Sectarian Tensions Grow In Lebanon

A Syrian refugee boy carries a bag of nappies in Sidon, southern Lebanon. Photograph: Ali Hashisho/REUTERS

As Syrian Refugees Pour In, Sectarian Tensions Strain Lebanon's Brittle Peace -- The Guardian

On the edge of Beirut's rebuilt inner core, a Damascus businessman, Abu Ziad, eased himself into his new BMW in the car park of the biggest Sunni mosque in town. His black 7-series saloon was the fanciest car in the lot and was attracting attention from a line of compatriots who waited impatiently to beg for money. All of them had seen Abu Ziad's licence plate and they pressed their case in a dialect distinct to the Syrian rural poor.

"You are my son," said a stooped lady in a green hijab as she held a photo of a young boy. "Life is cruel here, please help an old woman." For a few minutes, the baron and the beggars stood united; all strangers in a land that not so long ago would hardly have been considered a refuge for anyone fleeing the troubles of the region.

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My Comment: Lebanon has always been one step away from a civil war .... and the crisis in Syria and the spillover effect is certainly not helping the situation.

Syria's Civil War Is Spilling Over Into Lebanon

Deadly Clashes In Lebanon's Tripoli -- Al Jazeera

At least six people killed in two days of fighting between gunmen loyal to opposing sides in Syria's conflict.

At least six people have been killed and dozens injured over the past two days in clashes in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli between gunmen loyal to opposing sides in neighbouring Syria's conflict, security officials have said.

The fighting on Tuesday and Wednesday in the port city has pitted Sunni Muslim districts against areas housing Alawites, from the same religious community as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The Lebanese army sent out patrols in areas separating the two sides.

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More News On The Violence In Lebanon

Syrian civil war spills over into Lebanon -- Bloomberg Businessweek/AP
Clashes flare up in north Lebanon, death toll rises -- Daily Star
Sniper Activity, Clashes Renew in Tripoli as Death Toll Reach 11 -- Naharnet
Snipers kill eight Lebanese in Syria-linked clashes -- AFP
Two killed by snipers in sectarian clashes in Lebanon's Tripoli -- Reuters
Aoun: Lebanese are increasingly involved in Syrian crisis -- NOW Lebanon
Syria’s civil war stokes tensions in Tripoli, 6 dead -- Global Post

Lebanon Is Calm Now, But Fears For The Future Continue

Instability Feared In Lebanon After Assassination -- CNN

(CNN) -- Last week's deadly car bombing in Beirut has exposed Lebanon's tenuous stability, as fears mount that the country could slip into chaos and be dragged into Syria's bloody civil war.

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Tuesday was the latest to express "concern about the stability of Lebanon," following a meeting with the country's prime minister, the state-run news outlet NNA reported.

Friday's bombing killed the nation's intelligence chief, Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hassan, and triggered unrest. Sporadic fighting has erupted across Lebanon since.

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More News On Lebanon

Lebanon army deploys in Beirut and Tripoli -- BBC
Calm Returns to Lebanon as Troops Deploy -- Wall Street Journal
Army say gunmen agree to truce in Lebanon's Tripoli -- Reuters
Fighting flares in Lebanese city over Syria loyalties -- Reuters
Lebanon Army Tries to Restore Order -- Wall Street Journal
Lebanese Army Tries to Force Gunmen From Streets -- New York Times
Hezbollah opposes international tribunal probe of intelligence chief's Beirut assassination -- FOX News/AP
Syria exposes Lebanon's thin veneer of stability -- Stars and Stripes/AP
Lebanon's complex history -- CBC
Lebanon’s Fragile Peace Will Hold Despite Blow -- Paul Salem, Carnegie Endowment

Syrian Spill-Over Raising Tensions And Violence In Lebanon

Lebanese Army Vows to Restore Order Amid Clashes -- Voice of America

The Lebanese army says it will act decisively to quell unrest linked to the Syrian conflict, as six people were wounded in clashes in southern Beirut Monday following the assassination of a top security official.

