111101 entry in the original chronology
After the fightings in Beirut, the Amal movement and the Hezbollah continue their bloody fightings in the Iqlim-el-Touffah.
62 original entries, 29 added from the books, 80 days.
original 111101 entry added from the books
Sunday, 8 January 1989
Tuesday, 10 January 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The extraordinary conference of Arab ministers of Foreign Affairs was held in Tunis without the Lebanese delegation although the conference covered primarily the Lebanese crisis.
What the books addHanf: Syria, isolated among Arab states, reluctantly accepted the Lebanon commission the Arab League's Council of Ministers set up on 12 January under Kuwait's foreign minister. Iraq launched it to check Syria.
Thursday, 12 January 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
On the fifth day of a bloody duel, Amal and Hezbollah sink in the Iqlim-el-Touffah.
Wednesday, 18 January 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The great Lebanese poet and drama author, Georges Schehade, dies at the age of 81 in his Parisian house. Georges Schehade wrote in French.
Friday, 20 January 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The chief of the National Liberal Party, Dany Chamoun, met with Walid Joumblatt, chief of the Progressive Socialist Party, in Deir el Kamar. Moreover, Beiteddine was busy organizing the return of the refugees.
What the books addIn January 1989 Walid Jumblatt made his strongest appeal yet for displaced Christians to return to the Chouf and Aley. Dany Chamoun attended the conference Jumblatt held; Samir Geagea did not. According to Hanf, few displaced people returned.
Monday, 30 January 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Following negotiations conducted in Damascus, the pro-Syrian Amal movement and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah sign an agreement putting an end to their armed conflict that cost the life of 400 persons in 10 months.
What the books addThe dates differ: Hanf says Amal and Hezbollah suspended their war on 25 January, and also writes that the Syrian-Iranian ceasefire took until the spring. De Clerck and Malsagne date the ceasefire to February 1989. Picard names Syria and Iran as sponsors. Death tolls depend on the source and the period: some sources put civilian deaths at about 2,000 for 1988-1990 (de Clerck and Malsagne); an al-Nahar-based count gives 635 dead across 147 incidents between 1985 and 1991; Georges Corm estimated 2,000 dead for 1988-1989.
Wednesday, 1 February 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Presidents Hoss, Husseini, and General Aoun did not come up with an agreement in Tunis.
What the books addHanf: Aoun told the Tunis meeting he could settle Lebanese differences himself once Syria withdrew; Hoss and Husseini put reform first.
Monday, 6 February 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
After 2 months of interruption, the Red Cross International Committee decides to resume its activities in Lebanon.
Thursday, 9 February 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Anouar Fatayri, high official of the Progressive Socialist Party and his bodyguard Mohammed Saïd Abou Mehdi are assassinated in an ambush at the entry of the Jahlieh village in the Chouf.
Friday, 10 February 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Confrontations are taking place between the Lebanese Army and the Lebanese Forces in Jdeideh.
What the books addHanf cites estimates of 15,000 troops under Aoun and 10,000 militiamen, both sides heavily armed by Iraq, and dates the outbreak of heavy army-Lebanese Forces fighting to 10 February, Aoun accusing the militia of plotting a coup. De Clerck and Malsagne date the first clash to 14 February.
Art and memory
- artwork A strip of the cartoon 'Beyrouth Déroute' (Standjofski), printed in L'Orient-Le Jour in early 1989, mocks the shrinking and disputed limits of 'Greater Beirut'.
Tuesday, 14 February 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
New confrontations between the army and the L.F. were taking place in Monteverde and next to the Justice Palace in Beirut, which created a general mobilization on both sides.
What the books addDe Clerck and Malsagne date the first army-LF clash to 14 February: after 18 hours of fighting the army had the upper hand. Hanf dates the start to 10 February.
Thursday, 16 February 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
An agreement on military disengagement is concluded between the Army and the L.F., within in a four-party committee.
What the books addDe Clerck and Malsagne have a truce under the Maronite Patriarch's patronage from 17 February. Hanf says Aoun accepted a ceasefire once the militia agreed to hand over Dock Five of the port and the Bourbara checkpoint.
Friday, 17 February 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
A general Christian assembly is held in Bkerkeh, headquarters of the Maronite patriarch, in order to treat the L.F.-Army litigation.
Monday, 20 February 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
A meeting between General Aoun, Chief Commander of the Army, and Samir Geagea Chief of the L.F., takes place in Baabda. The goal of this meeting is to eliminate the differences between them.
Thursday, 23 February 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The fifth basin of Beirut harbor, controlled by the L.F. is closed and the tax checkpoints of Berbara are dismantled.
