After the war · From the books
A bulldozer is attacked at Shebaa; Israel strikes Hezbollah positions in the south.
Search the chronologies
all by dates · all chronologieschronologiesallThe road to war 1968–1974The Lebanese war 1975–1990After the war 1991–2005July 2006, as the books tell it 2006Since 2005 2005–2025
192 entries on 123 dates · the books disagree on 48
dates 1–60 of 123 next
January 2005
Monday, 17 January 2005
February 2005
Monday, 14 February 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri is assassinated in Beirut.
Shortly after midday a huge bomb struck Rafic Hariri's convoy outside the Saint-Georges hotel on the Beirut seafront, killing him and others travelling with him. Lebanese politics then divided into two blocs, which took their names from the rallies of 8 and 14 March.
Shortly after midday a huge bomb struck Rafic Hariri's convoy outside the Saint-Georges hotel on the Beirut seafront, killing him and others travelling with him. Lebanese politics then divided into two blocs, which took their names from the rallies of 8 and 14 March.
Sources differ: Death toll differs: 22 dead (de Clerck & Malsagne, p. 461 and p. 577); Hariri 'and eight companions' (Abirached, p. 243, although the same chronology's 7 April entry speaks of Hariri 'and twenty-two other persons'); 18 dead (Quéméner). The counts may cover different groups (convoy only, or all victims, including those who died later).
Art and memory
- book Sune Haugbolle's War and Memory in Lebanon begins with the Hariri bombing of 14 February 2005, which he takes as the end of postwar Lebanon and which brought the war back to many Lebanese minds.
Tuesday, 15 February 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
The UN Security Council calls for Syria's withdrawal.
Quéméner's calendar has the Security Council demanding Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon on 15 February 2005, the day after Hariri's killing.
Quéméner's calendar has the Security Council demanding Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon on 15 February 2005, the day after Hariri's killing.
Wednesday, 16 February 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Hariri is buried in downtown Beirut; his grave becomes a place of pilgrimage.
Hariri was buried on 16 February in central Beirut, beside his unfinished mosque. His family had refused a state funeral and barred President Émile Lahoud. Crowds swelled the cortege; for days people visited the tent over the grave, where a roadside cloth gathered signatures for 'the truth'.
Hariri was buried on 16 February in central Beirut, beside his unfinished mosque. His family had refused a state funeral and barred President Émile Lahoud. Crowds swelled the cortege; for days people visited the tent over the grave, where a roadside cloth gathered signatures for 'the truth'.
Art and memory
- place Hariri's grave in the city centre became a place of pilgrimage, and the 'freedom fence' beside it, along his mosque, gathered layer upon layer of graffiti in Arabic, French and English; in November 2006 the site was sealed off with barbed wire.
Monday, 21 February 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
First large opposition demonstration near the site of the bombing.
Mass rallies followed every Monday in February and March. On 21 February, a week after the attack, a large, orderly crowd met near the Saint-Georges hotel with national flags only. Young activists camped on Martyrs' Square below Hariri's grave.
Mass rallies followed every Monday in February and March. On 21 February, a week after the attack, a large, orderly crowd met near the Saint-Georges hotel with national flags only. Young activists camped on Martyrs' Square below Hariri's grave.
Friday, 25 February 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
A UN fact-finding mission arrives in Beirut.
Irish police officer Peter Fitzgerald arrived in Beirut with a UN fact-finding team, whose job was to give a first account of how Hariri was killed.
Irish police officer Peter Fitzgerald arrived in Beirut with a UN fact-finding team, whose job was to give a first account of how Hariri was killed.
Monday, 28 February 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Prime Minister Omar Karami resigns under pressure from the street.
Omar Karami's government resigned as demonstrations grew in downtown Beirut.
Omar Karami's government resigned as demonstrations grew in downtown Beirut.
Sources differ: Two contributors to the same volume differ: Abirached's chronology dates Karami's resignation to 28 February, Khayat's chapter to 27 February. Abirached's dated chronology is the more precise of the two.
March 2005
Saturday, 5 March 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
In a speech to Syria's parliament, Bashar al-Assad promises to pull his army out of Lebanon.
Under pressure from abroad, including from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Bashar al-Assad told the Syrian parliament that his troops would leave Lebanon; Syria, he insisted, was not abandoning its responsibilities towards its 'brothers and friends'.
Under pressure from abroad, including from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Bashar al-Assad told the Syrian parliament that his troops would leave Lebanon; Syria, he insisted, was not abandoning its responsibilities towards its 'brothers and friends'.
Tuesday, 8 March 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Hezbollah and Amal rally in central Beirut to thank Syria.
Hezbollah and Amal brought a huge crowd into central Beirut to thank Syria and to reject Western interference. Addressing it, Hassan Nasrallah credited Syria with keeping Lebanon stable and warned against foreign meddling. The pro-Syrian '8 March' camp took its name from the day.
Hezbollah and Amal brought a huge crowd into central Beirut to thank Syria and to reject Western interference. Addressing it, Hassan Nasrallah credited Syria with keeping Lebanon stable and warned against foreign meddling. The pro-Syrian '8 March' camp took its name from the day.
Sources differ: Crowd size: about 800,000 (Abirached; Khayat) against 400,000 (Quéméner). De Clerck & Malsagne call it the first mass demonstration, whereas Khayat places it the day after the opposition's third Monday rally.
Thursday, 10 March 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
President Lahoud names Omar Karami Prime Minister again.
Ten days after his resignation, Omar Karami was again designated to form a government.
Ten days after his resignation, Omar Karami was again designated to form a government.
Monday, 14 March 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
About a million people gather on Martyrs' Square: the '14 March' demonstration.
The opposition answered with a still larger rally of nearly a million people; Sunnis came out in force beside Christians and Druze, waving Lebanese flags. They demanded the truth about Hariri's assassination, an end to the joint Syrian-Lebanese security apparatus and Syria's withdrawal. The '14 March' coalition is named after the day.
The opposition answered with a still larger rally of nearly a million people; Sunnis came out in force beside Christians and Druze, waving Lebanese flags. They demanded the truth about Hariri's assassination, an end to the joint Syrian-Lebanese security apparatus and Syria's withdrawal. The '14 March' coalition is named after the day.
Art and memory
- photograph Al-Nahar showed Wissam Moussa's photograph of the 14 March 2005 marchers next to Hariri's grave for two months that spring: placards of dead leaders, each said to have been killed by Syria.