Soldiers and tanks were deployed between Sunni and Shi'ite neighborhoods in the capital's Kaskas district Monday, trying to bring calm to the area. Separate fighting in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli killed at least one person and wounded 10 others.

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More News On The Escalating Violence In Lebanon

Clashes in Lebanon amid fears of Syria conflict spreading - Monday 22 October 2012 -- The Guardian
Lebanese Army Warns Against Score-Settling -- New York Times
Lebanese army warns against violence amid tensions -- L.A. Times
Lebanese army tries to force gunmen from streets -- AP
Lebanese Clashes Spread to Beirut After Security Killing -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Lebanese army responds to gun battles between Sunnis, Shiites in Beirut -- Washington Post
Army says Lebanon in critical phase, will act firmly -- Reuters
Seven die in Lebanon as army warns politicians -- The Telegraph
Killing of security chief raises fears for Lebanon -- Reuters
Lebanese intelligence chief aware of threat before death -- CNN
Facxtbox: Political risks to watch in Lebanon -- Reuters
Lebanon’s Bad Habit: Staring Into the Abyss Too Often -- Rania Abouzeid, Time
In pictures: Lebanon tension -- BBC

Civil War In Lebanon?

Image: Location of Tripoli and Beirut in Lebanon. Credit: Observer graphics

Lebanon Fears A Firestorm As Old Rifts That Led To Civil War Open Up Again -- The Guardian

Violence spilling over from Syria revives ancient resentments

A respite from almost a fortnight of clashes in Lebanon's second city, Tripoli, raised hopes yesterday that the release of some kidnapping victims would ease a growing threat of unchecked violence spilling over from the Syrian civil war.

But the lull failed to douse an enduring fear elsewhere in Lebanon that the enmity in the north will inevitably spread to other parts of the country. Another day of soaring violence in neighbouring Syria instead fuelled concerns that the raging civil war would further spill beyond the borders of its unstable neighbour.

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Update: Civil war looms in Lebanon -- Examiner

My Comment: A civil war in Lebanon? In my opinion .... anything is possible right now, with escalating violence short of civil war being the probable outcome.

Lebanon Gripped With Sectarian Violence Over Syria

Deadly Fighting Over Syria Grips North Lebanon -- BBC

At least eight people have been killed and 75 wounded in the Lebanese city of Tripoli in clashes between opponents and supporters of Syria's president.

Leaders of the Sunni Muslim district of Bab al-Tabbana and the Alawite district of Jabal Muhsin have declared a ceasefire from 17:00 (14:00 GMT).

Earlier, the army tried to bring a halt to the fighting, which began on Monday night, but it was forced to retreat.

Sectarian tensions in Tripoli have been aggravated by the conflict in Syria.

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More News On Syria's Civil War Is Impacting Lebanon

Lebanese rivals continue battles over Syria -- Al Jazeera
Death toll from Lebanon fighting climbs to 12 -- Reuters
Syria-related clashes again break out in Lebanon -- L.A. Times
Death toll soars as Syria strife ignites Lebanon tensions -- Euronews
Lebanese Premier Warns of Syria Spillover as Gunfights Flare -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Nine dead in Lebanon street battles over Syria -- AFP
Deadly clashes over Syria in Lebanese city of Tripoli -- BBC
Seven dead in Lebanon as Syrian tensions spread -- The Telegraph
Clashes sparked by Syria conflict continue in Lebanon -- Foreign Policy

The Civil War In Syria Is Now Spilling Over Into Lebanon

Echoes Of Lebanon Civil War As Syrian Turmoil Spreads -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Tit-for-tat kidnappings by Syrian rebels and Lebanese Shi'ite gunmen have escalated tensions in Lebanon, where the specter of contagion from Syria's conflict is alarming the fractured and war-scarred Mediterranean nation.

Despite government efforts to insulate it from turmoil in its once dominating neighbor, Lebanon has seen armed clashes in its two largest cities, and last week authorities said they uncovered a Syrian plot to destabilize the country.

The sight of masked gunmen in Beirut on Wednesday claiming the capture of 20 Syrians, and the kidnapping in broad daylight of a Turkish businessman near the airport, was another dramatic sign of Syria's crisis spilling over into Lebanon.

