloukh: the government's resignation is not the solution and hope that the Arab ministerial committee will settle the current crisis in the foreseeable future

14:00 A security detachment composed of 27 persons arrived in Beirut aboard a plane coming from Qatar to take care of the security of the ministerial committee scheduled to arrive Wednesday to help resolve the crises.

13:50 U.S. Embassy in Beirut: Embassy in Aukar will receive materials and supplies needed by U.S. military helicopters due to lack of facilities for the regular receipt of goods at Rafik Hariri International Airport

13:40 Saud al-Faisal: We regret the use of arms internally to achieve political objectives and we call on all regional parties to keep hands off Lebanon and support the Lebanese government in the actions taken to confront the crisis and we call for the withdrawal of the armed elements off the street and the Saudi ambassador was summoned for consultation but will return when things calm down, the embassy remained in Lebanon

13:37 or TV: the sound of a bomb heard near the Grand Serail in Sidon

13:35 U.S. Embassy in Beirut announced that it is the only source of official information on services for Americans and nationals of other consular services at the embassy and called on its nationals to see the US Beirut embassy website to keep abreast of developments

13:25 Nadeem Mulla told the "Voice of Lebanon": Future TV / al Mustaqbal " decided to resume broadcasting starting from 4:30pm today Tuesday on all terrestrial channels and satellite radio as well Radio "East" Al Sharq. Tomorrow Wdnesday the Future / al Mustaqbal newspaper will will be issued starting tomorrow morning . We have taken the decision despite repeated threats which affected us and other institutions and Arab and international media figures and I hold Hezbollah and Amal movement responsible for any damage to any of the installations that are under the control of their forces

12:40 Former MP Nasser Qandil: The Arab Ministerial Committee is the last chance before Lebanon heads to hell.

12:31 Former Premier Omar Karami to TeleLiban: If the Arab Ministerial Committee is coming to Beirut with the old mentality of "elect a president and then we will talk," they will fail.

11:26 MP Saad Hariri will hold a press conference at 5 p.m. today.

11:01 Head of the Lebanese Option Gathering Ahmed Al-Assaad: Hezbollah's policy is preventing the emergence of the state. My message to Sayyed Nasrallah is: enough. This issue of weapons is turning into a burden on the Lebanese, especially the Shiite sect. He must hand over weapons to the army, and he is not protecting Hezbollah's leadership.

11:00 Al-Assaad: What is happening must not be put on the shoulders of the Shia people, the majority of whom have been taken hostage like all the Lebanese. We have no interest in what is happening. Regardless of the money sent by Teheran, it is not enough but for a small part of the sect, while the majority's choice is the state.

10:32 MP Ibrahim Kanaan to OTV:

09:00 cautious calm in Tripoli after a renewal of armed confrontations early in the morning.

08:04 MP Akram Chehayyeb tells the Voice of Lebanon radio station: We tell those who are trying to use the pretext of weapons depots to create obstacles that they should be aware of the fact that the Lebanese army is aware of everything.


07:27 Snipers are active again in Tripoli, after an earlier 3:00 a.m. end to rifle, RPG and mortar fire in the area between Bab Al-Tabbane and Jabal Mohsen.

See in pictures what the war has done to Lebanon and the Lebanese

Hezbollah supporters carrying the coffin of one of their colleagues who was killed in the war that was initiated by their leader who promised never to use the resistance guns against the Lebanese citizens . The war has resulted in the death of over 60 people and in the wounding of over 200 in Lebanon

Druze sheikhs praying and mourning the death of one of their sons who was killed by Hezbollah gunmen in Mt Lebanon. Iran and Syria were accused of engineering the 'coup' that was executed by Hezbollah against Lebanon and all the Lebanese people

Relatives and friends mourn over the dead body of a Druze man killed in recent clashes, before his funeral in Shouifat area in Mount Lebanon near Beirut May 13, 2008.

Hezbollah supporters carry the coffin of a colleague during his funeral in southern Beirut.

Hezbollah has been in the business of fabricating excuses to justify its destructive and unlawful acts for years. The Sheba'a farms case was conveniently discovered when Hezbollah needed to convince the public of a rationale for keeping its armed militia, a technicality over the creation of an International Tribunal by the United Nations became the reason for asking their cabinet ministers to resign, a far damaging war that killed around 2000 Lebanese and destroyed a large proportion of the Lebanese infrastructure was unilaterally started by Hezbollah by kidnapping two Israeli soldiers and five days ago they went to war against those that protected them , sheltered them and sacrificed for them in their hour of need supposedly to undo the two Cabinet edicts that they do not approve of.

What followed was an efficient execution of a military plan that made use of Hezbollah's modern arsenal against homes, businesses and institutions that belong to supporters of the governing majority block March 14 all over West Beirut. As if that was not enough their well trained militias have run over the airport and allowed an Iranian jet with 400 people aboard to land. Who were these passengers is still a mystery but some unconfirmed rumors claim that these 400 were elite members of the Iranian Party of God who might have been the ones to have spearheaded the Beirut and the Chouf offensives. Did the US offensive on Sadr City in Baghdad have anything to do with the timing of the mayhem initiated by the Iranian trained, financed and armed militia of Hezbollah who make no secret of their allegiances to the Supreme leader Khamenei of Iran.

Lebanon, who has been struggling to revive its economy and resume building its democratic institutions after 30 years of Syrian rule was dealt a devastating blow by these clearly terrorist acts. So far over 40 people have been killed, 174 wounded and Lebanon's image dealt a devastating blow both in the political as well as the economic arenas.

Make no mistake about it, this was a well planned and efficiently executed coup. I believe that we can all breathe a sigh of relief for the decision taken by the March 14 leadership when it asked its supporters not to fight and resist their brotherly occupiers. Whether March 14 took that decision because it had to or whether the decision was taken in order to leave the act of protecting the public and private institutions to the armed forces that absorb every year the lions share of the Lebanese budget and whose very rationale to exist is to implement orders from the executive branch of government is immaterial. The Lebanese Army's response was disgraceful, to say the least. They watched as the various Hezbollah goons took the law into their hands and at times they even lent their support to these illegal acts.

Many people feel frustrated and betrayed by the miserable and ignoble performance of the Lebanese Army and its top general Suleiman as they should. The lack of personal confrontation by the March 14 groups should be applauded because it is one example of what a responsible civil people should do. Depend on the official institutions to perform as instructed and when they do not, as in this case, hold the people responsible for such failures accountable.

Who lost Lebanon, or at least set us back decades? We all did for failing to demand that all our political leaders should uphold the law and act as if the national interest is sacred. We have all played a role in bringing about the current state of affairs but that is water under the bridge. We have to learn from our mistakes and make sure that the apparent military victory of the Hezbollah terrorist militia does not translate into actual political gains. We can do that if we demand accountability from all our politicians, if we show outrage whenever they act in their own selfish interest , which is done on a daily basis, if we demand that the doors to the Chamber of deputies are reopened for business, if we demand that they elect a president as prescribed by the constitution and most importantly if we demand that sectarianism must be abolished.

