Hizbullah, Aoun unleash terror on Lebanon -- continuous updates

Hundreds of masked men are setting fire to tires and dumpsters after filling them with fuel in Beirut and other areas. Eyewitnesses told me that they saw bulldozers assisting the protestors by shoveling dirt and dumping it on some of the roads. Trucks were also seen transporting tires and metal barriers to various points in the capital. They were not intercepted by the army or security forces.

The Lebanese army so far has been letting the protestors block the roads for a while, to then re-open them, although not in Beirut so far. This seems to be their “neutral” strategy. In fact, as of  7:30 AM Beirut time, most of the roads and tunnels in Beirut are blocked, including the airport road. The sky is filled with black smoke from the burning tires, and visibility is zero. Universities and schools are open, and so are most businesses. But the morning commute has been disrupted, and the army has failed to secure safe roads for citizens. There are unconfirmed reports of stoning at several locations by protestors. There are also reports of citizens leaving their cars at home and walking to work.

In the north and in Byblos, LBC and Future TV are reporting clashes between commuters and rioters. Several persons were wounded. A couple of cars were torched.

I call on all my readers in Lebanon to post updates about the situation in the comments section.

Update.

 

The Lebanese army is being criticized for not carrying out its duty. In many instances, it looked like they were guarding the roadblocks.

    "They are either failing in their duty or collaborating by protecting the demonstrators instead of opening the roads and protecting citizens who want to go to work," Geagea added.  Former MP Fares Soaid, a main figure in the anti-Syrian camp, also urged government forces "not to take part in this blatant coup." "The security forces are providing complete protection for those closing the roads, but they are not providing complete protection for those trying to go to work," Soaid charged.

    "If the security forces continue to fail to carry out their duty, people will go down and open the roads by themselves and there will be pressure from a popular movement," he said. Druze MP Akram Shehayyeb, a member of the anti-Syrian parliamentary majority, said "the army has to carry out its duty... because if it remains neutral, there will be a confrontation among the people."

   

Future TV is reporting that Hizbullah is bussing people from outside Beirut to predominantly Sunni neighborhoods, especially Tarik Jdeedeh. Clashes erupted between Sunni residents and "gunmen".

Hizbullah is calling this an "intifada". And indeed, their supporters are now stoning anti-Hizbullah residents of Beirut. March 14 MP Walid Eido says that Beirut is "being occupied by the Hizbullah militia...".

Update 2. LBC is showing footage of Hizbullah youth throwing rocks at the Lebanese army in Corniche al-Mazraa in true "intifada style".

Update 3. Fares Soaid is lashing out at the security forces for arresting residents trying to open the roads after the failure of the army to do so. It seems the army's strategy is to avoid confrontation and clashes at any cost, even if it means letting the protestors maintain roadblocks. In some instances where the army did try to clear rubble and burning tires, they were stoned by "opposition" members.

Update 4. Hizbullah thugs armed with sticks, rocks and in some cases guns are storming Beirut neighborhoods. Some were seen approaching the Future TV news building in Raouche. ISF and army troops trying to stop their advance are being attacked.

Security forces are being extremely lax and unorganized-- intervening only when it's too late.

Future TV reported that vans carrying covered Hizbullah women are supplying the rioters with rocks.

Update 5.   The riots have degenerated into street warfare between Sunnis, Shias and Christians  Two have been killed and 50 wounded so far, according to Naharnet.

PM Siniora held a press conference and demanded an extraordinary parliament session to deal with the escalating situation.

Saniora said the general strike called by the opposition has developed into "provocations that went beyond all limits." "Blocking roads…is an aggression on the people and their freedoms. It is an attack on social order and it involves risks that are hidden to nobody." 

Naharnet has a good roundup here. With the army reluctant to clear the roadblocks in some areas, some residents have decided to take matters into their own hands.

Update 6. March 14 is calling on people to take to the streets to confront the rioters and clear the roadblocks themselves if the Lebanese army doesn't carry out its duty. Beirut residents are boiling with anger, and there are rumors of taking up arms against the "Hizbullah occupiers".

Update 7. From Naharnet:

The opposition on Tuesday called off its violent one-day protest that claimed at least three lives and wounded 62 people as the pro-government majority urged its followers to be on stand-by to “break the siege of Beirut” if the army does not carry out the mission.   

