111101 entry in the original chronology
General Michel Aoun admits the existence, in France, of a bank account in his name, with the amount of 15 million dollars. However, he explains that this money is only used for the defense of his country.
51 original entries, 36 added from the books, 69 days.
original 111101 entry added from the books
Wednesday, 3 January 1990
Added from the books
Aoun has three officers arrested for dealing with General Lahoud.
Aoun accused three of his officers of plotting to put the Amchit garrison under General Emile Lahoud, the Hoss government's army commander, and to move south, and had them arrested; they had been in talks with Lahoud.
Aoun accused three of his officers of plotting to put the Amchit garrison under General Emile Lahoud, the Hoss government's army commander, and to move south, and had them arrested; they had been in talks with Lahoud.
Friday, 5 January 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
After having spent 43 days in the military casern of Ablah, President Elias Hraoui leaves the Bekaa and settles in Ramlet-el-Beida. The photographer of L'Orient-Le Jour and the Nahar, Georges Semerdjian dies while on the field.
Saturday, 27 January 1990
Added from the books
Fighting breaks out between the army and the Lebanese Forces over a school in Furn al-Chebbak.
Both sides had Iraqi weapons. The spark was a school in Furn al-Chebbak, a strategic point between Baabda and East Beirut, which the Lebanese Forces had requisitioned and Aoun's government wanted back for the Ministry of Education. When the militia would not leave, the army fired, and heavy fighting broke out in many places within hours.
Both sides had Iraqi weapons. The spark was a school in Furn al-Chebbak, a strategic point between Baabda and East Beirut, which the Lebanese Forces had requisitioned and Aoun's government wanted back for the Ministry of Education. When the militia would not leave, the army fired, and heavy fighting broke out in many places within hours.
Sources differ: De Clerck and Malsagne date the outbreak at Furn al-Chubbak to 31 January (entry 1177); Picard's chronology gives 30 January.
Wednesday, 31 January 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
Fights opposing the Lebanese Forces and General Aoun’s army were reported and deprived certain regions of electricity, phone, and water.
What the books addHistorians date the start of this second round of fighting between General Aoun's army and Samir Geagea's Lebanese Forces to the last days of January 1990. De Clerck and Malsagne give 31 January, when the army tried to retake positions the militia held at Furn al-Chubbak; they add that the militia's own attack had been planned for 7 February. Hanf dates the first shots to 27 January, over a school in Furn al-Chebbak that the militia refused to hand back to the Ministry of Education. Picard's chronology gives 30 January. The fighting lasted until a ceasefire in May (accounts of its end range from March to July). Aoun's side called it the war for 'unifying the guns'; it is often remembered as the 'War of Elimination'.
Art and memory
- artwork Aoun's paper L'Eveil wrote of a people 'born sixty days ago'; posters at the 1989-90 rallies around the Baabda palace cast him as Saint George killing the dragon.
- testimony Among demonstrators polled at Baabda in early 1990, three quarters were under 40 and 95 per cent opposed the Taif decisions (Professor Labaki's unpublished survey, cited by Hanf).
Added from the books
The army garrison at Amchit surrenders to the Lebanese Forces.
Amchit capitulated to the Lebanese Forces on 31 January; they had struck the lightly held coastal garrisons while much of Aoun's army faced the Syrians on the enclave's edges.
Amchit capitulated to the Lebanese Forces on 31 January; they had struck the lightly held coastal garrisons while much of Aoun's army faced the Syrians on the enclave's edges.
Thursday, 1 February 1990
Added from the books
Residents of the Syriac quarter take refuge in a hospital basement.
The service basements of the Hôtel-Dieu de France in East Beirut sheltered 150 people from the Syriac quarter on the night of 1-2 February. Staff worked day and night for several days, then lived in the hospital until July.
The service basements of the Hôtel-Dieu de France in East Beirut sheltered 150 people from the Syriac quarter on the night of 1-2 February. Staff worked day and night for several days, then lived in the hospital until July.
Art and memory
- testimony Emilie Rizk's Confluences article on the Rizk hospital cites the Hôtel-Dieu de France nursing sisters: during the 1990 fighting in East Beirut the hospital sheltered people from the Syriac quarter, and staff lived there until July.
Friday, 2 February 1990
Added from the books
The Sarba garrison and the Jounieh naval base fall to the Lebanese Forces.
Within a few days Geagea held the whole coast of the Christian enclave. Sarba and the Jounieh naval base capitulated to his militia; the smaller army unit in Beirut harbour went to West Beirut and joined General Lahoud.
