111101 entry in the original chronology
Tension was at its peak in Tripoli. A shell storm hit the city making 20 deaths and several wounded. The combats opposed the Popular Resistance to the Arab Strike Force.
90 original entries, 41 added from the books, 115 days.
original 111101 entry added from the books
Monday, 3 January 1983
Wednesday, 5 January 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Pope John-Paul II appointed the maronite Patriarch of Antioch and the East, Bishop Antonios Boutros Khoreiche, Cardinal. Bishop Khoreiche was born on the 20th of September, 1907 at Ain Ebel in Southern Lebanon. After having studied at Saint Joseph University, he was ordained priest on April 12, 1930. He became Bishop on October 1950 and Archbishop of Saida in 1957. On April 11, 1974, he became patriarchal vicar general of Bkerkeh. Following the death of Patriarch Meouchi on January 11, 1975, the synod elected Bishop Khoreiche on February 3, 1975, after a conclave of 15 days.
Thursday, 6 January 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Israeli forces pursued their combing operations in the sectors of Laylaki, Kfarchima and Choueifat. The 'Marines' sent a severe warning to the Israeli army.
What the books addRobert Fisk recounts that Defence Secretary Weinberger proposed an award for Charles Johnson, a Marine captain who in January 1983 stopped an Israeli tank unit entering the Marine sector off the old Sidon road by climbing onto the lead tank and pointing his pistol at its commander.
Monday, 10 January 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
In order to accelerate the Israeli-Lebanese negotiations, the American President Ronal Reagan rushed Philip Habib to the region.
Tuesday, 11 January 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Bombs fell on Hadeth and Baabda. For the first time since the Israeli invasion in June 1982 and since the Multinational Force arrived in Beirut, the guns came closer to the capital as bombs fell on the suburbs of Hadeth, Baabda, Kfarchima and Bsaba killing 2 and injuring 9.
Thursday, 13 January 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The sixth Lebanese-American-Israeli round of negotiations took place in Kyriet Shmona, Israel. Five points were put on the agenda: 1- Ending the state of war. 2- Reaching security arrangements. 3- Establishing a framework for mutual relations, including matters such as liaison, and end of propaganda... 4- Completing the withdrawal program: conditions for the Israeli withdrawal within the context of a withdrawal of all foreign forces. 5- Giving eventual guarantees
What the books addLebanese and Israeli delegates met in turn at Khalde, in a repaired beach hotel, and at Kiryat Shmona. De Clerck and Malsagne count 37 meetings over 138 days, from December 1982 to May 1983.
Saturday, 15 January 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The combats intensified in the mountain between the Lebanese Forces and the Progressive Socialist Party. Bombs fell in Broumana and close to Moukhtara.
Sunday, 23 January 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The American envoy, Philip Habib headed back to Washington empty-handed. Israel continued to impose unacceptable conditions on Lebanon, notably concerning the set up of Israeli pre-alert stations on the Lebanese territory.
Tuesday, 25 January 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
France granted more than 100 millions of French Francs as a back up for Hôtel-Dieu. The hospital was facing great financial difficulties.
Wednesday, 26 January 1983
Added from the books range
Murders multiply around Israeli-occupied Sidon.
Around Sidon, two bodies, one a Palestinian's, were found on 26 January 1983 and three mutilated ones near Ain el-Helweh on 9 February; on 29 January a Palestinian was killed at his door. Israel's occupation authorities made no official comment.
Around Sidon, two bodies, one a Palestinian's, were found on 26 January 1983 and three mutilated ones near Ain el-Helweh on 9 February; on 29 January a Palestinian was killed at his door. Israel's occupation authorities made no official comment.
Friday, 28 January 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
39 persons were killed and tens of others were wounded following a car bomb explosion parked in front of the 'Fateh' headquarters in Chtaura.
Sunday, 30 January 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
A bomb storm fell on East Beirut. While a constructive beginning of the week was expected, mainly concerning the project of a disarmed and open 'Greater Beirut', blind violence hit again. Following the degradation of the situation in the mountain between the Lebanese Forces and the Progressive Socialist Party, mortar shells, Katiouchas and other Grad fell on East Beirut causing important material damages.
Wednesday, 2 February 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The aggressions didn't spare the Multinational Force. Reacting to the anti-French attacks, the President of the French Republic, Francois Mitterand, ordered the reinforcement of the French contingent in Lebanon.
Friday, 4 February 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The situation went out of control in the mountain as bombs fell on East Beirut.
Saturday, 5 February 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
A remotely controlled car bomb exploded killing 19 and injuring 136 in front of the Palestinian research center and the Libyan Jana agency, in Caracas street.
Monday, 7 February 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
A 20-point security agreement to pacify the mountain was finally reached between the Lebanese Forces and the Druze, under Israeli aegis.
Added from the books
Israel's Kahan Commission publishes its report on Sabra and Chatila.
Israel's inquiry into the September 1982 massacre blamed the Phalangists above all, finding its own political and military leaders indirectly responsible; Ariel Sharon lost the Defence Ministry.
Israel's inquiry into the September 1982 massacre blamed the Phalangists above all, finding its own political and military leaders indirectly responsible; Ariel Sharon lost the Defence Ministry.
Sources differ: Fisk quotes the finding as Sharon's 'personal responsibility'; Traboulsi and de Clerck and Malsagne call it indirect responsibility. Fisk also criticises the report for treating the massacre as 'events'.
Tuesday, 8 February 1983
Added from the books
A British contingent joins the Multinational Force.
A British contingent of 100 men from the Queen's Dragoon Guards joined the French, American and Italian troops of the second Multinational Force.
A British contingent of 100 men from the Queen's Dragoon Guards joined the French, American and Italian troops of the second Multinational Force.
Monday, 14 February 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Army deployed 3800 soldiers and officers in the East between Nahr El Mott, Dora and Hazmieh, by virtue of a decree granting it extended powers.