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More News On The Violence In Syria Spilling Into Lebanon

Saudis, Qataris Urged to Leave Lebanon as Threats Grow -- Bloomberg Businessweek
In Lebanon, Sunnis Threaten Shiites as Kidnappings of Syrians Rise -- New York Times
Syrian Conflict Crosses Border Into Lebanon in Abductions -- New York Times
Kidnappings, Riots Hit Lebanon -- Wall Street Journal
Lebanon Kidnappings Cause Regional Scare -- Voice of America
Lebanon Shiite clan says it abducted more Syrians -- Boston.com/AP
Kidnappings tied to Syria threaten Lebanon's fragile peace -- Christian Science Monitor
Syria's conflict has crossed the border, and the ghost of Lebanon's civil war returns -- Robert Fisk, The Independent

Syria's Civil War Is Spreading Into Lebanon

Photo: Michel Samaha, a former Lebanese minister, is pictured in Beirut in this March 2005 file photo. Mohamed Azakir/Reuters/File

Former Lebanese Minister Arrested For Planning Attacks For Syria's Assad -- Christian Science Monitor

Michel Samaha, a former Lebanese minister, reportedly confessed to helping plan attacks on Sunni targets in Lebanon. If true, it illustrates how far Syria's Assad regime can reach into Lebanon.

Michel Samaha, a former Lebanese minister who is a close ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has reportedly confessed to helping plan a series of bomb attacks against Sunni targets in north Lebanon at the behest of the Syrian leadership.

The discovery of the reported bomb plot will have significant political repercussions if confirmed and will harden fears in Lebanon that the embattled Assad regime is seeking to export its troubles to its tiny neighbor, which is split between supporters and opponents of the Syrian president.

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Update #1: Lebanon’s former information minister arrested for bomb plot -- Foreign Policy
Update #2: Risk spills over in Middle East -- Reuters
Update #3: Syria fallout threatens to ignite Lebanon divisions -- The Australian/The Times

My Comment: It will only be a matter of time before Syria's sectarian civil war spreads into Lebanon.

A Rebellion Against Hezbollah?

Sunni Muslim Salafist leader Ahmad al-Assir heads Friday prayers attended by his supporters and Sheikh Omar Bakri (4th r.), a Lebanese Sunni cleric and Islamist preacher, during an open-ended sit-in in Sidon, southern Lebanon, June 29. Ali Hashisho/Reuters

The Lebanese Sheikh Who's Leading A Sit-In Against Hezbollah -- Christian Science Monitor

Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir has shot to fame by rallying to the cause of Syria's rebels and taking on the most powerful faction in Lebanon.

A Lebanese Salafist cleric who has emerged over the past year from obscurity to become a leading and controversial Sunni activist has launched a sit-in in this port city to press for the disarming of the powerful Shiite Hezbollah organization.

A year ago, Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir was known only to a small group of followers who attended his sermons at the Bilal bin Rabeh mosque in Sidon. But with neighboring Syria mired in ever worsening violence, the sheikh's calls for support for the Syrian rebels and his outspoken criticism of Hezbollah have earned him a national platform and drawn admirers among frustrated Lebanese Sunnis who feel overshadowed by their powerful Shiite rival.

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My Comment: Shiite Hezbollah is not going to comply to a Sunni cleric ... if anything .... this protest will only aggravate the Sunni-Shiite divide in this part of the Middle East.

Report: Lebanon's Banks Used By Iran To Evade Sanctions

Beirut Banks Funneling Illicit Funds For Hezbollah -- Jerusalem Post

Report says Hezbollah using Lebanon’s banks in money-laundering scheme, calls on firms to dump Lebanese debt.

In a move that could destabilize Beirut’s financial position, a US pressure group urged international financial firms on Tuesday to ditch Lebanese debt and securities, saying that Hezbollah is using Lebanon’s banks in a large scale money-laundering scheme that is also helping Iran evade banking sanctions.

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My Comment: If this report is true .... and if Iran is involved .... this case would make it to be one of the world's largest laundering schemes ever.