What the books addHanf reports that within a week the dollar dropped from LL502 to LL450 and that state customs income rose quickly, though the Lebanese Forces honoured their February 1989 undertaking only in part. The army received Dock Five, the country's main customs post, and the Barbara checkpoint (Hanf spells it 'Bourbara').
Friday, 24 February 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
A permanent political-military committee Army-L.F is formed to insure the normalization in the Eastern regions.
Friday, 3 March 1989
Added from the books
General Aoun orders a naval blockade of the militia ports of Khalde, Jiyeh and Ouzai.
Aoun had the navy and helicopter units close Khalde, Jiyeh and Ouzai, ports the PSP and Amal had kept, though Syria had officially warned him off militias beyond his own area. Frangieh's Marada had given Selaata port to the army.
Aoun had the navy and helicopter units close Khalde, Jiyeh and Ouzai, ports the PSP and Amal had kept, though Syria had officially warned him off militias beyond his own area. Frangieh's Marada had given Selaata port to the army.
Sources differ: De Clerck and Malsagne date the closure order to 6 March (see entry 1129).
Monday, 6 March 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Yarzeh reactivated 'The Maritime Operations Room:' instructed to watch the navigation movement in the Lebanese waters and to prevent boats from entering the illegal harbours of the country. Sami Khatib (chief commander of the army in the Western sector) closed the access to the port in retort to what was considered a blockade.
What the books addHanf puts Aoun's order to blockade Khalde, Jiyeh and Ouzai, the ports held by the PSP and Amal, on 3 March; de Clerck and Malsagne place the closure of the illegal ports on 6 March. Syria had warned Aoun against acting beyond 'his' area. Beirut and Jounieh harbours and the airport then all shut, Syrian and PSP guns shelling the first two, the army the third.
Added from the books
The Druze militia of the PSP joins the fighting against the army.
The closure of the ports drew strong protests from Jumblatt, whose militia resumed fighting the army at Souk el-Gharb with Syrian artillery support.
The closure of the ports drew strong protests from Jumblatt, whose militia resumed fighting the army at Souk el-Gharb with Syrian artillery support.
Tuesday, 14 March 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Fire exchanges in Souk-el-Gharb had to end up in an explosion. Intensive bombardments of the residential areas, the airport, and the port made 32 deaths and 145 injured.
What the books addOn this day Aoun declared a 'war of liberation' against Syria. De Clerck and Malsagne say Syrian shelling of Christian areas and of the Ministry of Defence came first that day. Traboulsi and Picard say Aoun's artillery hit West Beirut and Syrian positions there. Picard's chronology dates the war from 14 March to 22 September.
Friday, 17 March 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
An attack against a bakery in Jal-el-Dib kills 15 and wounds 140.
Monday, 20 March 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Jounieh and the Museum crossroads are bombarded.
Tuesday, 21 March 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
All crossing roads are closed and a blockade is imposed against the East regions.
What the books addHanf: the Cyprus ferry had to stop for a while, since Syrian artillery could reach every Christian port. From 21 March Syria and its militia allies also shut every crossing into Aoun's territory, in Beirut, the mountains and the north.
Monday, 27 March 1989
Added from the books
The PSP's first attempt to break the army's line at Souk el-Gharb fails.
De Clerck and Malsagne record a failed first PSP push through the army's lines at Souk el-Gharb; Jumblatt had reportedly been ordered by Damascus to send his own men to the front.
De Clerck and Malsagne record a failed first PSP push through the army's lines at Souk el-Gharb; Jumblatt had reportedly been ordered by Damascus to send his own men to the front.
Thursday, 30 March 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Hit by a shell, a butane reservoir explodes in Dora resulting in 66 injured and considerable damages.
Tuesday, 4 April 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
During a moving ceremony in the Lebanese embassy in Paris, 862 French apply for the Lebanese nationality.
What the books addDe Clerck and Malsagne do not mention the ceremony, but they record a rally outside the Lebanese embassy in Paris that day: more than 2,000 people, brought together by Frédérique Deniau under the slogan 'We are all Lebanese', among them Jean d'Ormesson, Françoise Giroud, Abbé Pierre, André Glucksmann and Claude Mauriac.
Wednesday, 5 April 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Jean-Franois Deniau, emissary of the Quai d'Orsay, arrives in Beirut. He has to meet with General Aoun and President Hoss.
What the books addHanf: when Damascus protested, Paris called envoy Deniau's description of Syria as the aggressor in Lebanon his 'private opinion'.
Tuesday, 11 April 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The French Secretary of State to the Human Action, Bernard Kouchner, arrives in Beirut in order to prepare and explain the arrival of the hospital ship 'La Rance' and the oil tanker 'Penhors'.
