Israeli diplomatic package delivered to Beirut by mistake

An Israeli package from the Israeli Embassy in Larnaca accidentally arrived in Beirut on Wednesday onboard a Cypriot plane. Lebanon has the right to open any diplomatic package to determine whether it contains explosives. (more…)

Jumblatt’s latest political shift a concern for March 8

A debate has emerged among the Lebanese forces allied to Syria over Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat’s recent positions, with some sides voicing their disappointment with them, revealed a March 8 source to al-Jumhuriya newspaper on Wednesday. (more…)

Musician arrested for song calling for President to “go home”

Lebanese authorities on Wednesday detained local musician Zeid Hamdan for allegedly defaming President Michel Suleiman, according to people familiar with the case.

In 2010, Hamdan and his band, Zeid and the Wings, wrote a song called “General Sleiman” that called on the president, who led the army before his 2008 election, to “go home.” (more…)

Suleiman, Siniora & Geagea condemn terrorist attack on UNIFIL

President Michel Suleiman contacted his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy, condemning Tuesday’s attack that targeted a French UNIFIL patrol, according to a statement issued by Sleiman’s press office. (more…)

Gemayel refuses to talk to Hezbollah

Phalange leader Amin Gemayel has reportedly said that his party would not engage in dialogue with representatives of Hezbollah who consider the four suspects accused of involvement in ex-Premier Rafik Hariri’s Feb. 2005 murder as “saints.” (more…)

Escape from Syria

By Michael Weiss
The story of a young opposition activist who says he had to flee for his life

Explosion in South Lebanon injures French UNIFIL soldiers

Six French soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were wounded in a blast targeting two vehicles belonging to the French Battalion in the southern coastal city of Sidon. According to a witness, the bomb was planted on the side of the road and detonated by remote control. (more…)

Aoun: Lebanon needs a refund on the Tribunal

MP Michel Aoun said Lebanon should be “repaid the funding” it provided to the UN-backed tribunal investigating the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Meanwhile, March 14 called on United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and the Arab League to maintain their support for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon “until justice is achieved.” (more…)

Tensions rise between Lebanon and Israel over maritime borders

Speaker Nabih Berri told a U.N. diplomat that Lebanon is willing to use all the necessary means to “protect” the country from any Israeli attack. Meanwhile, an Israeli government spokesman accused Hizbullah of exploiting the issue of the maritime borders between Lebanon and Israel in order to wage a war against the Jewish state. (more…)

Rival political parties in South Lebanon fight over liquor store

A fistfight erupted in the southern town of Houla in Marjeyoun when members of a party ordered the owner of a liquor store to close the shop, reported the Central News Agency. Two people were hurt in the quarrel and the store incurred some material damage. (more…)