In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

toby hill, carrollton, texas — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:45:44 GMT

You in the media are fools. The Hezbos didn't "seize" anything, they just ran around firing guns and killing 14 people. Chicago lost more in 24 hours than Beirut in 3 days. If the Hezbos had control they wouldn't be giving it back to the Army, would they? They have no command structure so anything they are able to take gets returned to the owners in due time.
This little incident won't get them any further within the government.
Once again, this was gang activity, nothing more, nothing less.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Sherly, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:56:14 GMT

I am a Lebanese living in Los Angeles. I dont usually envolve myself in the politcs of Lebanon, but this time i feel like i have to say something. It is very sad to watch such a beautiful place suffer like Lebanon is suffering. There are so many people who are caught in the cross fire of all the politcal parties. This one wants to take revenge on that one, and so on and so forth. There are people who just want to live there lives in peace, and yet they have to live with the ignorance that surrounds them.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

me — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:00:35 GMT

What? Did Hezbollah get bored with attacking Jews, and decided to try Sunnis just for kicks?

A terrorist organization is a terrorist organization.. even if it tries to pass itself off as a political party.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Samia Qumri, Amman, Jordan — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:26:03 GMT

Now what!!! this is the question who to turn to our leaders or goverments each backed by an external power or force..the region is boiling and about to explode and no one is doing anything..so no one can blame the people who are desperate they are acting and moving into the streets, simply because they want to live..

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Joe. wall — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:36:16 GMT

ISRAEL, SYRIA and IRAN all have an interest in causing havoc in LEBANON.. its a shame that such a beautiful ittle country like Lebanon has to be used by these countries to carry out their own misdeeds.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Doug El Paso, Texas — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:37:11 GMT

This is a preview of the future of Iraq. This is the result of letting an armed militia fester unchecked in a country. Why the madhi army and others like it were allowed to retain thier weapons is beyond comprehension.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Doris Vician, Albuquerque, NM — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:55:00 GMT

The Middle East in more turmoil as religious groups fight for power again. The British tried, unsucessfully during the Lawrence of Arabia era, to unite this area. Same old, same old ever since. It is the average person who suffers. Too bad we can't all try to negotiate issues peacefully instead of resorting to guns, bombs and other weapons.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

W.W. Terry — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:19:23 GMT

How much better the world would be if that idiot James Earl Carter (ex US president) in 1979 hadn't stopped the Iranian generals from seizing power and arresting the fundamentalist wack job Kolamenie. Instead we have Muslim fundamentalists fighting wars around the world so everybody can go back and live in the 7th Century herding goats. Absolutely insane.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Joseph Klerschner — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:51:28 GMT

It's not the fault of Middle Eastern people. Western countries just like poke their big, fat noses in the middle of everywhere. That's where all the problems start; unfortunately, no one will want to admit this fact.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Irwin, CA — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:53:26 GMT

Smells like U.S. influence, as we stir up another fire in an area that doesn't need anymore. Let's see that's Hamas in control, Sadr soon to be dominant in Iraq and now Hezbollah close to taking over. The U.S. will be 0 for 3 soon. Have to wait another 8 months and hope Bush doesn't attack Iran! The U.S. is going to hell in a handbacket quickly. If the people elect McSame there'll be more of this turmoil and our country's REAL problems won't be addressed. People, it's still not too late

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Mike, Denver CO — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:05:41 GMT

I fear that this outbreak will become the catalyst for the U.S. attacking Damascus, Tehran, or both as George W. Bush's swan song in office...

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Frankie — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:40:12 GMT

Well this isn't even close to the job Israel did on Lebanon two summers ago. If we recall they bombed most of the infastructure. They should have just left their communications network alone. None of this would have happened. Same way they tried to crack down on the Mehdi Army during a cease fire. Now look what happened in Iraq.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Henry Sarria, Isla Vista, CA — Fri, 09 May 2008 23:13:03 GMT