What the books addBadly wounded people from East and West Beirut were evacuated on French ships. Hanf says France sent its hospital ship and petrol tanker to back Aoun, then, after Syrian threats, called them humanitarian aid for all Lebanese.
Thursday, 13 April 1989
Added from the books
Some 10,000 shells and rockets hit the Christian enclave on the war's anniversary.
Aoun's artillery fired back at Syrian targets from Beirut to Baalbek. In the enclave electricity failed entirely, hospitals and grain silos burned, and petrol and food ran short. Hanf calls it the heaviest bombardment since Israel's 1982 siege of West Beirut.
Aoun's artillery fired back at Syrian targets from Beirut to Baalbek. In the enclave electricity failed entirely, hospitals and grain silos burned, and petrol and food ran short. Hanf calls it the heaviest bombardment since Israel's 1982 siege of West Beirut.
Sunday, 16 April 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Spanish Ambassador in Lebanon, Don Pedro Manuel de Aristegui, dies in his Hadeth residence hit by a 240 mm shell. His father in law, the great Lebanese writer Toufic Aouad, as well as his sister in law are among the victims.
What the books addDe Clerck and Malsagne list the Spanish ambassador among the ambassadors killed during the war. They date his death to 16 April 1989 and attribute it to Syrian shelling.
Monday, 24 April 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The French oil tanker 'Penhors' discharges 4700 tons of fuel at the power plant of Zouk. This unloading allows the redistribution of power at the rate of 2 hours a day.
Thursday, 27 April 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Arab ministers meeting in Tunis wish to see a cease-fire and a deployment of Arab observers.
What the books addHanf reads Aoun's acceptance of the Tunis appeal as dropping the steps against illegal militia ports that had set off the confrontation.
Tuesday, 2 May 1989
Added from the books
Aoun recasts his 'war of liberation' as a diplomatic campaign; Syrian shelling starts again.
Within a week Syrian shelling of the enclave was back at full intensity; Hanf says Syria and its allies kept the Arab League ceasefire only a few days. Aoun, having accepted it, recast his war as a diplomatic struggle.
Within a week Syrian shelling of the enclave was back at full intensity; Hanf says Syria and its allies kept the Arab League ceasefire only a few days. Aoun, having accepted it, recast his war as a diplomatic struggle.
Sources differ: Hanf gives 2 May both for Aoun's statement and for the renewed shelling; the shelling date may be a misprint.
Wednesday, 3 May 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Lakhdar Ibrahimi, General Secretary of the Arab League, arrives in Beirut looking to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
What the books addLakhdar Brahimi was Deputy (assistant) Secretary-General of the Arab League, not its Secretary-General. After the Casablanca summit he headed the troika's secretariat in Jeddah.
Friday, 12 May 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
For the first time since about a month, a new ship accosts in the Jounieh port to embark and disembark passengers. It is a hovercraft.
Tuesday, 16 May 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Hassan Khaled was killed during an attack that killed 10 and injured 76 in Ayche Bakkar, in West Beirut.
What the books addHanf notes that since the 1988 presidential election failed, the Mufti had acted as a go-between for the Aoun and Hoss cabinets; his killing was taken as a warning to anyone dealing with Aoun.
Art and memory
- memorial As Achrafieh did for Bashir Gemayel, Basta and Bashura in Beirut redressed their streets each year for the anniversary of Mufti Hassan Khaled's killing, Haugbolle notes.
Tuesday, 23 May 1989
Added from the books
The Arab summit opens in Casablanca and names a committee of three heads of state on Lebanon.
The Casablanca summit's resolution did not name Syria. It gave King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, King Hassan II of Morocco and President Chadli Bendjedid of Algeria six months to convene the Lebanese parliament, which was to adopt reforms, elect a president and restore Lebanon's sovereignty.
The Casablanca summit's resolution did not name Syria. It gave King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, King Hassan II of Morocco and President Chadli Bendjedid of Algeria six months to convene the Lebanese parliament, which was to adopt reforms, elect a president and restore Lebanon's sovereignty.
Monday, 12 June 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The EEC gives its full support to the committee composed by the three Chiefs of State (Algerian, Saudi Arabian, and Moroccan) constituted during the Casablanca Summit in order to find a solution to the Lebanese crisis.
What the books addThe committee was set up at the Arab summit in Casablanca, which opened on 23 May 1989 (Hanf).
Thursday, 15 June 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Electricity, fuel, and flour are the daily preoccupation of Lebanese. Once again, the power plant of Zouk announces that it cannot supply power more than 2 hours a day.
Art and memory
- novel How the war disrupted everyday life is a central theme of Tiqaniyat al-bu's ('Techniques of Misery'), a 1989 novel by Rashid al-Daif.