What the books addEarly in 1983 the Eighth Brigade went into all of Beirut, the east included, under a plan to collect light arms in the city and clear heavy weapons and gunmen from Greater Beirut. The Lebanese Forces resisted, then on 1 March 1983 agreed to return East Beirut and the port's fifth basin to the state.
Tuesday, 15 February 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Armenian Community in Lebanon gave a grandiose and emotional official farewell to its Patriarch H.S. Khoren 1st Catholicos of the house of Cilicie, dead at the age of 69.
Wednesday, 16 February 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
A car bomb exploded in Antelias not far from a Phalange office. Once again, the civilians paid the price of this ferocity.
Sunday, 20 February 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Even the weather seemed to conspire against Lebanon in the beginning of this year. The storm and the cold raging from the coast up to the peaks of Lebanon claimed several victims. 23 cadavers were discovered and tens of persons were reported missing in the region of Dahr El Baydar. Rescue teams had already succeeded in saving 200 persons; but tens of others, trapped in their cars or buried under the snow where they were attempting to find shelter, were fighting death. The final toll reached 60 deaths and tens of isolated villages.
Wednesday, 23 February 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The American envoy Philip Habib returned to Beirut to speed up the withdrawal process.
Tuesday, 1 March 1983
Added from the books
The Lebanese Forces agree to place East Beirut and the port's fifth basin under state control.
Given guarantees by President Gemayel, the Lebanese Forces returned control of East Beirut to the state, along with the port's fifth basin, which had brought in about a fifth of their income.
Given guarantees by President Gemayel, the Lebanese Forces returned control of East Beirut to the state, along with the port's fifth basin, which had brought in about a fifth of their income.
Sources differ: De Clerck and Malsagne give 1 March 1983 here but 'spring 1983' elsewhere (p. 351); original entry 654 dates the state's recovery of the fifth basin to 7 March.
Friday, 4 March 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
A Lebanese Army convoy was attacked near Baalbeck. 6 militaries were killed and 13 injured. The assailants were pro-Iranians fighters.
Saturday, 5 March 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Rain and snow fell again on Lebanon, thus increasing the risks of flood as the streams and rivers, caused by the rain and the melting snow, were threatening to overflow. The State mobilized its entire means to prevent a catastrophe.
Monday, 7 March 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The State regained control over the fifth basin of the port.
What the books addDe Clerck and Malsagne date the Lebanese Forces' return of the fifth basin to the state to 1 March 1983. Until then its customs receipts, put at 5 million dollars a month, supplied 20% of the militia's revenue. The army held it until 1985, when Samir Geagea took it back.
Wednesday, 9 March 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
At the summit of New Delhi, President Amine Gemayel pleaded Lebanon's cause in front of 95 nations. He declared that Lebanon pursued a triple objective in the negotiations: preserve the national consensus, safeguard the State's sovereignty, and maintain the country's credibility among the Arabs.
Sunday, 13 March 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The negotiations that were taking place in Washington, in view of an Israeli troops withdrawal from Lebanon, seemed to have reached some progress. Back to Lebanon, an attack against an Israeli patrol in Jiyeh provoked the death of three soldiers.
Wednesday, 16 March 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
14 American Marines and Italian bersaglieri were wounded by three attacks perpetrated in less than 12 hours. Washington and Rome declared however that the Multinational Force would continue its mission. The Lebanese Army launched a clean up operation in the Southern suburbs.
What the books addA caller claimed the attacks for 'Islamic Jihad', then an unknown name; the same voice later claimed the embassy bombing (Fisk). He counts ten Italians, two critically, and five US Marines wounded within 48 hours. De Clerck and Malsagne date these first Islamic Jihad attacks to 17 March.
Friday, 18 March 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
During his visit to the region, former American President, Jimmy Carter met with President Gemayel, while the negotiations were frozen binding the return of Philip Habib. These negotiations resumed on March 21.
Saturday, 19 March 1983
Added from the books
Israeli jeeps attempt to push into the Marines' positions by Beirut airport.
Israeli fire nearly hit several Marines when soldiers in two Israeli jeeps tried to enter the Marine lines. Washington then ordered regular Marine meetings with Israeli liaison officers, from which Shi'i militiamen concluded the Americans were feeding Israel intelligence.
Israeli fire nearly hit several Marines when soldiers in two Israeli jeeps tried to enter the Marine lines. Washington then ordered regular Marine meetings with Israeli liaison officers, from which Shi'i militiamen concluded the Americans were feeding Israel intelligence.
Saturday, 26 March 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Following troubles triggered by a series of arrests, the Army reinstated the calm in Bir El Abed. It was the first incident of this kind since the inception of 'Greater Beirut'.
What the books addHanf dates Amal's first fighting with the army to March 1983, after soldiers had arrested large numbers of Shi'is on dubious charges.
Monday, 4 April 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Shiite leaders called for a sit-in South Lebanon.
Wednesday, 6 April 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The government decided to raise the salaries in the private sector: 10% up to 2500 LP, 9% raging from 2501 to 4000 LP, and 4% above 4000 LP.
Sunday, 10 April 1983
Added from the books
King Hussein abandons talks with the PLO, ending the Reagan plan.
The Reagan plan, launched after the 1982 Lebanon war, died on 10 April, when King Hussein announced he had failed to agree terms with the PLO for talks on the occupied territories.
The Reagan plan, launched after the 1982 Lebanon war, died on 10 April, when King Hussein announced he had failed to agree terms with the PLO for talks on the occupied territories.
Wednesday, 13 April 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
General Moussa Kanaan was appointed new CEO of Télé-Liban.
111101 entry in the original chronology
The French soldiers of the Multinational Force dug out a 1000 kilos bomb dropped by an Israeli airplane during the summer of 1982 and buried next to a building. 15000 persons were evacuated from their homes.
Sunday, 17 April 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Israeli Minister of Defense, Moshe Arens considered that the Middle East peace process was not dead and that a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon would be concluded in the near future.