The current system of confessionalism has not served us well. We need to end it, the sooner the better. If ,we the people, act and show our disgust with the current state of affairs then we can reverse the apparent gains made by Hezbollah's armed bands and at the same time we can push all the politicians into creating a new Lebanon based on modernity, equality and social justice.

For the last two years the Lebanese politicians and leaders from both camps have been verbally abusing each other, ignoring the demands of the people, and ensuring that each one of them cements his political status. Each political party hindered any solution that can lift Lebanon from its static and stagnant condition.

The Lebanese were frustrated with the situation and the Leaders did not choose to interact or even communicate to alleviate the economic and social burdens that touched every Lebanese. Using the media as an alternative to dialogue so as to transmit messages, accusing each other by being Israeli or Iranian agents, and putting conditions for each other is unprecedented in any Arabic, civilized or democratic country. Leaders from all walks of life have a responsibility to convey to their constituencies the facts of the deadlock that kept Lebanon in the political abyss. However, they do not have the right to use the media as a tool to instigate violence, or ignite and kindle racism ignoring that Lebanon has s a unique social fabric that reflects in every alley, street and village.

Village life is a microcosm society that reflects the bigger Lebanon. These small towns reflect the complexity of the social fabric that manipulates the daily-to-daily lives of the Lebanese. Villages are divided according to families, religion and social status. Powerful families dedicate the flow of events in municipal elections up to parliamentary elections. Lebanon is a unique case in the Middle East; its demographic landscape differs from any country in the region. All in all there are eighteen different kinds of sects and religions in Lebanon competing with each other to gain power in ruling the country.

Ignoring the complexity of this Lebanese foundation led to the first civil war. Obviously, the two major political camps these days supported by major external powers, forgot how feeble and vulnerable this social structure was and still is. Because of their Lack of savvy and political wisdom the situation and the killings that happened in Beirut, Alley and Choueifat and the current situation on the ground has originated.

Many Lebanese who do not belong to either camp raise many questions and blame both sides for this volatile situation. They ask these leaders if they know where are they taking the country? Both camps proved that they lack the will and independence to take constructive decisions that can create a positive impact on Lebanon. Both camps created a negative atmosphere on the ground that instigated aggravation, and hate.

One camp in the name of independence and stability that they hope will lead to full democracy, the other in the name of Arab nationalism, patriotism and martyrdom who wants to free Sheba farms, Lebanese prisoners from Israel, and also to be a part of the axis that confronts Israel and enjoys the victory over a vicious enemy. Both love Lebanon in their own way; nevertheless, by indulging in their negative insults and clenching each to their meaningless decisions they lost the trust and the common ground that unite them. The only common issue that unite them is the Lebanese army, however, they are both burdening and weakening the army with their internal dispute and egoistic gains. The Lebanese army proved to be courageous, unbiased and needs the support of all the Lebanese. This determination will be the backbone that can lift the country from its current situation.

The Lebanese army needs to be modernized, and in the words of Amr Mousa it needs "logistic support". But this will take time, money and will from the Lebanese and the world. Also having a strong powerful Lebanese army will consume a threat for Israel and Syria. These countries are enjoying the explosive situation in Lebanon. Israel hoping that Hezbollah's power will weaken, and Syria wishing for the Seniora's government to disappear and resign, so the Lebanese political formula will change to suit its agenda and regime. Both countries are wrong in their assessments, and the only shield that can protect Lebanon from external powers is to have a wise politicians, it is said that "Men shape history" and not the other way round.

So, the acrimonious debate now is where is Lebanon heading? It seems that the Lebanese government that represents March 14, does not show any intention of resigning, and March 8, think that they can create a new reality after changing the balance of power on the ground militarily. It is a pity that they both forgot the most important factor in their equation: Lebanon's fabric society and stability, and most important the welfare of the Lebanese people.

Both camps should understand the magnitude of what happened recently, and understand that the only exit from this mess is to retreat to a common ground that unite and glue this country together. By counting on external powers to solve the country's gridlock, leads to a very simple analysis that both camps do not deserve to be in power, and that they are a liability not an asset to Lebanon. The Lebanese hope that their politicians will rise to the occasion, and if they choose the current situation to continue without any concession and co-operation from both sides, then God help Lebanon and the Lebanese.

God bless the souls of the young Lebanese who died the last few days, and let their blood unite the country together.

Henry Kissinger in his 'Does America Need a Foreign Policy?' book published shortly before the terrorist attacks of September 11th, described the Middle East as an international system that was based in feudalism and ethnic and religious conflict which sharply contrasted with the notion of the modern sovereign state consequent to the 1648 European peace of Westphalia.

This may have been the case back then, but undoubtedly the invasion of Iraq has created in the Middle East a new balance-of-power politics based in political realism. The current Middle East is a manifestation of the realpolitik of Machiavelli and Metternich.

Following the war in Iraq, the regional balance of power radically changed. Without Iraq to check it, Iran increased its influence in the country's vacuum, backing pro-Iranian Shiite factions such as the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI), and radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army.

Iran's alliance with Syria, and its strong influence in Iraq, Lebanon, and Gaza, have created what many term a "Shiite crescent" in the Middle East. Persian Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are growing increasingly insecure.

The Iranian influence in the Arab world was perhaps felt most strongly during the 2006 summer war between Hezbollah and Israel. Hezbollah's newfound popularity and declarations of victory reverberated through the Arab street, to the chagrin of Sunni Arab states such as Saudi Arabia who's Mufti Hamid Ali al-Jabreen released a fatwa or Muslim edict claiming it was Islamically forbidden to pray for the victory of the Shiite Hezbollah. Since the 2006 conflict, a security crisis has escalated in Arab nations fearing Iranian influence - just this fall Saudi Arabia had signed a monumental arms deal with the United States.

Hezbollah's disobedience to Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Sanoira's alleged calls to withdraw from its seizure of Western Beirut for exchange of nullifying the government decision to destroy the Shiite militia's illegal telecommunications network are simply another example of Iranian victory. The Washington Times proclaimed it "Hezbollah's 'redrawing' of the Middle East map." As with al-Sadr's threats for war and uprising in Iraq's Basra, the threat of violence has caused the government to cave in without any true battles. Sun Tzu, the great Chinese strategist once wrote that the best victory was defeating one's opponent without battle. The U.S. backed Lebanese government was forced to claim yesterday that "Lebanon's true enemy Israel," while the U.S. backed Iraqi government has been discussing "close ties" to American adversary - Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmedinijad. The struggle for influence in the Arab world is self evident.