Monday, 26 June 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
A new fuel rationing system, based on coupons, is enforced in the Eastern regions.
Friday, 30 June 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The pounding of Achrafieh continues and causes a large number of victims.
Wednesday, 5 July 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
In a joint declaration from Paris, Presidents Mitterand and Gorbatchev call for an immediate cease-fire.
What the books addHanf dates a joint declaration by Presidents Gorbachev and Mitterrand on Lebanon, welcoming the Arab troika's efforts, to 5 June 1989.
Saturday, 15 July 1989
Added from the books
The UN Security Council calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon and backs the Arab troika.
With Soviet backing, France brought the matter before the Security Council, which called for a ceasefire and endorsed the Arab committee's mediation.
With Soviet backing, France brought the matter before the Security Council, which called for a ceasefire and endorsed the Arab committee's mediation.
Wednesday, 19 July 1989
Added from the books
France dispatches a carrier, a frigate and a landing-craft transport towards Lebanon.
Mitterrand presented the deployment as humanitarian rather than military, while declaring that Lebanon's threatened independence must be defended. The sources Hanf cites disagree on whether it deterred Syria. The carrier was the Foch.
Mitterrand presented the deployment as humanitarian rather than military, while declaring that Lebanon's threatened independence must be defended. The sources Hanf cites disagree on whether it deterred Syria. The carrier was the Foch.
Sources differ: Fisk: France kept sending warships towards the coast and recalling them before they came into view (pdf:542).
Friday, 28 July 1989
Added from the books
Israeli commandos abduct Sheikh Abdul Karim Obeid from Jibchit.
William Higgins's Lebanese kidnappers claimed they had hanged the American UN officer to avenge Israel's abduction of Sheikh Abdul Karim Obeid, imam of Jibchit, whom Fisk regarded as a hostage held in Israel.
William Higgins's Lebanese kidnappers claimed they had hanged the American UN officer to avenge Israel's abduction of Sheikh Abdul Karim Obeid, imam of Jibchit, whom Fisk regarded as a hostage held in Israel.
Monday, 31 July 1989
Added from the books
A video of the hanging of US Lt-Col. William Higgins, a UN observer kidnapped in 1988, is broadcast.
Higgins, an officer of the UN Truce Supervision Organization, had been abducted near Tyre on 17 February 1988. His captors said they had killed him in revenge for Israel's abduction of Sheikh Obeid.
Higgins, an officer of the UN Truce Supervision Organization, had been abducted near Tyre on 17 February 1988. His captors said they had killed him in revenge for Israel's abduction of Sheikh Obeid.
Added from the books
The Arab troika declares its mediation a failure and blames Damascus.
Syria shelled Beirut for thirty-six hours, and its foreign minister said Syrian forces would remain in Lebanon, in answer to the troika's report. It had blamed Syria in part for the continuing sea blockade and violence and for rejecting a pull-back of its troops to the Bekaa, while finding broad Lebanese agreement on reform.
Syria shelled Beirut for thirty-six hours, and its foreign minister said Syrian forces would remain in Lebanon, in answer to the troika's report. It had blamed Syria in part for the continuing sea blockade and violence and for rejecting a pull-back of its troops to the Bekaa, while finding broad Lebanese agreement on reform.
Sources differ: Picard dates the commission's criticism of Syria to June 1989, Hanf the troika's report to 31 July.
Sunday, 13 August 1989
Added from the books
The army repels an offensive by the PSP and its allies, backed by Syrian troops, on Souk el-Gharb.
The army held its lines at Souk el-Gharb after about five hours of close combat, repelling Druze and Palestinian fighters backed by Syrian troops whose apparent target was the presidential palace in Baabda. De Clerck and Malsagne say Jumblatt lost about a hundred fighters.
The army held its lines at Souk el-Gharb after about five hours of close combat, repelling Druze and Palestinian fighters backed by Syrian troops whose apparent target was the presidential palace in Baabda. De Clerck and Malsagne say Jumblatt lost about a hundred fighters.
Sources differ: The book's chronology calls it an attempt by the Syrian army and allied militias to enter East Beirut; its narrative and Hanf describe a PSP-led attack with Syrian support.
Tuesday, 15 August 1989
Added from the books
Pope John Paul II publicly condemns Syria as an occupying power in Lebanon.
Pope John Paul II dropped the Vatican's neutrality: urging international intervention and Syria's withdrawal, he named Syria, with Israel, an occupying power. His widely reported statement came on 15 August 1989, the Assumption, two days after Souk el-Gharb.
Pope John Paul II dropped the Vatican's neutrality: urging international intervention and Syria's withdrawal, he named Syria, with Israel, an occupying power. His widely reported statement came on 15 August 1989, the Assumption, two days after Souk el-Gharb.
