BeirutTimes.com
Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:45 pm
 News & Reports

The Capsule Theory : A strategy for a new Ijtihad*
By Mohamed Hammar

Islam is nowadays more than ever urged to plead innocent with regard to all sorts of extremisms striking people ‘s existence in its name. Luckily,
Posted on 13 Oct 2008 by M
US: 2 American journalists missing in Lebanon
BEIRUT, Lebanon - Two American journalists vacationing in Lebanon have not been heard from since Oct. 1 and are believed missing, the U.S. Embassy said Wednesday, appealing for information on their possible whereabouts.
Posted on 08 Oct 2008 by M
Hope grows in House
NEW YORK - The House on Friday neared a vote on a sweeping and historic proposal to bail out the nation's financial system.
Posted on 03 Oct 2008 by M
U.S.-Syria talks may be step toward thaw
WASHINGTON - The United States and Syria held a series of meetings this week, signaling a possible thaw between the two countries as the former seeks to peel the latter from its close ties with Iran.
Posted on 03 Oct 2008 by M
Bombs targeting worshippers kill 20 in Iraq
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Suicide attacks outside two Shiite mosques killed at least 20 people in Baghdad on Thursday as worshippers left early morning prayers marking the end of Ramadan, the Interior Ministry said.

Posted on 03 Oct 2008 by M
Israel-Syria peace talks to resume under Turkish mediation
Israel and Syria will begin on Tuesday a fourth round of indirect peace talks under Turkish mediation, an Israeli official said.
Posted on 29 Jul 2008 by M
King Abdullah: Interfaith dialogue will foster peace
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz expressed the hope that interfaith dialogue would foster peace, understanding and unity.
Posted on 29 Jul 2008 by M
Agreement signed for new Jeddah airport terminal
An agreement was signed for the construction of a new state-of-the-art terminal at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, the Arab News reported today.
Posted on 29 Jul 2008 by M
Kingdom to spend $20 billion on ICT
Saudi Arabia plans to spend $20 billion on Information and Communications
Posted on 29 Jul 2008 by M
US scholarships to Lebanese Universities exceeds $10 million
Beirut - The United States embassy in Beirut issued the following press
Posted on 29 Jul 2008 by M
Mika wows fans in Beirut
Mika has enjoyed a historical homecoming in Beirut after playing to 15,000 fans in the Lebanese capital.
Posted on 29 Jul 2008 by M
Officials: 3 people killed on 2nd day of sectarian clashes in northern Lebanon
By Hussein Dakroub
ASSOCIATED PRESS

BEIRUT, Lebanon – Sectarian clashes in northern Lebanon continued for a
Posted on 29 Jul 2008 by M
Non-Lebanese children get raw deal in nationality law
Lebanese women cannot pass on nationality to own children as some politicians fear demography change.
Posted on 24 Jul 2008 by M
Israeli planes violate Lebanese airspace, Beirut says
Beirut - The Lebanese army said Thursday that Israel Air Force warplanes
Posted on 24 Jul 2008 by M
Lebanon: United Nations mission helps quench forest fires
Beirut, (AKI) - The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is helping the country’s authorities fight forest fires that have broken out southeast of the capital this week.
Posted on 24 Jul 2008 by M
Female suicide bomber kills 8 in Iraq By SAAD ABDUL-KADIR, Associated Press Writer
By SAAD ABDUL-KADIR, Associated Press Writer

Iraqi police say at least eight people have been killed in a suicide bombing at a checkpoint manned by U.S.-allied Sunni guards northeast of Baghdad.
Posted on 24 Jul 2008 by M
Israelis, Palestinians: Mixed feelings about Obama
By MARK LAVIE, Associated Press Writer

Both Israelis and Palestinians came away from Barack Obama's visit to the Holy Land with the feeling he would do more for Mideast peace than
Posted on 24 Jul 2008 by M
Time for a new vision
By Elias Aoun

