Topic: Beirut

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15 best nonfiction books of 2011: CSMonitor picks

15 bests nonfiction titles of 2011, according to the Monitor's reviewers
In Pictures: Gilad Shalit released
Iran assassination plot: Four attacks that have been blamed on Iran

For years, US officials have described Iran as the “most active” state sponsor of terror in the world. Here’s a list of major terror attacks blamed on Iran in the past four decades.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 10/07
What is Eid al-Fitr?

For most Muslims, Eid al-Fitr, the joyous end to the month-long fast of Ramadan, began last night. What's it all about?

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Exclusive: Veteran Lebanese fighter trains new generation of jihadis – for Syria

Longtime fighter Mustapha explains to the first Western reporter to visit his Bekaa Valley orchard camp how he is preparing eager Lebanese to take up arms against the Assad regime.
Syria 'massacre' raises pressure for international response

Syrian artillery attack that apparently killed more than 90 people, including many children, brought French condemnation, while the UK said it would call for urgent UN Security Council meeting.
Terrorism & Security
UN chief: There is no 'plan B' for ending the Syrian conflict

At least 200 have died in Syria in the two months since a UN-backed cease-fire went into effect, but Ban Ki-moon rejects assertions that part of the problem is the low number of monitors on the ground.
Syrian spillover: Beirut sees worst clashes in four years

The killing of a Sunni cleric at a Lebanese Army checkpoint yesterday ignited widespread protests among aggrieved Sunnis. (+video)
Refugees use Facebook to keep scattered families connected

Refugees use Facebook to keep scattered families connected, despite long distances and hostile borders. Among the Palestinian refugees living in camps along the Lebanon border, social media connects far-flung relatives and friends.
Syria holds an election despite months of fighting

The election is the first multiparty poll since Syria's new constitution was adopted in February. But early voting appeared thin as the opposition refused to participate.
Florida-style 'Stand Your Ground' gun laws sub impulse for intelligent thinking

Even as George Zimmerman stands trial for fatally shooting Trayvon Martin, many Americans argue these laws make us safe. I've had pistols held to my head from Bosnia to Beirut. Your best self-defense is your tongue. Those who put their faith in guns will ultimately be outgunned.
My long love affair with Monitor journalism

From correspondent, to editor, to columnist, I've seen radical changes in journalism and the world.
Israel bans a textbook promoting Arab rights as 'unbalanced'

Israel's Education Ministry approved the textbook, 'Taking the Civil Road,' just last year but now says it has factual errors. Critics see the ban as part of a broader nationalistic push.
Syrian army shells Homs as government pushes back on UN monitors

Reports out of the Syrian city of Homs have government forces firing mortars into an opposition neighborhood. Meanwhile, Syria has challenged the UN over its truce monitoring mission.
Syrian activists to rebels: Give us our revolution back

Many of the activists who began the uprising in Syria more than a year ago feel their peaceful push for change has been hijacked by the rebel Free Syrian Army. They're meeting in Cairo today.
Is Iran's proposal to hold nuke talks in Syria, Iraq, or China brinksmanship?

Iran's suggestions of alternative sites raised the possibility of complications to get talks under way as expected on April 13 between Iran and envoys from the five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany.
Global News Blog
A Jewish synagogue makes a comeback in Lebanon

The last remaining synagogue in Beirut is undergoing restoration, and will soon host its first rabbi in nearly 40 years. Only 150 members of the Jewish community remain in Lebanon.
Fleeing Syrian refugees tell of dodging bullets in orange grove

Abu Abbas is just one of an estimated 2,000 Syrian refugees to escape since the weekend to Lebanon, which is coming under increasing pressure to aid those fleeing Assad's brutal regime.
Syria vote called a 'farce' by West

Syria heads to the polls today to vote on a new constitution, a move by embattled President Bashar al-Assad to defuse an uprising.
Syrians in Homs feel abandoned by world

Residents are pessimistic about last week's "Friends of Syria" conference and say they see no real pressure for change.
The risks of telling the Syria story

With nine journalists among the roughly 8,000 dead in Syria's uprising, Monitor reporter Scott Peterson explores the soul-searching inside the small community of war correspondents.
Russia: Why the fury over UN veto on Syria?

Responding to global criticism of Russia's UN veto, Russia's foreign minister said the vote was 'hasty.' He will travel to Damascus Tuesday to meet President Assad.
Terrorism & Security
Syria assault on Homs escalates. Does Assad think he has carte blanche now? (+video)

Residents of Homs say Syrian forces have stepped up their assault after Russia and China blocked UN Security Council action against the Assad regime this weekend.
Syria next steps: With diplomacy stalled, escalation expected

Vetoes by Russia and China at the United Nations Security Council leaves few diplomatic options available to stem the violence in Syria.
Reader recommendation: The Road to Fatima Gate

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.
Syria ready to let monitors stay, rebel commander calls for help from UN

Damascus opposes broadening the scope of the Arab League observer mission, the source at the League said, but would accept a one-month extension of its mandate which expires on Thursday.
Is Al Qaeda actually involved in the Syria uprising?

Embattled President Bashar al-Assad is blaming Al Qaeda and its affiliates for a spate of suicide bombings around Syria's capital, but analysts are skeptical.
Reader recommendation: The Road to Fatima Gate

Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.
Terrorism & Security
Arab troops to Syria? Qatar makes a bold proposal.

On 60 Minutes, the country's leader has said Arab troops should be sent to Syria to stop the regime’s bloody attacks on dissidents that have killed thousands of people.