Monday, 18 April 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
A murderous attack was perpetrated against the United States embassy in Beirut. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack executed using a small truck loaded with explosives driven by a Kamikaze. The embassy's building was totally devastated, resulting in the death of 61 persons including 17 Americans. Two hours after the attack, President Gemayel arrived at the scene in order to supervise the rescue operations.
What the books addFisk and de Clerck and Malsagne count 63 dead, 17 of them Americans, and Fisk about a hundred wounded. Many victims were Lebanese queuing in the visa section. The bomb struck a meeting of the CIA's senior regional officers. De Clerck and Malsagne describe the vehicle as a van, Fisk as a truck.
Friday, 22 April 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
While President Reagan was still determined to reestablish security and freedom in Lebanon, Lawrence Eagleburger, the American under-secretary of State, arrived in Beirut to take back the remains of the American citizens killed during the attack against the American embassy.
Tuesday, 26 April 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Phalangist militia handed over the alleged assassin of Bechir Gemayel, Habib Chartouni, to the Army.
What the books addMénargues dates the handover to 28 April 1983. Held in an army intelligence cell at the Defence Ministry in Yarze, Chartouni admitted the killing before the military prosecutor that day. The case was later handed by Amine Gemayel's cabinet to a constitutional High Court that had never been created; he was freed on 13 October 1990.
Thursday, 28 April 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
As part of his trip to the Middle East, the Secretary of State, George Shultz made a quick stop in Lebanon. He visited the ruins of the American embassy and met with Lebanese officials.
Friday, 29 April 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Serge Lama gave his first recital at the Theatre du Liban.
Sunday, 1 May 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
While the American Secretary of Sate, George Shultz was undertaking a forcing to reach an agreement between Israel and Lebanon, the mountain went again on fire. The Lebanese Forces and the PSP resumed their combats. The bombardments reached the Kesrouan coastline. They continued in the days to follow causing tens of victims.
Tuesday, 3 May 1983
Added from the books
Assad and Arafat fail to agree in Damascus.
With ties between Damascus and the PLO leadership worsening, Hafez al-Assad and Yasser Arafat held talks in Damascus but found no common line.
With ties between Damascus and the PLO leadership worsening, Hafez al-Assad and Yasser Arafat held talks in Damascus but found no common line.
Friday, 6 May 1983
Added from the books
Shultz is told in Damascus that Syria will not withdraw.
In Damascus President Assad told US Secretary of State George Shultz that Syria opposed the draft Lebanese-Israeli agreement and would not withdraw; in Beirut, Druze and Phalangist gunners paused only during Shultz's visit.
In Damascus President Assad told US Secretary of State George Shultz that Syria opposed the draft Lebanese-Israeli agreement and would not withdraw; in Beirut, Druze and Phalangist gunners paused only during Shultz's visit.
Sources differ: Hanf dates the Damascus meeting to 6 May, Fisk to 8 May.
Monday, 9 May 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
87 Soviet nationals were evacuated from Lebanon while the Lebanese Forces requested the closure of schools. The tension was at its highest.
Thursday, 12 May 1983
Added from the books
Fatah units in the Bekaa mutiny against Arafat.
Under Colonel Abu Musa and with Syrian backing, Bekaa-based Fatah units revolted against Arafat and attacked his loyalists, who withdrew to Tripoli.
Under Colonel Abu Musa and with Syrian backing, Bekaa-based Fatah units revolted against Arafat and attacked his loyalists, who withdrew to Tripoli.
Saturday, 14 May 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Council of Ministers approved unanimously the draft agreement with Israel which only needed to be signed.
What the books addDe Clerck and Malsagne say the deputies were told of the text at a closed session on 15 May; Prime Minister Wazzan approved it and sent it to the president, and that month 70 of the 91 deputies still in office backed the government.
Sunday, 15 May 1983
Added from the books
Deputies are briefed on the agreement with Israel in closed session.
Behind closed doors the deputies went through the text. Foreign Minister Elie Salem argued that Israeli observers for a limited time were better than continued occupation, and Saeb Salam did much to win them over.
Behind closed doors the deputies went through the text. Foreign Minister Elie Salem argued that Israeli observers for a limited time were better than continued occupation, and Saeb Salam did much to win them over.
Sources differ: Hanf and Fisk date the parliamentary vote to 14 or 15 June (entry 676); in de Clerck and Malsagne's chronology parliament approved the agreement on 17 May.
Tuesday, 17 May 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Lebanese-Israeli agreement was signed during two solemn ceremonies taking place simultaneously in Kyriat Shmona and in Khaldeh. The agreement sponsored by the United States was supposed to put an end to the state of war.
What the books addOn 17 May Antoine Fattal (Lebanon), David Kimche (Israel) and Morris Draper (US) signed in Arabic, French, English and Hebrew. The accord ended the state of war and made the south a security zone under joint supervision teams and a territorial brigade led by Saad Haddad. Letters exchanged by Israel and Washington tied Israel's withdrawal to Syria's, voiding the accord at birth in de Clerck and Malsagne's view. Picard places the signing at Naqoura.
Added from the books
Syria declares Philip Habib unwelcome in Damascus.
Every road through Syria's lines in the mountains above Beirut stayed shut for more than a day after the 17 May signing; within hours Damascus had declared Philip Habib, the US envoy, unwelcome.
Every road through Syria's lines in the mountains above Beirut stayed shut for more than a day after the 17 May signing; within hours Damascus had declared Philip Habib, the US envoy, unwelcome.
Sunday, 22 May 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
23 hostages were executed in the Chouf. Efforts intensified to avoid escalation.
Friday, 3 June 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
An earthquake of 5.3 magnitude on the Richter scale provoked panic but caused no victims.
Friday, 10 June 1983
Added from the books
Druze and Syrian guns shell East Beirut, Jounieh and Bikfaya.
On 10 June Syrian artillery in the upper Metn and Druze guns in the Chouf shelled East Beirut, Jounieh and Bikfaya. For Hanf, it proved that the 17 May agreement's opponents meant what they said.
