Lebanon was on the verge of civil strife last week, similar to the situation that pervaded the country after the 2005 assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri, after news of the failed assassination attempt against Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea broke out, reported the Kuwaiti al-Seyassah on Monday. A former Lebanese security official residing in Paris told the daily: “The moment the attempt was announced, hundreds of LF, Phalange Party, and National Liberal Front fighters, as well as Lebanese army backers, headed to the regions that surround Beirut’s southern suburbs and Shiyyah area, Hizbullah and AMAL’s respective stronghold.” [Naharnet]