Lebanon

Sound of violence silences Lebanon’s workers

Written by Kamal Farran in Lebanon Tuesday, 13 May 2008

The dramatic events that have unfolded in the recent period in Lebanon have hidden a very important development. As Hezbollah moved into West Beirut they successfully cut across a general strike over wages that was planned for the same day. As the workers were coming together to fight for their common interests, Hezbollah pushed its own agenda, thereby heightening ethnic tension.

Uprising in Lebanon: for revolution or stabilization?

Written by Dekel Avshalom in Israel Tuesday, 13 May 2008

Hezbollah went into Beirut and came out again once the government had backed off on its plans to dismantle its communications network. Although powerful, the Hezbollah leaders are only interested in maintaining their share of power. They are not interested, and are incapable of, solving the real problems facing the masses.

Socialist Appeal interviews student activist in Beirut

Written by Luke Wilson Wednesday, 12 September 2007

Last year's war in Lebanon ended in defeat for Israel, but it also shook up Lebanese society. The general strike that took place shortly afterwards is testimony to this fact. Luke Wilson interviewed a student activist in Beirut on how he sees the situation now.

Is Lebanon on the eve of a military coup?

Written by Yossi Schwartz in Israel Wednesday, 23 May 2007

The killing taking place in a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon is now being added to the long list of barbaric acts the masses have had to suffer in that country. But what is behind all this? Why for instance is the US government preparing to send millions of dollars to the Lebanese army to crush a tiny group of Islamic militants?

The revolutionary potential of the Lebanese masses

Written by Yossi Schwartz Wednesday, 13 December 2006

On Sunday up to two million people came out onto the streets in the largest demonstration in the history of this small country. The protest was aimed against the Siniora government, which now stands exposed as a government with no support among the population. The people of Lebanon want genuine change, but who is going to offer it to them?

Lebanon – What is behind the conflict?

Written by Yossi Schwartz Wednesday, 06 December 2006

There is much myth-making about what is happening in Lebanon. But what is the truth, what really lies behind the periodic breakdown into internecine civil war? Lebanon faces the real danger today of renewed civil war. The source of this conflict, however, lies mainly beyond its borders.

Whose interests are served by yesterday’s assassination of Pierre Gemayel?

Written by Yossi Schwartz Wednesday, 22 November 2006

Another assassination in Lebanon, and yet again the question is posed of who was behind it. We cannot say with certainty who was responsible, but we can say who benefits from it: the Bush administration.