Riots in Lebanon
29 January 2008 THERE seems to be no end to crises in Lebanon. Close on the heels of the bomb blast that killed a police officer last Friday, riots erupted in Beirut and its suburbs on Sunday, claiming seven lives so far. The clashes on the streets of the Lebanese capital were apparently a chilling throwback to the civil war years in Lebanon!
The violence spiralled out of control when the army fired at demonstrators who were protesting against chronic power cuts in several areas of Beirut. The fact that a demonstration over such seemingly innocuous issues as electricity rationing could flare up into a frenzy of violence underscores the point that Lebanon — where the constitutional deadlock is yet to be broken — is a veritable tinderbox ready to ignite. Even petty local issues could lead to a full-blown regional conflagration. So every effort should be made to avert such a disaster.
A political solution to the presidential impasse is nowhere in sight as the country, home to various sects, remains in the thrall of vested interests. Describing the situation as the "most difficult and dangerous", the Siniora government has warned that the opposition forces should not use economic or social issues to add fuel to the present crises in the country that has been functioning without a president over the past two months. On the other hand, pro-Syrian opposition groups like Hezbollah, which demand veto powers in the cabinet, are crying foul at the army's 'involvement' in the violence that has been raging over the past couple of days.
Speculation is also rife that some unaffiliated groups are responsible for the death of the Amal official in Sunday's violence. If the political groups continue to trade charges, the crises will never get resolved. Restraint is the need of the hour while the country awaits the appointment of a president and also the Arab League's report on its mediation efforts.
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