Is Lebanon’s army playing politics?

The Lebanese army has taken control of Beirut and Tripoli to end fierce fighting between Hezbollah-led opposition fighters and supporters of the government.

 
But the army has been accused of defying the country’s government and bowing to demands by Hezbollah.

 

Although many streets were turned over to the army, it has been playing a passive role in the recent clashes.

 
The army has been widely seen as a neutral force, unwilling to take sides, but its latest proposed solution, promising to handle Hezbollah’s telephone network without harming the group’s security and its decision to keep the chief of airport security in his post, has raised doubts about its impartiality.

So long trusted by all factions, is the army now playing politics and taking sides?

Watch part one of this episode of Inside Story

Watch part two of this episode of Inside Story

This episode of Inside Story aired on Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 17:30 GMT

---

To contact us click on ‘Send your feedback’ at the top of the page