Friday, 25 March 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
The Fitzgerald mission hands its report to the UN in New York.
Peter Fitzgerald's UN team delivered its findings on the Hariri assassination in New York.
Peter Fitzgerald's UN team delivered its findings on the Hariri assassination in New York.
late March 2005: day not established
Since 2005 · From the books
A series of bombs begins in Christian areas.
Bombs started going off in Christian areas shortly after the 14 March rally. The first did only material damage, but the attacks escalated until they were aimed at killing people in the anti-Syrian camp.
Bombs started going off in Christian areas shortly after the 14 March rally. The first did only material damage, but the attacks escalated until they were aimed at killing people in the anti-Syrian camp.
March 2005: day not established
Since 2005 · From the books
Syrian workers flee Lebanon amid reprisals.
After Hariri's killing, sporadic attacks by Lebanese, which a Daily Star report cited by Picard says left several dozen victims, drove unskilled Syrian farm and building workers out. Syrian unemployment, already 20 per cent officially, rose sharply as they went home.
After Hariri's killing, sporadic attacks by Lebanese, which a Daily Star report cited by Picard says left several dozen victims, drove unskilled Syrian farm and building workers out. Syrian unemployment, already 20 per cent officially, rose sharply as they went home.
April 2005
Sunday, 3 April 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Syria agrees with the UN envoy to withdraw by 30 April at the latest.
Syrian troops were to be out of Lebanon by 30 April at the latest under a deal Bashar al-Assad struck with the UN envoy Terje Roed-Larsen.
Syrian troops were to be out of Lebanon by 30 April at the latest under a deal Bashar al-Assad struck with the UN envoy Terje Roed-Larsen.
Since 2005 · From the books range
Unity Week festival in downtown Beirut (3-13 April).
Bahia Hariri drove Unity Week, which filled central Beirut with events from 3 to 13 April as the war reached its thirtieth anniversary; war-wounded wheelchair users joined some forty thousand others in its unity marathon. Haugbolle notes that it left out Amal, Hezbollah and smaller pro-Syrian groups, and had a commercial streak.
Bahia Hariri drove Unity Week, which filled central Beirut with events from 3 to 13 April as the war reached its thirtieth anniversary; war-wounded wheelchair users joined some forty thousand others in its unity marathon. Haugbolle notes that it left out Amal, Hezbollah and smaller pro-Syrian groups, and had a commercial streak.
Thursday, 7 April 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
UN Resolution 1595 creates an international commission to investigate Hariri's killing.
Detlev Mehlis, a German magistrate, was appointed to chair the new UN International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC), which Resolution 1595 set up to investigate the 14 February killing of Hariri and twenty-two others.
Detlev Mehlis, a German magistrate, was appointed to chair the new UN International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC), which Resolution 1595 set up to investigate the 14 February killing of Hariri and twenty-two others.
Wednesday, 13 April 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Thirtieth anniversary of the war: a march along the former Green Line.
On the evening of 13 April a procession walked the old Green Line from the National Museum to Martyrs' Square. At the Museum, a banner apologising for all that was done in the war hung for people to sign. Unity Week press advertisements set a grey, crossed-out 1975 beside a brightly graffitied 2005.
On the evening of 13 April a procession walked the old Green Line from the National Museum to Martyrs' Square. At the Museum, a banner apologising for all that was done in the war hung for people to sign. Unity Week press advertisements set a grey, crossed-out 1975 beside a brightly graffitied 2005.
Art and memory
- artwork Al-Nahar's Unity Week advertisements of 13 April 2005 set a struck-through grey 1975 beside a bright 2005 ('History did not repeat itself'), marking for Haugbolle the passage from war to new unity.
- testimony Haugbolle cites a conversation with Naji Zahar, the artist behind 111101, held in Beirut on 14 April 2005, the day after the anniversary; Haugbolle's book also discusses Zahar's memory meetings and online database (printed p. 101).
Friday, 15 April 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Najib Mikati is named Prime Minister.
Najib Mikati was appointed prime minister at the head of a more neutral team charged with running the May–June elections; Omar Karami had been unable to form a cabinet.
Najib Mikati was appointed prime minister at the head of a more neutral team charged with running the May–June elections; Omar Karami had been unable to form a cabinet.
Since 2005 · From the books
UMAM shows Jocelyne Saab's 1975 film of a Lebanon about to go to war.
Away from Unity Week, UMAM Documentation and Research showed Jocelyne Saab's 1975 film on Lebanese society as war was about to break out.
Away from Unity Week, UMAM Documentation and Research showed Jocelyne Saab's 1975 film on Lebanese society as war was about to break out.
Art and memory
- film Lokman Slim and Monika Borgmann, UMAM's founders, filmed Massaker (2005) from 2001 to 2004 out of interviews with ex-militiamen who had joined in the Sabra and Shatila killings; Haugbolle spoke with the pair in Beirut on 30 April 2005.
Monday, 25 April 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
General Security chief Jamil al-Sayyed resigns.
On 25 April Jamil al-Sayyed stepped down as director general of General Security.
On 25 April Jamil al-Sayyed stepped down as director general of General Security.
Tuesday, 26 April 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
The last Syrian troops and intelligence officers leave Lebanon.
Syria's remaining troops and intelligence personnel left Lebanon, ending twenty-nine years of Syrian military presence. By Picard's count, some 14,000 soldiers went home peacefully before the end of April.
Syria's remaining troops and intelligence personnel left Lebanon, ending twenty-nine years of Syrian military presence. By Picard's count, some 14,000 soldiers went home peacefully before the end of April.
May 2005
Saturday, 7 May 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
General Michel Aoun returns from fifteen years of exile in France.
Back in Beirut, the Free Patriotic Movement leader told supporters on Freedom Square that his fellow opposition leaders were sectarian. He later came to terms with Hezbollah and joined forces with one-time pro-Syrian politicians.
Back in Beirut, the Free Patriotic Movement leader told supporters on Freedom Square that his fellow opposition leaders were sectarian. He later came to terms with Hezbollah and joined forces with one-time pro-Syrian politicians.
Sources differ: 7 May (Quéméner) or 8 May (Abirached). Each date has one source; the others give only 'May' or 'a few days after' the withdrawal.
Since 2005 · From the books
Parliament keeps the 2000 electoral law for the coming elections.