On 10 June Syrian artillery in the upper Metn and Druze guns in the Chouf shelled East Beirut, Jounieh and Bikfaya. For Hanf, it proved that the 17 May agreement's opponents meant what they said.
Added from the books
Israeli armoured vehicles are ambushed near Tyre.
As attacks on the occupation multiplied, up to ten gunmen ambushed two Israeli armoured vehicles leaving the Shi'i village of Deir Qanoun en-Nahr.
As attacks on the occupation multiplied, up to ten gunmen ambushed two Israeli armoured vehicles leaving the Shi'i village of Deir Qanoun en-Nahr.
Tuesday, 14 June 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
While the bombardments took a dangerous turn in the mountain as they reached residential areas, the Chamber of Deputies approved the ratification of the Mai 17 agreement with 62 votes against 2 and 4 abstentions.
What the books addCounts differ: Hanf has 64 for, 2 against and 4 abstentions among 70 deputies present (40 of 50 Christian and 24 of 41 Muslim members in favour); Traboulsi has 65 for, 2 against and 4 abstentions; Fisk puts the vote on 15 June. Traboulsi says the government formally renounced the agreement on 5 March 1984, Amine Gemayel never having signed it.
Thursday, 16 June 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Disguised armed elements fired on the crowd in Tripoli, killing 15 persons. The tensioned lasted several days in the capital of the North.
Monday, 20 June 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Lebanon lost one of its major poets. Nadia Tueni left behind her pages of pure beauty, eternal words, an immortal poetry, a Lebanon on fire, a tearful family, and inconsolable friends.
Art and memory
- book Nadia Tueni's last collection, Archives sentimentales d'une guerre au Liban (1982), written a few months before her death, is in 111101 References, with several of her other books.
Sunday, 26 June 1983
Added from the books
Arafat is expelled from Syria.
Fearing for their last footholds near Tripoli, Arafat's supporters allied with the Sunni Islamist Tawhid movement once Syria had expelled him from Damascus, where he had gone seeking a settlement.
Fearing for their last footholds near Tripoli, Arafat's supporters allied with the Sunni Islamist Tawhid movement once Syria had expelled him from Damascus, where he had gone seeking a settlement.
Monday, 27 June 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Violent combats were raging in the region of Mansouriet-Bhamdoun between the Lebanese Forces and the PSP militia. The bombs reached the Northern Metn.
Wednesday, 29 June 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Philip Habib undertook a new tour in the region. The Lebanese officials informed him in Beirut of their opposition to any partial Israeli withdrawal from the mountain.
Tuesday, 5 July 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The American Secretary of State arrived in Beirut as part of a new tour. 'Complete withdrawals should be executed according to a defined timetable', declared the US diplomat.
Thursday, 7 July 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Prime Minister Chaffic Wazzan escaped from a killing attempt. A car bomb exploded on his way to his office in Sanayeh.
Tuesday, 19 July 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
President Gemayel, accompanied by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, began an eight-day official visit to the United States where he met with President Reagan. The meetings were centered on the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Lebanon.
What the books addIsrael's announcement on 20 July of an early pull-out from the Chouf mountains, made while Gemayel was in Washington, alarmed Western ambassadors in Beirut (Fisk).
Wednesday, 20 July 1983
Added from the books
Israel announces it will pull back from the Chouf and Aley.
With Gemayel in Washington, Israel announced an early pull-back from the mountains above Beirut, dismaying Western ambassadors; Fisk explains that the army, and the multinational force with it, would be drawn into the Druze-Christian war.
With Gemayel in Washington, Israel announced an early pull-back from the mountains above Beirut, dismaying Western ambassadors; Fisk explains that the army, and the multinational force with it, would be drawn into the Druze-Christian war.
Sources differ: De Clerck and Malsagne say Arens announced a withdrawal for 15 September, without dating the announcement.
Thursday, 21 July 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The President of the A.U.B, David Dodge who was kidnapped on the 19th of July 1982, was released. The White House expressed its gratitude to Syria.
What the books addFisk writes that Dodge was held for months in Iran, though Lebanese reporters put part of his captivity in a Revolutionary Guards house at Zabadani, Syria. Reagan publicly thanked Hafez and Rifaat Assad for their help.
Friday, 22 July 1983
Added from the books
Rockets hit Beirut airport, which closes.
All flights stopped after Katyushas from Druze-held ground inside Israel's occupation zone hit Beirut airport's runways, narrowly missing a departing airliner. Sixteen were wounded, two US Marines among them, and a man fleeing by car was killed. That night rockets killed nine Christians in East Beirut.
All flights stopped after Katyushas from Druze-held ground inside Israel's occupation zone hit Beirut airport's runways, narrowly missing a departing airliner. Sixteen were wounded, two US Marines among them, and a man fleeing by car was killed. That night rockets killed nine Christians in East Beirut.
Saturday, 23 July 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The National Salvation Front was born. It was run by Sleiman Frangieh, Rachid Karameh and Walid Joumblatt and was requesting the abrogation of the Mai 17 Israeli-Lebanese agreement.
What the books addHanf lists Frangieh, Karami, Jumblatt and the left-wing parties as members and says Amal and the Islamic groups did not formally join; Traboulsi counts Amal among the forces that rallied to the Front.
Friday, 5 August 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
While the new American envoy Robert McFarlane began a trip to the different capitals of the region, terrorism hit innocent civilians again. A car parked at the entrance of a mosque in Tripoli exploded killing 19 and injuring 70.
Sunday, 7 August 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Blind terrorism continued to strike. A car bomb exploded in Baalbeck, killing 33 persons and injuring 133 others.
Wednesday, 10 August 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The political cleavage between the Lebanese authorities and the opposition was accentuated. Three ministers, Adel Hamiye, Adnan Mroueh and Pierre El Khoury were intercepted by militiamen, while on mission in the Chouf. They were released the next day.
Added from the books
Gemayel orders the army to answer the Druze shelling.
Druze rockets answered army howitzers firing on the Chouf from beside the airport road. Marines at the airport went on maximum alert, and McFarlane reached their base under fire.
