Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Reporting from Lebanon [W. Thomas Smith Jr.]
ON THE GROUND IN BEIRUT – Arrived here less than two hours ago (after 25-hours of travel and layovers). Now relaxing here in the Al Dekwaneh neighborhood-offices of the International Lebanese Committee for UN SCR 1559 (more on that later).
Between the airport and the committee's office, we (my escorts and I) passed by the sprawling Hezbollah tent city — some 200-plus heavily armed Hezbollah militiamen — positioned between the parliament and the Serail, basically the headquarters of the prime minister, his deputies, and all the cabinet members. Of course, today's presidential elections were thwarted — postponed until November — a result of recent assassinations and threats of assassination, as well as the fact that the assembled deputies failed to meet the required number to hold the election proceedings.
Beyond the Hezbollah camp, Lebanese soldiers can be seen guarding all major roads and intersections.
Time for food, sleep. More to come.
UPDATE: Please see this editor's note.
Editor’s note: Please see this note.
09/25 09:59 AM
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