Hezbollah, Hamas, Black September 1970's), Al-Quaeda, Taliban, what do they ALL have in common, other than being anti-Israel, anti-US, anti-ANYONE who doesn't toe their line? The answer is TERROR. These are terrorists groups of then & now that are only into the destruction of progress & the prospect of people just getting along. All they know is thuggery & thievery, have no problem in coercing their fellow countrymen/women & assasinate anyone with the prospect of peace as "collaborators." Yeah, right, this is who the average Muslim wants running their show in the Middle East. I don't think so. People of reason & tact want those groups out because w/ those groups around NOBODY wins. Stop[ complaining about Israel & look @ where the problem(s) really is/are!
All these groups know is death, destruction & doomsday, sounds like a cult to me.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

A.J. Iwaz — Fri, 09 May 2008 23:13:41 GMT

As a Lebanese, I am crying for the Lebanese peoplewho are the ones really suffering. I wish the civilized World would get rid of the cancer H.A. for once and all. To destroy H.A., we need to deal with Iran who is the real axis of evil in Middle East.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Nour, Boston, MA — Fri, 09 May 2008 23:17:34 GMT

Enough is enough. Lebanon and Lebanese can not take it anymore. I am a Lebanese living in the US and I live with a great nostalgia to my beautiful country every day, I miss Beirut, Beirut is a great city with great history, I miss my fellow citizens, their values and traditions, their generosity, and their love to life, their strength and faith in God, what I really don't miss is our politicians from all sides, all religions, they are all liers, they all betrayed the country and the citizens they voted for them. They should all go, we have plenty of Lebanese living abroad smart, educated, successful, believe in Democratie and practice it every day and believe in their country, its solidarity, independence and the right to be FREE.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Rebecca — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:30:14 GMT

I just wish they would get their heads screwed on straight. Enough is enough. I just wish they would get their crap together because I was supposed to travel there in 2 weeks....but no, the idiots have to ruin it for everyone else......GROW UP!!!!!

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Zahle, SLH, NJ — Sat, 10 May 2008 01:37:00 GMT

Hezbollah is destroying Lebanon. God bless Saad Hariri in his attempts to help Lebanon regain stability.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Benny Rook, Scranton, PA — Sat, 10 May 2008 02:18:51 GMT

There is a new evil empire - the Iranian empire. Iran and all its proxies will need to be confronted and defeated by the United States

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

mot, Michigan — Sat, 10 May 2008 02:40:29 GMT

W.W. Terry

Are you so sure it was President Carter?

"The British tried, unsucessfully during the Lawrence of Arabia era, to unite this area. Same old, same old ever since."

Or maybe it was the Protestant reformation when all this started.

Or was it the Crusades?

Or did the Muslims start it with spreading the Quaran by the sword?

Did the Romans start it by tossing the Christians to the lions?

Or was it a case of drunk driving on Dionysus day?

The point here is, this kind of crap has been going on for thousands of years.

To blame the state of the world on one person is just ignorant.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Billy Berger, Irvine, CA — Sat, 10 May 2008 02:42:56 GMT

My gracious and very hardworking neighbors are Lebanese. They love their family, their place in our community and love their homeland, Lebanon. But because of the insistent fighting and terrorist who claim they are liberating the people, it will only drive the Lebanese people apart, not bring them together.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Suzie, Orange County — Sat, 10 May 2008 02:49:02 GMT

ENOUGH already. I am so SICK of trying to visit my innocent grandmother and having to cancel because of these ignorant barbaric bullies. I wish they would disappear. Poor people of Lebanon.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

J.J. Sure — Sat, 10 May 2008 03:28:53 GMT

It is amazing how a terrorist organization like Hezbollah will do anything to serve their masters, Iran and Syria. They are thugs, and led by a thug (Nasrallah) who is paid handsomely by the Iranians and Syrians. Being pro-American is nothing to be ashamed of, but being a subservient to Iran and Syria certainly is. Terrorizing the Lebanese people and destroying Lebanon is what Hezbollah is good at. Damn them!

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Nassib, Weimar, Germany — Sat, 10 May 2008 08:22:11 GMT

Has anyone noticed that Iran suggested to stop it's back up to Hizbollah and other groups in Iraq and Palastine in exchange to open negotiations about it's nuclear program? Being a Chess board Lebanon will never see prosperity and stability before Israel, Syria, Iran, EU, America, Palastine, and I don't know who else have found solutions for their debates....It's a pity, it's simply a pity...