With no agreement on a new law, Parliament kept the 2000 electoral law, devised by Syria's Ghazi Kanaan according to Picard, for the late-May elections. Picard sees the elite dropping the protest movement once the Syrians had left, to secure its own re-election.
With no agreement on a new law, Parliament kept the 2000 electoral law, devised by Syria's Ghazi Kanaan according to Picard, for the late-May elections. Picard sees the elite dropping the protest movement once the Syrians had left, to secure its own re-election.
Sunday, 29 May 2005
Since 2005 · From the books range
Parliamentary elections over several weeks give the anti-Syrian coalition a majority.
Saad Hariri's anti-Syrian coalition won 72 of 128 seats and Michel Aoun's movement much of Mount Lebanon; with each region returning its own local leaders, the vote showed a country more divided by sect than ever.
Saad Hariri's anti-Syrian coalition won 72 of 128 seats and Michel Aoun's movement much of Mount Lebanon; with each region returning its own local leaders, the vote showed a country more divided by sect than ever.
Sources differ: The two chapters of the same book disagree on when voting ended: 12 June in Abirached's chronology, 19 June in Khayat's chapter. Picard dates the elections simply to May 2005.
June 2005
Thursday, 2 June 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Journalist and historian Samir Kassir is killed by a car bomb.
Samir Kassir, academic, columnist and a leading voice against Syrian control, died when a bomb went off in his car. Haugbolle treats the killing as the moment post-Syrian Lebanon's disarray grew plain.
Samir Kassir, academic, columnist and a leading voice against Syrian control, died when a bomb went off in his car. Haugbolle treats the killing as the moment post-Syrian Lebanon's disarray grew plain.
Sources differ: 2 June in four sources (de Clerck & Malsagne, Abirached, Quéméner, Khayat) against 1 June in Haugbolle. 2 June has the most support.
Art and memory
- book De Clerck and Malsagne call Samir Kassir's 1994 study, which ends in 1982, a reference work; Kassir himself noted that no academic research yet covered the conflict in its full complexity.
Tuesday, 21 June 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Former Communist Party leader George Hawi is assassinated.
George Hawi, former secretary general of the Lebanese Communist Party and close to the anti-Syrian opposition, was killed by a car bomb in Beirut.
George Hawi, former secretary general of the Lebanese Communist Party and close to the anti-Syrian opposition, was killed by a car bomb in Beirut.
Sunday, 26 June 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Nabih Berri is re-elected Speaker of Parliament.
The Amal leader kept the speakership with 90 votes out of 128.
The Amal leader kept the speakership with 90 votes out of 128.
Thursday, 30 June 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Fouad Siniora is chosen as Prime Minister.
A parliament dominated by the 14 March parties chose Fouad Siniora, Rafic Hariri's trusted associate, as prime minister. Israel had retaliated, on a limited scale, for a major Hezbollah attack in the Shebaa Farms launched a few hours before the nomination.
A parliament dominated by the 14 March parties chose Fouad Siniora, Rafic Hariri's trusted associate, as prime minister. Israel had retaliated, on a limited scale, for a major Hezbollah attack in the Shebaa Farms launched a few hours before the nomination.
Sources differ: Abirached's chronology has Siniora forming the government on 30 June; Khayat says only that he was designated at the end of June. For the government itself, de Clerck & Malsagne (Confluences) give 19 July (see the following entry).
July 2005
Tuesday, 12 July 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Defence Minister Elias Murr survives a car bomb.
Former Defence Minister Elias Murr survived an assassination attempt, a case the Special Tribunal later treated as linked to Hariri's murder.
Former Defence Minister Elias Murr survived an assassination attempt, a case the Special Tribunal later treated as linked to Hariri's murder.
Tuesday, 19 July 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Siniora's government takes office, with Hezbollah ministers for the first time.
Hezbollah ministers sat in a Lebanese cabinet for the first time, beside a majority from the former opposition. Siniora went on to head governments until November 2009.
Hezbollah ministers sat in a Lebanese cabinet for the first time, beside a majority from the former opposition. Siniora went on to head governments until November 2009.
Sources differ: Most sources say July (Confluences 19 July, Picard July); Abirached's chronology has 30 June, perhaps Siniora's designation, which the same book's narrative puts at the end of June.
Monday, 25 July 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Siniora says Hezbollah's weapons exist because of the occupation.
Quoted in al-Nahar, Siniora tied Hezbollah's arms to the occupation, backing the 'national' resistance yet endorsing UN calls to disarm all non-state forces.
Quoted in al-Nahar, Siniora tied Hezbollah's arms to the occupation, backing the 'national' resistance yet endorsing UN calls to disarm all non-state forces.
Tuesday, 26 July 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces, is freed after eleven years in prison.
Released under an amnesty, the former militia leader officially re-founded the Lebanese Forces as a party; his wife told reporters the civil war was over.
Released under an amnesty, the former militia leader officially re-founded the Lebanese Forces as a party; his wife told reporters the civil war was over.
Sources differ: 26 July (Abirached) and 'end of July' (Khayat) against 'June 2005' (de Clerck & Malsagne, p. 451-452). Haugbolle's source for the wife's words is al-Nahar of 18 July 2005, which may refer to the amnesty vote rather than the release.
summer 2005: day not established
Since 2005 · From the books
Syria blockades the border in retaliation.
Syria answered Lebanese and UN efforts to restore legality on the border with a retaliatory blockade in summer 2005, a sign of its exasperation.
Syria answered Lebanese and UN efforts to restore legality on the border with a retaliatory blockade in summer 2005, a sign of its exasperation.
August 2005
Monday, 8 August 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
The cabinet sets up a national commission to write a new election law.
The commission was asked to prepare a new law after the 2005 elections were held under the 2000 law.
The commission was asked to prepare a new law after the 2005 elections were held under the 2000 law.
September 2005
Thursday, 1 September 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Four security chiefs are arrested in the Hariri investigation.
Mustafa Hamdan of the Presidential Guard and the three men who had headed the security services when Hariri was killed were arrested at the instance of the UN commission, aided by the Lebanese judiciary. Picard records that the four were held without evidence until April 2009.
Mustafa Hamdan of the Presidential Guard and the three men who had headed the security services when Hariri was killed were arrested at the instance of the UN commission, aided by the Lebanese judiciary. Picard records that the four were held without evidence until April 2009.