Druze rockets answered army howitzers firing on the Chouf from beside the airport road. Marines at the airport went on maximum alert, and McFarlane reached their base under fire.
Tuesday, 16 August 1983
Added from the books
Moshe Arens warns Gemayel that Israel will leave the mountains.
Uninvited, Israel's defence minister came to East Beirut to warn that Israel would withdraw even if the Chouf fighting went on, and not disarm the militias.
Uninvited, Israel's defence minister came to East Beirut to warn that Israel would withdraw even if the Chouf fighting went on, and not disarm the militias.
Sunday, 21 August 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The first signs of an imminent Israeli redeployment in the south of the Awali river multiplied. Lebanon urged the United States to intervene in order to delay this initiative.
What the books addIsrael announced the pullback on 20 July. On 16 August Moshe Arens told Gemayel in East Beirut that Israel would leave the mountains even if the fighting had not stopped, and he announced a withdrawal for 15 September. According to de Clerck and Malsagne, the United States tried without success to dissuade Israel.
Sunday, 28 August 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Beirut witnessed four days of madness and bombardments during which the Army lost control of the situation in a matter of one day, in favor of the militiamen.
What the books addTwo US Marines were killed and 14 wounded on 29 August, as Amal, Murabitun and PSP fighters, having seized the south-western suburbs, stormed West Beirut and Syrian-held batteries shelled the east. Using tanks, the army had regained the city centre by 31 August, though not the suburbs.
Monday, 29 August 1983
Added from the books
Two US Marines are killed near Beirut airport.
Fourteen Marines were wounded and two killed. Near-daily shelling of their positions over the following weeks drove them to fire back.
Fourteen Marines were wounded and two killed. Near-daily shelling of their positions over the following weeks drove them to fire back.
Wednesday, 31 August 1983
Added from the books
Massacre of Christian villagers at Bmaryam.
Christians were massacred at Bmaryam, a mixed upper-Metn village; Christian radio blamed the Druze. De Clerck and Malsagne count 31 dead and date the 'Battle of the Mountain' from it.
Christians were massacred at Bmaryam, a mixed upper-Metn village; Christian radio blamed the Druze. De Clerck and Malsagne count 31 dead and date the 'Battle of the Mountain' from it.
Sources differ: 31 August (de Clerck and Malsagne's chronology; Fisk reports the radio news on 31 August) or 1 September (their chapter). 31 dead (de Clerck and Malsagne) or 24 (Christian radio reports cited by Fisk).
Thursday, 1 September 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
During the month of September, atrocious massacres were perpetrated against Christian and Druze civilians in the Chouf.
What the books addMassacres were committed on both sides: Druze fighters killed Christians at Bmaryam, Bhamdoun, Ma'asir al-Chouf and many other villages, and Lebanese Forces fighters killed Druze at Kfarmatta and in villages on their line of retreat. For September to December 1983 de Clerck and Malsagne give more than 1,500 Christians and 207 Druze massacred, 324 PSP and 368 Lebanese Forces fighters dead, and over 163,000 Christians driven from the region. Traboulsi gives 62 villages destroyed, Hanf about sixty.
Art and memory
- memorial Fakhreddine's equestrian statue, put up by the government at Baakline in 1974 and seen as serving the Christian establishment, was dynamited by PSP fighters in 1983.
Sunday, 4 September 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Taking the Lebanese authorities by surprise, the Israeli Army began its withdrawal from the Chouf and Aley leaving face to face the militia of the PSP and the LF in a merciless battle. The combats raged mainly around Bhamdoun, Souk El Gharb and Kabr Chmoun. A dramatic situation unfolded in the mountain where thousands of people were forced out of their homes. 30 000 people found temporary shelter in Deir El Kamar. The rehousing of the displaced persons caused a complicated problem for the officials.
What the books addThe Lebanese army had under 24 hours' warning, Fisk writes, before Israeli troops began leaving Aley and the Chouf on the evening of 3 September; by the morning of the 4th they had gone. De Clerck and Malsagne count more than 10,000 Christians from over 60 villages sheltering in Deir el-Qamar.
Art and memory
- place Two died at Qabr Chmoun, one of the battlefields named here, on 30 June 2019, when Jumblatt supporters opposing Gebran Bassil's visit attacked a Druze minister. Bassil's speeches on the 1983 Mountain War were blamed; the crisis eased on 10 August.
- book Paul Andary's Harb al-jabal, al-haqiqa la tarham (The Mountain War: the truth does not forgive) was self-published in Beirut in 1983 and has been reissued several times.
Added from the books
Massacre of Druze villagers at Kfarmatta.
On 4 September the Lebanese Forces took Kfarmatta, a mixed village above the sea, killing over a hundred of its Druze and holding 150 to 200 Druze civilians hostage. Clark Todd, a Canadian television reporter wounded there, died in the village.
On 4 September the Lebanese Forces took Kfarmatta, a mixed village above the sea, killing over a hundred of its Druze and holding 150 to 200 Druze civilians hostage. Clark Todd, a Canadian television reporter wounded there, died in the village.
Sources differ: 107 dead (de Clerck and Malsagne) or 110 (villagers interviewed by Fisk in 1984). De Clerck and Malsagne date the hostage-taking to 4-5 September.
Art and memory
- memorial His widow dedicated a memorial in their Hatfield parish church to him and 'all victims of terrorism'. Five months after he died, French TV found in Kfarmatta the pillowcase bearing his last message home.
Tuesday, 6 September 1983
Added from the books
Bhamdoun falls; its Christian inhabitants are massacred or flee.
Druze fighters, with tanks and anti-Arafat Palestinian guerrillas, routed the Lebanese Forces at Bhamdoun, a Greek Orthodox town, which was then looted. No bodies of the Christian dead were ever found; De Clerck and Malsagne count 334.
Druze fighters, with tanks and anti-Arafat Palestinian guerrillas, routed the Lebanese Forces at Bhamdoun, a Greek Orthodox town, which was then looted. No bodies of the Christian dead were ever found; De Clerck and Malsagne count 334.
