Hizbollah rally underlines Lebanese tensions

[pnutchuck]

Sorry if dupe, but can't find it on the LBN page. Just finished watching the massive demonstrations on CNN International and BBC of Hizbollah pro-Syria supporters and the crowds are enormous!

March 8, 2005 1:45 PM

Hizbollah rally underlines Lebanese tensions

By Nadim Ladki

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of pro-Syrian demonstrators have gathered in central Beirut to denounce what
they see as Western interference in Lebanon at a rally highlighting deep divisions in the country over Damascus's role.

In Damascus, a Syrian official source said Syria's promised two-stage troop pullout from Lebanon would include the
powerful intelligence services -- a key international demand.

The source gave no timetable for the total pullout but said: "This doesn't mean it won't be soon."

The gathering, called by the Shi'ite Muslim Hizbollah group and its allies, attracted Shi'ites and others from across
Lebanon to a central Beirut square only 300 metres from where opposition protesters, largely Christian, have held daily
rallies to demand a complete Syrian withdrawal form Lebanon.

Riad al-Solh square itself was flooded by Lebanese flag-waving demonstrators.

more

http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissinfo.html?siteSect=143&sid=5586536

edit: grammar

[allemand]

1. There is live video on the BBC website

Huge Beirut rally to back Syria
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4329201.stm

I hope this doesn't turn into another civil war.

[pnutchuck]

2. That's what it's looking like

the demonstrators were holding up signs saying "1559 NO" and there were thousands of them. According to the BBC live report I was watching, they said that Hizbollah are worried that if Syria is driven completely out of Lebanon then they will be forced to concede the Northern territory of Israel that has been under dispute. They see Hizbollah as an important ally in protection of Arab interests.

[Igel]

23. Ah, yes ... the Farms ... Syria's little gift

to enduring peace and tranquility.

Neat little plan to share the strife.

[tanyev]

6. W, the anti-uniter.

Fomenting war and destruction wherever he turns his attention.

[leftofthedial]

3. Now that King George has brought freedom and democracy

to the entire world, I wonder how many new fundie Islamic, anti-US countries will arise.

As these nations embrace the same basic ideology as al Qaeda, does it mean the neotheocon death cult will get their fondest wish--Armageddon (WWIII centered in the ME)?

I guess the Murkan repuke base of fascist enablers never heard the maxim "careful what you wish for; you just might get it."

[Scurrilous]

4. Hizbullah rallies in Beirut

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3055647,00.html

Despite massive pro-independence rallies in recent weeks, Hizbullah reminds the West that Syria has a support base in Lebanon

<snip>

"Tens of thousands of pro-Syrian demonstrators gathered in Beirut on Tuesday to denounce what they see as Western interference in Lebanon at a rally highlighting deep divisions in the country over Damascus's role.

The gathering, called by Hizbullah and its allies, was held just 300 metres from the central Beirut square where opposition protesters, largely Christian, have held daily protests to demand a complete Syrian withdrawal form Lebanon.

Syrian analysts say Hizbullah, not the Syrian presence in Lebanon, is the real target of the U.S. administration. Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah has vowed his organisation will never disarm.
Damascus-based political analyst Thabet Salem said he believes the Syrian withdrawal means nothing to the Americans.

"If they really cared about Lebanese sovereignty and elections they would have done something about it years ago," he said. "The important thing is Hizbollah and that's a very complex issue."


Carrying Assad's picture in Beirut

[DeaconBlues]

5. I wonder how much airplay this will get here in the States

My guess is very little. It would interfere with the narrative that Bush is bringing light and democracy to the whole world.

[leftchick]

7. Thousands Answer Hezbollah Call in Beirut

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=2&u=/ap/20050308/ap_on_re_mi_ea/lebanon_syria


BEIRUT, Lebanon - Nearly 200,000 pro-Syrian protesters waved flags, chanted and whistled in a central Beirut square Tuesday, answering a nationwide call by the militant Shiite Muslim Hezbollah group for a demonstration to counter weeks of massive rallies demanding Syrian forces leave Lebanon.

Loudspeakers blared songs of resistance and organizers handed out Lebanese flags and directed the men and women to separate sections of the square. Demonstrators held up pictures of Syrian President Bashar Assad and signs saying, "Syria & Lebanon brothers forever."


Black-clad Hezbollah guards handled security, lining the perimeter of the square and taking position on rooftops. Trained dogs sniffed for bombs.


Large cranes hoisted two giant red-and-white flags bearing Lebanon's cedar tree. On one, the words, "Thank you Syria," were written in English; on the other, "No to foreign interference."


