AP: Lebanese Mark Rafik Hariri Assassination

[Eugene]

Associated Press
Lebanese Mark Rafik Hariri Assassination
By SAM F. GHATTAS 02.14.07, 5:24 AM ET

Tens of thousands of Lebanese packed into a city square Wednesday to mark the
second anniversary of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination as the
government deployed hundreds of troops a day after bus bombings killed three people.

Troops in full combat gear and armored cars deployed in and around Martyrs' Square,
where the country's two main rival groups were present: government supporters
commemorating Hariri's death and opposition supporters continuing their daily sit-in
to demand the government's resignation.

The soldiers set up a razor wire barrier to separate the two groups, and police
conducted body searches of people arriving in the square.

Prime Minister Fuad Saniora, a longtime confidant of Hariri, prayed at his grave that lies
at one side of the square as did Hariri's sister, Bahiya, a lawmaker.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/02/14/ap3425181.html

[maddezmom]

1. let's hope it remains calm

[pampango]

2. Let it be massive. And let it be peaceful.

No bombing of your opponents as some actors in the region do.

[ohio2007]

3. bus riders were terrorized yesterday so the winners of the ralley

have succeded in keeping away many supporters who otherwise would have taken a bus to mark the Valentines day massacre

[pampango]

5. My first thought was that the opponents of Hezbollah and Syria

should do the same the next time Hezbollah schedules a demonstration. But, on second thought, I would prefer that this side not use the same murderous tactics that Hezbollah and Syria employ, i.e. bus bombing and assassination. Don't become like them in order to defeat them in the political struggle.

[The Stranger]

7. How do you know who committed the bus bombing?

Just curious.

[pampango]

8. Oh, I don't and probably never will.

If a coordinated bus bombing goes off in a Christian region the day before the rally to commemorate the assassination of a Lebanese secular leader who was opposed by Syria, let's just say it is circumstantial evidence.

Of course, the Christians could be bombing themselves, just like the Israelis do :sarcasm:, just to throw suspicion onto Hezbollah. I realize that it may be rash of me not to wait for an investigation or, at least, a claim of responsibility.

[Eugene]

4. Reuters: Lebanese turn Hariri memory into show of defiance

Lebanese turn Hariri memory into show of defiance
14 Feb 2007 14:39:58 GMT
Source: Reuters

By Yara Bayoumy

BEIRUT, Feb 14 (Reuters) - The second anniversary of former Prime Minister
Rafik al-Hariri's assassination in central Beirut was anything but a sombre
and mournful affair. The mood was one of defiance rather than grief.

Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese turned the commemoration into yet
another opportunity to finger-point at Syria and blame Lebanon's political
woes on the Hezbollah-led opposition.

Tuesday's fatal twin bus bomb explosions in a Lebanese Christian area only
served to make pro-government loyalists massed in Martyrs Square more
adamant to show up, they said.

-snip-

But two years on, the Sunni Muslim-led government's supporters, many of
whom showed up to the rally sporting red caps proclaiming "We really miss
you Hariri", also blamed Hezbollah for being at least complicit in attacks.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L14444450.htm

[brentspeak]

6. Syria gets away with murder. As usual.

[ohio2007]

9. they are only postponing their date with destiny

The UN mandated international hearings are being postponed bc the Lebanese govt hasn't been able to convene ( surprisingly ) in order to vote in favor of abiding by results of the international investigation plan.