There is no doubt that the formation of the Lebanese Cabinet should have taken much less time than it did. It is long overdue to include political representations that were previously excluded from the decision-making process.
Posted on 24 Jul 2008 by M
Emirates to launch A380 with bi-coastal inauguration
Emirates Airline has announced plans to showcase the new, double-decker Airbus A380 during exclusive familiarization flights in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Posted on 19 Jul 2008 by M
Top digital advertising awards in the Cannes for Emirates
Emirates' digital advertising ability has been declared a roaring success after the airline marched off with three Cannes Lions at the 55th International Advertising Festival.
Posted on 19 Jul 2008 by M
Kayala Airline launches Beirut route from Jeddah
Kayala Airline, the Middle East's only business travel carrier operated by Saudi-based National Air Services (NAS), announced that it landed today at Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Posted on 19 Jul 2008 by M
Iraqis divided by U.S. troop timetable call
By Dean Yates and Khalid al-Ansary

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqis want the U.S. military presence to end. But
Posted on 17 Jul 2008 by M
U.S. to establish presence in Tehran
LONDON (Reuters) - The United States will announce in the next month that
Posted on 17 Jul 2008 by M
Saudi offers Russia arms deal to curb Iran ties
By Guy Faulconbridge

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia has offered to award Russia lucrative arms contracts if the Kremlin curtails cooperation with Iran, a Russian
Posted on 17 Jul 2008 by M
Shun extremist violence, Saudi king urges believers
Reuters

MADRID: King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia opened a meeting of Muslims,
Posted on 17 Jul 2008 by M
Death toll rises to 42 in Egypt train crash
CAIRO (Reuters) - The death toll from a train crash in northern Egypt rose
Posted on 17 Jul 2008 by M
New owner bans booze at Cairo's Hyatt hotel
Sheik's decision revives debate over tolerance in Egypt

By ELLEN KNICKMEYER
Washington Post

CAIRO, EGYPT — Diners in the revolving restaurant on the 41st floor of
Posted on 17 Jul 2008 by M
Kuwait names 1st ambassador to Iraq since Gulf War
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

The announcement came as the Sunni leader of Lebanon's parliamentary majority met Iraq's Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki - also reflecting
Posted on 17 Jul 2008 by M
Olmert Says `Heavy Price' Paid in Hezbollah Exchange
By Paul Tighe and Jonathan Ferziger

- Israel paid a ``heavy price'' in its agreement with Hezbollah to release
Posted on 17 Jul 2008 by M
Freed Lebanese say they will keep fighting Israel
By ZEINA KARAM
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

Wearing military fatigues, the five men walked a red carpet laid out for them
Posted on 17 Jul 2008 by M
U.S. Aid to Lebanon Army continues
* By: William Wheeler

Beirut- When Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eric S. Edelman visited with top officials in Lebanon May 31, he brought more than just words of
Posted on 11 Jul 2008 by M
Don't dismiss Aoun's 'big tent' strategy
By Michael Young
Daily Star staff

It is easy to dismiss the National Christian Gathering established last week
Posted on 11 Jul 2008 by M
Lebanese Army deployed to Shebaa Farms
The Lebanese army moved today into Bastara Farm, the only one of the
Posted on 11 Jul 2008 by M
Ehud Olmert hit by new corruption allegations
By Carolynne Wheeler in Jerusalem

Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister, has been accused by police of
Posted on 11 Jul 2008 by M
Assad makes remarkable comeback
By Roula Khalaf in Beirut

After years of isolation Bashar al-Assad stages a diplomatic comeback on
Posted on 11 Jul 2008 by M
Oil Prices Back from New Record to Close Near $145
By Reuters Reuters

Oil slid from a new record of more than $147 a barrel to close at $145.08. It
Posted on 11 Jul 2008 by M
Lebanon unity deal gives Hezbollah veto power
U.S.-backed PM announces coalition government after months of deadlock
Posted on 11 Jul 2008 by M
Lebanon announces unity cabinet to end political crisis
Lebanon announced a 30-member national unity government on Friday
Posted on 11 Jul 2008 by M
“National Christian Forum” kicks off
The first National Christian Forum kicked off on Friday July 5, 2008, at the
Posted on 04 Jul 2008 by M
Syria ready for diplomatic relations with formal Lebanese government
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Mouallem answers journalists' questions after
Posted on 04 Jul 2008 by M
US embassy in Lebanon celebrates independence day
Beirut- The US embassy in Lebanon celebrated the US Independence day
Posted on 04 Jul 2008 by M
Aoun criticizes US and defends alliance with Hezbollah
Beirut - General Michel Aoun said he is opposed to the US foreign policy and
Posted on 04 Jul 2008 by M
Oil trading volatile despite Saudi output pledge
By GEORGE JAHN, Associated Press Writer