Sources differ: 1 September (Abirached) against end of August (Khayat; Picard gives August). Two sources favour late August.
Monday, 26 September 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Television journalist May Chidiac is gravely injured by a car bomb.
The LBC television journalist, a fierce critic of Syria, was seriously wounded in a car-bomb attempt on her life.
The LBC television journalist, a fierce critic of Syria, was seriously wounded in a car-bomb attempt on her life.
October 2005
Friday, 21 October 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
The first Mehlis report points to Lebanese and Syrian intelligence.
Lebanese and Syrian intelligence services, judge Detlev Mehlis told the Security Council as he presented the UN commission's first report, were linked to Hariri's assassination by 'converging evidence'. Picard adds that the report implicated the Syrian president's brother and brother-in-law.
Lebanese and Syrian intelligence services, judge Detlev Mehlis told the Security Council as he presented the UN commission's first report, were linked to Hariri's assassination by 'converging evidence'. Picard adds that the report implicated the Syrian president's brother and brother-in-law.
Monday, 31 October 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
UN Resolution 1636 orders Syria to cooperate with the investigation.
Under Chapter VII, the Council threatened Syria with sanctions unless it cooperated fully with the UN inquiry commission.
Under Chapter VII, the Council threatened Syria with sanctions unless it cooperated fully with the UN inquiry commission.
Sources differ: Picard has 31 October, Abirached 1 November; a late New York vote on the 31st would fall on the 1st in Beirut, but this is unchecked.
November 2005
Thursday, 10 November 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
Assad's defiant speech at Damascus University.
At Damascus University Bashar al-Assad branded Resolution 1636 a threat and accused Beirut's government of conspiracy, though he agreed to cooperate with the inquiry. Picard sees the hard line as meant to rally Syrians humiliated by their defeat in Lebanon.
At Damascus University Bashar al-Assad branded Resolution 1636 a threat and accused Beirut's government of conspiracy, though he agreed to cooperate with the inquiry. Picard sees the hard line as meant to rally Syrians humiliated by their defeat in Lebanon.
late November 2005: day not established
Since 2005 · From the books
Hezbollah tries to capture Israeli soldiers at Ghajar.
In Ghajar, beside the Shebaa Farms zone, Hezbollah made an unsuccessful bid to capture Israeli soldiers, putting its military strength to use.
In Ghajar, beside the Shebaa Farms zone, Hezbollah made an unsuccessful bid to capture Israeli soldiers, putting its military strength to use.
December 2005
Monday, 12 December 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
MP and al-Nahar publisher Gebran Tueni is assassinated.
A car bomb killed Gebran Tueni, MP and chief executive of al-Nahar, a vocal critic of the Syrian presence recently back from France. Prime Minister Siniora demanded an international tribunal, and the Shiite ministers started staying away from cabinet meetings.
A car bomb killed Gebran Tueni, MP and chief executive of al-Nahar, a vocal critic of the Syrian presence recently back from France. Prime Minister Siniora demanded an international tribunal, and the Shiite ministers started staying away from cabinet meetings.
Thursday, 15 December 2005
Since 2005 · From the books
UN Resolution 1644 extends the investigation.
One of the series of Security Council resolutions on Lebanon between 2004 and 2007.
One of the series of Security Council resolutions on Lebanon between 2004 and 2007.
January 2006
Wednesday, 11 January 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Serge Brammertz replaces Detlev Mehlis as head of the UN Hariri inquiry.
The Belgian prosecutor took charge of the international inquiry into Rafic Hariri's assassination, as Kofi Annan had requested.
The Belgian prosecutor took charge of the international inquiry into Rafic Hariri's assassination, as Kofi Annan had requested.
Tuesday, 17 January 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Thousands protest at the US embassy against American interference.
The demonstration in front of the US embassy was peaceful.
The demonstration in front of the US embassy was peaceful.
February 2006
Thursday, 2 February 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
The Shiite ministers return to the cabinet.
Their boycott, begun after Tueni's assassination, ended after some seven weeks.
Their boycott, begun after Tueni's assassination, ended after some seven weeks.
Sources differ: Abirached's dates imply a boycott of about seven weeks; Picard's chapter speaks of several months.
Sunday, 5 February 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Protesters attack the Danish consulate in Achrafieh.
Cars, shops and building entrances in Achrafieh, a Christian district, were wrecked when hundreds of protesters, furious at the Danish cartoons of the Prophet, tried to storm Denmark's consulate there. For Picard, the protests revived Christian fears of an 'Islamist' threat.
Cars, shops and building entrances in Achrafieh, a Christian district, were wrecked when hundreds of protesters, furious at the Danish cartoons of the Prophet, tried to storm Denmark's consulate there. For Picard, the protests revived Christian fears of an 'Islamist' threat.
Monday, 6 February 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Michel Aoun and Hassan Nasrallah sign their memorandum of understanding.
At the church of Mar Mikhael, on the old Chiyah–Ain al-Rummaneh demarcation line, Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement and Hezbollah signed a memorandum of understanding covering the electoral law, Hezbollah's weapons and relations with Syria. The alliance lasted until the 2020 crisis.
At the church of Mar Mikhael, on the old Chiyah–Ain al-Rummaneh demarcation line, Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement and Hezbollah signed a memorandum of understanding covering the electoral law, Hezbollah's weapons and relations with Syria. The alliance lasted until the 2020 crisis.
Sources differ: 6 February in three sources against 5 February in the introduction to 33 jours. The church is placed 'in the southern suburb' by de Clerck & Malsagne and 'on the old demarcation line' by Mermier & Picard.
Tuesday, 14 February 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Hundreds of thousands mark the first anniversary of Hariri's death.
On Martyrs' Square, Saad Hariri spoke of national unity.
On Martyrs' Square, Saad Hariri spoke of national unity.
March 2006
Thursday, 2 March 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
The National Dialogue among community leaders opens.
Community leaders, some former warlords, opened a National Dialogue on Syria, militia disarmament and President Lahoud's fate.
Community leaders, some former warlords, opened a National Dialogue on Syria, militia disarmament and President Lahoud's fate.
Tuesday, 14 March 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
The National Dialogue agrees on three points.
The accord left Hezbollah's arms and the Israeli border aside, but the leaders agreed that Lebanon would deal with Syria as an equal, accept no armed Palestinian presence and regard the Shebaa Farms as Lebanese.
