REPORT: Syrian crisis dominates Lebanese scene during 2012

The Syrian crisis dominated the Lebanese scene during 2012.  

After 4 years of “security stability”, the assassination of Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hassan brought back security concerns. This incident deteriorated the relations between the cabinet and the opposition who decided to boycott any ministerial activity.  

Lebanon witnessed as well two assassination attempts that targeted LF Chief Samir Geagea and MP Boutros Harb.

This as, several security incidents occurred on the Lebanese-Syrian borders. There was fire exchange and rockets from the Syrian side hit Lebanese border towns.  

In this regard, Syria accused Lebanon of not controlling its side of the borders while the Lebanese Army enhanced its deployment in this region. 

Despite security measures, 15 Lebanese Islamists fled to Syria and died in an ambush in Talkalakh.

Both Hezbollah and Future Movement exchanged accusations over the battles in Syria and the party they support.  

This as, the assassination of Sheikh Ahmad Abdel Wahed by Lebanese soldiers in Akkar, increased tensions in the North and angered the Salafist movement in Sidon and Tripoli who strongly oppose the Syrian regime and Hezbollah.

The arrest of former Minister Michel Samaha was a remarkable event during 2012. The latter was accused of transporting explosives from Syria to conduct bomb plots in cooperation with Syrian Maj. Gen. Ali Mamlouk.  

This year ended but the case of the Lebanese pilgrims detained in Syria’s Aazaz by Syrian rebels did not come to an end.

2012 was also marked by the news of Hezbollah sending a drone aircraft to Israel.

Also during this year, Pope Benedict XVI visited Lebanon and granted the Christians of the Orient a new Apostolic Exhortation, while170,000 Syrian refugees fled to Lebanon this year. Their case will be on top of the cabinet’s agenda during its first session in 2013.