VIENNA, Austria - Oil prices fluctuated Monday as traders shrugged off a
Posted on 28 Jun 2008 by M
Saudi Arabia detains 520 terror suspects
By Andrew England in Riyadh and agencies

Saudi Arabia has detained 520 people suspected of “involvement in
Posted on 28 Jun 2008 by M
Back to Beirut
Popularity stakes ... tourism to Beirut is returning to pre-conflict levels.
Posted on 28 Jun 2008 by M
Government of Canada Enhances Services at Visa Office in Beirut, Lebanon
OTTAWA, ONTARIO - The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship
Posted on 28 Jun 2008 by M
Blast kills two in north Lebanon city of Tripoli
An explosion ripped through an apartment block in Lebanon's northern city
Posted on 28 Jun 2008 by M
US official visits Lebanon to assess needs of Iraqi refugees
US official visits Lebanon to assess needs of Iraqi refugees

By Colin Chazen

BEIRUT: James Foley, the US Department of State's senior coordinator for
Posted on 28 Jun 2008 by M
You Don’t Mess With the Racism
By Remi Kanazi

I love Adam Sandler. From Billy Madison to Happy Gilmore to the Chanukah Song, the predecessor of the Superbad generation has effortlessly
Posted on 26 Jun 2008 by M
Artist Stephen Bennett's Ethnic Portraits Build Bridges of Peace

Cotton Candy Turban ©2007, Stephen Bennett

By Jana Sultan
Beirut Times Special Correspondent

For 15 years, Stephen Bennett a passion driven American portrait painter based in Brooklyn has toured worldwide to create magical portraits of people who retain their ancient cultural heritage's.
Posted on 23 Jun 2008 by M
ISRAELI AIR FORCE EYEING IRAN? Recent Exercise could Indicate Attack coming
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted exercises that seem to indicate it may be preparing for an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Posted on 22 Jun 2008 by M
Vatican delegation beatifies Lebanese priest - Line of dignitaries on hand as thousands attend Beirut ceremony
BEIRUT- Miraculous, perhaps. Tens of thousands of Lebanese gathered in
Posted on 22 Jun 2008 by M
General Aoun meets President Suleiman: “The problem is not who takes part in the cabinet, but who gets which portfolio.”
Following his anticipated meeting with President Michel Suleiman, Free
Posted on 20 Jun 2008 by M
Aoun, Frangieh, Skaff, Tashnaq announced a preparatory intra-Christian meeting on July 4,to launch National Christian Forum.
FPM and Change and Reform bloc leader General Michel Aoun, El Marada
Posted on 20 Jun 2008 by M
Abouna Yaacoub’s beatification ceremony in Beirut central
The Maronite Catholic Church is preparing for the beatification of a Capuchin priest, born in Ghazir in the Lebanese hillside. Fr Jacques Haddad (1875-1954), was the founder of the Franciscan Sisters of the Cross (1933) and of
Posted on 20 Jun 2008 by M
Rice backs Lebanese leaders in Cabinet
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with Lebanon's president in an unannounced trip to Beirut.
Posted on 16 Jun 2008 by M
Going Their Own Way in The Mideast
By David Ignatius *

What happens when a superpower becomes preoccupied by a costly war and loses some of its ability to coerce friends and enemies toward the
Posted on 31 May 2008 by M
Israel's embattled Olmert heads to United States
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert heads to Washington on Monday weakened by a major crisis at home that cast a shadow over both his political future and the tenuous US-sponsored Middle East peace talks.
Posted on 31 May 2008 by M
U.S. Cites Big Gains Against Al-Qaeda
Group Is Facing Setbacks Globally, CIA Chief Says

By Joby Warrick
Washington Post Staff Writer

Less than a year after his agency warned of new threats from a resurgent al-Qaeda, CIA Director Michael V. Hayden now portrays the terrorist
Posted on 31 May 2008 by M
THE AMERICAN TASK FORCE FOR LEBANON APPLAUDS THE INTERNATIONAL TREATY BANNING CLUSTER BOMBS
by Dr. George Cody