The accord left Hezbollah's arms and the Israeli border aside, but the leaders agreed that Lebanon would deal with Syria as an equal, accept no armed Palestinian presence and regard the Shebaa Farms as Lebanese.
Wednesday, 29 March 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
UN Resolution 1664.
Part of the series of resolutions leading to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
Part of the series of resolutions leading to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
April 2006
Monday, 10 April 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Security services announce arrests over a plot against Hassan Nasrallah.
Lebanese security services said they had arrested nine people, eight Lebanese and one Palestinian, over a plot against Hassan Nasrallah.
Lebanese security services said they had arrested nine people, eight Lebanese and one Palestinian, over a plot against Hassan Nasrallah.
May 2006
Wednesday, 17 May 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
UN Resolution 1680 urges Syria to delimit the border and open diplomatic relations.
Syria was strongly urged to open full diplomatic ties with Lebanon and delimit the border, chiefly where it was unclear or contested.
Syria was strongly urged to open full diplomatic ties with Lebanon and delimit the border, chiefly where it was unclear or contested.
Sources differ: Picard's chapter in 33 jours (p. 84) dates 1680 to 2005, evidently a slip.
Sunday, 28 May 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Rockets on northern Israel bring the heaviest Israeli strikes since 2000.
Rockets fired at an air base near Safad, in northern Israel, brought Israel's most violent response since its 2000 withdrawal: aircraft struck the Aita al-Shaab area and hillsides by Khiam and Chakra in the border zone.
Rockets fired at an air base near Safad, in northern Israel, brought Israel's most violent response since its 2000 withdrawal: aircraft struck the Aita al-Shaab area and hillsides by Khiam and Chakra in the border zone.
Sources differ: Abirached attributes the rockets to Hezbollah; Khayat says nobody claimed them.
May 2006: day not established
Since 2005 · From the books
Syrian and Lebanese intellectuals sign the Beirut-Damascus Declaration.
In May 2006 several hundred Lebanese and Syrians signed Michel Kilo's declaration calling for mutual respect of sovereignty, border demarcation, diplomatic relations and democracy in both states; Syria then harassed and arrested signatories, Kilo above all.
In May 2006 several hundred Lebanese and Syrians signed Michel Kilo's declaration calling for mutual respect of sovereignty, border demarcation, diplomatic relations and democracy in both states; Syria then harassed and arrested signatories, Kilo above all.
June 2006
June 2006: day not established
Since 2005 · From the books
A television parody of Nasrallah sets off a night of riots.
Hezbollah supporters rioted, reaching Beirut's tourist districts, after a Christian TV channel aired a parody of Hassan Nasrallah.
Hezbollah supporters rioted, reaching Beirut's tourist districts, after a Christian TV channel aired a parody of Hassan Nasrallah.
July 2006
Monday, 10 July 2006
Since 2005 · From the books
Metropolis art cinema opens in Hamra.
Hamra, where most of the pre-war cinemas still stood disused, gained an art-house cinema, Metropolis, inside the Theatre de la Ville on 10 July, two days before the war began.
Hamra, where most of the pre-war cinemas still stood disused, gained an art-house cinema, Metropolis, inside the Theatre de la Ville on 10 July, two days before the war began.
Wednesday, 12 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Hezbollah captures two Israeli soldiers at the border near Zar'it.
Shortly after 9 a.m. a Hezbollah unit ambushed two Israeli army Humvees patrolling the border fence near Zar'it, opposite Ayta al-Shaab, killing three soldiers and taking two wounded reservists, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, into Lebanon under cover of a rocket and mortar barrage. Five more Israeli soldiers died that day, four in a tank blown up during a pursuit across the border and one by mortar fire, bringing the army's dead to eight. Hezbollah announced that it would exchange the captives for prisoners held in Israel.
Shortly after 9 a.m. a Hezbollah unit ambushed two Israeli army Humvees patrolling the border fence near Zar'it, opposite Ayta al-Shaab, killing three soldiers and taking two wounded reservists, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, into Lebanon under cover of a rocket and mortar barrage. Five more Israeli soldiers died that day, four in a tank blown up during a pursuit across the border and one by mortar fire, bringing the army's dead to eight. Hezbollah announced that it would exchange the captives for prisoners held in Israel.
Sources differ: Time: 34 Days (Israeli reconstruction) puts the attack shortly after 9:00; Abirached quotes Hezbollah's statement giving 'around 9:05'; 34 Days dates Al-Manar's announcement to 10:15.
Reports at the time: The archive's first report of the capture comes at 10:40 (Al-Manar via AFP), 25 minutes after the time 34 Days gives for Al-Manar's announcement. The toll of eight soldiers appears only at 22:30, after reports of three (17:10) and four in a tank (18:05). Archive times are wire-feed publication times, not event times.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
First Israeli raids on the South and the coastal bridges.
Israel's 'Just Reward' offensive opened with roughly forty air strikes in the South; its bombing there and in Beirut caused serious damage to infrastructure.
Israel's 'Just Reward' offensive opened with roughly forty air strikes in the South; its bombing there and in Beirut caused serious damage to infrastructure.
Sources differ: Dieckhoff (pdf:192) dates the bombing of bridges and roads across the country from the next day, 13 July.
Reports at the time: The archive records two civilians killed near Ayta al-Shaab at 12:25 on 12 July, strikes on the Zahrani bridge from 17:45 and on Saida's Awali bridge at 22:30.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel's cabinet votes for war; airport and Damascus road approved as targets.
'The Seven', Olmert and six senior ministers, approved strikes that night on Hezbollah's Fajr launchers hidden in homes and limited raids on Beirut airport's runways and the Beirut-Damascus highway, after the full cabinet voted unanimously for a forceful response. Harel and Issacharoff rely on Israeli participants and meeting records.
'The Seven', Olmert and six senior ministers, approved strikes that night on Hezbollah's Fajr launchers hidden in homes and limited raids on Beirut airport's runways and the Beirut-Damascus highway, after the full cabinet voted unanimously for a forceful response. Harel and Issacharoff rely on Israeli participants and meeting records.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Siniora's government says it knew nothing of the operation.
After the afternoon cabinet, Information Minister Ghazi Aridi declared that the government had not known of the operation and was not responsible; March 14 leaders, among them former president Amine Gemayel, publicly attacked Hezbollah. Earlier Prime Minister Fouad Siniora had angrily asked Nasrallah's adviser what Hezbollah had done.