Sources differ: De Clerck and Malsagne (p. 178) also record that some anti-Arafat Fatah dissidents hid and saved Christians in Bhamdoun.
Added from the books
Two US Marines and a French officer are killed by shellfire.
Shells across West Beirut killed two US Marines and a French officer. Tens of thousands of refugees awaited evacuation, for which the International Red Cross sought an immediate truce.
Shells across West Beirut killed two US Marines and a French officer. Tens of thousands of refugees awaited evacuation, for which the International Red Cross sought an immediate truce.
Thursday, 8 September 1983
Added from the books
A US warship fires on Druze positions for the first time.
A Druze battery shelling the Marine compound beside the airport came under fire from the US frigate Bowen.
A Druze battery shelling the Marine compound beside the airport came under fire from the US frigate Bowen.
Friday, 9 September 1983
Added from the books
Massacre of Christians at Ma'asir al-Chouf.
Ma'asir al-Chouf's Druze had promised their Christian neighbours no harm; then sixty-four Christians, the priest and babies and children among them, were killed there and their bodies disappeared.
Ma'asir al-Chouf's Druze had promised their Christian neighbours no harm; then sixty-four Christians, the priest and babies and children among them, were killed there and their bodies disappeared.
Friday, 16 September 1983
Added from the books
Arafat returns to Lebanon and takes command in Tripoli.
Syria's navy blockaded Tripoli and Chekka after Arafat reappeared in Tripoli and took command of his loyal Palestinians, a move Damascus regarded as provocative.
Syria's navy blockaded Tripoli and Chekka after Arafat reappeared in Tripoli and took command of his loyal Palestinians, a move Damascus regarded as provocative.
Added from the books
The battle for Souk el-Gharb begins.
From 16 September the Druze and their Syrian and Palestinian allies attacked Souk el-Gharb, the ridge village above East Beirut, the Defence Ministry and the Baabda palace, held by Michel Aoun's army brigade. By the army's report most of it had fallen on the night of 18 September.
From 16 September the Druze and their Syrian and Palestinian allies attacked Souk el-Gharb, the ridge village above East Beirut, the Defence Ministry and the Baabda palace, held by Michel Aoun's army brigade. By the army's report most of it had fallen on the night of 18 September.
Sources differ: The Americans afterwards accused the army of overstating its plight to pull in the US Navy (Fisk).
Sunday, 18 September 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Emir Magid Arslane died at the age of 79. Hero of the independence, deputy since 1931, and several times minister, Emir Magid became very early a true national leader, a perfect incarnation of the generation of men who have shaped the coexistence aspect of Lebanon.
Monday, 19 September 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The American warships pounded the anti-governmental forces in the mountain confirming the American support to the legal authority.
What the books addFrom 19 September the destroyer John Rodgers, then the cruiser Virginia, shelled Druze positions at Souk el-Gharb. Washington cited US personnel's safety; Fisk and Hanf see entry into the civil war. Only the frigate Bowen had fired before, on 8 September, at a Druze battery hitting the Marine compound.
Thursday, 22 September 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
It was the turn of the French to react. The super-standards bombarded the artillery positions in Dhour Choueir while a bomb shower fell on Greater Beirut.
Monday, 26 September 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Prime Minister Chafic Wazzan presented the resignation of his government to the chief of State, who refused it.
Added from the books
McFarlane obtains a ceasefire through Damascus.
Khaddam, Syria's foreign minister, announced the ceasefire that US envoy Robert McFarlane had reached with Saudi help. Damascus recognised Gemayel as legitimate president; McFarlane undertook to urge him to bring in the opposition.
Khaddam, Syria's foreign minister, announced the ceasefire that US envoy Robert McFarlane had reached with Saudi help. Damascus recognised Gemayel as legitimate president; McFarlane undertook to urge him to bring in the opposition.
Wednesday, 28 September 1983
Added from the books
Shi'i militiamen drive the Christians out of Mreijeh.
With the army leaving West Beirut positions, Shi'i militiamen expelled Mreijeh's Christians, the last non-Shi'i community in that part of the city.
With the army leaving West Beirut positions, Shi'i militiamen expelled Mreijeh's Christians, the last non-Shi'i community in that part of the city.
Saturday, 1 October 1983
Added from the books
Walid Jumblatt sets up the Civil Administration of the Mountain.
Walid Jumblatt created the Civil Administration of the Mountain to run public services in the Druze-controlled areas. Based at Beiteddine palace and lasting until 1991, it mirrored most government ministries and divided the Mountain into five districts. The government accused him of setting up a Druze canton.
Walid Jumblatt created the Civil Administration of the Mountain to run public services in the Druze-controlled areas. Based at Beiteddine palace and lasting until 1991, it mirrored most government ministries and divided the Mountain into five districts. The government accused him of setting up a Druze canton.
Art and memory
- place The PSP took over Emir Bashir II's palace at Beiteddine in 1983. Renamed the 'People's Palace', it housed Walid Jumblatt's Civil Administration of the Mountain until 1990 and received a bust of Kamal Jumblatt and a memorial to PSP martyrs. The state regained it in February 1999.
Friday, 7 October 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
A first exchange of hostages between the LF and the P.S.P was possible under the aegis of the four-party military commission. Furthermore, the commission succeeded in assuring the entry of a Red Cross convoy in Deir El Kamar where 25,000 refugees had found shelter.
What the books addDe Clerck and Malsagne put more than 10,000 Christian refugees in Deir el-Qamar during its 102-day siege. Hunger killed 12 people in fragile health, and some diabetics died for want of insulin.
Wednesday, 12 October 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Political confusion, frequent violations of the cease-fire, alarming threats were as many elements that favored monetary speculation in Beirut. The dollar registered a spectacular increase against the Lebanese pound reaching 515 L.P.
Friday, 14 October 1983
Added from the books
Shi'i members leave the ceasefire committee.
