[Howlin]

Apparently the soldiers were ordered to stop the demonstrations, but they refused the orders.

Really?????

Praise God.

[michigander]

Really?????

Seems so...

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Lebanese PM Resigns Amid Protests

By VOA
28 February 2005

Lebanon's pro-Syrian prime minister has resigned.

Prime Minister Omar Karami announced his government's resignation on state television as lawmakers debated a no-confidence motion against his government and thousands protested in central Beirut.

More than 20,000 Lebanese turned out Monday to demonstrated against the government over the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Protesters chanting anti-Syrian slogans gathered in Martyrs Square defying a government ban on protests. Hundreds of armed troops deployed to prevent violence have done little to block the demonstrations.

Senior U.S. diplomat David Satterfield is also in Beirut today, meeting with Lebanese officials and opposition leaders, to press for an immediate withdrawal of Syrian troops and for free elections this spring.

[johnb838]

If those Syrian troops do not do as they are told by US and the Lebanese, they will be attacked by our air power, I strongly suspect. In fact, if anybody makes a false move in that neighborhood right now I expect they are subject to stand off fire from either us or the Israelis.