Friday, 18 August 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Delegate Minister in charge of Francophony, Alain Decaux, arrives in Beirut and meets with General Aoun, Maronite Patriarch Sfeir, Walid Joumblatt as well as many other diplomats.
Wednesday, 6 September 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
2000 angry demonstrators have besieged the American Embassy. Twenty-four hours later, 30 American diplomats, including the Ambassador John Mc Carthy, leave Lebanon.
What the books addAccording to Hanf and Fisk, the embassy closed after demonstrations by Aoun's supporters. A first youth protest at the embassy, against Western 'silence', took place in April 1989.
Thursday, 7 September 1989
Added from the books
The Arab troika resumes its mediation.
Hanf links the turn to Syria's isolation, made plain by international protest, and to the Soviet ambassador in Damascus speaking of reduced military aid. The committee cited Lebanese, Arab and international appeals.
Hanf links the turn to Syria's isolation, made plain by international protest, and to the Soviet ambassador in Damascus speaking of reduced military aid. The committee cited Lebanese, Arab and international appeals.
Wednesday, 13 September 1989
Added from the books
The troika proposes an immediate ceasefire, an end to the blockade and a meeting of parliament in Saudi Arabia on 30 September.
Hanf judges the new plan largely favourable to Syria. A committee would search ships for arms bound for Aoun; land routes would go unpatrolled. Syria, asked in the troika's first draft to pull back in part within six months, now had two years, then positions in the Bekaa and the mountains.
Hanf judges the new plan largely favourable to Syria. A committee would search ships for arms bound for Aoun; land routes would go unpatrolled. Syria, asked in the troika's first draft to pull back in part within six months, now had two years, then positions in the Bekaa and the mountains.
Sources differ: De Clerck and Malsagne date the plan to 17 September.
Friday, 15 September 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The UN delivers a 200,000 dollars check to the human organization 'Save the Children' in favor of war victims in Lebanon.
Thursday, 21 September 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Sunnite Deputy of the West Bekaa and former Minister, Nazem Kadri (74 years old), is killed in Verdun.
What the books addHanf says Kadri had lobbied deputies to press for Syria's withdrawal from the Bekaa before Taif. He groups the killing with those of Bashir Gemayel, Kamal Jumblatt, Hassan Khaled and Mohammed Shukair, all of which, in his view, plainly benefited Syria.
Friday, 22 September 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
A cease-fire was officially observed while general Aoun answered favorably to the Arab peace proposals.
What the books addThe dates differ: Picard ends the 'war of liberation' on 22 September; de Clerck and Malsagne say the ceasefire took effect on 23 September. Hanf dates the troika's new plan to 13 September (de Clerck and Malsagne say 17 September). Aoun accepted it, urging the deputies to insist on a timetable for Syrian withdrawal.
Sunday, 24 September 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Crossing roads are finally opened and the flights at the International Beirut Airport resume. Even the maritime blockade against the Eastern regions is lifted.
Wednesday, 27 September 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Lakhdar Ibrahimi announces that the parliamentary meeting will take place in Taef (in Saudi Arabia) on September 30th.
What the books addThe meeting date of 30 September was already part of the troika's 13 September proposals (Hanf). De Clerck and Malsagne say 63 of the 73 surviving deputies gathered in Taif on 30 September. Hanf dates the formal opening to 1 October.
Sunday, 1 October 1989
Added from the books
Lebanese deputies begin their Taif conclave, opened by Saudi Arabia's foreign minister.
Former speaker Husseini chaired the session, which Prince Saud al-Faisal opened by insisting that it must not fail. Hanf puts attendance at 62 deputies, split evenly between Christians and Muslims, some living in Lebanon and others in exile in France, Switzerland or Iraq; de Clerck and Malsagne give 63.
Former speaker Husseini chaired the session, which Prince Saud al-Faisal opened by insisting that it must not fail. Hanf puts attendance at 62 deputies, split evenly between Christians and Muslims, some living in Lebanon and others in exile in France, Switzerland or Iraq; de Clerck and Malsagne give 63.
Sources differ: De Clerck and Malsagne date the meeting to 30 September with 63 deputies; Hanf dates the opening to 1 October with 62. The original entry 1155 has 30 September.
Thursday, 5 October 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
October 5, 6, 7, 8
Not much is happening in Taef where efforts are being deployed in order to come up with a consensus on the national agreement document.
Not much is happening in Taef where efforts are being deployed in order to come up with a consensus on the national agreement document.
What the books addHanf: a seventeen-member committee drafted the outline of constitutional reform over twenty-three days at Taif, the deputies kept from journalists and advisers; three days had been planned.