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

rocky,waco,tx — Sat, 10 May 2008 08:41:50 GMT

bravo ww terry, jimmys mistakes will be with us a long time this one 30 years. he did more to sabotage US foreign policy than all prezs before or after him. didnt he just recently meet with hamas this nerdnever met a despot or dictator he didnt love! we should have retaliated for marine barracks bombing reagans mistake we should have helped israel crush hezbollah once @ for all in 2006,maybe syria should have remained there not aperfect solution bit violence was down while they were there.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Tish, West Texas, Texas — Sat, 10 May 2008 10:18:14 GMT

I work with a doctor from Lebanon, and I have seen his agony as his country is torn apart. Please know that we are praying for the victims of this terrible conflict.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Simon Johnston, Dunedin, New Zealand — Sat, 10 May 2008 12:41:32 GMT

WQOW. I see much ignorance and assumption in the comments above. Toby in Texas: they absolutely have a command structure. They attack government forces mainly because the US has encouraged the Lebanese government to take away any sense of empowerment of the Lebanese people. They give the areas back because they don't want more killing - just their country back. And W.W Terry - you're talking about the Taliban, not Lebanon. Not all Arabs are the same, just as not all white, or black people have the same faults. Guess who has the most to gain from Arabs killing each other? AMERICA & ISRAEL.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Curats et Industria — Sat, 10 May 2008 13:27:57 GMT

Allowing Hesbolah thugs to continue is indeed poor political judgment. Most of the Militants don't even know what they truley want- only what their Clerics tell them. The Arab world still runs on ancient tribal, family and hate alliences. That has not changed since the Sons of Abraham.... Islam even has changed history to hide the lies that it feeds its faithful. Like Jesus was never crucified. The external evidence is so overwhelming, that another look into the relaibility of the Quran is needed. If the Hesbolah is fighting over a lie, maybe the truth will stop the fighting.
I suggest Hesbolah (and Militnat Islam) rethink its positions. Violence over the last 1000 years has not changed anything. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.
I suggest that Islam (the Quran) has placed unreasonable demands on its believers- and the Modern world has so contrasted those differences with truth (fidelity to the original) that the Islamic peoples are angry- and are acting out their anger..... Wouldn't you be frustrated and angry if you found out that the book you bellieved in was a lie, and that the fighting you were involved in will never end because some Cleric would just call another jihad in the name of whomever? Insane.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Eli, Derry NH — Sat, 10 May 2008 13:33:34 GMT

Hezbollah has been asked by Iran to stir trouble in Lebanon, cause Iran wants to turn Lebanon into an islamic state, which will never happen anyways. Last time it was Israel and sadly a lot people supported Hezbollah with its fight. Now they are fighting other Lebanese and killing Lebanese people. This time Hezbollah is gonna make an enemies locally and across the world and i think it's time to get rid this cancer that has been growing in Lebanon forever.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

sam bennington,atlanta,ga — Sat, 10 May 2008 14:11:31 GMT

here we go again!iran,syria and the hizboos,right here on their stage once again.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

real african, tanzania — Sat, 10 May 2008 14:48:40 GMT

Eventually everybody is gonna feel the heat of the power of islam, including Barack Obama who thinks a softer approach will make America strong. He is very much wrong and misinformed because Hamas, Hezbollah, al qaida, iran, taliban and all their muslim supporters have got an agenda of islamizing and dominating the world by all means including force. They use politics to just fool people like Obama and Jimmy carter.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Nasir Abbas — Sat, 10 May 2008 15:09:23 GMT

nasrullah you are the bravest man of the world.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

sammydog — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:48:58 GMT

Once we are off the "OIL" all this will go away

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

S J , Ottawa , canada — Sat, 10 May 2008 17:16:01 GMT

Unfortunately,that litle peice of heaven on earth called Lebanon fell in the wrong place. They call them selves leaders of the 21st century by promoting
hatred,and access of evil acts of vicious violence among lebanese.Those on the inside and the outside rather should they examine their heads before bringing the country back to cave man. Captain of the ship never dig a hole in his boat thank you.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Jafamaru — Sat, 10 May 2008 18:08:36 GMT

Deja vu:

1. Japan attacked pearl Harbor.
Result: Japanese americans were put in camps.

2. Native americans wanted their land back, Just like the cheif said at a rally in South Dakota" Every single star and stripe of the american flag is a land that once belonged to Us."
Result= Got small plots of land back.

