Posted on 03/14/2005 7:14:22 AM PST by MisterRepublican
An emboldened Lebanese opposition mobilized more than 800,000 people to demand an end to Syrian military domination of Lebanon, hurling a potent challenge to the Syrian-backed government here.
Beirut city official Mounib Nassereddine said the estimate of 800,000 did did not include demonstrators who were still arriving from all parts of the country ahead of the rally.
Thousands of Lebanese had made their way throughout the morning to the capital by car, bus and boat, heading for Martyrs Square and the grave of former prime minister Rafiq Hariri, assassinated exactly one month ago in a bomb blast.
Lebanese television aired spectacular pictures of a massive throng in the square, showing thousands of demonstrators waving the red, white and green Lebanese flag in bright sunshine against the deep blue of the Mediterranean in the background.
Nassereddine said Monday's gathering was "at least two and a half times" larger than last Tuesday's turnout called by pro-Syrian Lebanese parties, notably the Shiite Muslim movement Hezbollah. AFP correspondents estimated the crowd last week at 400,000.
"Hezbollah organized a giant demonstration last Tuesday to intimidate us," said Nada, 35, as she travelled to Beirut from Zahle in the east.
"Today we're taking up the challenge and invite it to join us because we represent the true majority of the country."
Added Anwar: "The Syrian people are our brothers. We have ties that go back centuries but the Syrian army and the mukhabarat (intellence service) are no longer welcome in Lebanon."
Huguette Yamine, a 57, said Monday's poltical demonstration was her first.
"I came with 10 family members. We walked here all the way from the other side of Beirut. We've had enough. I want my children to live in a free and democratic Lebanon."
(Excerpt) Read more at sg.news.yahoo.com ...
BTTT!
I've been so excited seeing all these great photos! I wanted to do something, so I sent an e-mail to The Daily Star, the English-language newspaper in Lebanon.
Maybe they'll print them if we send 'em. Our media will probably ingore it.
letters@dailystar.com.lb
I wonder if this means that bafoon that quit and then got re-appointed will quit again.
See link above for all the threads I have found so far, using keyword BEIRUTRALLY .
If you see one not on the list put that keyword on it...;
Post #142
I hope so!
Estimates are 1/3rd of the entire country are out in the streets. Let's see Hizbollah try and top this.
Take that, Hezzbolah.
Professor Keywords strikes again!:)
I'd accept the ornery title but it should go to "Libertarianize the GOP"....
You are Free Republics Honorary Keyword Professor. The rest of us, your students every once in a while come up with a key word.
Hopefully you are keywording these marches as part of "Thebushdoctrine" key word.
thanks to MisterRepublican, I wouldn't want you to miss this one. Great piccies, lots of good news!
OK thanks, back to work.
LOL
Thanks. bump!!
Beautiful!
Okat, time for us to stand up with them.
E-Mail and call all outlets asking WHY this isn't being shown. Ask why they are not remarking on it. The people of Lebanon are shaking their fist at Hezbollah and the Syrians and practically NADA from our side!
My thoughts exactly.
Last I heard it was over a million and a half and the MSM is saying --- crickets chirping ------
Bringing tears to my eyes Fred! Thanks for the good news ping!
How refreshing after dealing with the Islamic thread all day!
Let Freedom Ring!
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