Syria`s Civil War Is Spilling Into Lebanon

Alawite-Sunni Fighting Erupts In Lebanon, 3 Killed -- Euronews/Reuters

TRIPOLI, Lebanon (Reuters) – Three people were killed when fighting erupted overnight in the Lebanese city of Tripoli between members of the Alawite minority loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and members of the Sunni majority, witnesses and security officials said.

Rocket-propelled grenades and automatic rifles were used in the fighting in an Alawite enclave and surrounding Sunni neighbourhoods in the port city, 70 km (45 miles) north of Beirut.

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More News On The Syrian Related Violence In Lebanon

Two dead, 20 hurt in Lebanon clashes: medics -- Reuters
Lebanese Army imposes tenuous calm in Tripoli -- Daily Star
4 die as Syrian factions clash in Lebanon -- The Age
Syrian uprising sparks new Lebanon clashes -- Boston.com/AP
New Syria-linked clashes in Lebanon's Tripoli -- AFP
Syria violence spills over into Lebanon -- Gulf News
Several dead in clashes in Lebanon's Tripoli -- Al Jazeera

My Comment: If Hezbollah becomes involved, then this conflict will quickly escalate into a Lebanese Sunni-Shiite civil war.

Hezbollah Positions Itself To Govern Lebanon

Hezbollah Man Named New Lebanese Leader -- Wall Street Journal

BEIRUT—A billionaire businessman and the chosen candidate of Shiite group Hezbollah was named as the new Prime Minister of Lebanon on Tuesday, as angry Sunnis staged nationwide demonstrations against his candidacy.

Najib Mikati secured 68 votes in parliament, enough for a majority and beating the Sunni favorite, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri who received 60 votes. The majority of Sunnis viewed Mr. Hariri's recent ouster as a "soft coup" by the Hezbollah-led opposition.

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More News On The Political Crisis In Lebanon

Hezbollah's candidate to form Lebanese government -- Yahoo News/AP
Hezbollah-backed Mikati named Lebanon prime minister -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Hezbollah-backed Mikati appointed Lebanon PM -- Yahoo News/AFP
Lebanese Lawmakers Back Hezbollah PM Candidate -- Voice of America
Hezbollah's candidate to form Lebanon gov't -- Ynet News
Hezbollah-backed Najib Mikati appointed Lebanon's PM designate -- Xinhuanet
Hezbollah Candidate Mikati Asked to Form Lebanese Government by President -- Bloomberg
Lebanon backs Hezbollah candidate for PM -- CBC
Hezbollah moves to pick Lebanon's leader -- Washington Post
Hezbollah's Choice Set to Lead Lebanon -- Wall Street Journal
Hezbollah-backed candidate set to lead Lebanon cabinet -- BBC

Amid Protests, Ex-Lebanon Leader Assails New Premier -- New York Times
Rage follows Lebanon PM nomination -- Al Jazeera
In Lebanon, angry protests as a new PM is named -- CNN
Hariri backers protest, accuse Hezbollah of trying to control Lebanon -- CNN
Hariri supporters accuse Hezbollah of Lebanon coup -- Reuters
Violence erupts during Lebanon 'day of rage' -- AFP
Hariri supporters protest against Hezbollah-led government -- BBC
Lebanon's Hariri denounces violence by supporters -- AFP

US warns Lebanon on militants in government -- AP
US: Hezbollah Dominance in Lebanon Would be 'Problematic' -- Voice of America

Lebanon's road to crisis -- The Telegraph
What does a Hizbollah-led government mean for Lebanon? -- The Telegraph

My Comment: Interesting developments may be occurring with Western naval forces in response to the political developments in Lebanon. Hat Tip: Quasi-Pundit

Lebanon One Step Closer To A Hezbollah Backed Government

Najib Makti, a Sunni Muslim and businessman, was picked by Hezbollah to be the next prime minister [Reuters]

Hezbollah Picks Mikati For PM Post -- Al Jazeera

Lebanon Shia party selects billionaire Sunni businessman as its candidate.