The demonstration was in front of U.N. offices. Hezbollah opposes the U.N. resolution drafted by the United States and France last year calling for Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[RuleofLaw]

9. Really?

Please tell more

[NNN0LHI]

10. Hundreds of thousands join pro-Syria rally

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12484919-23109,00.html

CHANTING "Beirut is free, America out", hundreds of thousands of people swarmed into the Lebanese capital today for a mass rally led by Hizbollah to counter global demands for an end to Syria's domination.

"Lebanon isn't your playground," was the slogan on one poster bearing a picture of US President George W. Bush, who has been leading international calls for Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon.

Streams of buses, pick-up trucks and cars jammed highways leading to the capital where black-clad militants from the powerful Shiite Muslim movement Hizbollah joined tens of thousands crowded into the central Riad Solh Square in the heart of Beirut.

One official said the numbers could be close to one and a half million.

more

http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissinfo.html?siteSect=143&sid=5586536

Hizbollah rally underlines Lebanese tensions

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of pro-Syrian demonstrators have gathered in central Beirut to denounce what
they see as Western interference in Lebanon at a rally highlighting deep divisions in the country over Damascus's role.

In Damascus, a Syrian official source said Syria's promised two-stage troop pullout from Lebanon would include the
powerful intelligence services -- a key international demand.

The source gave no timetable for the total pullout but said: "This doesn't mean it won't be soon."

The gathering, called by the Shi'ite Muslim Hizbollah group and its allies, attracted Shi'ites and others from across
Lebanon to a central Beirut square only 300 metres from where opposition protesters, largely Christian, have held daily
rallies to demand a complete Syrian withdrawal form Lebanon.

more

[Tracer]

11. I'm not all that familiar with ...

... the political dynamics in Lebanon, but ...

when I see the protests, and all the signs are in English, my BS radar starts pinging.

[LeftistGorilla]

12. Protest is aimed...

at Americans...

[Teaser]

15. Many Lebanese speak English.

Many of the anti-Syria protesters are well off Lebanese who were educated abroad, after fleeing their country's devastating civil war.

They also are aware that they want the US's support, and preparing signs in English is good way to make sure they get it. Contrast this to the Hezbollah sign I saw this morning with a picture of Sharon on it:
"Lebanon is 'ur' grave". Clearly this is a person whose command of English leaves something to be desired.

[cyberpj]

16. Learn about Hezbollah and their history in Lebanon here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1646696#1646706

[pie]

36. Nearly 500,000 rallied in favor of Syria

I would never have guessed that possible.

[The Stranger]

34. It's not bs. The pinging is the Neocon public information machine,

that has convinced people Syria must be invaded to save the world for "democracy."

[Malikshah]

38. And the anti-Syrian signs in English from last week are BS too

BS is as BS Does.

[yodermon]

13. Internal polling in Lebanon?

Well, we've seen massive protests on both sides. Anyone know what the internal polls are for pro/anti Syria opinions w/in Lebanon? Or is such polling even possible there?

[Teaser]

14. Polling would be difficult.

However, about 55% of the population are shiite muslims, Hezbollah's popular base. It's not clear that they would all support Hezbollah's position. However, it is shiite tradition to adhere to rulings made by a religious authority, or "object of emulation" like an ayatollah. I believe Hassan Nasrullah, Hezbollah's chief is merely secretary general of Hezbollah, and not part of the marja(yat?... I forget the proper arabic form) in Lebanon. However, Nasrullah would not have made a move without clerical support.

[illflem]

17. Fux News is reporting

that the protesters were bused in from Syria. What a bunch of morons who would fall for that. Probably isn't enough buses in the entire middle-east to haul that many people.

[Teaser]

18. A load of shit. Buses were used...

to get shiites from all over Lebanon to Beirut. I'm sure some Syrian Mukhabarat (secret police) are mixed in with the protesters, but they are few in number.

A special note: look for the Mukhabarat to start some violence with anti-Syrian protesters in a few days, just to keep the situation unstable. There has already been a little of this.

[pnutchuck]

19. So glad I'm not subjected to Faux news here!!!!!

No, all of the international stations are saying that these are Labanese citizens who are pro Syrian supporters and that they were called to protest by Hezbollah. I feel so sorry for the average Americans who still think we have a free press....

[Igel]

25. Many of Yushchenko's supporters were bused into Kiev

from his base of support in the West.

I wouldn't be surprised if some, but fewer, of the Leb. opposition were bused in.