I say break that damn siege now, and start with downtown Beirut. This should not have been allowed to happen.

Comments

[Craig]

It's on the news here in the US, right now. First time I've seen Lebanon related news in a while, at least on the "breaking news" ticker. They mentioned "Hezbollah" and "attempts to topple the government" which seems kind of strange to me that they would state it so bluntly on the US news!

[Cyraq]

Abu kais;
The situation is extremely troubling, I just woke up, it's 8:43, Apparently ALL roads are blocked, LBC is showing a politician talking about a government overthrow, AlManar is showing pictures of the "strike", burning tires, angry people, and 40-50 IQ points at best.

Bashar is saying "Either Hizballah, or Lebanon."

[Mambo]

This is retarded. The opposition can protest all it wants...but setting a city on fire and disrupting life for every other lebanese whom they consider "brothers" and want in their fight against a common enemy will not win them much support

Disappointing and truly saddening

[Blacksmith Jade]

Yikes! From the news reports I'm seeing and the statements of politicians, things seem to be going from bad to worse. Apparently there seems to be some confusion about the army's orders and their actions on the ground (a pro-gov't MP said that somewhere). Anyway, I'm keeping track of developments but as I said before, things are going from bad to worse...for the country that is...if any of you opposition supporters remember what having a country is like.

[Blacksmith Jade]

Yikes! From the news reports I'm seeing and the statements of politicians, things seem to be going from bad to worse. Apparently there seems to be some confusion about the army's orders and their actions on the ground (a pro-gov't MP said that somewhere). Anyway, I'm keeping track of developments but as I said before, things are going from bad to worse...for the country that is...if any of you opposition supporters remember what having a country is like.

[Amir in Tel Aviv]

I hope the police and army were smart enough to send policemen and soldiers to the streets WITHOUT weapons.
That in order to not give the thugs the pleasure of creating fresh martyrs.
.

[Jay]

If the government survives this attack, so what? There's going to be another one. And they'll keep coming until the opposition reaches its objectives. The March 14 tactic of waiting and hoping the boogie man will go away on its own hasn't worked, so I guess the next best thing is for the whole thing to be over as soon as possible.

[Roman Kalik]

Doesn't look good, to say the least. If March 14 are holding back and waiting for fear of an escalation, then I'm afraid the escalation is just going to come anyway.

[Roman Kalik]

Doesn't look good, to say the least. If March 14 are holding back and waiting for fear of an escalation, then I'm afraid the escalation is just going to come anyway.

[Roman Kalik]

Doesn't look good, to say the least. If March 14 are holding back and waiting for fear of an escalation, then I'm afraid the escalation is just going to come anyway.

[Roman Kalik]

Damn. Sorry about the triple post.

[Jeha]

Not good. It has started with some ugly beatings and shootings, much unreported.

[Jeha]

Abu Kais,

I fear the army is on "their side"... Recall how Hezb used the army's radars?

[charlie]

This is BS, the army is watching while the Hezb-AMAL thugs are taking over to the streets and shutting down the whole city. Better be careful, cause all have their own thugs and they are not going to just stand by and watch. Geagaa warned about that, boys from Tariq Al Gedida already went out and fought it out with the Hezb-Amal thugs on Corniche El-Mazraa. I won't be surprised if the LF-Phalange boys will start to do the same with the FPMers soon as well. This army needs to be purged and if that means a break up, et it be. The US shouldn't spend a single penny on this outfit; no point of arming bunch of spectators who may end up on Hezb side along with their weapons!!

[ghassan karam]

Don't jump the gun and declare the rioters victorious. These strong armed tactics will back fire and the "silent majority" will grow stronger. This is not only wishful thinking , remember how the opposition had to backpaddle after the riots in Achrafieh and the riots last June after the TV incident. This will not be any different.This path to hell will turn out to be one of the last gasps for Aoun, possibly Franjieh but not for Nasrallah who will have to become content with his stature as a sectarian war lord. Things will become so much better though if the government can act with resolve to protect civil rights of all. The ISF should not be told in no uncertain terms that once they become spectators then they would have abandoned neutrality by siding with rioters, coup plotters and illegal actions. Neutrality is the impartial execution of the law.

[Guess Who ?]