Monday, 9 October 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Time to go back to school after a long interruption. It is in fact a continuation of the annual program because the 88/89 program has not been achieved.
Sunday, 15 October 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
October 15, 16, 17, 18
In Taef, an agreement on the reforms was practically reached after few days of uncertainty. The only subject that had not been brought up was the withdrawal of the Syrian troops from the Lebanese territories.
In Taef, an agreement on the reforms was practically reached after few days of uncertainty. The only subject that had not been brought up was the withdrawal of the Syrian troops from the Lebanese territories.
What the books addHanf: Prince Saud al-Faisal's two meetings with Assad yielded only marginal concessions, 108 seats instead of 128 and a phrase on each country's sovereignty. Christian deputies, led by Joseph Skaff of Zahle, sought firmer withdrawal terms, but the troika had settled the Syrian clauses with Damascus in advance; they were not negotiable.
Sunday, 22 October 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
58 deputies approve the final text of the compromise rejected by General Aoun.
What the books addCounts differ: Hanf records 56 votes in favour plus 2 conditional (a total of 58) of 62 deputies present, with 4 abstentions; de Clerck and Malsagne say 59 signed. Traboulsi calls the text the Charter (Document) of National Understanding. Hanf says the vote came on the 23rd day of the conclave.
Art and memory
- book Bechara Menassa's 'Constitution libanaise et Accord de Taëf: textes et commentaires' (1995) sets out the Taif text alongside the Constitution and the National Pact.
Tuesday, 24 October 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
While the Arab Troïka rushes the Chamber to elect a President before November 7th, tens of thousands of Lebanese say 'no' to the Taef agreement through a giant demonstration that goes from Hazmieh to Baabda.
What the books addHanf calls the mass support for Aoun unprecedented: never had so many Christians followed a leader against their political and church leaders' pleas for calm.
Wednesday, 1 November 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The five permanent members of the Security Council are in favor of the Taef agreement.
Saturday, 4 November 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
At the last minute, the deputies decided not to return to Lebanon to meet with general Aoun. At 5 o'clock in the morning, Aoun decided to dissolve the Chamber and asked the members of parliament to adjourn their vote.
What the books addHanf dates Aoun's dissolution, by Decree 420, to 4 November, with elections set for January 1990; Traboulsi places it in September 1989. Raymond Eddé held the decree constitutional; Georges Vedel, the French jurist consulted by Speaker Husseini, found that an interim government could not dissolve parliament.
Sunday, 5 November 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The 'dissolved' National Assembly met at the military base of Kleyate and elected Rene Moawad new President of the Republic. Angry demonstrators invaded the patriarchal office of Bkerke. The Patriarch took refuge in Dimane. He came back later at the request of General Aoun.
What the books addOn 5 November, Hanf says, 58 deputies met at the Qlayaat air base, seven kilometres from the Syrian border, 25 of them flown from Paris on Rafic Hariri's private plane. They returned Hussein Husseini as speaker, voted on Taif and chose René Moawad as president: 35 votes on the first ballot, 52 with 6 abstentions on the second. That evening demonstrators broke into the Bkerke patriarchate and made Patriarch Sfeir kiss a portrait of Aoun.
Wednesday, 8 November 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
A car bomb explodes on Abou Taleb Street in Hamra one hour before the arrival of President Moawad to West Beirut.
Thursday, 16 November 1989
Added from the books
US ambassador John McCarthy makes a televised statement aimed against General Aoun.
De Clerck and Malsagne cite the statement alongside sources saying that Samir Geagea accepted a mission to remove Aoun, given first by the Americans and later by President Hrawi.
De Clerck and Malsagne cite the statement alongside sources saying that Samir Geagea accepted a mission to remove Aoun, given first by the Americans and later by President Hrawi.
Sources differ: Original entry 1150 says McCarthy left Lebanon in early September.
Friday, 17 November 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
While Selim Hoss is asked to form the new government, retaliations take place against some deputies from Eastern regions.
What the books addAoun, Hanf writes, warned that any Christian deputy joining a Moawad-Hoss government would lose the right to live in the 'free areas'. When bombs hit the homes of many Christian deputies after the election, his condemnation was half-hearted: he voiced 'understanding for the anger of the people'.
Wednesday, 22 November 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
As soon as the ceremonies celebrating Independence Day ended, and after President Moawad left the Governmental Serail in Sanyeh, his car was destroyed by an important load of explosives.
What the books addMoawad had been president for seventeen days. Hanf puts the dead at fourteen, including the president; de Clerck and Malsagne say he died with 23 other people. Fisk describes a remote-controlled charge of 250 kg of explosives concealed in a disused shop, and watched bulldozers clear the rubble within hours.
