MediaCynic.com

Homepage
Recent Headlines

Hezbollah Leads 500,000 in Peaceful Demostration

March 8, 2005

The Associated Press reports that in Lebanon today approximately 500,000 people peacefully protested in support of Syria. The demonstration was organized by Hezbollah, which is very popular in Lebanon but has been labeled a terrorist organization by the United States. Sheik Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, has sat quietly on the sidelines recently, but he's clearly making his move.

Sheik Nasrallah apologized to Syria for the anti-Syrian protests and announced: "We reject the Resolution 1559," a reference to the UN resolution that demands the complete withdrawal of Syria's 14,000 troops in Lebanon and calls for dismantling militias.

There were no independent estimates of the crowds, but at least 500,000 people crowded the square and nearby streets. Many more were still coming, answering his call to demonstrate against U.S.-led intervention and counter weeks of massive anti-Syrian rallies.... Countering the "Syria out!" cries shouted daily by the anti-Syrian protesters, Tuesday's crowd chanted, "Beirut is free! America get out!"

The UPI had some reports that thousands of Syrians had crossed the border to join in the demonstration, but that hasn't been verified. It seems that at least several hundred thousand Lebanese would like Syria to stick around. The demonstration was remarkably peaceful, but the question is: how long will it remain peaceful? And if another civil war breaks out, what will the White House do? It's hard to see any tactical advantage to us getting bogged down in Beirut -- again.

blog comments powered by Disqus