Topic: Bekaa Valley

Top galleries, list articles, quizzes

Hezbollah 101: Who is the militant group, and what does it want?

The Shiite militant group and political party is a player not just in Lebanon, where it is based, but across the broader Middle East. It remains a staunch opponent of Israel, which it fought to a standstill in 2006, and a close ally of Iran and Syria – despite both regimes' crackdowns on citizens Hezbollah purports to champion.

All Content

Syrian Army, Hezbollah bear down on rebels in strategic Qusayr

For the Syrian rebels, Qusayr has been critical to bringing in weapons and fighters from Lebanon. But the regime and ally Hezbollah want the town, which lies at an important crossroads.
Syrian rebels intensify rocket attacks into Lebanon

Rebels fighting the Syrian government are shelling villages on the Lebanese side of the border in order to curb a Lebanese group's efforts to help the Syrian regime.
Tit-for-tat kidnappings bring Syria's war into Lebanese backyards

In northern Lebanon, the kidnapping of a member of the powerful Shiite Jaafar clan has created yet another arena for Sunni-Shiite tensions fomented by Syria's unrest.
Syrian regime battles rebels for control of highway to its safe haven

Lebanon appears closer than ever to getting dragged into Syria's war as the regime and rebels battle just over the border and Hezbollah's growing involvement raises rebel ire.
Lebanese military seals off a town involved in Syrian rebellion

The Lebanese military has surrounded the town of Arsal after a deadly gunbattle between troops and residents. The tensions are linked to the conflict in neighboring Syria.
Memories of its own civil war dampen Lebanon's desire to help Syrian refugees

Lebanese fears about another civil war are stymieing assistance for the 200,000 mostly Sunni Syrians who have fled to Lebanon. Their arrival could destabilize the country's fragile balance.
Lebanese border means little in Syria's civil war

With Sunni villages sheltering Syrian rebel fighters and Shiite villages shipping Hezbollah fighters across the border, northern Lebanon is now just another frontline in Syria's war.
Accusations mount of Hezbollah fighting in Syria

If hard evidence emerges of the Shiite militant group's involvement, it would increase tensions in Lebanon where armed partisans on opposite sides live in close proximity.
Syria and Turkey edge closer to crisis as shelling continues

Turkey has shelled Syria for the fourth consecutive day, leading to fears that Syria's civil war may become a regional conflict.
In Pakistan, 'Love for the Prophet Day" demonstrations turn deadly

Tens of thousands of Muslims turned out across Pakistan Friday to protest an anti-Islamic film and vulgar cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad.
Terrorism & Security Kidnappings tied to Syria threaten Lebanon's fragile peace (+video)

Eleven Syrian nationals were kidnapped in Lebanon Thursday in a spree of abductions, raising concern about renewed violence there.
One kidnapping in Syria prompts kidnapping of 20-plus in Lebanon

Tit-for-tat kidnappings have ratcheted up tensions between Lebanon's Shiites, who largely back the Assad regime, and pro-opposition Sunnis.
Farmers, government battle over hashish in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley

Growers in the Bekaa Valley reap huge profits from illegal hashish crops. Lebanon's eradication efforts have failed because there is no legal crop that is as lucrative.
Hezbollah 101: Who is the militant group, and what does it want?

The Shiite militant group and political party is a player not just in Lebanon, where it is based, but across the broader Middle East. It remains a staunch opponent of Israel, which it fought to a standstill in 2006, and a close ally of Iran and Syria – despite both regimes' crackdowns on citizens Hezbollah purports to champion.
Focus 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.
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)
Syrian refugees huddle in Lebanon: 30 people, one candle, and no food

One of 30 Syrian refugees sharing a tiny house says many charity workers have visited but never returned. They are among thousands displaced by a Syrian crackdown on a belt of towns near 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.
Will Syria's fires singe Lebanon?

Deadly sectarian clashes near the Syrian border in northern Lebanon have sparked concern that Syria's turmoil is spilling over to its neighbor.
What is at stake if Syria's regime falls

Syria is a gateway for Iran's influence in the Middle East, but it has also been a relatively predictable neighbor for Israel. If Assad's regime comes unhinged, that could all change.
Why Lebanon's Sunnis resent Hezbollah's new influence

Many of Lebanon's Sunnis once supported Hezbollah for its resistance of the Israeli occupation. But now, they feel the Shiite group has turned on them.
Iran's Ahmadinejad receives rapturous welcome in Lebanon

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, remembered in Lebanon for his role in training a nascent Hezbollah decades ago, returned today for his first state visit.
What Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri seeks from White House visit

In his first official White House visit, Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri is looking for President Obama to help ease tensions with Israel. His coalition government includes a member of Hezbollah, whose fighters say they are readying for a fresh war.
Hezbollah says it's ready for fresh war with Israel – and stronger now

Driving through Hezbollah's stronghold in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, a veteran fighter says the militant group has made significant military advances since their last war with Israel in 2006: 'We have many other surprises for the Israelis.'
Briefing: What are Hezbollah's true colors?

Hezbollah has become an important player in Lebanese politics. While it still advocates the destruction of Israel and has offered to help Palestinians from Lebanon, it says that Palestinians must take the lead in securing their freedom.