After the afternoon cabinet, Information Minister Ghazi Aridi declared that the government had not known of the operation and was not responsible; March 14 leaders, among them former president Amine Gemayel, publicly attacked Hezbollah. Earlier Prime Minister Fouad Siniora had angrily asked Nasrallah's adviser what Hezbollah had done.
Reports at the time: The archive reports only that Lebanon, through Ghazi Aridi, asked for an urgent Security Council meeting on 'the Israeli aggression' (20:35); the government's disclaimer does not appear in it.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Nasrallah: the soldiers will be returned only through an exchange.
Hassan Nasrallah told a Beirut press conference that the raid had been five months in preparation and that Israel's new leaders should expect surprises if they sought confrontation; the two soldiers were far away and would come back only through an indirect prisoner exchange.
Hassan Nasrallah told a Beirut press conference that the raid had been five months in preparation and that Israel's new leaders should expect surprises if they sought confrontation; the two soldiers were far away and would come back only through an indirect prisoner exchange.
Reports at the time: The archive carries the statement at 18:50, nearly two hours after the 5 p.m. given by 34 Days.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Olmert holds the Lebanese state responsible and promises a 'thundering' response.
At a press conference beside Japan's prime minister, Ehud Olmert called the attack the act of a sovereign state and warned that Lebanon, with Hezbollah in its government, would pay. Abirached has chief of staff Dan Halutz vowing to 'set Lebanon back fifty years'.
At a press conference beside Japan's prime minister, Ehud Olmert called the attack the act of a sovereign state and warned that Lebanon, with Hezbollah in its government, would pay. Abirached has chief of staff Dan Halutz vowing to 'set Lebanon back fifty years'.
Reports at the time: The archive reports Olmert calling the attack an 'act of war' from 13:30, consistent with the 12:50 press conference; it does not report Halutz's 'fifty years' remark.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
A Gaza solidarity sit-in turns into the Samidoun relief campaign.
Samidoun ('those who hold fast') began as a mixed coalition of environmental, gay and lesbian, artistic, far-left and student groups that had planned a sit-in and cultural festival for Gaza on the very day the Israeli offensive began. Based at Zico House, it quickly turned to relief work and drew up to three hundred volunteers a day.
Samidoun ('those who hold fast') began as a mixed coalition of environmental, gay and lesbian, artistic, far-left and student groups that had planned a sit-in and cultural festival for Gaza on the very day the Israeli offensive began. Based at Zico House, it quickly turned to relief work and drew up to three hundred volunteers a day.
Reports at the time: The archive does not mention Samidoun.
Since 2005 · From the books
Hezbollah captures two Israeli soldiers; Israel launches a war on Lebanon.
Hezbollah fighters attacked an Israeli patrol across the border on the morning of 12 July and took two soldiers, whom the party offered to trade for Arab prisoners. Dozens of Israeli air raids on the South followed; strikes on the airport, bridges and roads and an air and sea blockade came next. The war's day-by-day record is in 111101's July 2006 archive (/facts/history/july2006/).
Hezbollah fighters attacked an Israeli patrol across the border on the morning of 12 July and took two soldiers, whom the party offered to trade for Arab prisoners. Dozens of Israeli air raids on the South followed; strikes on the airport, bridges and roads and an air and sea blockade came next. The war's day-by-day record is in 111101's July 2006 archive (/facts/history/july2006/).
Sources differ: Abirached quotes Hezbollah's announcement of the capture 'around 9.05'; Harel & Issacharoff place the burnt-out vehicles and the start of the search at about 9.45 a.m. These are different moments, not necessarily a conflict.
\_this day in full (July 2006, as the books tell it) \_this day in full (Since 2005) \_on this day
Thursday, 13 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Beirut airport, twenty-one bridges and the Damascus road are bombed.
Israel bombed Beirut airport's runways, some twenty-one bridges and the Beirut–Damascus highway, cutting air traffic and the main roads to Syria. Visitors, many from the Gulf, were stuck; Western states evacuated their citizens, dual nationals included, by sea.
Israel bombed Beirut airport's runways, some twenty-one bridges and the Beirut–Damascus highway, cutting air traffic and the main roads to Syria. Visitors, many from the Gulf, were stuck; Western states evacuated their citizens, dual nationals included, by sea.
Sources differ: 34 Days puts the runway strike on the night of 12 July; Abirached and Dieckhoff date the strikes to 13 July.
Reports at the time: The archive's first report of the runways being hit is 06:30 on 13 July, after the Damour bridge (00:50); helicopters struck the airport's fuel tanks again in the evening.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Other date in the books: Wednesday, 12 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israel imposes an air and sea blockade on Lebanon.
Israel closed Lebanon's air space and coast. The blockade stayed in force until 7 September, over three weeks past the ceasefire, and hindered the export of books and newspapers printed in Lebanon.
Israel closed Lebanon's air space and coast. The blockade stayed in force until 7 September, over three weeks past the ceasefire, and hindered the export of books and newspapers printed in Lebanon.
Sources differ: Start date: 13 July (Abirached; Dieckhoff 'from the next day'), 12 July (Mermier).
Reports at the time: The archive reports a 'general blockade' at 10:05 on 13 July, supporting Abirached's date.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Other date in the books: Friday, 14 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
'Night of the Fajrs': rocket launchers hidden in homes are bombed; the Akash family is killed.
About twenty civilians died, Harel and Issacharoff report, among them a Shiite cleric, his wife and their eight children near Nabatieh, when Israeli aircraft destroyed 59 fixed medium-range rocket launchers hidden in southern homes, all within 34 minutes before dawn.
About twenty civilians died, Harel and Issacharoff report, among them a Shiite cleric, his wife and their eight children near Nabatieh, when Israeli aircraft destroyed 59 fixed medium-range rocket launchers hidden in southern homes, all within 34 minutes before dawn.
Reports at the time: The archive reports the killing of the cleric Adel Akkache, his wife and eight children at 06:40, matching the book.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
The first displaced leave the South and the southern suburb; 'civil resistance' begins.
Displacement began on the second day of the Israeli campaign, first to relatives in districts thought safer, and grew to 900,000–1,000,000 people, nearly a quarter of the population. A Beirut blogger reported bare supermarket shelves, petrol queues and hours of waiting at the Syrian border. Relief initiatives labelled 'civil resistance' multiplied from 13 July.