Nasrallah is NOT a sectarian war lord, as many will like to label him. He is as I see him, and I am an outsider, a sectarian leader, like Jumblat, Jmeil and the rest, who never sold his people and wants them to be part and parcel, and more, he wants them as equals to the rest of this sectarian divided country.

Neither is he calling for an iranian fiefdom in Lebanon nor a Syrian influence.

These are tense moments, his people will not be divided, and this is why in my humble opinion persons like Ghassan Karam and his likes are envious. They simply want equality and recognition for what theyve been sacrifying for there beloved Lebanon. And for that they have my respect .

Hope things will be rosy for you all, once the dust settles.

[Jeha]

Guess Who?

I am back to lecturing you on facts. People like "like Ghassan Karam and his likes are [not] envious"; they are only rational, and optimistic about human nature. But facts are facts

1- Nasrallah is a "sectarian war lord", and so everyone else in Lebanon.

2- "Neither is he calling for an iranian fiefdom in Lebanon nor a Syrian influence" I guess you missed march 8.

Your entire argumentation is too often based on emotions and your own ideology, whatever that is. In time, you will see wisdom, if we all survive this mess...

[Jeha]

Abu Kais,

I hear Fares Souaid was attacked. Any confirmation?

[naja]

There have been a number of posts mentioning the word "neutrality". So allow me to try my hand at it: lets take a step back; what we see - within a purely legal point-of-view and a democratic standpoint - a conflict in a parliamentary democracy, where elections took place and produced a clear majority. Regardless of the fact that the electoral law was contested (the British electoral law also is considered unfair by key parties in the UK, by the way), all parties in the present conflict fielded candidates, meaning they played the game along existing rules. Today, the minority is... unhappy at being a minority, and is staging a protest - not to make, say, specific demands such as a higher minimum wage, better welfare etc., but to claim effectively more power than the majority.

Worse still, all this is happening outside the framework of parliament, and within that of "zaameh" (fiefdoms). Popular or not, Nasrallah remains unelected. So is Franjieh. And yet we are allowing these "tribal lords" to rule our constitution (they even have the nerve to pass judgement on what's constitutional and what's not!). I think the worst thing that happened in recent times was the dialogue rounds, because they created a body outside legal institutions and started the thinking that lies behind this whole mess.

[Abu Kais]

Jeha--

yes, he and his bodyguards were attacked at one of the roadblocks.

[Solomon2]

Is it usual for Hezbollah to demonstrate or "express" themselves while wearing masks? Usually people and organizations who wear masks do it because they wish to be unaccountable, yet Hezbollah is claiming credit for everything. Perhaps it isn't Hezbollah or even Lebanese protesters at all behind those masks.

Even Lebanon has to draw a line somewhere. Demonstrating, OK. Blocking streets, annoying. Burning tires? - in Paris that would be "freedom of expression". But masks? Why shouldn't masked non-peaceful demonstrators be arrested?

[Jeha]

Abu Kais,

Thanks. I just got an email from Aouny friend of mine, complaining that Fares Souaid "attacked" a roadblock. Much like one attacks a fist with one's face, I guess.

[fubar]

The black hand of Persia is trying to squeeze the will to live free from Lebanon. You knew in your heart that Iranian Hezbollah was not Lebanese, that it did not fight for Lebanon. Yet, during and after the war, you rationalized that it was Lebanese, that on some level, it’s cause was justifiable, at least rationally explainable, even as you clearly stated that you personally did not agree with it. You purposefully engaged in your intellectual discussions of the ills of the government, the ills facing the Shia in Lebanon, the ills of sectarianism, and the merits and weaknesses of various tactics of Hezbollah, all the while maintaining either the pessimistic attitude of surrender just waiting for the last possible moment to do so or a delusional belief in the inherent triumph of good over evil. Well, gentlemen, good does not triumph over evil unless good men stand up to that evil. Iranian Hezbollah is the black death in human form. Surrender of even an inch will not stem the tide of the black death, but will serve only to embolden the beast. The black death will swiftly sweep over Lebanon, unless good men fight to breath the sweet air of a free Lebanon.

[Jeha]

Fubar,

people rationalize what they cannot oppose. Even those of us who would do something are hamstrung by the inadequacies of our government, and oru community leaders' sectarian strangelhold over us.