Najib Mikati, a billionaire businessman, has emerged as Hezbollah's favoured candidate to be the next prime minister of Lebanon, in a move denounced by outgoing premier Saad Hariri.

The decision by Hezbollah comes at the beginning of consultations headed by Michel Suleiman, the president, with parliamentary groups on appointing a new prime minister, after the movement brought down the unity government earlier this month.

"It's Mikati for sure," Walid Jumblatt, leader of Lebanon's Druze community, who last week became allied with Hezbollah, told AFP news agency.

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More News On Lebanon's Political Crisis

Hezbollah-backed Mikati set to lead Lebanon government -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Hezbollah moves toward Lebanon government control -- Yahoo News/AP
Anti-Hezbollah protests in north Lebanon -- AFP
Lebanon tycoon Mikati set to be next premier -- AFP
Hezbollah-backed candidate has votes to become Lebanon prime minister -- Washington Post
Lebanon Druze leader Walid Jumblatt sides with Hezbollah in crisis -- L.A. Times
Beirut talks of new government -- UPI
Lebanon's Hariri refuses to join Hezbollah-led govt -- AFP
Lebanon's Hariri Rules Out Joining Hezbollah Government -- Voice of America
Lebanon: Tensions Mount Over Hizballah Power Play -- Time Magazine
Lebanon Approaches Tipping Point -- Deborah Jerome, Council on Foreign Relations

Lebanon On The Brink As Talks Fail

Lebanon Rivals Braced For Showdown -- Sydney Morning Herald

Rival parties on Friday appeared headed for a showdown as each side hardened its position in Lebanon's political crisis after the failure of foreign mediation efforts.

Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Thursday set the tone for the battle ahead after defiantly saying he would stand for another term despite Hezbollah's campaign to discredit him.

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More News On Lebanon's Political Crisis

Lebanon Political Crisis Deepens; Violence Feared -- CBS News
Lebanon on brink as talks fail -- Sydney Morning Herald
Lebanon rivals braced for showdown -- Yahoo News/AFP
Lebanon's Druze leader says backs Hezbollah -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Potential kingmaker in Lebanon supports Hezbollah -- Yahoo News/AP
Lebanon's Jumblatt backs Hezbollah -- Al Jazeera
Lebanon’s Jumblatt Backs Hezbollah Bloc to Form Next Government -- Bloomberg
Lebanon's Druze leader supports Hezbollah -- CNN
Lebanese Druze leader to back Hezbollah for premiership -- M&C
It is official: Jumblatt sides with Hezbollah, Syria -- Ya Liban
Hariri Seeks Lebanese Prime Minister's Office Again -- Voice of America
Saad Hariri vows to form new cabinet, defying Hezbollah -- BBC
Hariri defies opposition, seeks new term as PM -- The Daily Star
Beirut braced for street violence -- The Independent/AP
Security forces deploy around state institutions -- The Daily Star
Israel concerned about possible fallout from Lebanon government split -- Christian Science Monitor
Lebanon on the Brink -- Hillel Fradkin and Lewis Libby, Weekly Standard

Lebanon's Political Crisis Just Got Worse

Qatar And Turkey End Lebanon Talks -- Al Jazeera

Qatar and Turkey suspend mediation efforts in Lebanon after Saudi opts out and warns of worse times ahead.

Foreign ministers from Turkey and Qatar have suspended efforts to mediate Lebanon's political crisis after two days of intensive talks with rival parties that failed to clinch a breakthrough.

Their departure from Lebanon on Thursday comes one day after Saudi Arabia also decided to pull out as a mediator from the talks.

Ahmet Davutoglu, the Turkish foreign minister, and his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jaber al-Thani, said in a statement released overnight that they were leaving Lebanon after a working draft to break the impasse between Saad Hariri, Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, and Hezbollah was met with "reservations".