With help from Chinese investment, Russian arms deals, Venezuelan solidarity, and its traditional ally Syria, Iran has attempted to protect and expand its sphere of influence in the Middle East. The U.S. and France have supported Arab states such as Saudi Arabia, and Egypt which have largely allied themselves to the pro-American Lebanese government faction called the March 14th coalition.

Alliances are formed to expand spheres of interest and attempt at securing vital national interests. The new blocs of Middle Eastern powers illustrate the expansiveness of the current problem. Instead of looking at symptoms, such as Hezbollah's take over as West Beirut, one must look at the full disease. The root of this new instability and power politics has been the brash and preemptive foreign policies of the Bush administration. Whether in invading Iraq, supporting the far right policies of former Israeli premier Ariel Sharon, giving the green light to current Israeli premier Ehud Olmert's 2006 bombardment of Lebanon, or go-it-alone unilateralism, it is clear that American policies in the Middle East have provoked the fear and insecurity which have led to the current atmosphere of Arab power politics. Destabilizing the region have led it to be mired by civil strife.

One can only hope that the foreign policies of the next American administration take a more cooperative turn. A destabilized Middle East is a destabilized world. The consequences of the continuation of realpolitik are a Saudi-Iranian arms race, the inducements of nuclear weapons by insecure Arab states, civil strife in the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, and Iraq, and a long period of stasis in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict.

00:10 Italian Foreign Minister: Hezbollah cannot be a "state within a state"

23:36 Ban Ki-moon condemns the escalating violence in Lebanon and calls upon all parties to resume talks to find a solution to the crisis also expressed his solidarity with the people of Lebanon and its government and its legitimacy

23:30 Omar Karami tells Aljazeera TV of Qatar ": opposition is still sticking to its original position which is: it still wants to participate through dialogue and still agrees to the Arab initiative conditional to the acceptance of the ( opposition) basket of demands and we welcome the Arab ministerial Committee and call on them to understand the internal situation and sensitivity and should be neutral"
Note: The basket of demands calls for a veto power in any newly formed government a demand that was rejected several times by the ruling majority

23:22 Camille Khoury tells OTV": If we they want partnership let the government cancel the resolutions issued and go to the dialogue table and discuss pending matters

23:16 Second Deputy Phalange Party Salim Sayegh tells OTV:" We do not want the political crises to turn into a security crises and we want dialogue and contacts are underway to try to resolve the crisis

23:10 Jumblatt tells "Al-Jazeera:" we have no issues with the army if it wants to search for arms depots in the mountains , but we will not allow under any circumstances any other party or group organization to take part in this matter. The people of the mountains, and Beirut have their own dignity will not allow anyone to violate it or undermine it. Our response to Hezbollah's actions will only be political... we have not asked for any outside military help and we do not want any American destroyers to come to our defense but let me say this the destruction and occupation of Beirut by Hezbollah has ended the myth that the Hezbollah arms were for resistance against Israel

22:10 Acting FM Tarek Mitri tells "LBC": The Arab initiative, including the statement is part of the implementation of any viable dialogue

22:00, Centrral bank Riyad Salameh, "Reuters:" There are unusual transfers of currency outside the country and the banking sector is working normally despite the crisis and the Lebanese pound and interest rates remain stable

21:55 March 14 alliance : We ask the government to declare the occupied city of Beirut a disaster area in all aspects: security, social and humanitarian concerns and we urge the military establishment to fulfill its commitment to the protection of civilians and maintaining peace and law and order

21:30 "LBC": a clash between members of Hezbollah and members of the Shamas family in Ouzai, a Hezbollah stronghold

20:55 Hussein Khalil , Hezbollah: attacks the government during a press conference and said "Nasrallah's speech was the resolution that we will not tolerate an attack on us after today than at any point he will not hesitate to defend ourselves"

20:42 Speaker Nabih Berri cancels the presidential election meeting set for May 13 and postpones till June 10 . this was the 20th postponement

20:35 Army announced on the application of stringent security measures starting from six o'clock on May 13 against anyone who breaches the security

20:31 Lebanese army adds new checkpoint in Rashayya and is patrolling in the region

20:25 Saudi Arabia calls upon all political concerns in Lebanon to listen to the voice of wisdom and the language of reason and put Lebanon's interest above all else

20:21 The Lebanese army found two hand grenades unexploded in the street that separates Syria road and Jebel Mohsen in Triploi area but was unable to detonate because of darkness and power outages, however, it warned the citizens against using the street

20:20 fragile truce in the region of Jabal Mohsen and Bab el Tabbaneh where people are meeting to coordinate with the army over ending of the violent clashes

20:11 Arslan told the "new TV": Army General Suleiman is eager to implement what was agreed upon by each and everyone and I want to assure the people of their security and at the same time I am asking the army to take control of the centers and to take all medium and heavy weapons if any are found

20:01 The White House: the Lebanese people deserve democracy, which they have all voted for

19:42 Karami confirmed to OTV that" the truce began in Tripoli at 6:PM and appealed to everyone to adhere to the ceasefire

19:33 Cautious calm prevails in Mt Lebanon

19:12 Rice applauds the Arab League's position that rejects violence in Lebanon a reference to Hezbollah's illegal weapons

18:45 Lebanese Forces denied that that anyone entered their center in the town of Hammana and confirmed that it is under the authority of law. Hezbollah's al Manar TV claimed earlier that the Army entered the center and took it over.
Al Manar , the mouthpiece of Hezbollah militia has been spreading false rumors for the past 6 days

18:25 Omar Karami told the "new": army acting with all the wisdom, we are fully cooperating with him and we are calm and we call on everyone to contact us at the start of any form because the atmosphere is very tense and shots were fired and one that could cause a big problem

18:20 Geagea meets with Maj. Gen. Rifi to discuss the developments in the presence of Tourism Minister Joe Sarkis

18:00- Al Jazeera TV: The Saudi Arabian Embassy is now closed after the departure of Ambassador Khoja from Lebanon earlier today, heading back with his family to Saudi Arabia via Cyprus

17:49, Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV : The Lebanese army takes over from the Lebanese Forces their center in Hammana, upper Metn region of Mt Lebanon

17:45 Jumblatt cancels his press conference, which was scheduled for this afternoon. No reasons given

17:35 Hariri discussed the current developments in telephone conversations with President of Senegal and the Prime Minister of Qatarand Arab League chief Amr Moussa

17:30 renewed clashes in el Tabbaneh and Mount Mohsen in Tripoli area

17:28 National News Agency: The Lebanese Army was handed over the PSP Centers in Aley , Falougha and Khalwat of the Metn region

17:20 National News Agency: Army continued to deploy in the towns Beysour , Aytat , Ain ehnob , Aley and on the main road between Aley and Mudeirig passing through the summer resort towns of Bhamdoun , Sofar and Baalichmay

17:15: The Ministry of Economy announced that the wheat quantities available in the Beirut port silos and the mills in all the regions is enough for more than six months

17:12 National News Agency: Army deployed in the north between el Tabbaneh and Mount Mohsen in Tripoli area

17:10 OTV: US ambassador Michele Sison meets with PSP leader Walid Jumblatt before scheduled press conference.