There is no such a thing as a united Lebanon anymore. Just a series of cantons, most of them war-weary.

[BadVilbel]

So. Are we convinced this is not a coup yet? Still think it's a peaceful expression of one's political views?

Is it time for martial law yet? I am personally sick and tired of the government turning the other cheek. That strategy will only go so far. Thugs do not understand the language of peace. And the army has no business being "neutral" right now. The rule of law is being broken. The army and police's duty is to be on the side of law and order. Thugs need to be arrested. There is nothing to be neutral about.
And i could care less if a certain sect's sensibilities are offended (no offense Abu Kais): I don't are what community or sect it is: breaking the law is breaking the law. End of story.

Wonderful news: The Shadoor Import Coporation is proud to announce a grand opening of a new branch in the Ashrafieh canton. Welcome new customers! (Business is business?!)

[Joe Buzzy]

When you have no plan to deal with the troublemakers the troublemakers will bring their plan to you. It is not like Hizb has not been saying that they were going to cause trouble. Sometimes we are forced to ask ourselves..."Is our country and our way of life worth fighting for?"

[Tony]

I think that Aoun's dream of doing protests in the streets, burning tires and closings streets finally came through. He was trying that since 1991 and he always failed. What is the price for that?
Deep and deeper division among Lebanese. Is it worth it???? Unfortunately, I guess for him it is worth it, but for any normal Lebanese it's not worth it at all.... What's next????

[Charlie]

What is really sad about all this is not tires burning and black smoke covering the country, but the high level of ignorance that is rampant amongst the people of Lebanon. The fact that there is such a high number of people who are convinced by being a Syrian-Iranian tool is a good thing, and to willingly destroy the whole country so Iran and Syria can succeed at their expense is horrible. No matter how much the rest of us wish to see Lebanon flourish and prosper as an independent nation, it will not happen as long as we have such large number of people who are drowned in ignorance and not willing to sign up to that dream. HA as it exists is never going to allow a strong government to grow roots, it is time the Pro-Lebanon group realize that and plan for a full out confrontation with HA and its allies. HA has already fired the first shot, there should be no more talk of an empty BS dialogue, Sfier has to come out strong against Franjieh, Aoun and Lahoud, Harriri has to stop dancing with Nas and Berri. This is a showdown that has no middle grounds, and the people need to make up their mind where they want to be…

[Yaeli]

This is very distressing to see. From the news reports I've seen it certainly looks bad with all the smoke billowing around and the fires but it so hard to tell how bad things really are from the pictures. So your updates Abu Kais and also from the commenters here are really important very much appreciated. Keep 'em coming and thank you!

[Rami]

This concept of the army being neutral is such a joke, indeed. Neutral. Never taking a stand to defend the citizen who they are meant to protect. Never intervening to ensure law and order. Never protecting private and public property. Never defending the citizens rights. So what exactly is the army for? Simply observers in fatigue costumes who suck up a large chunk of our national budget? The time of "neutrality" is over. As I look at the sky over Beirut choking under the black clouds, the fiery streets, the masked "protestors" and the idle army, I can't help but feel dismay and some level of resignation at the future of this nation. A place where law is secondary (even that is generous) to feudal politics and war-mongering religious zealots of all stripes. How can this army be expected to defend the nation's borders if it can't even ensure peace in the streets of its capital? How can we be expected as citizen to come together and find a solution if the institution in place for such a meeting, the Parliament, never meets? How will any proposed solution to Lebanon's plethora of woes be addressed if the leaders of our institutions cannot even meet, and do their job? A very frightening picture indeed.

[BadVilbel]

My thoughts exactly, Rami. Well said.

[valiumjunky]

You cant roast marshmellows or chickens or even shishkebab on tire fires. They taste funny. I hope they use wood next time. It would be more helpful to the cause of liberty and representative cooking.

[Blacksmith Jade]

I'm hearing that its over. the pro-syrians have called off further protests. I attribute that to the widespread resistance by most lebanese to these thugs' actions today...of course, i doubt they'll see it that way or admit to it anyway.

[Jeha]

Wood Fires?

With deforestation reaching record highs in Lebanon, I would prefer they stick to rubber. give or take, it will not add too much to the existing pollution.

