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| Middle East |
| Lebanon, Syria Cracking Down on Militants to Appease U.S.? |
| 2002-09-11 |
| In what appears to be an attempt to placate the United States, Lebanon and Syria are cracking down on radical militant groups in the Levant. However, the move inadvertently will strengthen mainstream political-militant groups, like Hezbollah, which remain a source of U.S. concern. I hate it when that happens... Why do you say that? Firefights broke out Sept. 5 when Lebanese troops besieged a Palestinian refugee camp near Baalbek in Syrian-controlled eastern Lebanon. Lebanese Interior Minister Elias Murr said the troops were looking for arms caches. That's a pretty assertive thing for the Lebanese to do. Usually they just lie there and occasionally whimper... A day later, however, after meeting with camp leaders and Syrian military intelligence, the troops deployed armor around the Jalil refugee camp and set up roadblocks and checkpoints, searching vehicles and checking motorists' identification. These are all clear indications that the soldiers are seeking people, not weapons. Lebanon's actions — backed by Syria — may help answer U.S. calls to crack down on terrorism. They could, or they could be in response to a perceived danger to Lebanon and its Syrian owners... The measures likely are intended to pacify a bellicose Washington by actually purging militant groups, but they could have the unintended effect of strengthening the Hezbollah and Fatah organizations in Lebanon by removing smaller competitors from the scene. Both of the larger groups participate in Lebanese politics and engage in militant activity. With the legitimacy of a government and the tools and determination to fight a war, these groups will pose a long-term dilemma for the Lebanese, Syrian and Israeli governments. While it definitely has its thug elements, Hezbollah's a mainstream Lebanese political party by now, owned and operated by Iran. Fatah is also mainstream, at least for that area. The al-Qaeda influenced minimobs in Ain el-Hilweh and al-Jalil are a different story, much more bloodthirsty and fond of the sound of gunfire. They also make the mistake of denying the writ of the Lebanese government — something Fatah and the Hezbies at least pay lip service to. Al-Qaeda is busted, so it there's no real cost involved in the Syrians cracking down on the al-Qaeda wannabe's. Thanks to Frank G. for this one... |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |