Thursday, September 27, 2007

My Bodyguards and House Resolution 548   [W. Thomas Smith Jr.]

BEIRUT (an undisclosed neighborhood) – Lebanon is extremely dangerous for Americans right now. In fact, some top officials within the 1559 Committee (essentially the heart and soul of the Cedars Revolution ... for a free Lebanon) believe some sort of dramatic terrorist event is going to take place here in Lebanon between now and mid-October. This is not a gut feeling, but a calculation based on intelligence analysis and chatter from the street.

Tony Nissi, the 1559 Committee chief here in Beirut (whom you'll recall from previous entries), has reason to believe Hezbollah knows who I am. So I am deliberately not staying in hotels: Instead, I'm spending nights in friends' houses — safe houses if you will — and always with bodyguards.

Last night, I stayed in a beautiful home situated on one of the many hills above the city. Henry Daoud, a 42-year-old former Lebanese infantry soldier with quite a bit of combat experience and who trained for several months with U.S. Army Special Forces, was with me all the time. I slept in one of the bedrooms. Henry was up all night in the living room near the front and back doors.

Whenever I am on the road, it's usually with Cedric Achkar driving. I'm sitting in the front passenger seat. Henry is in the back.

You'll remember Cedric: He's the affable 25-year-old — also a black belt in taekwondo — who Toni considers to be his right arm. Henry is Toni's left.

I've bonded easily with these guys (you learn to trust or distrust quickly in this part of the world). We're always exchanging war stories, laughing and joking, and talking about how beautiful the Lebanese women are: And they truly are. Cedric and Henry also are teaching me a lot about Lebanon — more in two days than a student might get in one semester — about its religious diversity and its history stretching back to the Phoenicians.

On another note: There is quite a bit of excitement here regarding the U.S. House's passing of H.R. 548. In summary:

Condemns: (1) the attempts by Hezbollah and other pro-Syrian groups to undermine the government of Lebanon; (2) the assassination campaign targeting members of parliament and public figures in favor of Lebanese independence; and (3) Syria and Iran for their ongoing roles in arming Lebanese militias.

Confirms U.S. support for U.N. Security Council resolutions concerning Lebanon, and the clear and binding mandate of the international community for the arms embargo and disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon.

Expresses appreciation to the countries whose military personnel serve in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Urges the government of Lebanon to request UNIFIL's assistance to secure the Lebanese-Syrian border.

Affirms U.S. support for efforts to bring to justice those responsible for the terrorist bombing of February 14, 2005, and both prior and subsequent politically inspired assassinations.

Pledges continued support for the government of Lebanon and the Lebanese people against the campaign of terror directed at the Lebanese people and at political and public figures opposing Syrian interference in Lebanon.

Commends the many Lebanese who continue to adhere to the principles of the Cedar Revolution.

Applauds the government of Lebanon's efforts to fully extend Lebanon's sovereignty over the entire country.

Editor’s note: Please see this note.

09/27 06:28 AMShare