Iran solidifies its control over Lebanon, Lebanese Armed Forces do Hizballah's bidding

Having largely pacified Beirut, they appear to be engaging the Druze:

Fighting in Mount Lebanon rages between pro and anti-government supporters

Meanwhile Sunday's Israeli Cabinet meeting was a celebration of the obvious:

"Everything that happens there is the responsibility of Hizbullah. The country is controlled by this terror organization and its government has become irrelevant"

In the north of the country the Lebanese army stretched the meaning of the word "control" to the breaking point:

Army Takes Control of North Lebanon and give in to Hizballah demands in the South

Choice quote from the last link (above):

The opposition announced on Saturday it was ending its takeover of large swathes of west Beirut after the army revoked government measures aimed at curbing the group.

"The opposition welcomes the army's decision and will proceed with the withdrawal of all its armed elements so that control of the capital is handed over to the military," an opposition statement said.

The army earlier said it was overturning a government decision to reassign the head of Beirut airport security and to probe a Hizbullah telecommunications network -- measures that sparked the unrest.

In short, the Lebanese Armed Forces now serve as handmaiden to Hizballah. This would be the same Lebanese Armed Forces that the USA has been trying so hard to "bolster." Gee, that worked well...

For it's part, Agence France Presse is shocked to see that the Israeli Air Force is conducting reconnaissance over southern Lebanon:

Israeli Jets Violate Lebanese Skies

Yes, that's what is done before:

A. Dropping bombs
B. Firing missiles
C. Invading

(You may pick one or more of the above).

But not to worry:

Defense official: Israel not to get involved in Lebanon

And why would he lie?

Posted on 11 May 2008 @ 14:34 GMT