Within a few days Geagea held the whole coast of the Christian enclave. Sarba and the Jounieh naval base capitulated to his militia; the smaller army unit in Beirut harbour went to West Beirut and joined General Lahoud.
Saturday, 3 February 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
February 3, 4
The army takes control of Dbayeh after a tough battle.
The army takes control of Dbayeh after a tough battle.
What the books addHanf: the army's counter-offensive of 6 February 1990 reached the coast near Antelias and took Dbayeh, home to Lebanese Forces barracks and the militia's finance department.
Friday, 9 February 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
New dividing lines appeared in the Eastern region and the medias war raged. Hospitals suffered from a serious penury and the Lebanese continued to flee by thousands. That week, 417 were killed and 1,655 wounded.
What the books addTotals for the whole army-Lebanese Forces war differ. De Clerck and Malsagne count over 1,500 victims, fighters and civilians, and say the first three weeks claimed more than the six months of the 1989 war against Syria; the army alone lost 21 officers and 221 soldiers, about 100,000 people moved elsewhere in Lebanon and close to 200,000 went abroad. Hanf estimates about 1,000 dead and 3,500 wounded; Picard 1,000 dead and 3,000 wounded for January-July; Fisk 'well over a thousand' dead in Beirut from end January to end May.
Saturday, 10 February 1990
Added from the books
Paul Fares proclaims a 'neutral army'; Lebanese Forces' Kleiat offensive stalls.
Colonel Paul Fares, out of the army for some weeks, proclaimed a 'neutral army' on the day the Lebanese Forces moved on the army's mountain position at Kleiat; soldiers from garrisons that had surrendered to the militia joined him. The offensive soon lost momentum.
Colonel Paul Fares, out of the army for some weeks, proclaimed a 'neutral army' on the day the Lebanese Forces moved on the army's mountain position at Kleiat; soldiers from garrisons that had surrendered to the militia joined him. The offensive soon lost momentum.
Sunday, 11 February 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Kesrouan was now at the center of the Aoun-Geagea conflict. Despite all mediations and attempts to maintain the precarious truce, belligerents were fighting on the new front of Daraya, separating the Metn and the Kesrouan.
What the books addColonel Paul Fares declared himself head of a 'neutral army' on 10 February 1990, as a Lebanese Forces push on the army's Kleiat mountain position stalled (Hanf).
Thursday, 15 February 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
Despite Mgr Sfeir's pathetic call, a blaze of fire hits the 'Christian country'. The army takes control of Ain el Remmaneh.
What the books addHanf: after the army took Ain al-Rummaneh on 16 February 1990, having attacked the eastern suburbs on the 11th, the Lebanese Forces fell back to Ashrafieh through West Beirut. A Reuters reporter with the troops said it was 'like an earthquake had hit it'.
Saturday, 17 February 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Army evacuates 400 soldiers from the Adma base, surrounded for over two weeks. The evacuation takes place with the assistance of the Lebanese Red Cross.
What the books addAoun lost almost all his helicopters when the Lebanese Forces, as a diversion, besieged the Adma base in Kisrawan; the outnumbered commandos held out until a deal let them leave armed (Hanf).
Sunday, 25 February 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Baroness, a civilian ship transporting passengers from Cyprus to the Eastern regions, is attacked resulting in 1 death and 25 injured. The attackers remain unidentified and the liaison between Jounieh and Larnaca is temporarily interrupted.
Thursday, 1 March 1990
Added from the books
Army push on Sin el-Fil and Nabaa; the intra-Christian war ends in deadlock.
Short of ammunition, and facing hard militia resistance in mined streets and houses, Aoun's troops stalled in Sin el-Fil and Nabaa. After little more than a month the war of movement became a stalemate, with Jbeil, Kisrawan, Ashrafieh and Karantina left to the Lebanese Forces, and the Metn, the Baabda area and the coast from Beirut to the Dog River to the army.
Short of ammunition, and facing hard militia resistance in mined streets and houses, Aoun's troops stalled in Sin el-Fil and Nabaa. After little more than a month the war of movement became a stalemate, with Jbeil, Kisrawan, Ashrafieh and Karantina left to the Lebanese Forces, and the Metn, the Baabda area and the coast from Beirut to the Dog River to the army.
Friday, 2 March 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Maronite Patriarch threatens to excommunicate Aoun and Geagea, as well as those how obey them, if they continue their fightings. The threat will remain vain despite its reiteration.
