Christian Split in Lebanon Raises Specter of War - NYTimes

[applegrove]

Christian Split in Lebanon Raises Specter of War

By THANASSIS CAMBANIS
Published: October 6, 2007
New York Times

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Oct. 5 — "With the Islamist group Hezbollah having brought Lebanese politics to a standstill, the country’s once-dominant Christian community feels under siege and has begun re-establishing militias, training in the hills and stockpiling weapons.

Christian Lebanon Many Lebanese say another civil war — like the 15-year one that started in 1975 — is imminent and that the most dangerous flash points are within the divided Christian community.

Christian youth are signing up for militant factions in the greatest numbers since the end of the civil war, spray painting nationalist symbols on walls and tattooing them on their skin, and proclaiming their willingness to fight in a new civil war — in particular, against fellow Christians.

“When the war begins, I’ll be the first one in it,” said Fadil Abbas, 30, flexing his biceps in Shadow Tattoo as an artist etched a cross onto his shoulder. “I want everyone to know I am a Christian and I am ready to fight.”

.......SNIP"

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/06/world/middleeast/06christians.html?th&emc=th

[Nimrod2005]

1. Fascinating to watch this, amazing history for this little country with no resources...nt

[applegrove]

2. Lebanon..when you talk to Lebanese is like the land of milk and honey.

Beautiful olive groves, fruit and farming. Ski hills and beaches.

[Nimrod2005]

3. Would love to go there for a visit one day

[slipslidingaway]

4. K&R thanks n/t