3. Queen Lilakiluani of Hawaii was kicked out by the american goverment becuase of economic reasons.

What I Am trying to say is America is a great country, But do many of you know how many countless injustices this country had to overcome to become what it is? When the first Immigrants came here they were Irish, Then you had the Italians come here and get roughed up by the Irish cops, becuase of discrimniation. Then during the progressive era women wanted a more assertive role in society as well as african americans, because they had less privlages then the common caucasion man.

My main point in connecting this to the middle east is, You can't asuume all people Who are from the Middlle east to be what the media portrays them as. And if america had any involvment in the middle east right now its not because of establishing democracy, its because of them getting something return, Oil. The middle east is filled with cenururies of cutrual diffusion of cultures and Ideas, so you can't go there and solve problems by blowing everyone up. It's like microsurgery, you gotta know whose who. The taliban and alqueda are bad guys, and the most scary thing is everyone thinks as soon as osama is captured all this is going to end. But look at the Iraq war saddam was captued and did the conflict end there? I just wish the shites would stop trying to establish superiorrity over sunnis and realize something is real weird going on in their sect of the religon. I hope all this mess clears up in lebonan.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Yoni Maaleh Adumin Israel — Sat, 10 May 2008 19:01:22 GMT

ISRAEL's interest is in a peaceful & sane LEBANON. Do NOT lump it together with Islamic fundementalists like SYRIA and IRAN

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

J. nabulsi — Sat, 10 May 2008 19:38:14 GMT

Hezbollah is and will remain a terrorist organization. Hassan Nisrallah is the new dictator of Lebanon much the same as Saddam Hussein but it won't last long. it is a matter of time before he will meet the same fate...

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Carol Taylor — Sat, 10 May 2008 19:53:52 GMT

I cry for Lebanon. Once called the Paris of the Middle East, it is surrounded by enemies who would bring it to its knees. They would all like to have control of it for its position on the Mediterranian and its fertile valley. If Lebanon is lost to Syria and Iran, the US will lose too. We need to help this beleaguered nation, not just support it by words.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Paul, Baltimore, MD — Sat, 10 May 2008 20:36:46 GMT

How much better the world would be if conservtives realized that supporting oppressive dictators like the Shah of Iran and his SAVAK is a recipe for hatred of the West, civil war, and the rise of terrorism. Imperialist stupidity.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Esam Samara — Sat, 10 May 2008 22:30:18 GMT

The Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Mahdi army in Iraq and Hamas in Palestine won't allow the US and Israel to have the last word in their region.
The Middle East is their turf, not the US, and as such they have the right to fight off foreign influence.
I want to congratulate all these groups for making life a hell for all those Arabs who have sold their souls to the devil USA.
The vast majority of the Middle East is on their side and one way or another they'll implement their own type of democracy to make sure the voice of the people, and not the US, is heard.
I hope with all my being that these are the type of resistance groups that will replace all the corrupt Arab leaders found in every Arab country.
Inshallah!!!

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

anonymas, Ottowa, Ontario — Sat, 10 May 2008 22:44:24 GMT

A lot of you Americans say that the Hezbollah are attacking the government but what about when U.S. backed Isreal invaded Lebanon was that not a terrorist act.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

T. Macinski, St. Charles, Missouri — Sat, 10 May 2008 23:21:47 GMT

The problem of Lebenon today has outgrown the original circumstances that led to the US invasion in 1958 and interventions in later times. A stable government there is impossible now. Only outside forces can gain an enforced truce, and then only with large scale intervention and great cost. But who wants that job?