Displacement began on the second day of the Israeli campaign, first to relatives in districts thought safer, and grew to 900,000–1,000,000 people, nearly a quarter of the population. A Beirut blogger reported bare supermarket shelves, petrol queues and hours of waiting at the Syrian border. Relief initiatives labelled 'civil resistance' multiplied from 13 July.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Art and memory
- testimony 34 Days quotes throughout a Beirut blog, 'Anecdotes from a Banana Republic' (signed EDB, called 'Emily'), as its main Lebanese civilian voice.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books range
The Jiyeh power station's fuel tanks are bombed; an oil slick spreads along the coast.
Some 150 km of coast, up to the Syrian border, was fouled after Israeli strikes on 13 and 15 July hit the fuel tanks of the Jiyeh power station, 25 km south of Beirut. Thousands of tonnes of fuel oil burned or ran into the sea; fishing was devastated, and the ongoing war delayed the clean-up.
Some 150 km of coast, up to the Syrian border, was fouled after Israeli strikes on 13 and 15 July hit the fuel tanks of the Jiyeh power station, 25 km south of Beirut. Thousands of tonnes of fuel oil burned or ran into the sea; fishing was devastated, and the ongoing war delayed the clean-up.
Sources differ: Verdeil puts the spill at 10,000-15,000 tonnes; Bustos gives the full contents of the depot, 35,000 tonnes, some of which burned and some spilled. The two figures measure different things.
Reports at the time: No archive report for 13-15 July mentions Jiyeh; the fires and the slick first appear on 26 July, and the strike notes put Jiyeh under 16 July.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Hezbollah rockets kill two civilians in Nahariya and Safed.
Hezbollah answered with Katyusha barrages on northern Israel, nearly 125 rockets that day, killing two civilians, in Nahariya and Safed, and wounding 69.
Hezbollah answered with Katyusha barrages on northern Israel, nearly 125 rockets that day, killing two civilians, in Nahariya and Safed, and wounding 69.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Saudi Arabia condemns Hezbollah's 'adventurism'.
Riyadh on 13 July blamed the capture on Hezbollah's 'irresponsible adventurism' yet still endorsed 'legitimate resistance'. Hezbollah had not expected it: no Arab government had openly condemned such an action before.
Riyadh on 13 July blamed the capture on Hezbollah's 'irresponsible adventurism' yet still endorsed 'legitimate resistance'. Hezbollah had not expected it: no Arab government had openly condemned such an action before.
Sources differ: Night of 12 July (34 Days) against 13 July (Ayad and Donati).
Reports at the time: The archive reports the Saudi statement only at 05:20 on 14 July, a day later than either book.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Other date in the books: Wednesday, 12 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
First Israeli raids on Beirut's southern suburb.
Israeli aircraft struck the southern suburb of Beirut, Hezbollah's stronghold, for the first time.
Israeli aircraft struck the southern suburb of Beirut, Hezbollah's stronghold, for the first time.
Sources differ: 34 Days puts the start of the bombing of Dahiyeh on the evening of 14 July (see 2006-07-14-haret-hreik).
Reports at the time: The archive backs Abirached: it cites Hezbollah reporting a strike on its southern-suburb stronghold at 08:30 on 13 July.
Friday, 14 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Chirac calls Israel's response disproportionate; Egypt and Jordan blame Hezbollah.
Meeting in Cairo on 14 July, Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdallah II condemned Israel's offensive and demanded it end at once, while criticising Hezbollah's 'adventurism'. Jacques Chirac's Bastille Day speech judged Israel's response disproportionate and ruled out a military solution.
Meeting in Cairo on 14 July, Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdallah II condemned Israel's offensive and demanded it end at once, while criticising Hezbollah's 'adventurism'. Jacques Chirac's Bastille Day speech judged Israel's response disproportionate and ruled out a military solution.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Israeli special forces take the northern part of Ghajar.
Israeli special units seized the northern, Lebanese part of the border village of Ghajar on 14 July, when Harel and Issacharoff date the first Israeli raids into Lebanon.
Israeli special units seized the northern, Lebanese part of the border village of Ghajar on 14 July, when Harel and Issacharoff date the first Israeli raids into Lebanon.
Reports at the time: Not found in the archive.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Nasrallah announces 'open war' as a missile hits the Israeli warship Hanit off Beirut.
Four Israeli sailors died when an Iranian-made C-802 missile hit the missile boat Hanit off Beirut. Minutes later Nasrallah, by telephone on Al-Manar, told Beirut to look out to sea; hundreds went to the shore. An Arab journalist called it the turning point when Lebanese opinion swung to Hezbollah. Over a hundred rockets were fired at Israel that day.
Four Israeli sailors died when an Iranian-made C-802 missile hit the missile boat Hanit off Beirut. Minutes later Nasrallah, by telephone on Al-Manar, told Beirut to look out to sea; hundreds went to the shore. An Arab journalist called it the turning point when Lebanese opinion swung to Hezbollah. Over a hundred rockets were fired at Israel that day.
Reports at the time: The archive first reports the four sailors as missing (03:55 on 15 July) and also an Egyptian civilian ship hit in the same attack, which the books do not mention.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Hezbollah's 'security quarter' in Haret Hreik is flattened; Al-Manar keeps broadcasting.
Mona Harb stresses that Haret Hreik was chiefly a dense quarter of homes and shops; days of bombing ruined it. From the early evening jets levelled the towers holding Hezbollah's headquarters and the Al-Manar building, though the channel stayed on air from a secret site; tens of thousands had fled to northern Beirut after Israeli media announced the raid.
Mona Harb stresses that Haret Hreik was chiefly a dense quarter of homes and shops; days of bombing ruined it. From the early evening jets levelled the towers holding Hezbollah's headquarters and the Al-Manar building, though the channel stayed on air from a secret site; tens of thousands had fled to northern Beirut after Israeli media announced the raid.
Sources differ: Date: early evening of 14 July (34 Days) against 15 July (Abirached). Buildings destroyed: more than 200 (Harb), 182 plus 192 damaged (Verdeil), at least 127 (Bustos).
Reports at the time: The archive reports Nasrallah's headquarters and residence building destroyed on Friday evening 14 July (19:50, 20:15) and the official news agency confirming the nine-storey building 'entirely destroyed' at 15:10 on 15 July, which may explain Abirached's date.