Shi'i members left the ceasefire committee on 14 October in protest at punishments of Muslim soldiers who had refused to fire on Shi'i militiamen. Shi'i gunmen killed a Marine in mid-October.
Shi'i members left the ceasefire committee on 14 October in protest at punishments of Muslim soldiers who had refused to fire on Shi'i militiamen. Shi'i gunmen killed a Marine in mid-October.
Sunday, 16 October 1983
Added from the books
Israeli troops fire on the Ashoura crowd in Nabatieh.
On Ashoura, Israeli soldiers whose convoy had entered Nabatieh's crowds were stoned and fired, killing two Shi'is and wounding seven. De Clerck and Malsagne note it is often seen as a turning point for Islamic resistance to the occupation.
On Ashoura, Israeli soldiers whose convoy had entered Nabatieh's crowds were stoned and fired, killing two Shi'is and wounding seven. De Clerck and Malsagne note it is often seen as a turning point for Islamic resistance to the occupation.
Sources differ: The Israeli army first denied any casualties, then said it had been fired on (Fisk).
Tuesday, 18 October 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Violent artillery duels were taking place on the axis Aley-Souk El Gharb-Dahr El Wahch and in the Iqlim. The situation became uncontrollable.
Saturday, 22 October 1983
Added from the books
Syria threatens the US Sixth Fleet.
Syria threatened missile strikes on Sixth Fleet ships should Reagan try to 'terrorise' it, a day before the Marines and the French were bombed.
Syria threatened missile strikes on Sixth Fleet ships should Reagan try to 'terrorise' it, a day before the Marines and the French were bombed.
Sunday, 23 October 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Two attacks were perpetrated against the general headquarters of the American contingent next to the Beirut International Airport and against a position of the French contingent in Jnah. The double attack made 241 deaths and 60 injured among the Americans, and 58 deaths and 15 injured among the French. It was a true declaration of war to the political military and even physical presence of the West in Lebanon.
What the books addAt 6.20 am a truck bomb destroyed the Marine battalion headquarters near the airport; 20 seconds later a second blew up the Drakkar, the nine-storey base of the French paratroopers. Fisk and de Clerck and Malsagne give 241 American and 58 French dead; Picard has 239 and 56. Fisk notes these were France's first combat deaths since the Algerian war. De Clerck and Malsagne name Imad Mughniyeh as prime suspect; Fisk writes that the two drivers were never identified.
Art and memory
- book Hanf points to Eric Hammel's The Root: The Marines in Beirut, August 1982 - February 1984, built on interviews with Marines.
Monday, 24 October 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The French President Mitterand made a quick visit to Beirut and declared: ' We will stay'.
What the books addDe Clerck and Malsagne note that no French president had visited Lebanon since independence before Mitterrand's trip.
Wednesday, 26 October 1983
Added from the books
Vice-President Bush visits the ruins of the Marine headquarters.
While the Marines were under grenade attack, George Bush toured their bombed base, declaring terror would neither dictate nor change US foreign policy.
While the Marines were under grenade attack, George Bush toured their bombed base, declaring terror would neither dictate nor change US foreign policy.
Thursday, 27 October 1983
Added from the books
Reagan links Lebanon and Grenada; Hussein Moussavi praises the bombers.
On 27 October Reagan, on television, linked Lebanon to Grenada, invaded two days earlier, to defend keeping US troops there. In Baalbek, Islamic Amal's Hussein Moussavi called the Marines bombing pleasing to God but denied a part in it.
On 27 October Reagan, on television, linked Lebanon to Grenada, invaded two days earlier, to defend keeping US troops there. In Baalbek, Islamic Amal's Hussein Moussavi called the Marines bombing pleasing to God but denied a part in it.
Monday, 31 October 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The dialog conference opened in Geneva. This national reconciliation conference represented the only hope for the Lebanese.
What the books addThe conference sat from 31 October to 4 November (Picard has 1 to 8 November), with Syria's foreign minister Khaddam present and Prime Minister Wazzan kept out by a Syrian veto. Amine Gemayel chaired; Camille Chamoun and Pierre Gemayel spoke for the Lebanese Front, Frangieh, Jumblatt and Karami for the opposition, Saeb Salam for the Sunnis, Adel Osseiran for the Shi'is.
Wednesday, 2 November 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
At the Geneva conference, the Mai 17 agreement was the main subject of debates. A Gemayel-Frangieh reconciliation took place.
What the books addGeneva's leaders agreed on Lebanon's 'Arab identity'. Fisk saw two reconciliations: Camille Chamoun ended five years of silence with Suleiman Frangieh, and Frangieh's public embrace of Amin Gemayel seemed to close their families' feud.
Friday, 4 November 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Participants in the Geneva conference asked President Gemayel to undertake an Arab and occidental tour in order to attempt solving the problem of the May 17 agreement.
111101 entry in the original chronology
A car bomb exploded next to the Israeli headquarters in Tyr causing 29 deaths and 29 injured. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for this killing attempt.
What the books addFisk puts the Tyre bombing's dead at 60, Israelis and Shin Bet prisoners together, and says some Israeli intelligence officers had known of plans against the building at least eleven months earlier.
Sunday, 6 November 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The situation was dramatic in Tripoli. Inter-Palestinian fights claimed 500 deaths and 875 injured.
What the books addThe fighting set Fatah dissidents under Abu Musa, Syrian artillery and pro-Syrian Lebanese parties against Arafat's loyalists and the Sunni Tawhid militia. Hanf writes that in early November it took on the character of a Sunni-Alawite civil war, and that Tawhid fighters killed hundreds of communists.
Added from the books range
A French secret service plan to bomb the Iranian embassy fails.
Technical faults wrecked a DGSE plan, on 6-7 November, to retaliate for the Drakkar bombing by exploding a jeep with 600 kg of explosives in front of Iran's embassy in Beirut.
Technical faults wrecked a DGSE plan, on 6-7 November, to retaliate for the Drakkar bombing by exploding a jeep with 600 kg of explosives in front of Iran's embassy in Beirut.