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More News On Lebanon's Political Crisis

Turkish, Qatari Ministers Suspend Mediation Efforts in Lebanon -- Voice of America
Hariri tribunal: Turkey and Qatar end Lebanon mediation -- BBC
Regional powers suspend effort to help Lebanon -- CNN
Turkey, Qatar halt efforts to mediate Lebanon crisis -- Jerusalem Post
Turkey, Qatar pull out of Lebanon talks -- UPI
Turkey says Lebanese parties not close to agreement -- Reuters

Saudis walk away from effort to end Lebanon's political crisis -- Washington Times
Saudi ends Lebanon mediation, says country at risk -- Reuters
Lebanon mediation fails, fear of escalation -- Emirates 24/7

Hizbullah drills military takeover of Beirut -- Jerusalem Post
Lebanon boosts security; political crisis deepens -- AP
Lebanon's Jumblatt says naming Hariri would be catastrophic -- Jerusalem Post
Hezbollah stages coup drills in Beirut as indictments loom, newspapers say -- APA

My Comment: For the moment I do not see it, but if this political crisis continues this can end up into a very small but messy civil war.

Lebanon's Polictical Crisis Continues

Saudi Ends Lebanon Mediation, Says Country At Risk -- Yahoo News/Reuters

BEIRUT (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday it had abandoned mediation efforts in Lebanon between Shi'ite Hezbollah and Sunni leader Saad al-Hariri over the killing of his father and warned that the country's future was at stake.

Regional power Saudi Arabia and Syria had worked for months to resolve a dispute between Hezbollah and Hariri over indictments in the 2005 killing of former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri, which are widely expected to accuse Hezbollah members.

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More News On The Crisis In Lebanon

Hariri tribunal: Saudi Arabia quits Lebanon mediation -- BBC
Saudi Arabia quits Lebanon mediation efforts -- Yahoo News/AFP
Saudi opts out of Lebanon talks -- Al Jazeera
UN court: Lebanon should avoid Hariri case rumors -- Yahoo News/AP
Qatari, Turkish officials start crisis talks in Lebanon -- Haaretz
Political chaos in Lebanon ravages economy, instills fear -- Washington Times
Hariri tribunal launches legal case, prompting protests in Lebanon -- Christian Science Monitor

U.N. Concludes Probe Of Hariri Assassination By Issuing Indictments

Lebanon Tribunal Prosecutor Speaks On Indictments -- Voice Of America

The chief prosecutor for the UN-backed tribunal investigating the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri said Tuesday that the indictment he filed is the first step to ending impunity in Lebanon.

Special Tribunal for Lebanon prosecutor Daniel Bellemare said the indictment filed Monday would remain under seal while pre-trial judge Daniel Fransen examines the supporting documents in the coming weeks.

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More News On The UN Hariri Indictments

UN prosecutor hails Hariri indictment -- Yahoo News/AP
Lebanon prosecutor warns against indictment speculation -- Yahoo News/AFP
Prosecutor files Hariri indictment in Lebanon crisis -- Yahoo News/Reuters
U.N. concludes probe of Hariri assassination -- Washington Post
Lebanon Probe Spurs Indictment -- Wall Street Journal
Lebanon prepares for 'the toughest week ahead' -- Washington Post
Beirut tense but calm after U.N. prosecutor files indictment -- Washington Post
Hariri tribunal: UN prosecutor issues sealed indictment -- BBC

Turkey, Qatar ministers bid to defuse Lebanon crisis -- AFP
Turks and Qataris work to help Lebanon crisis -- CNN

Hezbollah Vows Defense in Inquiry -- New York Times
Hezbollah Chief Calls for New Leadership in Lebanon -- Voice of America
Lebanon postpones talks on new government by a week -- Reuters

Lebanon's ticking timebomb -- Matthew Cassel, Al Jazeera

UN Indictments On The 2005 Assassination Of Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri Lodged

UN Lebanon Indictment Lodged; Results Sealed -- Voice of America

The prosecutor of the United Nations tribunal investigating the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri has submitted a confidential indictment to the pre-trial judge.

The indictment against suspects submitted by Daniel Bellemare will remain undisclosed until the judge approves it. The results will not be made public for six to 10 weeks.

The indictment comes as Lebanese President Michel Suleiman has postponed for a week talks on forming a new government.