Friday, 24 November 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Elias Hraoui is elected President of the Republic by an Assembly reunited at the Chtaura Park Hotel, on the eve of the National Funerals of the defunct President.
What the books addHanf: Elias Hrawi, the only candidate, won on the second ballot with 47 votes of the 53 deputies present, 5 abstaining, under Syrian protection; at the same sitting parliament gave itself four more years. Speaker Husseini had gone to Damascus on the night of 22 November. Traboulsi's chronology places the election on 22 November.
Saturday, 25 November 1989
Added from the books
Crowds ring Baabda palace as President Hrawi fires Aoun and sets a 48-hour deadline to leave.
The deadline lapsed with nothing done. Hrawi had warned those lacking legitimacy could be handled 'in a few hours', yet within hours tens of thousands, many young, were camped round Baabda palace for a weeks-long sit-in.
The deadline lapsed with nothing done. Hrawi had warned those lacking legitimacy could be handled 'in a few hours', yet within hours tens of thousands, many young, were camped round Baabda palace for a weeks-long sit-in.
Sources differ: De Clerck and Malsagne say Aoun held the command until 27 November (p. 281). Original entry 1169 dates the gathering at Baabda to 28 November.
Added from the books
President René Moawad is buried in Zghorta.
At the Zghorta funeral, Fisk writes, nobody knew whether the coffin, carried on a gun-carriage from the family church's crypt, held Moawad or one of his bodyguards. Assad and his generals sent wreaths.
At the Zghorta funeral, Fisk writes, nobody knew whether the coffin, carried on a gun-carriage from the family church's crypt, held Moawad or one of his bodyguards. Assad and his generals sent wreaths.
Sources differ: Original entry 1167 says Hrawi was elected 'on the eve of the national funerals', which fits this date.
Sunday, 26 November 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The government created by Selim Hoss gets the Parliament's confidence.
What the books addHanf sees the cabinet as falling short of Taif's national unity government, since Michel Sassine stayed in Paris and Kataeb leader Georges Saadé wavered.
Tuesday, 28 November 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Several reports mentionned important Syrian movements towards the Eastern fronts. In response to General Aoun's call, thousands of Lebanese went to Baabda and watched the Palace day and night.
What the books addThe crowds began gathering at Baabda as soon as Hrawi gave Aoun his ultimatum, according to Hanf the day after the election. The sit-in lasted weeks. Fisk saw the Syrian army move hundreds of tanks and guns into the mountains above Beirut in early December. Emile Lahoud was named army commander on 28 November (de Clerck and Malsagne).
Added from the books
General Emile Lahoud is named commander of the army by the new government.
The army split between Aoun at Baabda and Lahoud, who demanded the obedience of all officers and men.
The army split between Aoun at Baabda and Lahoud, who demanded the obedience of all officers and men.
Wednesday, 29 November 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
November 29, 30
French opposition deputies go to Baabda to express their solidarity.
French opposition deputies go to Baabda to express their solidarity.
Monday, 4 December 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Violent combats between Amal and the Hezbollah in the West of the Bekaa end with the expulsion of Amal from the villages in the region.
What the books addThe books place the renewed Amal-Hezbollah fighting of December 1989 in Iqlim al-Touffah, east of Sidon. Hanf says it started after Hezbollah fighters from the Bekaa crossed the zone held by the South Lebanon Army.
Sunday, 10 December 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
After being shut down for two weeks, schools and universities open again in the Eastern regions.
Thursday, 14 December 1989
Added from the books
President Hrawi denies issuing any ultimatum to Aoun and says he has no plan to storm Baabda.
Instead, Hrawi and Hoss turned the state machinery on Aoun: the Central Bank was told to stop paying his soldiers and civil servants, pro-Aoun diplomats were purged, and officials had to leave ministries in his area.
Instead, Hrawi and Hoss turned the state machinery on Aoun: the Central Bank was told to stop paying his soldiers and civil servants, pro-Aoun diplomats were purged, and officials had to leave ministries in his area.
Sunday, 17 December 1989
Added from the books
After months without a public word, Samir Geagea says the Taif agreement deserves a chance.
The army-militia quarrel, until then about money, now turned political and led into the January 1990 fighting: Hrawi and the Lebanese Forces promptly made contact, which Aoun saw as treason.
The army-militia quarrel, until then about money, now turned political and led into the January 1990 fighting: Hrawi and the Lebanese Forces promptly made contact, which Aoun saw as treason.
Sources differ: De Clerck and Malsagne say Geagea accepted Taif without any official statement (p. 175).
Monday, 18 December 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
Over 300,000 persons participate in the 'flag walk' in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Baabda.
