Divisive Camps Square Off in Lebanon Vote

(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»

Attack raises fear that Gaza conflict will widen to second front

(NEWSER) - At least three rockets fired from Lebanon hit northern Israel today, raising fears that the Gaza conflict is widening, reports the International Herald Tribune. Israeli authorities say the rockets, which they presume were fired by Hezbollah in support of Hamas, landed near the town of Nahariya and injured two Israelis. The Israeli military responded with artillery fire against the source. More»

Fighters aim to follow steps of 'martyred' Hezbollah leader

(NEWSER) - A day after being freed in a prisoner exchange, Hezbollah fighters vowed to continue to fight Israel as they prayed at the grave of a fallen commander, the AP reports. “At this moment, I am yearning more than before to confront them,” Samir Qantar, who had been jailed in Israel for almost 30 years, said at a cemetery near Beirut. More»

Prisoner swap may be under way with Lebanon

(NEWSER) - Israel returned a Hezbollah spy to Lebanon today and may have started a prisoner exchange, BBC reports. Hezbollah quickly handed over the bodies of Israeli troops killed in 2006, but officials on both sides deny a swap is under way. Secret talks clearly are, perhaps aided by German mediators; a larger prisoner swap may include the two Israeli soldiers whose capture sparked the 2006 war. More»

But foreign policy, Hezbollah arsenal still divide nation

(NEWSER) - Lebanon elected its first leader in 6 months today by naming Gen. Michel Suleiman as president, the Washington Post reports. Fireworks filled the sky to a chorus of car honks after Suleiman secured the post with a near-unanimous 118 of 127 parliamentary votes. But the nation remains torn between US-Saudi backing and the forces of Hezbollah. More»