Of Honey, Pistachios and Cacophony

It's the northern region this time, the city of Tripoli to be exact. The drums of another civil war seem to be calling for more blood. A city once infamous for its history, heritage, religious state and sweets is now raging with organized sectarian conflicts, or not to sound pessimistic allow me to say miniature ones. You can't really tell who is fighting who up in the north but one thing is certain; the hands controlling and clapping to this puppet show are in no way of Lebanese origin.

The north was and still is a fertile ground for any demographic experiments other countries ( friends or foes ) have been running. It's a place where international borders go unnoticed and religious ones are threatened every day. And what else would make the Syrian government threaten more than once to take over the region should the Lebanese one prove impotent. Like any other Arab country Syria quite well understands the threats of a misguided religious extreme faction.

In fact Lebanon had its own share in 2007, where after sustaining some 5 months of shelling and siege the Nahr Al Bared Camp finally fell into the hands of the Lebanese army when the Fatah Al Islam terrorist faction deliberately assaulted and killed members of the Lebanese ISF. And to no one's amazement, most members of the so far called Fatah Al Islam were non Lebanese. While this is not the first time foreign interference had innocent Lebanese blood on its hands, we shouldn't let such a serious threat go unnoticed.

Every now and then a new faction rises to the surface with a new threat or statement threatening the foes of its supporters. And just like most of the Jihad videos that pursued the 9/11 era, all what you need is a Beard - Keffiyeh Combo, any cheap camcorder will do since the public will be interested in your message and not your facial characteristics. Add a few AK47's leaning against the wall and a flag with your faction's logo on it in the background. And of course let us not forget the catchy name that should be inspired by names derived from ancient heroes, leaders or conquests.

Islam is not new to the north, neither is strict and untainted faith and practice. But what's really alien and foreign is utilizing those to incite schism amongst the Lebanese themselves, and it really is a disappointment when you know that a city with such a history that dates back to 1400 BC and an unmatched heritage, is falling to pieces as foreign hands and shadow governments take their share of the pie unnoticed.