What the books addDe Clerck and Malsagne date Sfeir's threat to late April or early May 1990: Christian soldiers in Aoun's army faced excommunication, and their dead the denial of Christian burial. They list it among the pressures that halted the army's advance on the Lebanese Forces headquarters at Karantina. The original speaks of a reiterated threat.
Wednesday, 14 March 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
Six weeks of inter-Christian fightings cost Lebanon over a third of its annual GNP and continue to paralyze the country's industrial heart.
Tuesday, 20 March 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The parliament meets for the first time since 1975, Place de l'Etoile, in a downtown abandoned and devastated by war.
Wednesday, 28 March 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
Pastor William Robinson who was accused of planning the implantation of a Jewish colony and who was expelled from Lebanon, is killed on the bordering band in the South of Lebanon.
Friday, 30 March 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The battle on the ground starts again with violence and reaches, besides regions of the Kesrouan, Achrafieh's neighborhoods.
Sunday, 1 April 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
Deputies who have left the country return on request of Hussein Husseini, Chief of the Parliament.
Tuesday, 3 April 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The chief of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea, joins President Hraoui, while General Michel Aoun turns to the Arab Troika. At the same time, the N.L.P. withdraws from the commandment of the Lebanese Forces.
What the books addHanf: Hrawi made unconditional acceptance of Taif the price of help when Geagea, after losing Ain al-Rummaneh, turned to the 'legal authorities' (Hrawi and the Hoss government) and passed four captured Fouga-Magister aircraft to General Lahoud's Qlayaat base. Aoun, low on fuel and ammunition, was supplied by the SSNP and Hobeika's pro-Syrian militia (Hanf); de Clerck and Malsagne also name Frangieh and Jumblatt.
Tuesday, 10 April 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
Jacqueline Valente, her companion and her daughter who were held hostages are released. The new Lebanese Front is created.
Wednesday, 18 April 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
A bus crossing the Museum passage with teachers and students onboard was shot at. The eleven passengers including the two students were burned alive.
Monday, 23 April 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
While the blockade war rages between the Lebanese Army and the Lebanese Forces, the President of the Republic declines Geagea's offer to surrender to him the barracks of Jbeil and the Kesrouan.
Tuesday, 1 May 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
After having been stable around 500 LBP., the Dollar goes over 600 LBP.
Tuesday, 8 May 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
General Aoun decides to close all the roads communicating with the regions controlled by the Lebanese Forces while the battle continues to rage.
Added from the books
The Lebanese Forces shell the Military Academy; its commander, General François Zein, is mortally wounded.
Lebanese Forces guns deliberately and repeatedly shelled the Military Academy, killing its commander, General François Zein, the most senior officer to die in the war. De Clerck and Malsagne see the army, with many Muslim officers and cadets, as a symbol of national unity and a prime target for the militia, whose 'military school' at Ghosta was losing Christian cadets to it.
Lebanese Forces guns deliberately and repeatedly shelled the Military Academy, killing its commander, General François Zein, the most senior officer to die in the war. De Clerck and Malsagne see the army, with many Muslim officers and cadets, as a symbol of national unity and a prime target for the militia, whose 'military school' at Ghosta was losing Christian cadets to it.
Sources differ: Entry 1195 on the same day records Aoun closing the roads to Lebanese Forces areas.
Monday, 21 May 1990
Added from the books
A Vatican-mediated ceasefire between the army and the Lebanese Forces takes effect.
A Vatican-mediated ceasefire took effect between Aoun's army and the Lebanese Forces. Mutual exhaustion held it; their hatred did not abate, and the Christian enclave stayed divided between them through the summer.
A Vatican-mediated ceasefire took effect between Aoun's army and the Lebanese Forces. Mutual exhaustion held it; their hatred did not abate, and the Christian enclave stayed divided between them through the summer.
Sources differ: De Clerck and Malsagne date the truce to 26 May. Accounts of when the war ended differ: March (Quéméner), May (Traboulsi, Fisk), July (Picard).
Friday, 1 June 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
Lakhdar Ibrahimi is again in Beirut to launch a series of intensive dialogues.
Sunday, 3 June 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
A peaceful walk on the road of Nahr el Kalb, grouping religious personalities ends dramatically. Pierre Chbat, the L.B.C's cameraman, is killed.
Tuesday, 12 June 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
Patriarch Sfeir, accompanied by Mgr Puente, visit President Hraoui. This visit is the first one since the election of the former.
Wednesday, 11 July 1990
Added from the books
The Hrawi government appeals to all parties to 'side with legality'.