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Observer — Sat, 10 May 2008 23:46:49 GMT

A pity that the Christian part of Lebanon is not a seperate and independent entity. Then they would be able to improve their situation to a greater extent.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Ed Ott, Seattle, Washington — Sat, 10 May 2008 23:46:49 GMT

The age old jealousy between Ishmael and Isaac is not going away. Those who know understand and accept why. Disagreement between the Islamic factions will continue until their unity is needed. Once united Ishmael's children will fulfill their destiny. Maybe before or during the last week. In any event, their greatest expectation will never come about. Only the remnant of Ishmael that are faithful will walk in Palestine. The younger will rule over the older. Men are not needed to bring peace to the Middle East, but rather to deceive us into believing that we can. Peace is not yet a blessing to all of Abraham's children, but will be.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

lyn n/a — Sun, 11 May 2008 00:33:04 GMT

Americans are angels, everybody we kill are terrorists but everything others who are not on our side does are terrorist acts. It is very sad though when we do not know the truth.
why do we support return of all other persons to their homes except the Palestinians? The rest of the world is sick but Istael is our friend and does no wrong.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Sam — Sun, 11 May 2008 02:39:10 GMT

It's time the government of Lebanon and the United States recognize Hizbulloah as a legitimate power in Lebannon. They stood against the powerful army of Israel and held their own, the shaky governmnet of Lebanon is no match for Hizbulloah. We have all seen that Hizbollah has better communication, support among the Arab world and Lebanese people and it seems like they can take over at any point they want. Dialogue and peace is the only way to restore democracy.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

H.R.S. Huron SD — Sun, 11 May 2008 02:54:15 GMT

I say pull all American troups give the region 24 hours to straiten out. Give Iran 24 hours also to stop proviveding arms and to arest all terroist groups. And if they don't make any inprovements within those 24 hours fly and drop lititure over all major cities giving 24hours notice to leave because we are giving thier goveerment the nukes they want so bad but we are sending them via the air with the war heads armed. Then let the rest of the region know if fighting don't stop in the rest of the the countries and there leaders don't get together for peace talks within 1 week after the warning they could suffer the same faith. As for the al Quiada give Osoma and his terrist group 48 hours to surrender or we will melt the mountains that they are holed up in. The U.S.A. needs to stop pussy footing around with these groups and show them we mean to take them and the countries that alows to walk freely around off the face of the earth.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Felix Delgado, Phoenix, AZ — Sun, 11 May 2008 03:36:14 GMT

Come on, does anyone really expect peace in Lebanon. We have the Israelis, Americans, Iraqis, Iranians, and Syrians all trying to infuence the Lebanese government. It's time the lebanese people stood up and kicked out all the meddling foreigners and rule their own country.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

General Lemay — Sun, 11 May 2008 05:25:19 GMT

Somebody please get tickets for Uncle Jimmy (Jimmy Carter) to go there and broker a peace. Who knows, he might be able to get them to stop shooting at each other long enough to remember to keep hating Israelis.
If we are lucky, Uncle Jimmy will take Al Sharpton with him. Maybe they could stay awhile. Hint

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

luis villa pflugerville, tx — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:12:48 GMT

These are the most stupid people in the world letting themselves used by some politicians for their own greed of power. SHAME. They like to kill each other anyways, so let it be.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Andrew Zellar, Washington, DC — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:13:30 GMT

Me is an idiot. So is WW Terry.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Samar, Beirut, Lebanon — Sun, 11 May 2008 07:01:16 GMT

The main problem in the Middle East is the direct interference of the US which backs up sunni countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The others (Christian and Shiaa) will normally feel threatened and will react in this way. If you see this only in Lebanon it is because it is the only country that has not a dictatorial regime and where freedom of expression - and manifestation - is respected. Note that a survey conducted by a organization in the US shows that Nasrallah of Hisbullah is the number one leader in the Arab countries. Does this ring a bell dear readers?

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Sam R. — Sun, 11 May 2008 07:41:18 GMT

A society that cannot respect itself cannot expect to be respected by the rest. The world is watching Lebanese with sorrow, how low can we go we Lebanese?
I am proud to become an American and be treated with dignity and respect anywhere I go in the US and feel ashamed of my Lebanesity.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Mirna — Sun, 11 May 2008 11:06:22 GMT

In the media it says that the hezballah first started this by striking for "price raises in their wages" that is absolutely not true just to get that out there. The Hezballah are the dirties people in the world and need to be stopped immediatly. Its not fair for such a beautiful country to be suffering because of these Hezballah followers who think they have all authority to do as they please. Nobody wants them in Lebanon, no one wants them to rule Lebanon, except for the low lifes just like them in Syria and Iran.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Lubnani — Sun, 11 May 2008 11:08:40 GMT