[cyberpj]

20. Thousands Answer Hezbollah Call in Beirut - AP articl

Thousands Answer Hezbollah Call in Beirut

Thousands Answer Hezbollah Call in Beirut
Mar 8, 10:18 AM (ET)
By TANALEE SMITH

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) - Nearly 500,000 pro-Syrian protesters waved flags and chanted anti-American slogans in a central Beirut square Tuesday, answering a nationwide call by the militant Shiite Muslim Hezbollah group for a demonstration to counter weeks of massive rallies demanding Syrian forces leave Lebanon.

Organizers handed out Lebanese flags and directed the men and women to separate sections of the square. Loudspeakers blared militant songs urging resistance to foreign interference. Demonstrators held up pictures of Syrian President Bashar Assad and signs saying, "Syria & Lebanon brothers forever."

Other placards read: "America is the source of terrorism"; "All our disasters are from America"; "No to American-Zionist intervention; Yes to Lebanese-Syrian brotherhood."


http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050308/D88MS4G82.html

[rodeodance]

21. Hez. is challenging America--we beat you once and will again. WHOW

they should be careful--don't they know Bush has his six-gun ready to blast them.. Seriously, this is challenge that I fear the WH will take seriously---like a few air strikes.

[rodeodance]

22. recall bush said "the trumpet of freedom is never silent"

[David__77]

24. These people are Lebanese patriots.

The anti-Syria crowd want to sell the nation to Israel and the US.

[Igel]

28. And the pro-Syrian factions like the current owners.

I especially get a kick out of Nasrallah: no foreign interference ... don't kick out Syria.

Only possible inference: Syria ain't foreign. Of course not ... Lebanon is simply part of Greater Syria, formerly part of the province of Syria. Gee, we heard that logic before ... when was it? 1991? 1990?

My guess is many more people are in the opposition than took to the streets. But Lahoud, and therefore the armed forces, support Syrian occupation. And Syria and it's puppets have disarmed all of the Lebanese militias except Hizbullah ... while actively upgrading Hizbullah's armaments.

[pnutchuck]

31. Just saw an update on CNNI and one of the protestors being interviewed

said that it was less of a pro-Syrian rally and more of an anti 1559 rally. She said that it is more broadly connected with the matters in Palestine. She said that there are over 400,000 Palestinians in Labanese refugee camps and that 1559 does not address these issues, but discounts the plight of the Palestinians.

edit: spelling

[David__77]

32. Those other militias...

...are the fascists--real fascists who give the fascist salute even--who butchered Palestinian children in the camps. It's clear that most Lebanese support the Syrian presence if it is a counterweight to prevent Israeli encroachment or the return of the Israel-funded fascist terrorists.

[Igel]

49. That would be the Christians, not the Druze.

And it wasn't even all of the Christians.

Not to mention the Sunnis.

Many players, few proven fascists.

[The Stranger]

35. Bad guess then.

My guess is many more people are in the opposition than took to the streets.

The "opposistion" and those on the streets divide the country, probably have always divided the country, thus the eternal civil wars there. The Neocon Administration wants you to think one side needs saving in order to justify an attack on Syria.

[AngryAmish]

26. Now we know where the will of the Lebanese people lay

And it is giving the finger to bush junta big time!!!

[SouthernDem2004]

39. You are mistaken. This has nothing to do with Bush. The

pro-Independence rallies have been just as large if not larger. This is not an American issue.

[Teaser]

42. If you're going to post, get your facts correct.

the largest pro-independence rally was *maybe* 100,000. More likely 70,000. This dwarfs that. Sorry. True.

[SouthernDem2004]

44. Wow, aren't we hostile... The first...

poster quoted an article that stated tens of thousands. That would not be larger then the pro-Lebanon faction. Later posters came up with the 500,000 mark. Who knows who is correct... If it is 500,000 like the later posters then yes it is larger. If it is tens of thousands like the ORIGINAL TOPIC posted then it is not. My response was to the orignal post.

[Teaser]

47. Yeah I'm hostile

where the facts are concerned. If there is one area I know well, it's the middle east. So when I see misinformation posted about what's going on I get hacked off. If you didn't mean to respond to bad info, I'm sorry, but with all the bullshit artists on here it's hard to separated the wheat from the chaff.

Lebanon is a country ready to explode. It's not even a country at all. Cheerleading for Syria to pullout is almost like cheerleading for the civil war to start up again.

[oasis]

43. "Pro-independence rallies have been just as large if not larger". ??????

:eyes: There are hundreds of thousands protesting Bush's meddleing into their affairs. They have anti-Bush posters and banners.