(Washington DC). The American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL) applauds
Posted on 31 May 2008 by M
COMMENTARY: Will Israel and Syria get serious?
By Claude Salhani *

Israeli troops fired tear gas in the West Bank, where Prime Minister Ehud Olmert conceded yesterday Israel had breached its peace plan promises by
Posted on 31 May 2008 by M
Yemen northern rebels move near capital
By AHMED AL-HAJ | Associated Press Writer

SAN'A, Yemen - Yemeni government forces have beaten back an advance by northern rebels who brought their fight to within 12 miles of the capital,
Posted on 31 May 2008 by M
Lebanese troops shoot suspected suicide bomber
By HUSSEIN DAKROUB | Associated Press Writer

BEIRUT, Lebanon - A senior military official says troops shot and killed a suspected suicide bomber near Lebanon's largest Palestinian camp.
Posted on 31 May 2008 by M
The shooting over, it's time to dance
By Liz Sly Tribune *

BEIRUT — One day they were shooting at each other. And almost as quickly as the fighting had erupted, they were back out partying together.
Posted on 31 May 2008 by M
Lebanese soldier killed in explosion in north
By Associated Press

BEIRUT, Lebanon -- A Lebanese soldier was killed by an explosion at dawn Saturday in the north of the country, the military said.
Posted on 31 May 2008 by M
Peace in the Middle East
By: Paul McNamara

Lebanon has always been the most enduring of places and the current crisis, like many before, will not faze all those who have made it into the Paris of the Orient.
Posted on 25 May 2008 by M
When Middle East falls apart, Lebanon falls with it
The Lebanese tell a story about themselves that is ironically revealing of the virtually constant troubles that have plagued their country since the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
Posted on 25 May 2008 by M
Lebanese parliament elects army chief as president
By ZEINA KARAM

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Michel Suleiman was sworn in as Lebanon's president Sunday after parliament elected him in long-delayed vote
Posted on 25 May 2008 by M
No Agreement on Gaza Truce, Official Says
Agencies

GAZA CITY, 22 May 2008 — Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas still differ on terms for a Gaza cease-fire that Egypt is mediating, a Palestinian
Posted on 21 May 2008 by M
Israel, Syria Begin Indirect Peace Talks
Agencies

JERUSALEM, 22 May 2008 — Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said talks announced yesterday with Syria were “exciting” but he warned Israelis they
Posted on 21 May 2008 by M
Lebanese Leaders Sign Historic Agreement
Agence France Presse

BEIRUT, 22 May 2008 — Lebanese lawmakers will gather on Sunday to elect army chief Michel Suleiman president following a deal struck to end the country’s long-running political crisis, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Fouad Siniora told AFP yesterday.
Posted on 21 May 2008 by M
Lebanese Leaders Reach Agreement Ending Crisis
Lebanese leaders reached an agreement in Doha early Wednesday to end a long-running political crisis that nearly drove the country to a new civil war.
Posted on 20 May 2008 by M
When Free Speech Doesn’t Come Free
By Remi Kanazi

Free speech is not without consequence. In the United States, for example, criticism of Israel is tantamount to heresy. Former US President Jimmy Carter felt a societal backlash last year after the release of his book,
Posted on 20 May 2008 by M
Lebanon's '300' heroes
By Walid Phares

Beirut - While the West is busy living its daily life, a beast is busy killing the freedom of a small community on the East Mediterranean: Lebanon.
Posted on 17 May 2008 by M
Lebanese leaders tackle core issues at Qatar talks
By Nadim Ladki

DOHA (Reuters) - Lebanon's rival leaders tackled divisive issues at the heart of their political crisis on Saturday at Qatari-mediated talks aimed at pulling
Posted on 17 May 2008 by M
A tale of two paths in the Middle East
Rocky Mountain News

Sixty years after the founding of Israel, Americans of good will are focusing on that democracy's remarkable achievements and challenges - which is
Posted on 17 May 2008 by M
Point of Contact: Gen. John Abizaid
By Tod Robberson