On 11 July 1990 the Hrawi government appealed to every political force, with none excluded, 'to side with legality'. Its plan of action opened with all militias leaving both halves of Beirut. Syria had agreed beforehand; the Maronite Patriarch, the Vatican, France and the troika supported it. Aoun dismissed the appeal as issued 'from illegal offices', while Geagea accepted on condition that Aoun gave up Baabda and Yarze.
On 11 July 1990 the Hrawi government appealed to every political force, with none excluded, 'to side with legality'. Its plan of action opened with all militias leaving both halves of Beirut. Syria had agreed beforehand; the Maronite Patriarch, the Vatican, France and the troika supported it. Aoun dismissed the appeal as issued 'from illegal offices', while Geagea accepted on condition that Aoun gave up Baabda and Yarze.
Sunday, 15 July 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
Lakhdar Ibrahimi met, for the first time since the Taef agreement, with General Michel Aoun, after having conferred with Presidents Hraoui, Husseini and Hoss. Later on, he met with the chief of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea.
What the books addAoun answered Ibrahimi's offer of a national unity cabinet including himself and Geagea with conditions of his own: a stronger president, no appointed deputies, and the militias dissolved and elections held before the Taif amendments were ratified. Hanf counts at least four meetings between the two in summer 1990; Ibrahimi confessed he could not tell what Aoun wanted.
Monday, 16 July 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Stone Roses, a rock group, announce their arrival shortly to Beirut for a concert.
Wednesday, 18 July 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
An investigation reveals that an international arms trade has taken place between Lebanon and France, through policemen stationed at the French Embassy in Lebanon.
Friday, 27 July 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
Five cases of cholera were reported.
Wednesday, 1 August 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The President of the National Block Executive Committee, Nouhad Boueiz, dies.
Thursday, 2 August 1990
Added from the books
Iraq invades Kuwait; Syria joins the coalition against Iraq.
Iraq's invasion of Kuwait changed Lebanon's situation. Syria, Iraq's long-time rival, joined the US-led coalition and sent an armoured division to Saudi Arabia. Aoun, armed by Iraq and silent on the invasion, was now opposed by Washington and Damascus alike. The books agree that, in return for joining the coalition, Syria got a free hand to bring Aoun down: the 'red line' that had barred Syrian warplanes from the Christian enclave was lifted.
Iraq's invasion of Kuwait changed Lebanon's situation. Syria, Iraq's long-time rival, joined the US-led coalition and sent an armoured division to Saudi Arabia. Aoun, armed by Iraq and silent on the invasion, was now opposed by Washington and Damascus alike. The books agree that, in return for joining the coalition, Syria got a free hand to bring Aoun down: the 'red line' that had barred Syrian warplanes from the Christian enclave was lifted.
Friday, 10 August 1990
Added from the books
Syria votes to condemn Iraq at the Arab League summit.
Syria backed the Arab League summit's condemnation of Iraq. For Picard, joining the anti-Iraq coalition signalled that Damascus accepted the new American order, partly so as to tighten its hold on Lebanon.
Syria backed the Arab League summit's condemnation of Iraq. For Picard, joining the anti-Iraq coalition signalled that Damascus accepted the new American order, partly so as to tighten its hold on Lebanon.
Tuesday, 21 August 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The second Lebanese Republic was born and the National Assembly approved with a majority of 48 deputies the constitutional reforms included in the Taef agreement. However, General Aoun continued to contest the legality of the Chamber.
What the books addSources disagree on the dates. Hanf dates the parliamentary vote (48 for, 1 against, 2 abstentions out of 51 deputies) to 26 August 1990 and its promulgation by President Hrawi to 21 September 1990. De Clerck and Malsagne, and Picard, give 21 September as the date the constitutional law was adopted. Haugbolle says parliament approved the Taif Agreement in August 1990. Traboulsi's postscript gives '21 September' but places it in 1991, probably by mistake. The vote started the Taif timetable: six months to disband the militias, and two years before Syrian troops withdrew to the Bekaa. Aoun called it a comedy, arguing that parliament had been dissolved.
Sunday, 26 August 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
A reajustment of wages of 40% is decided in the bank sector.
Monday, 27 August 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The economic crisis is in full swing and the dollar continues its rise. It will reach 1.000 LBP. soon.
Thursday, 6 September 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
7 deaths due to cholera are reported in Northern Lebanon.
Thursday, 13 September 1990
Added from the books
Aoun rejects the government's last offer: 'I embody the solution.'
