[zeestephen]

Re: "80% of population below poverty level"

I am old enough to remember when Lebanon was the most affluent (and most culturally liberal) no-oil country in the Middle East.

Everywhere that radical Muslims seize power, poverty and violent oppression quickly follow.

Also - great photo - thanks for posting it.

[redfreedom]

“I am old enough to remember when Lebanon was the most affluent (and most culturally liberal) no-oil country in the Middle East.”

I can attest to that. I was in Beirut in June of 1968 and was just amazed at how modern the city was. Full of life, tourism, business and shopping. I believe it was called the Paris of the Middle East. A memorable experience was in my hotel, verrry nice, and watching “I Dream Of Jeannie” with English subtitles. It was a stopover enroute to Ethiopia, where I spent the next six months.

Back to the embassy subject - yes, this is a very expensive and large target. Considering the size, I wonder if there is some special intelligence or military value above what is usually at an embassy?