Sunday, 24 December 1989
111101 entry in the original chronology
The two hours meeting between General Aoun and Samir Geagea seem to have pacified their relations.
1989: day not established
March – September 1989
Added from the books
Hundreds of thousands flee the shelling of Beirut.
Estimates differ. De Clerck and Malsagne count 600,000 people fleeing north to Jounieh and Jbeil from East Beirut and its south-eastern suburbs, and 400,000 heading south from West Beirut and the southern suburbs; another chapter gives 250,000 Beirutis going south. Fisk reckons only about 100,000 civilians stayed in Beirut.
Estimates differ. De Clerck and Malsagne count 600,000 people fleeing north to Jounieh and Jbeil from East Beirut and its south-eastern suburbs, and 400,000 heading south from West Beirut and the southern suburbs; another chapter gives 250,000 Beirutis going south. Fisk reckons only about 100,000 civilians stayed in Beirut.
Sources differ: The two figures in de Clerck and Malsagne (1,000,000 in all, or 250,000 going south) count different things. Fisk's figure counts the people who remained, not those who left.
April 1989
Added from the books
23 Christian deputies urge a ceasefire at Bkerke; thousands of young people protest at them and the Patriarch.
Young people in their thousands protested against both the deputies and the Patriarch, which Hanf says Christian Lebanon had never seen. The deputies had offered to meet all parties concerned to restore peace; the Patriarch had said liberation must come through reason and dialogue.
Young people in their thousands protested against both the deputies and the Patriarch, which Hanf says Christian Lebanon had never seen. The deputies had offered to meet all parties concerned to restore peace; the Patriarch had said liberation must come through reason and dialogue.
late May 1989
Added from the books
The Arab troika asks Lebanon's deputies to convene abroad.
Damascus renewed its shelling of the Christian enclave and tightened the blockade after the three leaders, to speed things up, invited Lebanon's parliament to meet abroad and draft a national reconciliation text.
Damascus renewed its shelling of the Christian enclave and tightened the blockade after the three leaders, to speed things up, invited Lebanon's parliament to meet abroad and draft a national reconciliation text.
after late May (no date in source) June 1989
Added from the books
Syria sends warships to blockade the Christian enclave from the sea.
A Maltese tanker was sunk, Hanf says, when Syrian warships, some carrying new radar-guided missiles, patrolled the coast for the first time to stop the enclave's shipping.
A Maltese tanker was sunk, Hanf says, when Syrian warships, some carrying new radar-guided missiles, patrolled the coast for the first time to stop the enclave's shipping.
early August 1989
Added from the books
Syria steps up its shelling of the Christian enclave; Beirut empties.
In early August, according to de Clerck and Malsagne, Syria responded to Arab pressure by intensifying its shelling. French diplomats reported that during August no car, armoured or otherwise, could circulate. Some 100,000 civilians, about a tenth of the population, were still in Beirut, Fisk writes.
In early August, according to de Clerck and Malsagne, Syria responded to Arab pressure by intensifying its shelling. French diplomats reported that during August no car, armoured or otherwise, could circulate. Some 100,000 civilians, about a tenth of the population, were still in Beirut, Fisk writes.
Art and memory
- testimony Robert Fisk's chapter on West Beirut in summer 1989 covers the Syrian army living in the ruined Commodore Hotel, the deserted Corniche, the fire at Barbir hospital and the shelling around his own home.
late August 1989
Added from the books
The 'war of liberation' leaves about a thousand dead in four and a half months.
Hundreds of thousands had left both halves of Beirut by late August, says Hanf, who counts 1,000 killed, many more hurt, 120 factories wrecked and 400 damaged. Fisk also gives at least a thousand dead.
Hundreds of thousands had left both halves of Beirut by late August, says Hanf, who counts 1,000 killed, many more hurt, 120 factories wrecked and 400 damaged. Fisk also gives at least a thousand dead.
Sources differ: For the whole war against Syria, Hanf elsewhere estimates 1,000 killed and 3,500 injured (pdf:620); for all of Aoun's wars together, Traboulsi gives 1,500 dead and 3,500 wounded (Postscript).
early December 1989
Added from the books
Syrian tanks and guns gather on the heights above Beirut but hold off from Baabda.
Fisk followed Syrian T-62 tanks and 122 mm guns climbing the Damascus road. No assault came; Hanf points to the Baabda crowds, an Israeli warning about Syrian air action, and foreign and Vatican counsel against force.
Fisk followed Syrian T-62 tanks and 122 mm guns climbing the Damascus road. No assault came; Hanf points to the Baabda crowds, an Israeli warning about Syrian air action, and foreign and Vatican counsel against force.