On 13 September Aoun, declaring 'I embody the solution', refused to talk to the 'puppets in West Beirut'. He was rejecting the government's final offer after the vote: a ministry of state for him, Baabda to General Lahoud, the Lebanese Forces out of Ashrafieh.
On 13 September Aoun, declaring 'I embody the solution', refused to talk to the 'puppets in West Beirut'. He was rejecting the government's final offer after the vote: a ministry of state for him, Baabda to General Lahoud, the Lebanese Forces out of Ashrafieh.
Friday, 21 September 1990
Added from the books
President Hrawi promulgates the amended Constitution of the Second Republic.
Hrawi promulgated the revised Constitution, with the Taif reforms written in, and announced on air that it would found the Second Republic. Three ex-army commanders then urged Aoun's soldiers to accept General Lahoud's authority; some officers did.
Hrawi promulgated the revised Constitution, with the Taif reforms written in, and announced on air that it would found the Second Republic. Three ex-army commanders then urged Aoun's soldiers to accept General Lahoud's authority; some officers did.
Sources differ: Hanf calls 21 September the promulgation, after a vote on 26 August; de Clerck and Malsagne and Picard call it the adoption. Entry 1204 dates the vote to 21 August.
Thursday, 27 September 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The blockade against the Eastern region gets tougher and tougher. The goal is proclaimed: force General Aoun to give up before schools reopen.
What the books addHanf notes the blockade had little support even outside the enclave, as civilians rather than Aoun's soldiers bore it. On 28 September 1990, he records, Lahoud's troops tightened it by taking every checkpoint around Aoun's area; Aoun's followers protested daily there and at Baabda.
Monday, 1 October 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
A pacific demonstration in favor of General Aoun on the bridge of Nahr-el-Mot, ends by a slaughter: 12 deaths and 50 wounded.
What the books addHanf gives 13 dead and 90 wounded. The candle-carrying marchers were heading for the front between Ashrafieh and the eastern suburbs, held by Lebanese Army troops and Lebanese Forces militiamen alike.
Thursday, 11 October 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
Last minute efforts were deployed to avoid a military operation against Baabda and the Eastern regions controlled by General Aoun. Besides, a two kilometers long peace walk on the Kfarchima-Choueifat road grouped 1,000 persons protesting against the blockade.
What the books addSyrian jets flew low over Baabda on 11 and 12 October 1990, with no Israeli reaction. On the 11th Hrawi, on a cabinet decision, had asked Assad in writing for the Syrian military support Taif provided for the Lebanese Army (Hanf).
Added from the books
Hrawi asks Assad for military support against Aoun.
Syrian jets flew low over Baabda on that day and the next, and Israel did not react; Hanf concludes that its 'red line' on Syrian air power no longer held. The flights followed a letter in which Hrawi, acting on a cabinet decision, asked Assad for the Syrian military support for the Lebanese army that Taif provided.
Syrian jets flew low over Baabda on that day and the next, and Israel did not react; Hanf concludes that its 'red line' on Syrian air power no longer held. The flights followed a letter in which Hrawi, acting on a cabinet decision, asked Assad for the Syrian military support for the Lebanese army that Taif provided.
Sources differ: Entry 1210 on the same day speaks of last-minute efforts to avoid an operation.
Friday, 12 October 1990
Added from the books
On the eve of the assault, Aoun vows to fight to the end.
Elie Hobeika gave assurances on 12 October, as Syrian tanks and artillery took up positions in Beirut's southern suburbs. That evening at Baabda Aoun vowed to fight to the finish, but sent his supporters home after a young man tried to kill him before midnight.
Elie Hobeika gave assurances on 12 October, as Syrian tanks and artillery took up positions in Beirut's southern suburbs. That evening at Baabda Aoun vowed to fight to the finish, but sent his supporters home after a young man tried to kill him before midnight.
Sources differ: Picard's chronology dates the Syrian air attack itself to 12 October.
Saturday, 13 October 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
A quick operation following a bombardment by the Syrian aviation permitted to the Lebanese army loyal to the Hoss government to take control of the Baabda palace and Yarze. General Aoun capitulated to avoid bloody fights and took refuge at the French embassy. Fights, according to some estimates, cause 700 deaths.