[valiumjunky]

Deforestation? Dont worry all freedom fighting resources are trucked in from Syria or Iran (except blood). We are blessed in many ways...

[mwl]

Regardless of the outcome, I'm sure Nasrallah stands ready to declare another "divine victory".

[Amir in Tel Aviv]

It looks like a matchbox on fire: quick, strong, short, futile.
.

[charlie]

Is it true that the opposition will be calling to an end to the protests today? Anyone can confirm this?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070123/wl_nm/lebanon_government_dc_23

[Jeha]

I am not so sure that the "opposition" meant what it said when "on Tuesday [it] called off its violent one-day protest"... How will they "spin it" if they do not escalate it?

[fubar]

What part of one day protest don't you get? They advertised it as a one day protest. Day over. Don't you get it? They can do this any time they want. How's Thursday or next week Wednesday sound to you? This is what they can do and much worse, any time they want. You saw the Army do next to nothing. Now you have had a taste. Want more?

Give a man a fish and he will eat today.
Teach a man to fish and he will eat everyday.
Teach a man to fish with dynamite and there will be fish a plenty for everyone with time left over to enjoy the company.

Time March 14 learned to fish with dynamite. Starting in tent village.

[BadVilbel]

Yup. I think all of us are ready to put aside this "conciliation" and start fighting fire with fire. Enough turning the other cheek. Start breaking some heads.

And if the damned Lebanese Army is going to fragment, I say let it. People who desert to side with HA over their country didn't belong in the army in the first place. Let them go join HA and let the rest of the army be loyal to the state. Let's stop being so afraid of civil war, it's already upon us anyway.

[Solomon2]

Abu Kais today: I say break that damn siege now, and start with downtown Beirut.

Abu Kais on November 14, 2006: If you mean that I should prescribe war, I will never, ever do that. I've lived through one, and my family still lives in that country. I cannot get myself to call for a war on Hizbullah. I know that wars in Lebanon always end up with a regional power winning it.

[Abu Kais]

Give me a break, Solomon. What are you trying to prove? That we should have gone to civil war to prevent a civil war? Don't respond. It's very inapropriate right now for you to selectively quote me. My brother was nearly attacked by those hooligans, and my father was stranded all day unable to come home. My family has still not reunited. So please spare me...

[BadVilbel]

From one of the stories linked to on the left of this webpage:

"Manning the barricade on the outskirts of a Beirut Christian district, Alex Abed al-Masih, said the opposition was exercising a democratic right.

Aoun -- the biggest Christian force in parliament -- represented the majority, he said, wearing an orange scarf to show his allegiance to the former general. Geagea supporters were "making turbulence to prove they exist", he said.

"We lived through fighting. There's nothing to be scared of. There will be no more war in Lebanon, just protests. It's political -- who can have more people on their side."

Seriously? Blocking roads and burning tires is a "democratic right"? In which freaking country besides Lebanon? These Aounists need to be slapped around with a copy of Webster's dictionary. Clearly they don't understand the meaning of the word "democracy". These guys have turned out to be the biggest idiots among a country already teeming with idiots.

[Umm Kais]

Solomon,

It's scary what one can be pushed to do, or feel--given the right circumstances. I think Nas-fatty and his imbeciles have pushed everyone today.

[JoseyWales]

some residents have decided to take matters into their own hands.

Yep, classic.

When the gvmnt does not uphold the law private citizens and militias will.

Idiots know that, our gvmnt has yet to figure it out.

[fubar]

Damn, Solomon, now look what you have done. You have forced the lurking lady to ride shotgun -- loyally, gracefully, and valiantly at AK's side.

Ever consider changing your moniker, Solomon? Just wondering...

[oldboy]

Oun was never been so right when he said " Harirism is a hanging rope that should be cut"

[Jeha]

Abu Kais,

You are right to point out this absurdity; a civil war to avoid a civil war. But this extortion will not work, and Hezb will soon have to either escalate things, or accept to
give up its weapons.

From their perspective, this is unacceptable; they cannot give up their weapons, since it would mean the end of their stranglehold over the Shiite community, and maybe even their physical end. Sooner or later, they will escalate this again to a civil war. They already made a grave mistake; much of the action in Beirut was perceived as an attack against Sunnis.

In that sense, I do not trust their statements. And we all know people are armed, and I was surprised no one "really" used weapons today.