16:40 Samir Geagea after meeting with Siniora: What Hezbollah is doing is against religious doctrine and against the Lebanese public, and Hezbollah won't make any political gains by force.

16:34 General Michel Aoun holds a press conference after Change and Reform bloc meeting, in which he defends Hezbollah actions and attacks the government and calls on the government to resign before the Arab delegation arrives in Beirut on Wednesday

16:21 The Lebanese Army succeeds in the release of five opposition abductees that were kidnapped near Abdul Nasser Mosque in Mazraa, western Beirut earlier today

16:13 : Saudi ambassador to Lebanon leaves Lebanon for Cyprus with family .

16:01 : The Arab delegation will arrive in Beirut wednesday via the hariri International Airport

15:55 : Armed pro government loyalists kidnapped 5 opposition gunmen near Abdul Nasser Mosque in Mazraa

15:54 MP Akram Chehayeb tells LBC: The four municipality employees in Aley who were taken hostage by Hezbollah-led opposition gunmen have been released.

15:38 Al-Arabiya: Heavy gunfire reported in Abou Samra, Tripoli.

15:34 Security source to Reuters: Clashes in the Chouf mountain leaves 36 people dead, including 14 Hezbollah gunmen.

15:34 Security source : Clashes in Lebanon leave around 59 dead and more than 200 wounded.

15:26 Arslan: Today is a decisive day; either we succeed or everything will break down.

15:26 Arslan: All military positions and arms depots have to be handed to the army today.

15:25 Arslan: We agreed on a ceasefire and on PSP handing over all military and security positions to the Lebanese army.

15:25 Arslan: The ceasefire is underway, and the army is deploying in all parts of the Chouf, Aley, rural areas and the upper Metn

15:24 Talal Arslan: The Chouf Mountain has passed through very delicate times, and when it explodes, all of Lebanon explodes.

14:41 The army is detonating bombs in the Damour area.

14:32 OTV: Ministry of public works denies that its is ready for the opening of the airport in Qulei'at

14:30 LBC: reports say Damour town and surrounding area was hit by Hezbollah missiles

14:23 Voice of Lebanon: the return of a cautious calm in Bab el Tabbaneh and Mount Mohsen. It is expected that a meeting will be held today at the dar el Fatwa sponsored by the Mufti of Tripoli to announce the result of the efforts to spare the city of further clashes and to make sure there are no armed elements except the Lebanese army.

14:15 US ambassador Michelle Sison is meeting with speaker Nabih Berri at his residence in Ain el Tineh

14:10 Arab League: No date yet set for the visit of the Arab Ministerial Committee to Lebanon

14:05 Wahab: the "Larsen of the Arabs" Amr Moussa is not welcome in Beirut, and there were no winners nor losers in the battles of mount Lebanon (the Druze strongholds)

14:00 Caucious calm in the city of Aley but the streets are deserted and the shops remain closed (following yesterdays violent clashes with Hezbollah gunmen who tried to occupy the strategic 888 hill but failed. The army has set up checkpoints in the town of al Gamhour (near Aley) and the army is deployed throughout the city of Aley

13:55 Free Lebanon: significant armed presence in the Western Bekaa, Rashaya and Hasbayya provinces. It appears that Hezbollah is shifting the war violence to this region

13:42 Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has arrived government headquarters in the Grand Serail, accompanied by Tourism Minister Joe Sarkis to meet with Prime minister Fouad Siniora

13:40 New TV: Opposition welcomes the visit of the Arab ministerial committee to Beirut. This contradicts the statement later made by Wahab

13:37 LBC TV: cautious calm in Bab el Tabbaneh and Mount Mohsen

13:35 Lebanese army deployed along the Shouifat highway (Autostrad) and the road leading to Sidon and there is a meeting today to spare the region further clashes

13:33 schools in Sidon and the neighborhood area are closed for another two days because of security conditions

13:30 "Voice of Lebanon": security source reported calm in the streets of Beirut, particularly Sodeco and Bishara el Khouri areas did not record any armed presence and the traffic is normal

13:25 New TV: One killed and several wounded in Tripoli where the clashes continue

13:22 National Agency: El Tabbaneh is being hit by mortar shells fall from the Mount Mohsen area

13:20 OTV: one wounded in Bishamoun shooting, the army intervenes to stop the fighting

13:03 Siniora received a call from Amr Moussa, regarding the results of the meeting of the Arab foreign ministers which was held Sunday in Cairo

13:00 The Lebanese army blocks the road to Shouifat due to allow for the transfer of corpses of those killed in yesterday's clashes to the university hospital of Rafik Hariri

12:55 Arslan tells OTV: the army has deployed extensively in the areas of the mountains and and we are in constant contact with the leadership of the army to begin the second step which is the handing over of the weapons. so far things are moving smoothly

12:52 shooting was heard in Tripoli at around 12 noon today

12:46 New TV: renewed clashes El Tabbaneh and Mount Mohsen area - using automatic weapons and ballistic missile

12:40 ABC: the Arab ministerial delegation plans to visit Beirut on Wednesday, Amr Moussa insisting that the delegation comes through Rafik Hariri International Airport, which remains closed because the roads to the airport were closed by the Hezbollah gunmen

12:25 National Agency: 3.6 degrees earthquake was felt strongly by the residents of Srifa in the district of Tyre just after midnight, there were no injuries and no damage of any significance was reported

06:30 Al Safir Newspaper: Qulei'at Airport will be open for military planes, Arab or foreign nationals evacuated from Lebanon

06:02 Opposition to al Safir: we do not add any new conditions. all we are demanding is partnership. Once the the government rescinds its resolutions and we sit at the dialogue table, not only we will end the civil disobedience but we may take other good faith steps

05:57 Opposition to al Safir: a hint of American use of force will mean dropping all the red lines set by the opposition

05:54 Ruling majority to al Safir: we condemn all external interference and any use of force like the coup by Hezbollah that is going on. What we want is an independent free and sovereign state

06:30 "Al Safir ": Qulei'at Airport will be open for military planes , Arab or foreign nationals evacuated from Lebanon

06:02 Opposition to al Safir : we do not add any new conditions . all we are demanding is partnership. Once the the government rescinds its resolutions and we sit at the dialogue table , not only we will end the civil disobedience but we may take other good faith steps

05:57 Opposition to al Safir : a hint of American use of force will mean dropping all the red lines set by the opposition

05:54 Ruling majority to al Safir : we condemn all external interference and any use of force like the coup by Hezbollah that is going on . What we want is an independent free and sovereign state

00:45 French president Nicholas Sarkozy calls with Siniora and assures him France's support for Lebanon and its legitimate Government and its institutions that should be the only party responsible for security and should be able to perform its tasks.

