Lebanon 2006

Beirut

Beirut, following the devastating civil war built a whole new city center (patrolled by the UN)

A great new mosque was also built, seen here next to some old ruins.

Inside the orthodox Christian church

Civil War reminders like this are still plentiful

When I arrived it was almost exactly one year after the probably Syrian orchestrated assassination of their president. The people had a service in the church, and then, mostly Christians gathered here for a memorial march. Unlike a typical Hezbollah march, there was no screaming and no one was killed. The people almost in hushed voice, or silent, fomed up and began the walk to the corniche. Many carrying candles.

The hushed march took me past the assassination site (top) and then continued on to the ocean frontage road. When back in Damascus I brought my concerns up to some people, they pretty much laughed it off. They said that Lebanon was rich (at least the Christian part) and deserved to be made to share their wealth with Syria. These were some of the Assad supporters speaking. Other Syrians lived in fear of their government and were afraid of what might happen. Unfortunately, as we know now, they were correct.

Beirut is a magnificent city and well worth a visit. I hope to find the rest of the pictures in time.

The uniquely shaped Lebanese bread, at least in the southern parts of the country.