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More News On The UN Indictments On The 2005 Assassination Of Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri

UN prosecutor files Hariri slaying indictment -- Yahoo News/AP
Lebanon prosecutor files Hariri killing indictment -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Prosecutor submits indictment in Hariri probe: tribunal -- Yahoo News/AFP
Hariri indictments submitted by UN prosecutors -- The Telegraph
Indictment in Hariri probe lodged -- Al Jazeera
UN Tribunal: Prosecutor Submits Indictment In Hariri Probe -- Radio Free Europe
Confidential Hariri indictment released -- UPI
Q+A: The next steps in Lebanon's road to justice -- Reuters
Factbox: Lebanon tribunal: The world's first terrorism court -- Reuters

My Comment: I guess the fun will happen when these indictments are opened.

Lebanon's Political Crisis Deepens

Lebanon In Crisis As Hariri Murder Charges Due -- ABC News Online (Australia)

Charges relating to Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri's murder are due Monday, a day after the Hezbollah leader Sayyad Hassan Nasrallah is set to address the country.

The long-awaited indictment and speech come as Lebanon faces a political crisis after the collapse of the government on Wednesday when Hezbollah and its allies resigned over the probe.

Members of the party are expected to be charged in relation to the murder.

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More News On Lebanon's Political Crisis

Lebanon's Hariri denounces Hezbollah for leaving government -- Washington Post
Hariri: Opposition has gun to my head -- Ynet News
In Lebanon, Hariri criticizes Hezbollah -- Washington Post
Arab League Calls Lebanese Crisis ‘Serious’ -- Voice of America
Lebanon's Jumblatt in Syria for crisis talks -- AFP
Jockeying begins over forming new Lebanon govt -- AFP
Hezbollah 'expected to be named in Hariri probe' -- AFP
Report: UN tribunal to link Iran's Supreme Leader with Hariri assassination -- Haaretz
Charges in Hariri murder due on Monday -- The National/AFP
Political Crisis in Lebanon Gives New Sway to Syria -- Wall Street Journal
Washington limited in bid to solve Lebanese crisis -- AFP
For Lebanese, Crisis Has Become a Way of Life -- New York Times
Timeline: Hezbollah’s Rise Amid Chaos -- New York Times

Government Collapse Plunges Lebanon Into Uncertainty

Lebanon Seeks New Government After Collapse -- BBC

Lebanon's president has asked Saad al-Hariri to stay on as a caretaker prime minister after his government was toppled by Hezbollah and its allies.

The crisis was sparked by a dispute over the UN tribunal investigating ex-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's murder.

President Michel Suleiman has started consultations over the choice of a new premier, with Mr Hariri due to return to Beirut from a visit to France.

The Arab League appealed for calm over Lebanon's "tense" security situation.

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More News On Lebanon's Political Crisis

Hariri to lead caretaker government in Lebanon -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Government fall plunges Lebanon into uncertainty -- Yahoo News/AP
Lebanon in political turmoil as govt collapses -- Yahoo News/AFP
President's office: Hariri asked to lead caretaker government -- CNN
Hariri To Continue As Lebanon's Caretaker Prime Minister -- RTT News
Political crisis shakes Lebanon -- Washington Post
Lebanon government collapses -- L.A. Times
Lebanese Government Collapses As Hezbollah Exits -- Voice of America
Beirut quiet a day after Hezbollah pullout forces collapse of Lebanon's government -- Washington Post
Lebanese coalition collapses in turmoil over probe -- Washington Times
Lebanon crisis is bid to subvert justice: Clinton -- Reuters
Clinton: Hezbollah Tribunal Move Is Transparent Effort to Subvert Justice -- Voice of America
Lacking Leverage, U.S. Grasps for a Solution in Lebanon -- New York Times
Israel troops on alert after Lebanon govt falls -- AP
Lebanon faces protracted govt crisis: analysts -- Livemint
Behind Lebanon's New Political Crisis -- Nicholas Blanford, Time Magazine
Q+A: What next for Lebanon after government collapse? -- Reuters
Hezbollah’s Latest Suicide Mission -- Thanassis Cambanis, New York Times