00:32 return of calm to the Shouifat region after the intervention of the Lebanese army and controlling the situation

00:23 The house of Haitham Al Jurdy Mayor of Shouifat was set on fire by the Hezbollah gunmen . The Mayor is a prominent member of the PSP

00:15 renewed clashes in Shouifat caused by sniper fire and the Lebanese army moves to re-impose calm

00:07 renewed violent clashes between elements of Hezbollah and elements of the Progressive Socialist Party PSP in the Shouifat

00:00 clashes in Niha Shouf results in injuries from both sides

23:46 clashes between Hezbollah and the Progressive Socialist Party PSP in the village of Mrustee Al Shouf

23:33 tension prevails in the Koura region in north Lebanon amid a marked proliferation of armed insurgents

23:28 The Red Cross is still trying as late as this time to transfer the dead and wounded from near the municipality of Shouifat and the most recent reports say 5 people were killed and 13 wounded in Sunday clashes as a result of Hezbollah's attack .

23:19 Alloush tells LBC :" No security threat to the Grand Serail ( The Lebanese government headquarters)

23:14 US warship "Cole" returned to the waters of the Mediterranean

23:08 ANB TV: new fighting erupted between the Progressive Socialist Party PSP and Hezbollah gunmen in Mount Barouque , Toumat Niha and Mrustee Al Shouf , all in the Shouf region of Mt Lebanon

23:04 "LBC TV :" Violent clashes between the Progressive Socialist Party and Hezbollah in Mount Baroque - Shouf

23:01 Jordanian monarch, the Saudi monarch in a telephone call confirming their support for the efforts aiming to lift Lebanon out of its stalemate and the need for resorting to dialogue as the sole means to resolve differences

22:45 Chehayyeb tells NEW TV : The Lebanese army continues to deploy in the Aley region to save the region from more bloodshed and we are committed to the agreement reached on the cease fire . Earlier today there was a rumor that MP Akram Chehayyeb was killed.

22:40 The Hezbollah controlled suburbs of Beirut including al Dahiya blocked the Al Arabiyeh TV channel from the local cable broadcast networks

22:36 Moussa: We are open to dialogue but on condition that the Arab initiative is the basis for discussion

22:33 Moussa will contact UN Secretary General to coordinate positions on the situation in Lebanon

22:30 Moses: Recent events added a new dimension that requires special contacts and as these events will have an affect on the Arab initiative

22:23, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Djibouti: Council of Arab Ministers avoided condemning any of the parties in Lebanon to avoid any escalation of violence . In the original draft Hezbolah was condemned for turning its guns against the Lebanese people but Syria, which along with Iran are the main backers of Hezbollah rejected the original draft

22:19 Moussa: There was a consensus in Lebanon before the outbreak of recent events on the election of the President and the Committee will meet with all parties in Lebanon

22:15 Moussa after meeting with Arab foreign ministers: the ministerial committee that was formed will discuss the Lebanese situation and will examine the implementation of the Arab League

22:12 Arab League calls on the Lebanese to stop the fighting and decided to form a ministerial committee will travel to Beirut soon

22:09 shooting heard in Shouifat

22:05 Arab League formed a ministerial committee headed by the State of Qatar to go to Lebanon Monday to try to resolve the crisis

22:01 the Druze sect clerics announced that Jumblatt and Arslan agreed that only the Lebanese army will carry arms and confirm that the Druze are opposed to war in Lebanon

21:52 Arslan tells New TV - we were able to enforce the cease-fire in mount Lebanon areas and facilitate the deployment of the Lebanese army, which began receiving arms from the centers that had weapons

21:44 Alloush tells LBC TV: "Hezbollah has planned since a long time the military occupation of Beirut to impose its own will on the Lebanese people at gunpoint.

21:32 schools in Sidon closed on Monday and until further notice because of the current violence in the country

21:25 PSP decided to hand over its centers in Hasbayya to the Lebanese Army

21:23 the fire that was raging on the Damascus road was completely extinguished

21:20 LBC TV: Lebanese army maintains checkpoints on the main Damascus road near al Gamhour (close to Aley) and began deployment in Aley

21:14 Jumblatt tells LBC TV: Things are slowly stabilizing and the armed elements are returning to their homes. There are a close knit between people of mount Lebanon and there are some hills of a strategic nature

21:12 Jumblatt tells LBC TV: We believe in the state, and always said the army should protect us all, and we have no problem in the Shouf region of Mt Lebanon. All the major road intersections in Dahr al-Baydar and Sofar are under the command of the Lebanese army

21:10 Jumblatt tells LBC TV: My main concern is making sure everything is under the control of the Lebanese army and that only the Lebanese army is armed . We have issued a statement in this regard to calm the tempers

21:08 Jumblatt tells LBC TV: We have huge political differences but weapons never solve any problems

21:05 Jumblatt tells LBC TV: I talked at length with Speaker Berri in order to end the impasse; the government exists and is recognized by all at the Arab and international levels, so why should the government resign ? The Shiite leaders , religious and political have been calling on the government to resign for the past 18 months

20:50 the Progressive Socialist Party PSP retained full control of all its positions in Aley, including the 888 hill despite repeated attacks by Hezbollah until the moment they handed over to the Lebanese army as per Jumblatt's instructions

20:49 Horrific traffic accident on Tabarja highway leads to the death of the youth Dani Aoun and his mother Teresa

20:37 The Red Cross and the civil defense trying to withdraw the dead and wounded from Shouaifat main square as a cautious calm takes effect in the area

20:30 OTV contacts MP Akram Chehayyeb directly and confirms that he is fine, contrary to the rumor spread earlier that he was killed in the battles of Aley. Earlier Jumblatt denied that MP Chehayyeb has been killed. He called the rumors lies and fabrications

20:24 the Arab Foreign ministers meeting in Cairo decided on the formation of a 4 member ministerial committee chaired by Moussa, to visit Lebanon for resolving the crisis

20:19 Jumblatt denies that MP Akram Chehayyeb has been killed . He called the rumors lies and fabrications

20:18 ANB TV : The Lebanese army has deployed in the village of Aytat

20:06pm MP Akram Chehayyeb is coordinating with the Army Command troop deployment in Aley district.