Where did you get your info?

[Vladimir]

27. So this is Bush's resounding victory is it?

it would be funny if it wasn't in fact tragic...

[Just Me]

29. Those of us who warned about the consequences of the neoCONs',...

,...continued unilateral bullying (and possible involvement in the assassination which incited the Lebanese people since the neoCONs' have demonstrated a willingness to engage in such SOPs) were accused of failing to support Lebanon's right to self-determination.

I wish people would get a fucking clue!!!

The neoCONs should be removed from leadership and charged/tried/convicted/serve life sentences for their abuse of power, fraud, profiteering and war crimes.

[illflem]

30. When is shit for brains going to learn

or is he creating a power vacuum in Lebanon on purpose so the US has to move in and fill it?
It's the exact same move as disbanding the military in Iraq

[cal04]

33. Nearly half a million

Nearly 500,000 pro-Syrian protesters waved flags and chanted anti-American slogans in a central Beirut square Tuesday, answering a nationwide call by the militant Shiite Muslim Hezbollah group for a demonstration to counter weeks of massive rallies demanding Syrian forces leave Lebanon

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7023538/

[Up2Late]

37. Hizbollah Draws Vast Pro-Syrian Crowds in Beirut (Reuters)

(I find it very telling that these protests, are getting only about 1 minute (after Martha Stewart) of Coverage on CNN/Headline News. NO interviews with English speaking Lebanese students, No happy close-ups, No 10-15 minutes per 1/2 hour of Coverage.:shrug: Hummmmmm? AND CNN and FOX don't seem to be covering it at all?):mad:

Tue Mar 8, 2005 11:41 AM ET

By Nadim Ladki

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Hundreds of thousands of flag-waving Lebanese flooded central Beirut on Tuesday for a pro-Syrian rally called by Hizbollah that dwarfed previous protests demanding that Syrian troops quit Lebanon.

Hizbollah chief Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah urged the Lebanese opposition to join a national unity government and reject a U.N. demand for the Syrians to leave and his own militia to disarm.

"We call ... for the formation of a government of national unity and we ask the opposition to join it," he told the rally.

Nasrallah said no one in Lebanon feared the United States, whose troops left Beirut in 1984, a few months after a suicide bomber killed 241 Marines at their headquarters in the capital.

"We have defeated them in the past and if they come again we will defeat them again," he said, drawing chants of "Death to America" from the sea of demonstrators.

President Bush again told Syria to take its hands off Lebanon before parliamentary polls due by May.

"All Syrian military forces and intelligence personnel must withdraw before the Lebanese elections for those elections to be free and fair," he said in a speech in Washington.

(more at link)
<http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7840996§ion=news>

[maddezmom]

40. CNN has had Brent Sadler on all morning

:shrug:

[Up2Late]

45. I just saw Wolfie Blitzer, doing his best to discredit the protesters...

as "Bussed in" Syrians. He also kept interrupting the Lebanese diplomat, he had on, every time he went "off message," when he tried to say this was a good thing.


I also noticed, No English speaking Lebanese Student interviews. Hummmmm?

[bemildred]

41. 500,000 join pro-Syria Beirut protest (Guardian)

Around half a million pro-Syria demonstrators took to the streets of the Lebanese capital Beirut today to protest at foreign meddling in the country's politics and to counter weeks of anti-Syrian rallies.

Scores of vehicles converged on the city for the demonstration organised by Hizbullah, the Shia group backed by Iran and Syria. Loudspeakers blared rousing songs of resistance, organisers handed out Lebanese flags and black-clad Hizbullah guards lined the perimeter of the central square and took position on rooftops. Speakers on a platform led chants of "Beirut is free! America get out!"

Large cranes in the centre of the city hoisted two giant white and red flags bearing Lebanon's cedar tree symbol. On one, the words "Thank you Syria" were written in English, on the other "No to foreign interference".

"We have come here to affirm Lebanon's independence, sovereignty and unity ... and say no to the flagrant foreign interference in our affairs," said cabinet minister Talal Erslan, raising huge cheers from the demonstrators. He added the crowd had gathered "to affirm our gratitude to Syrian president Bashar Assad".

Guardian UK

[malaise]

46. MSM can't fool

the world. Tha was a massive pro - Syrian protest - way more people than the anti-Syrian rallies. Did you see those aerial shots?

[oasis]

48. Chimpy was so eager to pat himself on the back that he forgot to ask

how people in the region felt about his meddling into their affairs.

:dunce: The stupid bastard.