Thursday, 17 November 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The French aviation hit pro-Iranian bases in Baalbeck.
What the books addFourteen Super-Étendards from the carrier Clemenceau attacked the Sheikh Abdallah barracks and the Khawam hotel, used by the Revolutionary Guards and Islamic Amal. The barracks had been evacuated after a leak, and most bombs fell on nearby hills; de Clerck and Malsagne count two dead, an Iranian and a Lebanese shepherd. The raid, code-named 'Brochet', was presented as retaliation for the Drakkar bombing.
Sunday, 20 November 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
An Israeli airplane was shut down by the D.C.A. in the Lebanese sky.
Thursday, 24 November 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Six Israeli prisoners were exchanged against 4600 Palestinian and Lebanese prisoners.
Friday, 25 November 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
A Syrian-Saudi agreement was reached in Damascus for the evacuation of Palestinians from Tripoli.
Wednesday, 30 November 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
President Gemayel met with the American President at the White House.
What the books addHanf writes that in Washington on 1 December the Americans pressed Gemayel to come to terms with the Druze and Shi'is and ruled out any change to the 17 May agreement.
Thursday, 1 December 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Sheikh Halim Takieddine, Chief of the Druze religious law courts was assassinated; this triggered great emotions in political and religious spheres in Beirut.
Added from the books
Shelling kills 15 people in besieged Deir el-Qamar.
Shelling killed 15 people in besieged Deir el-Qamar, where no aid was allowed in.
Shelling killed 15 people in besieged Deir el-Qamar, where no aid was allowed in.
Sunday, 4 December 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Syrian anti-air defense shut down two American airplanes and a pilot was captured. The positions of the Marines at the Beirut International Airport were bombarded. Eight Marines were killed. The American President was angry: 'We will retaliate if we are attacked again'.
What the books addUS aircraft struck Syrian positions on 4 December. Fisk counts one plane brought down, with the pilot dead and the co-pilot taken prisoner (Jesse Jackson obtained his release in January 1984); Hanf counts two planes lost. Hanf also places, without a date, the deaths of eight Marines from Syrian artillery fire in the same episode.
Monday, 5 December 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
150 kilos of hexogen exploded at Tarik Jdideh spreading terror, killing 16 persons and injuring 100.
Thursday, 8 December 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
A water tower exploded in the Bekaa and the flooding provoked a landslide that destroyed 10 houses and killed 20 persons.
Wednesday, 14 December 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The American battleship New Jersey entered into action and launched 11 bombs of 1500 kilos each against Syrian positions in Dahr El Baydar.
What the books addThe New Jersey fired shells, not bombs: one-ton 16-inch rounds, according to Fisk. De Clerck and Malsagne say its rounds often missed, by up to 9,000 metres, and killed civilians; Christians called it 'New Jersa', a new shame.
Thursday, 15 December 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
2500 Lebanese Forces fighters were evacuated from Deir El Kamar.
What the books addOn 15 December, after 102 days, the siege of Deir el-Qamar ended. Israel brokered the departure of Samir Geagea's Lebanese Forces and most refugees for East Beirut; the town was left mainly to its elderly.
Friday, 16 December 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Beirut International Airport, closed since November 30, was reopened to air traffic.
Tuesday, 20 December 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
Yasser Arafat and 4300 Palestinians left Tripoli aboard Greek ships.
What the books addEscorted by five French warships, Greek ships including the Odysseus carried Arafat and some 4,000 men from Tripoli to Tunis, the PLO's second evacuation from Lebanon after Beirut in 1982.
Wednesday, 21 December 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
A truck bomb attack against the frigate post of the French contingent of the Multinational Force in Berjaoui killed one paratrooper and injured 16 others. Another 16 persons were killed and 84 were injured among the Lebanese civilians.
Wednesday, 28 December 1983
111101 entry in the original chronology
After three days marked by violent combats in the capital, the Army announced that it was controlling the camps of Sabra and Chatila.
1983: day not established
June 1983
Added from the books
Strikes and protests in the south on the anniversary of the invasion.
Most southern towns and villages and the western Bekaa saw strikes and uprisings in June 1983, the invasion's first anniversary; Amal's general strike call was broadly observed.
Most southern towns and villages and the western Bekaa saw strikes and uprisings in June 1983, the invasion's first anniversary; Amal's general strike call was broadly observed.
July 1983
Added from the books
Amal resists an army eviction in Wadi Abu Jamil.
In July 1983 the army tried to evict Shi'i refugees sheltering in a Wadi Abu Jamil school, in Beirut's old Jewish quarter; Amal resisted. Berri, demanding Wazzan's resignation, refused to have Shi'is treated 'like Blacks in South Africa'.
In July 1983 the army tried to evict Shi'i refugees sheltering in a Wadi Abu Jamil school, in Beirut's old Jewish quarter; Amal resisted. Berri, demanding Wazzan's resignation, refused to have Shi'is treated 'like Blacks in South Africa'.
early August 1983
Added from the books
Walid Jumblatt warns of a 'bloody carnival'.
With the Druze and the Lebanese Forces both waiting for the Israeli pull-out, Walid Jumblatt warned in early August that the fight for the Mountain would be a 'bloody carnival'.
With the Druze and the Lebanese Forces both waiting for the Israeli pull-out, Walid Jumblatt warned in early August that the fight for the Mountain would be a 'bloody carnival'.
September 1983
Added from the books
The siege of Deir el-Qamar begins.
Deir el-Qamar, held by the Lebanese Forces, sheltered more than 10,000 Christians who had fled over 60 villages of the Chouf and Aley. Jumblatt's militiamen surrounded and shelled the town for 102 days, until 15 December.
Deir el-Qamar, held by the Lebanese Forces, sheltered more than 10,000 Christians who had fled over 60 villages of the Chouf and Aley. Jumblatt's militiamen surrounded and shelled the town for 102 days, until 15 December.
Sources differ: The original entries give 30,000 (692) and 25,000 (697) refugees.