20:03 The Lebanese army began to take control of Shouaifat and the intensity of the clashes has been greatly reduced

19:54 : the meeting of the Arab foreign ministers in Cairo continues till this moment

19:45 LBC: Army platoons enter Shoueifat in an attempt to restore calm after cease-fire failed to take effect

19:45 unconfirmed information about the blocking of the old Sidon road

19:42 Lebanese army decided to enter the Shouaifat . Unconfirmed reports about clashes between the army and PSP fighters

19:38 LBC: The cease fire in Shouaifat is not being enforced

19:37 UAE's Alarabiyeh TV: Syria rejected a proposal by the Arab Foreign ministers to send an Arab forces to Lebanon

19:36 gunshots heard in the vicinity of the town Baisour

19:33 Hezbollah's al Mannar: there is talk about the possibility a resignation by Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

Note: Hezbollah's mouthpiece al Manar has been spreading false rumors since the beginning of the war about Siniora and the ruling majority, this could be another one of their false rumors

19:32 LBC TV: PSP refuses to hand over its offices in Hasbayya district, especially Daher al-Ahmar center, to Hezbollah gunmen

19:15 The Lebanese army enters Shouaifat and PSP armed members hand in their weapons to the army

19:11 a meeting at the home of the highest spiritual authority of the Druze sect, Sheikh Abu Mohammad Jawad Wali el Deen in Baaqleen, Shouf region to discuss the handing over of PSP weapons to the army

19:10 Walid Jumblatt in an interview with LBC TV: The clashes continue, and through LBC I address Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah: If you have a personal issue with me, that's fine... but we cannot allow attacks on the people of Mt. Lebanon ... We must all work for a cease-fire with the army, and leave personal issues aside. Sayyed Nasrallah must separate his personal feelings towards me from the situation of the citizens in Mt. Lebanon ... nothing is impossible in politics.

19:10 Jumblatt: We call on the PSP... and Hezbollah to stand by and aid the army and Talal Arslan in enforcing the ceasefire

19:10 Jumblatt: I do not accuse Hezbollah of defying the decision, but I urge all parties to aid the army.

19:10 Jumblatt: From my residence in Beirut, I tell those who may have come from the mountains to go back, and not to be afraid... to be calm and exercise caution.

19:03 Hezbollah's al-Manar: the Lebanese army comes under fire in Shouaifat

19:02 The Lebanese army began to deploy in Shouaifat

19:00 Opposition sources: the cease-fire is beginning to take effect in the mountains and the army begins to deploy

18:59 LBC: PSP headquarters in Choueifat ceded to the Democratic Party as a step toward placing them under army control.

18:53 an extraordinary meeting of the cabinet is taking place at the Grand Serail

18:52 New TV : decline in the intensity of clashes at in Aley area in Mount Lebanon and Shouaifat

18:51 Al-Arabiya: Hezbollah gunmen prevent the Al-Arabiya crew from filming al-Jabal clashes.

18:51 US ambassador Michel Sison is currently meeting with Lebanese Prime minister Fouad Siniora at the Grand Serail

18:48 Lebanese army is sending heavy artillery reinforcements to the mountains in preparation to take over the Mount Lebanon area

18:43 New TV : Arslan hands the Army chief the Hezbollah-led opposition conditions for the ceasefire

18:38 Clashes continue in Ras al-Jabal and the "888" hill despite call for cease-fire.

18:35 : Jumblatt tells UAE's Al Al Arabiyeh in an interview : "The Hezbollah weapons in Mt Lebanon and Beirut , means that these weapons are no longer the same as when they were directed against Israel. The use of their weapons against the Lebanese negates their earlier statements that they are only to be used against Israel." Jumblatt added : "I only agreed to a cease-fire for the good of all the people in Mt. Lebanon . Even when UNSCR 1559 came up, the state did not say that it should take the weapons of Hezbollah. All we asked is that the government should have the power to make the decision of war-and-peace and that the army should be the sole armed faction. Apparently, this is a condition that is as yet impossible."

18:34 Jumblatt said Hezbollah wants to dominate mount Lebanon and that is why the cease-fire has not been adhered to yet.

18:33 The Lebanese army deploying in mount Lebanon

18:28 The Arab Ministers authorise the Secretary General of the League of Arab States Amr Moussa to go to Lebanon immediately at the head of an Arab delegation to try to stop the Hezbollah war on Lebanon

18:22 Jumblatt tells UAE's Ala Arabiyeh TV : When the Hezbollah weapons are directed against Beirut and mount Lebanon , this means the arms are no longer a resistance weapon to defend Lebanon against Israel and the US as Hezbollah claims. Jumblatt warns Hezbollah not tomes with the dignities and the honor of the people of Lebanon. Jumblatt added : the decision of peace and war should be exclusively handled by the state

18:20pm LBC TV : Army units begin deployment in the Aley region.

18:19 The Lebanese University announces the continued suspension of classes until further notice

18:15pm Clashes persist in Mount Lebanon despite calls for immediate cease fire.

18:13pm Arab Foreign Ministers meeting in Cairo issued a call for an urgent cease-fire in Lebanon.

18:12 Meeting of the Arab Ministers in Cairo continues

18:01pm The Hezbollah-led opposition asked the Progressive Socialist Party PSP in Hasbayya Province to surrender its centers.

18:03 clashes continue in the mountain region despite the Declaration of ceasefire at 6PM (18:00) local time

18:00 Atyat village , Baisour , Souk el Gharb, Kabr shmoun are being bombarded by mortar shells

17:57 Violent clashes in the outskirts of Qumatiyeh and Aley

17:49 Vice President of the Democratic Party, the Lebanese Ziad Showairy : opposition will comply with the cease fire at 6.00 p.m.

17:46 5 killed and several wounded in clashes in Shouaifat

17:45 PSP elements evacuate the towns of , souk el Gharb, Kabr shmoun, and the 888 hill

17:45: Reports say PSP locked the road between Beirut and Mudeirage

17:41 New TV : Gunfire heard again from the 888 hill near aley

17:39 New TV : Progressive Socialist Party PSP burns rubber tires at entrances of Aley and black smoke surrounds the city's skies

17:38 clashes continues in the axis of Keifoun - Aytat

17:36 Former President Lahoud: I appeal to all concerned leaders to stop talking the language of fire and return to the language of reason and dialogue, to facilitate the empowerment of the army to be deployed in all areas

17:31 Hezbollah's al Manar: Supporters of Wahab and Arslan control the town of the Sofar

16:58 Arslan's Lebanese Democratic Party: Progressive socialist Party elements have handed over their weapons to elements of the Lebanese Democratic Party in Shouaifat

16:56 Hezbollah gunmen launched an attack from Keifoun on Aytat and trying to connect it with the Hezbollah village of Qumatiyeh near Aley

16:54 Wiam Wahab: What we are doing is pressuring Progressive Socialist Party PSP to hand over its weapon Progressive Party. We will then leave the security to be handled by the army since this is their authority

16:52 Wahab: The Unification Party (Wahab's party) fighters have reached the outskirts of Baaqleen, in the Shouf region

16:51 Wahab accused the Progressive Socialist Party PSP executing elements of Hezbollah

16:50 Wahab calls on Jumblatt and PSP elements in Baaqleen to withdraw and hand over the town to the army

16:49 Violent clashes in the Bshamoun, Dei Koubel, Maaroufiyeh and Baisour

16:43 Baisour is being shelled with heavy artillery

16:42 Berri's NBN: Successful contacts established to stop the clashes in the mountains and the Lebanese army is preparing for deployment in the region