I had an interesting interview with retired Gen. John Abizaid last week, which we excerpted in today's Points section. Gen. Abizaid, an Arabic
Posted on 17 May 2008 by M
Lebanon Politicians Prepare for Talks to End Conflict
By Daniel Williams

May 16 (Bloomberg) -- Flights resumed at Beirut's airport and schools and stores opened as Lebanese politicians left for talks designed to ease the
Posted on 17 May 2008 by M
Bush Administration Middle East Policy: What Went Wrong?
Jon B. Alterman
World Politics Review Exclusive

It has become impossible to credibly argue that the Bush Administration's Middle East policies have advanced the national interests of the United
Posted on 17 May 2008 by M
Bush seeks more oil as Saudis say output is enough
RIYADH (AFP) — US President George W. Bush pressed Saudi Arabia to raise oil output on Friday, but the world's biggest crude exporter said global
Posted on 17 May 2008 by M
Lebanese leaders aim to end political crisis
By HUSSEIN DAKROUB,
Associated Press Writer

Leaders of Lebanon's U.S.-backed government and the Hezbollah-led
Posted on 17 May 2008 by M
US House Resolution H. RES. 1194
Written by US House of Congress
U.S House Resolution against Hezbollah

Reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.
Posted on 14 May 2008 by M
Analysis: Lebanese army will not step in before Hizballah fights pro-government forces to the finish
DEBKA file’s - military sources report: After six days of fighting between government loyalists and Hizballah leave close to a 100 dead and 200
Posted on 14 May 2008 by M
Syria Helping Hezbollah in Lebanon Central Mountains
Syria Helping Hezbollah in Lebanon Central Mountains - Damascus Threatens Arab League Mission to Beirut
Posted on 14 May 2008 by M
Bush: It's in Israel's Interest that Lebanon's Democracy Survives
U.S. President George Bush has called Iran the "single biggest threat" to
Posted on 14 May 2008 by M
Kuwait Reduces Diplomats in Lebanon
Kuwait decided on Tuesday to reduce the number of diplomats in its mission
Posted on 14 May 2008 by M
40 Army Officers Submitted their Resignation, Suleiman Rejected
The Lebanese army's deputy chief intelligence Brig. Gen. Ghassan Balaa and
Posted on 14 May 2008 by M
International Friends of Lebanon Call for Immediate End to Violence
The international "Friends of Lebanon" group called for an immediate end to
Posted on 14 May 2008 by M
Calm in Lebanon as Arab Delegation Due in Beirut to Try to Broker Solution
Calm prevailed over Lebanon as an Arab delegation was due in Beirut on Wednesday to try to broker a settlement to the ongoing political crisis that
Posted on 14 May 2008 by M
U.S. Senators Threaten to Block Saudi Arms Deal Over Oil
A group of Democratic Senators Tuesday threatened to block a multi-million dollar U.S. arms deal with Saudi Arabia, unless the kingdom ups oil
Posted on 14 May 2008 by M
Bush Arrives in Israel, Hails Alliance to Confront Terrorism
U.S. President George Bush on Wednesday opened a celebratory visit to
Posted on 14 May 2008 by M
Escape from Beirut: by Yacht, Taxi or Charter Plane
For the wealthy who can afford to fork out hundreds of dollars, escape from Lebanon's week-long violence has been possible by luxury yacht, charter
Posted on 14 May 2008 by M
Arab League holds Lebanon crisis talks without Syrian FM
Arab foreign ministers were holding talks on the Lebanon crisis on Sunday in
Posted on 11 May 2008 by M
Hezbollah fighters pile pressure on Lebanon rivals
By Laila Bassam

Lebanon's factional violence raged on in the mountains around Beirut on Sunday, as gunmen from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement battled
Posted on 11 May 2008 by M
Clashes in northern and eastern Lebanon, outside Beirut
By BASSEM MROUE, Associated Press Writer

Supporters of Lebanon's U.S.-backed government and opponents battled with rockets and machine guns in the mountains overlooking Beirut Sunday as clashes shifted to outside the capital.
Posted on 11 May 2008 by M
Arab FMs divided over Lebanon
by Mona Salem

