Hussein Dakroub| The Daily Star BEIRUT: Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri pledged Sunday to fight what he termed “a minority of extremists” who are seeking to drive Muslims into a confrontation with Christians in Lebanon and the region. Hariri, who returned to Lebanon Friday after more than three years abroad for security reasons, held… اقرأ المزيد
BEIRUT: The Lebanese Army tightened its grip around Arsal Thursday after Islamist militants withdrew from the northeastern town, taking with them captive soldiers, according to officials. Meanwhile, Cabinet approved the recruitment of 11,000 security personnel in a major boost for the Army in its battle against terrorism. A cease-fire went into effect Thursday, ending… اقرأ المزيد
ARSAL, Lebanon: The conflagration in Arsal appeared close to a conclusion Wednesday as militants began their withdrawal under a cease-fire agreement with the Lebanese Army that came after a four-day siege aimed at liberating the northeastern border town. Fighters who pledge allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria, an Al-Qaeda… اقرأ المزيد
There are several versions of what happened in Arsal last Saturday. But whichever one applies, the Army must avoid being drawn into the Syrian conflict and taking one side against the other. It will not be able to manage the consequences. For example, what Michel Aoun proposed on Tuesday is precisely what Lebanon should not… اقرأ المزيد
Lebanese soldiers on armored vehicles drive toward Arsal, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014. (The Daily Star/Mohammad Azakir) ARSAL, Lebanon: A temporary cease-fire in Arsal was shattered late Tuesday night after two Army posts on hills overlooking the Bekaa town came under fire by militants, putting the truce attempts in jeopardy, security sources said. As… اقرأ المزيد
ARSAL, Lebanon: The Lebanese Army pressed ahead Monday with its campaign against Islamist militants entrenched in Arsal, regaining control of a barracks and a strategic hill overlooking the northeastern town, in a third day of ferocious fighting that threatened to further drag Lebanon into the fire next door. Showing solidarity with the Army’s battle against… اقرأ المزيد