Christians in Lebanon divided as elections draw near

By Mitchell Prothero , THE WASHINGTON TIMES

BEIRUT, Lebanon -- Former Lebanese Army commander Michel Aoun paid a shock visit to his jailed former rival Samir Geagea in what was seen as a bid to unite Lebanon's Christian community just 10 days before landmark parliamentary elections. 
     
But sharp divisions remain within the coalition that formed after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri to force an end to 29 years of occupation by Syrian troops.

A party now led by Mr. Hariri's son, Saad, has emerged as a favorite, taking nine of the 19 parliamentary seats in Beirut by acclamation after several challengers withdrew yesterday. But the pro-Syrian party that ruled until its resignation this spring also remains a factor. 
     
Geagea, who was blamed for a wave of political assassinations and bombings when he led the Lebanese Forces militia during Lebanon's long civil war, has spent most of the past 11 years in solitary confinement in an underground cell for his actions, while other former warlords were rewarded with Cabinet posts.

Lebanon and its message

By R. Moses Reiss

Lebanon's elections are scheduled to start on May 29, and will continue for the following three Sundays.

Lebanon is estimated to be 95% Arab. In the last election, in 2000, 50% of the electorate voted for Christian parties. How much of the population is Muslim and how much is Christian is unknown. Estimates range from slightly more Christians than Muslims, to 2-1 favoring Muslims. The 450,000 Palestinians in Lebanon are not counted as they have no rights and are forbidden to hold citizenship. The last census was taken in 1932.

Lebanese are believed to originate from the ancient Phoenicians. King Solomon, in building the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem approximately 3,000 years ago, purchased timber from Lebanon, according to the Bible (1 Kings 5:30-31).

Later came the Armenians, who spoke Aramaic, the language of Jesus. The Armenians claim to be the first Gentile group to convert as a result of Constantine's conversion in the fourth century; they are still called the Malkites. The word is Semitic and its Hebrew root is the word for king. The Hebrew name for Lebanon is Laban, which also means "white". Laban was Jacob's father-in-law for both of his wives (Leah and Rachel), and he is at times called the Armenian.

Ragheb Alama promises a heated summer for Lebanon

Lebanese superstar Ragheb Alama has promised this summer season in Lebanon to be filled with celebrations and concerts, offered by him and others from the music industry. The singer called on Arabs throughout the region to overlook the recent tragedies that Lebanon has faced, and to have faith in the country that has been one of the most desirable tourist destinations for years.

Ragheb claims that