Toby Hill, do your research because the "Hezbo's" Seized all of Beirut and ran innocent people right out of their homes. People are afraid to drive their cars down the streets. Just because more people got killed in Chicago in less time doesn't mean or prove anything. The destruction in Lebanon is far worse.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Shereen, Beirut, Lebanon — Sun, 11 May 2008 12:20:12 GMT

All those who make undesirable discriminative comments about Hizbollah are learning the ignorance from those so called "leaders" who are making the same comments...Hizbollah fights for freedom and peace and is not a "terrorist" as u speak.Where are all those Lebanese civilians that have been crying for years about the poor economic situation of Lebanon where they are not able to feed or send their kids to school?You speak about prejudice, where all of you are of prejudice yourselves...All religious sects of Lebanon--all Lebanese are sick of the government & the unwillingness to actually listen to the people.They do as they are being "TOLD"!WAKE UP! We are Lebanese... we will never die- if YOU TRULY BELIEVE IN WHO WE ARE! Lebanon is a beautiful country,but those around it, want it destroyed.

The outside media shows hizbollah as terrorists,& there are so many misconceptions of the world against them. What is the Lebanese government doing for its people, other than killing it slowly? Who else will stick up for Lebanon other than Hizbollah? Please show the true realities of the world...where innocent people are being killed on the Arab streets of Palestine , Iraq and Lebanon. They only speak of Iran or Syria supporting Hizbollah, but what about Israel and other governments supporting the Lebanese government in killing its country slowly and miserably? Where is the world today?

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

G.D.M. PLATO.MISSOURI — Sun, 11 May 2008 12:27:58 GMT

Look the U.S. can not police the world and should not.As a retired Army Veteran the middle east is inportant but the fight is in Afganistan thay want and need our help let these other countrys figger out there own path. Britan could not make the world Britan and we cant make it into the U.S..SO lets spend money to help starving people and if there goverment gets in our way lets stomp there govt I have not seen much of this going on . SO why fight wars over a type of goverment a country has.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Susan; New Jersey — Sun, 11 May 2008 13:43:27 GMT

This is a respond to Toby from Texas:

You call this a "little incident"?? How many of these "little incidents" are we going to continue having? Day by day, casualites in Lebanon are mounting and the country continues to deteriorate. I think we have suffered enough. This is why our country will never stablize, because of these so called "little incidents".

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

jane, LA — Sun, 11 May 2008 14:04:47 GMT

all people want is peace and peace can only be brought about if people are listened to... i think israel is the one which starts off creating situations and then blaming hezbollah for the bloodshed that follows...president ahmedinejad is so right when he says that israel shud be wiped off from the face of the earth!!!

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Ruba M, Beirut, Lebanon — Sun, 11 May 2008 14:50:29 GMT

I, a resident of Beirut, also want peace in my beloved Lebanon. I want to go 2 work without worrying about a crazy sniper blowing up my head. I want to walk the streets without the sight of tanks at every corner.I am tired of this Power Struggle.Yes, that's all it is my dear.Power Play!

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Mikebarr, Valparaiso IN — Sun, 11 May 2008 16:32:20 GMT

Well said W.W., Carter was a total disaster as a President. We continue to pay in blood and money for his stupidity.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

anthony,anaheim,california — Sun, 11 May 2008 16:54:56 GMT

lebanese living in Los Angeles..the hezbos worked out a deal with the government.the army will disintegrate upon fighting them,so best to do stand still and act like u re doing something.why will it split?because of predominantly shiites soldiers.they sympathize with the hezbos.if israel couldn't wipe them off people,think about it..noone can..the us shouldn't be involved in the whole region anymore,and instead focus on the social and economic issues here at home..screw them all.they re bunch of barberics.they all want to be in power..

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

nataly,chicago.IL — Sun, 11 May 2008 17:01:16 GMT

if hezballah is realy made a coup as PM Senirora and follish arab media saying what let them to returned it back, it is very stupied if underlined arab states thinks, could they do any thing for lebanon, for sure no, they just talk and talk, if I were Amro Musa, i should resigned bcz he is killing all his nice history.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

rey — Sun, 11 May 2008 18:09:15 GMT

THIS IS ALL RESULT OF THE BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL MISTAKE OF THE 20TH CENTURY>> THE CREATION OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL<<<

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

T, Jerusalem, Israel — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:48:22 GMT

To the Lebanese people,
A blessing. " May G-D protect you the Christians (I know how much you have suffered!) the Muslims and the Druse and others from the violence that is being foced on you." I am sorry that the ugly cancer of Islamic Jihad is destroying your country yet again.