Arab foreign ministers holding crisis talks in Cairo were divided on Sunday over a draft resolution implicitly condemning Hezbollah for deadly clashes in Lebanon, delegates said.
Posted on 11 May 2008 by M
Arab FMs call on Shi'ite gunmen to pull out of west Beirut
Associated Press

Top Arab diplomats called on Shi'ite gunmen to pull out of west Beirut and
Posted on 11 May 2008 by M
Seeing red
David Kenner, NOW Staff

Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, in his press conference
Posted on 09 May 2008 by M
Christians confused by strikes
Taylor Long, NOW Staff

It all seems such a long time ago, but its significance in the current crisis cannot be overestimated. General Federation of Labor Unions (GFLU) head
Posted on 09 May 2008 by M
Eighteen killed in Lebanon clashes
The number of people killed in the fierce sectarian fighting rocking Lebanon rose to 18 overnight, a security official told AFP on Saturday, as an uneasy
Posted on 09 May 2008 by M
Hezbollah takes control of west Beirut and heads for Chouf
Hezbollah fighters clashed with pro-government gunmen, their guns blazing,
Posted on 09 May 2008 by M
Hezbollah sweeps over Beirut's Muslim sector
Iranian-backed fighters flex muscle in seizing Sunnis loyal to the U.S.

By SAM F. GHATTAS
Associated Press

BEIRUT, LEBANON — Unchallenged by Lebanon's army, the Iranian-backed
Posted on 09 May 2008 by M
Lebanon in turmoil as Hezbollah takes west Beirut
BEIRUT (AFP) — Hezbollah fighters, their guns blazing, seized control of west Beirut on Friday after three days of deadly street battles with pro-
Posted on 09 May 2008 by M
Mideast eager for Hollywood business
Money currently flowing from U.S. to Emirates

By ALI JAAFAR

DUBAI The enticements are irresistible: Abu Dhabi has its Film Financing
Posted on 09 May 2008 by M
Fighting in Beirut Threatens a Top Bush Administration Priority
By Robin Wright
Washington Post Staff Writer

On the eve of his trip to the Middle East next week, President Bush faces the
Posted on 09 May 2008 by M
UN intervention to protect Beirut International Airport and the Lebanese Capital
Written by ILC 1559

Urgent Memo to the Members of the Security Council of the Organization of the United Nations
Posted on 09 May 2008 by M
Hezbollah's Beirut's Blitz
Dr. Walid Phares

As I have warned several times over the past year, and many articles later, Hezbollah has indeed waged its expected blitzkrieg against the
Posted on 09 May 2008 by M
Lebanon government denounces Hezbollah "coup" in Beirut
By Tom Perry

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah group took control of the Muslim half of Beirut on Friday in what the U.S.-backed governing coalition described as "an armed and bloody coup".
Posted on 09 May 2008 by M
Gunbattles break out in Beirut
BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNN) -- Gunfire broke out in downtown Beirut on Thursday after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said recent government actions amount to "a declaration of open war."
Posted on 08 May 2008 by M
Iraqi officials say leader of al-Qaida in Iraq arrested
By PATRICK QUINN, Associated Press Writer

Iraqi police commandos captured the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq in a raid in
Posted on 08 May 2008 by M
Fighting rocks Beirut, five die, Hezbollah defiant
By Nadim Ladki

Fierce clashes raged in Beirut on Thursday after the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah said the U.S.-supported Lebanese government had declared war by targeting its communications network.
Posted on 08 May 2008 by M
Rocket hits Baghdad park, killing 2 civilians
By SELCAN HACAOGLU, Associated Press Writer

A rocket hit a downtown Baghdad park Thursday, killing two people as American and Iraqi forces battled Shiite militants believed responsible for many such attacks.
Posted on 08 May 2008 by M
Fighting rocks Beirut
By Nadim Ladki

Fierce clashes raged in Beirut on Thursday after the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah said the U.S.-supported Lebanese government had declared war
Posted on 08 May 2008 by M
Clashes erupt for second day in Lebanon
By ZEINA KARAM, Associated Press Writer

Sectarian fighting spread through the streets of Beirut on Thursday as Shiite Hezbollah supporters and the Lebanese government's Sunni backers battled with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades shortly after Hezbollah's leader vowed to fight any attempt to disarm his men.