The Swastika and the Cedar

Vanity Fair by Christopher Hitchens | Mar. 30, 2009 (Special Report)

In newly liberated Lebanon, the signposts on “the Arab street” point in opposite directions. The author’s experiences—he was buoyed by a huge rally for democracy in downtown Beirut, then beaten up by Fascist bullies—show how much this diverse society offers hope but is still threatened by the Syrian dictatorship next door. Full Story »

Posted by Derek Hawkins

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2.9

by James Canning - Mar. 30, 2009

I am a great fan of Vanity Fair, but Christopher Hitchens should be taken with a grain of salt, especially when he writes about the Middle East. Some of the current flavor of Beirut comes through, though with an exaggerated dark shadow from Syria.

I expect Hezbollah to integrate gradually into Lebanese society and politics, to the extent the Lebanese army ultimately takes over defense of the country from Israeli incursions. Syria recognizes Lebanese independence, and Syria favors peace with Israel provided Israel gets out of the Golan Heights.