16:40 Bombardment of Baisour and Aytat with very heavy artillery

16:36 Lebanese information minister Ghazi Aridi confirmed that his home in Baisour was damaged by the artillery

16:35 Lebanese information minister Ghazi Aridi told New TV : The only solution to any problem is through continuous dialogue

16:19 Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV : Hezbollah supporters control the town Azzouniyeh in the Shouf region of mount Lebanon

16:14 UAE's Al Arabiyeh TV : heavy artillery is used in the clashes in the mountain region

16:11 LBC: Baisour is being shelled with heavy artillery. The Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) appeals to the Lebanese army to stop the war and defend the citizens of Lebanon. According to reports coming from all over the country, People in Lebanon are very angry and outraged that the army has remained on the sidelines despite the fact that the Hezbollah militia has turned its guns against the Lebanese people, something Hezbollah promised it will never do

16:06 The sounds of bullets and shells are heard in Shouaifat and surrounding areas

15:38 Clashes spread to the Shouaifat and neighboring Aramoun

15:37: Hezbollah vacates the families of its supporters from Aramoun, Bshamoun , all suburbs of Beirut near Shouaifat

15:36 Hezbollah found the missing corpse in Khalde , near Shouaifat, according to unconfirmed reports

15:41 clashes reported in the mountain village of Baisour , using heavy weapons

16:02 Armed opposition supporters open fire using machineguns in Aytat.

16:01 Hezbollah gunman spread throughout Kayfoun and Souk al-Gharb.

15:52 NBN: PSP gunmen return to the "888" hill in Baysour, al-Jabal.

15:52 LBC: Heavy gunfire and explosions heard in Chouaifat.

15:48 12-year-old girl killed by sniper on the Al-Ghuraba street in Bab al-Tebbeneh, Tripoli.

15:18 Unconfirmed reports revealed that a number of supporters of PSP in Keifoun surrendered to opposition gunmen. No details which party in the opposition

15:14 Clashes continue in the in the mountains and are being heard in Beirut

15:12 NBN: Clashes spread from Aytat through the al-Jabal region.

15:10 Former SSNP (Syrian Social Nationalist Party ) minister Qansouh has revealed the party losses during the fighting in Haba Akkar: 11 killed ,7 Injured

15:08 Sound of heavy weapons in the mountains during the clashes. There are reports of intensive use of Dushka , a Russian heavy anti-aircraft machine gun. The weapon is also used as a heavy infantry machine gun.

15:04 Reports of preparation for a battle big battle in Aytat using heavy weapons. The battle could expand to more villages in the areas, reports reveal

15:03 Renewed clashes in Atyat after about half an hour break and shelling is concentrated on one of the hills and is being bombarded with rockets

14:59 NBN: Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir calls all Lebanese parties to drop their arms and head to dialogue table immediately.

14:48 Acting Foreing minister Tarek Mitri left to Cairo via Cyprus by sea

14:47 Unconfirmed reports revealed Hizbollah kidnapped two people in the Shouifat, a suburb of Beirut. No details who these people are

14:45 Clashes in the mountains in which automatic weapons , light and medium missiles were used

14:39 New TV: Moussa says no arab forces are coming to Lebanon . this is strictly rumors

14:31 resigned foreign minister, Fawzi Salloukh, attacks the government's legitimacy and blames it for the crises

14:23 Renewed clashes between the Progressive Socialist Party and the opposition in Aytat, Aley. Heavy artillery being used

14:12 Hezbollah's al Mannar: Progressive Socialist Party ( PSP) deputies are in charge of the military operations

14:11 Hezbollah's al Mannar: Elements of the Progressive Socialist Party ( PSP) returned to the 888 hill after the withdrawal of the Lebanese army and clashed with Hezbollah elements

14:08 Hezbollah's al Mannar: Violent clashes in Atyat near Keifoun between elements of the Progressive Socialist Party ( PSP) and Hezbollah gunmen

11:56 Kataeb Leader Amin Gemayel arrived to Beirut by helicopter and will preside over a Kataeb meeting this afternoon

10:28 Intensive gunfire in the area of Corniche Mazraa with high caliber heavy machine guns during a funeral procession, one dead

10:20 Voice of Lebanon radio station: Mediation efforts over the situation in Tripoli have succeeded in lessening tension and the Lebanese Army is imposing a cease-fire.

10:03 Progressive Socialist Party accuses Hezbollah kidnapping of four members of the municipal police on the top of the mountain

09:56 The Syrian Socialist National Party office was attacked by six rocket-propelled grenades

09:21 Kuwaiti Ambassador: evacuated some 300 of our nationals from Lebanon through Syria by bus

09:16 Gunshots heard in the Choueifat region during the funeral of two people killed during armed confrontations

09:16 National News Agency: The Lebanese army is deploying in Beirut while the presence of armed men belonging to Hezbollah, Amal and the SSNP is diminishing

09:12 10 dead and 15 wounded in clashes in Tripoli between government supporters and opposition supporters

08:58 Acting Foreign Minister Tareq Mitri, arrived in Cairo to represent Lebanon at a meeting of Arab foreign ministers

06:47 renewed clashes in Tripoli, resulting in casualties

05:41 Hezbollah plans to continue civil disobedience, including barriers on major roads including all roads leading to Beirut airport

00:34 Stun grenade was tossed near Nahr el Maout close to Gallery Mobile Top just before the Geant department store

In just a matter of days, the Syria/Iran backed militia has set Lebanon back more than twenty years, effectively handing Israel the best 60th birthday gift they could have ever wished for.

Turning the very unmatched arsenal used to fight the Israeli Army, on their fellow countrymen. Treason doesn't quite cover the magnitude of Hezbollah's actions - you only need to turn on a handful of fellow citizens to be considered a traitor - the Shi'ite militia brought the dreaded words "civil war" back to the lips of a nation which has spent the past eighteen years trying to escape that dark past.

Masked gunmen on the streets of West Beirut firing rocket propelled grenades in densely populated neighborhoods is a sight no Lebanese expected they would have to live through again. Shi'ite gunmen killing Sunnis (pictured right) as they mourn the death of family members killed the day before.

The Lebanese are all too familiar with Syria's divisive tactics in ruling Lebanon, but never in a million years would one expect fellow countrymen to turn their backs on an entire nation the way Hezbollah have today.

Hezbollah's existence is fully dependent on war and conflict, the militia has no future in a peaceful and civil Lebanon. The decisions made by the government to secure its future as a militia free country have clearly threatened to bring order to the perpetual chaos Hezbollah thrives on.

What frightens me the most is the intricate premeditated plan Hezbollah had clearly assembled to be able to seize control of the entire West Beirut in less than 48 hours, and the joy on the faces of the militiamen, like the Hezbollah gunman pictured right, as they proceed to terrorize fellow countrymen.