We are all praying for you.

T, an Israeli and a Jew.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

joebme goldsboro n.c. — Sun, 11 May 2008 20:15:57 GMT

once again we proved that a little action or no action just gets more violence

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

iman los angeles california — Sun, 11 May 2008 21:38:09 GMT

i dont know what to say i'm speachless now .i have to say somthing about seeing my beloved home burning ..lebanese people just wake up ur burning your owne country .this is not us all thw world knows syria and iran after all this too bad sahme on you guys

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

iman los angeles california — Sun, 11 May 2008 21:45:30 GMT

i'm lebanese guy i live in california i hate politics but i have to say somthing about whats going on now .i'm speachless i cant imagine how tyeh can burinig their own beloved country shame on you hezballa..shame on syria and iran shame on all lebanese people they will support them ..god bless lebanon

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Tony Fernandes — Sun, 11 May 2008 22:45:54 GMT

Mr W Terry that was one of the cleverest things anyone has ever said the biggest imbecile president that the U S ever had was indeed Jimmy Carter - and this fool is still going around causing even more problems. Imagine if he had stopped those fanatics in Iran there would be a lot more peace.

Tony B

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Tony Fernandes — Sun, 11 May 2008 22:46:26 GMT

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

L.Garden, Cayucos, CA — Sun, 11 May 2008 23:26:17 GMT

The ignorance of most of the previous commenters is astounding! Especially the comments about of WW Terry. He doesn't even know the actual name of the Iranian Ayatollah that led Iran's fundamentalist Islamic revolution in 1978-9 -- Ruhollah Khomeini!

What's totally amazing is that -- in this day and age of doing Google searches for info -- by simply writing in the subject that U want to learn/know about -- commenters on the Web to current topics -- in this case, Lebanon -- are still stuck in their ignorant, if not stupid, fantasies or paranoia.

For all readers who have gotten this far -- the demographics of Lebanon have dramatically changed since the beginning/middle/end of the 15 yr civil war -- 1975-1990. The Lebanese Shiite community now composes about 45% of Lebanon's total population. The various Lebanese Christian groups are about 30% of Lebanon's population. The Sunni's constitute about 15%, the Druze about 5%, other minorities the remaining 5%. Hezbollah is not just a political party and resistance to the Israel militia, it is a social welfare provider and grass-roots community organizer/Shiite religious support group. Along with Amal, Hezbollah is the elected political groups representing the Lebanese Shiites. Allied with them in opposition to the pro-US and pro-Saudi Arabia political stooges who run the Lebanese govt is Lebanese Christian Michel Aoun's political party -- which won a majority of the Lebanese Parliament seats from Christian areas. If U add the portion of the Lebanese Christians who support Michel Aoun (roughly 60% of the Lebanese Christian community, equal to 18% of Lebanon's total population) to the Lebanese Shiite community, and those parts of the Lebanese Druze community allied with Hezbollah, U get a political coaliton that equal 65% of Lebanon's total population. THEY represent the majority in Lebanon -- not the pro-US Govt stooges currently pretending to be Lebanon's govt the Bush White House manipulated into office.

Yesterday, the Associated Press published an article that quotes "senior U.S. State Dept officials" stating that since 2003, the US has poured over $1.5 BILLION -- that's BILLION -- into Lebanon to prop up its pro-USG politicians since they took office. Those "State Dept officials" are now lamenting that all of that money went to waste, after all. The U.S. Defense Dept now quietly admits that it secretly funneled over $400 million into Lebanon as "walking money" to bribe parts of the Lebanon electorate and political parties into supporting a pro-USG anti-Syria regime in their Parliamentary elections 4 yrs ago.

