Pro-Syrian Wins Lebanon Seat

Hezbollah pulls out ahead of expected indictments in assassination

(AP) - President Obama and Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri today declared their commitment to strengthening Lebanon's independence even as Hezbollah ministers forced the year-old unity government to collapse. Hariri cut today's White House visit short amid his nation's political crisis and immediately left for France to consult with Nicolas Sarkozy before returning to Beirut. More»

Hezbollah now has 50K Syrian-supplied rockets, missiles

(NEWSER) - American efforts to prevent a buildup of arms in the Middle East have been largely frustrated, according to diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks. In one cable, the State Department accuses Syria of breaking a promise to not provide Hezbollah militants in Lebanon with new missiles, the New York Times reports. The Pentagon now believes Hezbollah has 50,000 rockets and missiles, including dozens capable of reaching Tel Aviv. More»

GOP seeks to block appointment of US ambassador to Damascus

(NEWSER) - Syria has been supplying Hezbollah militants in Lebanon with long-range Scud missiles capable of hitting Israeli cities and nuclear installations, US and Israeli officials say. The accusations threaten to upend the Obama administration's efforts to reach out to Syria, and if true, stand to upset the military balance of power in the Middle East, the Wall Street Journal reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Lebanon's pro-Western coalition claimed victory a parliamentary election today, striking a blow against Iran and Syria, Reuters reports. "Congratulations to democracy, congratulations to freedom," coalition leader Saad al-Hariri said in a speech in Beirut. Official results are due tomorrow, but the Hezbollah led-bloc is already admitting defeat. "We accept the result as the will of the people," said one lawmaker on the losing side. More»

Election could see pro-US gov't ousted from Lebanon

(AP) - Hillary Clinton reassured the Lebanese people today that Washington supports "voices of moderation" and will never make a deal with Syria that undermines the country's interests. Clinton spoke on a surprise visit to Beirut ahead of a critical June 7 election that could see the pro-US Lebanese government ousted by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and its allies. More»