Just as Barack Obama described frustrated middle America, Hezbollah's bitter followers also "cling to religion and guns". Nothing is sacred to Hezbollah except their weapons. Hassan Nasrallah has never preached to his followers about a bright future and prosperous Lebanon, but rather filled their heads with messages of hatred and violence.

Freedom of the press, one of Lebanon's most treasured liberties, is the latest victim in the long list of constitutional laws trampled on by the Shi'ite militia. On Friday, Hezbollah forced the closure of a pro-government television station and newspaper. Unhappy with the news broadcast on Future TV, militiamen used the Lebanese Army to seize control of the building, then proceeded to burn it down with grenades, rockets and molatov cocktails.

For the sake of a Lebanon that our children can one day call home, I pray that our nation of honorable, law abiding citizens can forgive Hezbollah for its deplorable war on its own people and for holding an entire nation hostage for its political gains. I also pray that Hezbollah's strong following can one day be law abiding citizens, in a country which honors freedom and prosperity more than death and war.

Lebanon as we know is now standing at the brink of a renewed civil war. It is obvious that the following few days will determine the faith of the inhabitants of our beloved home and also, in correlation, the faith of the entire region. It seems exterior interests have led to the devastation that we are witnessing at this moment, again our politicians have sold the land in the name of their own well being and once again the Lebanese people must pay the price.

The present political situation is far broader then one would think, it is likely that a sectarian war is looming. One of the many questions that come to mind when viewing the present, is how, God forbid it, a civil war would play itself out.

Would it be a Sunni-Shia war and thus a conflict similar to the one raging in Iraq? Or would it be along the Pro-government & Opposition lines? For the latter to be true is a horrific nightmare for the Lebanese, for it would create divisions within sectarian and religious groups, pining Muslims against Muslims, Druze against Druze, and Christians against Christians.

But if the war proves to be more like the Iraqi conflict it would mean the involvement of clashes throughout the whole of the Arab region, for it would be a second Arab battleground in the push against Shia expansion.

What does this mean for the average citizen? It probably means that an Iraq style war would result in the immediate involvement of high ranking Arab States and a Free for all kind of war would result in a more endemic war that would bring back memories of the end of the First Lebanese Civil war (1975-1990).

How sad that I had to call it the "First Lebanese civil war", to simply use these words creates anguish and disgust within me, thinking another civil war could be possible. All this said, I fear what will happen to our "March 14" cause, is this the result of our endeavors or the result of our failures to take action.

Perhaps we conceded too much and when it came time to take back we feared the present political situation. No matter how one looks at it, a civil war would represent a complete failure for the long forgotten Cedar Revolution, which was to free Lebanon, unite the Lebanese people and build a Syrian interference free nation.

I also need mention that the involvement of the Israel, Syria, Iran and a multitude of other nations has, again propelled us to this climaxed situation we are witnessing. This leads to the question: will Lebanon ever be free of foreign interference? The answer to that relies in the hands of entities like Sayed Hassan Nasrallah and other political fiascoes in the region and within the country. I wish these politicians, from both sides, would take a moment from counting their Iranian Rial and American Dollars to look outside their windows and witness the destruction that is going on.

Are they so heartless to watch our Cedar Land be destroyed by the hands of its own inhabitants? It is time for the Lebanese to stand strong and reject this new war.

Ya Libnan Exclusive

"The decisions (of the government) are tantamount to a declaration of war and the start of a war... on behalf of the United States and Israel."

He directly said that he would go to war with the Lebanese people if he felt Hezbollah's was being forced to disarm.

"Yes, we hit the streets, protested, cut off roads and blocked the airport. This is civil disobedience as it occurs in any country."

In Hassan Nasrallah's fantasy world, most countries allow outlaws to take the streets with machine guns and RPG's?

Walid Jumblatt had clearly upset the Hezbollah chief, as most of his speech was leveled at the majority leader. Nasrallah threatened to "cut off" Jumblatt's hand if he dared to touch Hezbollah's weapons.

"Whoever is going to target us will be targeted by us. Whoever is going to shoot at us will be shot by us."

He repeatedly referred to the ruling coalition as "Jumblatt's government", launching a series of personal attacks on the Druze leader, calling him a liar and a killer.

In his usually eloquent fashion, Nasrallah managed to link the firing of the Hezbollah aligned airport chief as an attack on a Shiite Muslim, adding that the government plans to turn the airport into a military base for the CIA and Mossad.

"Walid Jumblatt's dream is Sunni-Shia strife. We will not fulfill his dream."

"If we wanted to stage a coup, you would have woken up this morning in prison, or in the middle of the sea," a visibly arrogant Nasrallah said, responding to allegations that Wednesday's chaos was a staged coup d'etat.

Nasrallah went to great lengths to justify the illegal communications network Hezbollah has in place, saying it is used in "defending the country against Israel."

Nasrallah alleges that the government offered to overlook the network if Hezbollah would shut down it's occupation of downtown Beirut. He continued to attack the government, calling them a "gang" for attempting to "blackmail" Hezbollah, claiming the resistance and opposition are two separate entities, a hypocritical statement given the fact that he launched his campaign of chaos on Wednesday hiding behind the umbrella of the opposition.

Regarding a forthcoming war with Israel, Nasrallah claimed, "no, it is not certain that we are headed for a July 2008," however he continued to add, "I have stationed five militant groups on the border, and they are still there for protection."

He accused the government of taking actions to "protects the unparalleled monstrous state of Israel."

Among the besieged in the airport: Lebanon's widely treasured legend, Fairuz.

Official sources confirm that Lebanese icon Fairuz and her cast and crew are stuck in the Beirut airport. "All of Lebanon is under siege with Fairuz and her colleagues at the Beirut International Airport, just as Israel besieged the city of Beirut," the sources said.

Hezbollah's closure of the airport has triggered obvious similarities to the forced closure inflicted by Israel during the 2006 war on Lebanon.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Fouad Siniora contacted allies in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Nations and the Arab League to inform them of the grave situation in Beirut and request their aid in protecting the Lebanese government and people, who are "besieged by armed groups that overthrow all international resolutions and the Arab initiative.".

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abou Al-Gheit said he was disturbed by and concerned over the events in Lebanon on Wednesday. "In light of the sensitive situation and political crisis afflicting the country, confrontations and clashes in the streets of Lebanon may push the country toward risks with uncalculated consequences," he added.

Negotiating with Bullets

Rumors have emerged that Hezbollah has delivered an ultimatum to the Lebanese government, to overturn recent decisions involving the militia.

"We have received information that tens of armed men arrived in little trucks accompanied by motorbikes to the sit-in outside the Grand Serail,"

"Voice of Lebanon radio said Hizbullah members were dressed up in police uniforms and penetrating districts of Beirut controlled by their rivals of