All of that is taxpayers monies -- almost $2 BILLION, being paid out by the neocon morons who control the White House and US govt. simply to put in a pro-USG regime in Lebanon -- that is barely holding on to office after 4 yrs. And, all the while, US citizens like the idiots who have commented above, are are in a neocon ispired parnoid dither over "Moslem terrorist" -- not realizing -- or caring -- that their hard-earned monies being paid in taxes are being given out and wasted by the mindless Republican neocon morons who control the USG -- simply to prop up some pro-USG political stooges for a few yrs while Bush is in office -- political stooges who don't represent either the interests or views of the majority of the population of their country. In this case, its Lebanon. One can easily substitute Iraq or Afghanistan or Pakistan -- and get the same formula, and the same disastrous results.

Wise up folks, and lets get back to the kind of realistic, rational, SUSTAINABLE U.S. foreign policies that guided ALL post-Vietnam Presidencies prior to George Bush, regardless of political parties -- from Gerald Ford in 1975 to Bill Clinton in 2000. The world foreign policy professionals are right in being disgusted at the ignorance and stupidity of American opinions regarding the Middle East, represented by most of the commenters above.

The only commenters above who are right on target are those who talk about how beautiful a place Lebanon is and the Lebanese people are. After Reagan realized how disastrous was his decision to substitute American soldiers occupying Beirut for Israeli soldiers -- and pulled out those US troops after Hezbollah and other anti-US Lebanese groups bombed the American Embassy and Marine base -- the US policy towards Lebanon was -- "lets allow the Lebanese and the Arab League to sort out their problems among themselves." And they did. The current problems are because Bush/Cheney and company, and the USG apparatus that they control -- CHANGED that policy and has been manipulating Lebanese politics for the past 6 yrs.

The bottom line: LET THE LEBANESE SORT OUT THEIR PROBLEMS BY THEMSELVES. THEY WILL DO SO, AND THE HEZBOLLAH/AMAL/MICHEL AOUN COALITION WILL EVENTUALLY TAKE OVER LEBANON'S GOVT WITH A MAJORITY VOTE FROM THE POPULATION -- BY FREE, DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS, UNTAINTED BY HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF USG DOLLARS AS BRIBE MONIES AND OTHER USG/CIA MANIPULATIONS. THE LEBANESE SUNNI AND DRUZE COMMUNITY ARE REALISTS -- ALL LEBANESE ARE REALISTS -- AND WILL NEGOTIATE THEIR OWN PLACE IN THE NEW ORDER.

Then, if Israel gives back the Shabaa Farms area of Lebanon that still occupy, peace and prosperity will once again return to Lebanon.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

samo — Mon, 12 May 2008 01:06:22 GMT

i'm a lebanese citizen i belive that our government is backed by the western countries and we live in a region that is full of totalitaries regimes like iran and syria and what happened lately in lebanon is just the only way they can express , only violence , we the reg people what can we do we think that the us and other countries shouldnt wait untill we are slaughtered and half of the people are dead so they finally interfere ,they should move quicly or it will be too late , and this is not the first time that we bet on the u.s and we get disappointed.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

Ramzi, Madion — Mon, 12 May 2008 03:51:48 GMT

Iran is the problem in Lebanon, in Iraq and Gaza. Through it's alliance with Syria the have been able to ruin the entire region. It is key that the regime is sized down, destroyed or changed. Sooner would be cheaper in terms of life and money. Nothing will change for the better until the Iranian regime is changed or weakened.

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

kj, santa monica — Mon, 12 May 2008 03:55:19 GMT

The situation in Lebanon has been unstable for the better part of the last 30 years. The infrastructure of the "Lebanese" government is so corrupt and pro-Syrian, that nothing short of US intervention will help this country. I was there when Harirri was killed in 2005, and the instability of the country has only increased since then. I played professional basketball on courts guarded by Lebanese militia with loaded AK-47's..Something has to be done for the people..for the most beautiful country in the world

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

kj, santa monica — Mon, 12 May 2008 03:56:49 GMT

In Beirut, gunfire and thunder make for an eerie mixture

ED — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:54:11 GMT

This is part serious- an attempt by Hisballah to show it's stronger than the lebanese army (it is indeed), and thereby force an increase in the Shia representation in parliament and other institutions. It's also a side show meant to tell other countries to get off the track, and not follow (Ex President Rafik) Hariri's assassins into Syria's leadership.