The reports of that day, as they came in
Art and memory
- memorial Israeli bombing in summer 2006 hit UMAM's Hangar and documentation centre in Haret Hreik, where since 2001 Lokman Slim and Monika Borgmann had been archiving, among other things, the memory of the Lebanese war; part of the archive was destroyed.
Other date in the books: Saturday, 15 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Thousands cross to Syria at Masnaa before the crossing is bombed.
Israeli planes bombed Masnaa that evening, after nearly 17,000 people, many on foot, had crossed there to Syria with the airport shut. The tourism minister predicted billions in losses.
Israeli planes bombed Masnaa that evening, after nearly 17,000 people, many on foot, had crossed there to Syria with the airport shut. The tourism minister predicted billions in losses.
Reports at the time: The archive gives more than 12,000 Gulf nationals leaving through Masnaa on Thursday 13 July, and reports a raid near Masnaa (three dead) only at 12:45 on 15 July.
Saturday, 15 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Baalbek is bombed for the first time; the town empties.
Some 70 per cent of Baalbek's people had fled within 48 hours, to nearby villages, to Christian Zahle, or on to Syria and Jordan. The bombing began at 5 a.m. on 15 July with the petrol stations around the town; at 5 p.m. six raids hit the centre and the Ras al-Ain district, and Al-Safir reported thirty dead that afternoon.
Some 70 per cent of Baalbek's people had fled within 48 hours, to nearby villages, to Christian Zahle, or on to Syria and Jordan. The bombing began at 5 a.m. on 15 July with the petrol stations around the town; at 5 p.m. six raids hit the centre and the Ras al-Ain district, and Al-Safir reported thirty dead that afternoon.
Reports at the time: The archive's reports for 15 July have Sheikh Mohammad Yazbeck's house in Baalbek bombed at 17:30 and, at 19:00, ten civilians wounded in strikes on the homes of two Hezbollah leaders; none mentions thirty dead.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books mid July
Western governments evacuate their citizens by sea.
France alone repatriated some 14,000 people, 12,000 of them French, as Western governments, mostly by sea, brought out tens of thousands of their nationals after Israel bombed Beirut airport and the Damascus road; many were dual-national emigrants on summer visits.
France alone repatriated some 14,000 people, 12,000 of them French, as Western governments, mostly by sea, brought out tens of thousands of their nationals after Israel bombed Beirut airport and the Damascus road; many were dual-national emigrants on summer visits.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books mid July
Villagers fleeing Marwahin are killed on the road to Tyre.
Harel and Issacharoff count 21 dead among people leaving the border village of Marwahin for Tyre when Israeli aircraft struck their vehicle; images of the bodies were broadcast worldwide.
Harel and Issacharoff count 21 dead among people leaving the border village of Marwahin for Tyre when Israeli aircraft struck their vehicle; images of the bodies were broadcast worldwide.
Sources differ: Toll: 21 (34 Days); 18 civilians, mostly children (archive, 13:30); 20 including 15 children (archive strike note citing Reuters).
Reports at the time: The archive dates the attack to 15 July: first five civilians killed by helicopter fire on a minibus and a car (13:05), then eighteen civilians, mostly children, who were leaving on the Israeli army's orders (13:30). The 15 July strike note says 20 dead including 15 children; a 17 July note places the vehicles between Al-Bayyada and Shamaa.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Some twenty Lebanese NGOs agree a joint stand; schools are opened to the displaced.
The Civilian Campaign for Relief and an advocacy collective both grew out of a first meeting of some twenty Lebanese NGOs outside Zico House on 15 July, where they agreed a common position. Getting no response from the government, associations forced open public schools to house the displaced, after which the government declared all of them open. The 'Gathering of NGOs for Relief in Lebanon' eventually counted 74 organisations.
The Civilian Campaign for Relief and an advocacy collective both grew out of a first meeting of some twenty Lebanese NGOs outside Zico House on 15 July, where they agreed a common position. Getting no response from the government, associations forced open public schools to house the displaced, after which the government declared all of them open. The 'Gathering of NGOs for Relief in Lebanon' eventually counted 74 organisations.
Reports at the time: Not found in the archive.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Siniora sets out terms to end the war; Arab ministers reach no decision.
In a speech on 15 July Siniora agreed for the first time to send the army south, as part of terms to end the war. The same day the UN's special delegation arrived in the region, and Arab League foreign ministers broke up without a decision after Saudi Arabia's Saud al-Faisal angrily attacked the Syrian minister.
In a speech on 15 July Siniora agreed for the first time to send the army south, as part of terms to end the war. The same day the UN's special delegation arrived in the region, and Arab League foreign ministers broke up without a decision after Saudi Arabia's Saud al-Faisal angrily attacked the Syrian minister.
Sunday, 16 July 2006
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Night raid on weapons moved out of Baalbek.
To spare civilians, Hezbollah had hurriedly moved part of its weaponry out of central Baalbek into fields at the town's entrance; on the night of 16-17 July Israeli forces struck the site for more than two hours.
To spare civilians, Hezbollah had hurriedly moved part of its weaponry out of central Baalbek into fields at the town's entrance; on the night of 16-17 July Israeli forces struck the site for more than two hours.
July 2006, as the books tell it · From the books
Rockets kill eight railway workers in Haifa; the G8 meets in St Petersburg.
On 16 July a Hezbollah rocket killed eight workers on the Haifa railway, and Condoleezza Rice said it was not the time for a ceasefire. The G8 summit closed that day with a statement that Abirached's chronology reads as a call for an immediate halt to the fighting; Harel and Issacharoff stress instead that it blamed Hamas and Hezbollah, floated an international force and wanted resolution 1559 applied and the Lebanese army sent south.
On 16 July a Hezbollah rocket killed eight workers on the Haifa railway, and Condoleezza Rice said it was not the time for a ceasefire. The G8 summit closed that day with a statement that Abirached's chronology reads as a call for an immediate halt to the fighting; Harel and Issacharoff stress instead that it blamed Hamas and Hezbollah, floated an international force and wanted resolution 1559 applied and the Lebanese army sent south.
Sources differ: Reading of the G8 text: support for Israel (34 Days) against a call for an immediate halt (Abirached).
Reports at the time: The archive's Haifa toll moves from eight to nine and back to eight. It does not record Rice's 'not the time' remark; its Lebanese tolls that day do not add up to Abirached's sixty.
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