What the books addAt about 7 a.m. on 13 October 1990 Syrian aircraft started bombing Baabda, and Syrian and Lebanese armour moved in from West Beirut and the mountains. Some two and a half hours later Aoun went to the French embassy; with Ambassador René Ala mediating, and at Hrawi's demand, he told his troops over the radio to obey General Lahoud. Within about eight hours the fighting had ended. Tolls vary: over 200 dead in a single morning (de Clerck and Malsagne); some 400 Syrian soldiers dead (Hanf); 160 Syrian soldiers dead at Dahr el-Wahash alone, by Syrian figures (Fisk); and an initial government figure of 36 dead (Fisk). Picard's chronology places the Syrian attack on 12 October.
Added from the books
Syrian troops execute captured soldiers of Aoun's army.
Some of Aoun's units did not hear, or ignored, his order to stop fighting. At Dahr el-Wahash, above Baabda, they fired on Syrian infantry after the surrender; Syrian sources told Fisk they lost 160 men there. Syrian troops then executed captured Aoun soldiers, about a hundred (Hanf), and killed fifteen villagers in Bsous. Fisk found dozens of bodies in the Baabda hospital mortuary, many shot through the back of the head. About twenty senior officers were taken to Anjar or to Syria.
Some of Aoun's units did not hear, or ignored, his order to stop fighting. At Dahr el-Wahash, above Baabda, they fired on Syrian infantry after the surrender; Syrian sources told Fisk they lost 160 men there. Syrian troops then executed captured Aoun soldiers, about a hundred (Hanf), and killed fifteen villagers in Bsous. Fisk found dozens of bodies in the Baabda hospital mortuary, many shot through the back of the head. About twenty senior officers were taken to Anjar or to Syria.
Sources differ: Figures differ by source and are partly second-hand (Syrian sources quoted by Fisk).
Art and memory
- testimony Robert Fisk's eyewitness account of the Baabda mortuary and the Dahr el-Wahash ridge after 13 October 1990 is the most detailed record in the supplied books of the executions that followed Aoun's surrender.
Monday, 15 October 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
President Mitterand affirms the he will not hand over General Aoun, arguing that 'It is a question of honor'.
What the books addMitterrand called asylum for Aoun 'a matter of honour' and France granted it, but Beirut refused to let him go; he stayed in the French embassy until taken to France on 29 August 1991.
Friday, 19 October 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
While Hraoui and Assad examine the developments following Aoun's departure, the Lebanese Army takes in charge the positions of Amal and Hezbollah in Chiyah.
Sunday, 21 October 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The leader of the National Liberal Party, Dany Chamoun, his wife Ingrid and his two kids Tarek and Julian were savagely assassinated in there home in Baabda.
What the books addDe Clerck and Malsagne count the murder of Dany Chamoun, his wife and two of their children as the last act of violence between Christian factions. The place is given as Baabda (Confluences) or 'his east Beirut home' (Fisk). Chamoun had backed Aoun, though critically, and was opposed to Syria's presence. Hanf notes that many blamed Syria, but judges that killing a whole family suggests a militia vendetta; Fisk likens it to the Phalangists' earlier killing of Tony Frangieh, his wife and baby. Samir Geagea was later tried for the murder (Picard).
Thursday, 25 October 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Lebanese Army starts to clear the Nahr-el-Kalb tunnel.
Monday, 5 November 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Damascus agreement between the Hezbollah and Amal is a copy of the one agreed upon on January 30th 1989. The cease-fire takes effect in the Iqlim-el-Touffah.
What the books addSources differ on dates. Picard has Damascus and Tehran imposing an Amal–Hezbollah ceasefire on 6 November 1990; de Clerck and Malsagne date the inter-Shi'i accord signed in Damascus to 9 November and, with Aoun's fall, treat it as formally ending the 'civil' war. Hanf says both movements withdrew their fighters from Iqlim al-Tuffah after drawn-out Syrian and Iranian mediation. That final round began in December 1989 (de Clerck and Malsagne, Confluences) or, in Hezbollah's official version, in July 1990, with an Amal siege of nearly 100 days.
Sunday, 11 November 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
Amal, the P.S.P., and the Hizbollah evacuated their militiamen from the capital. This evacuation was part of the 'Great Beirut' project, aiming at the reunification and disarmament of the capital. As for the Lebanese Forces, they had to leave Achrafieh on November 19 at the latest.
What the books addHanf: the militias were ordered out of Beirut on 17 November 1990, as army units deployed across the capital under a security plan cleared in advance with Syria. Amal (to the south) and the PSP (to the Chouf) left at once, Hezbollah three days later. The Lebanese Forces first set conditions; their pull-out, opened by a military parade on 23 November, ended by 3 December.
Thursday, 15 November 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The electric power is redistributed progressively in various Lebanese regions.
Saturday, 17 November 1990
Added from the books
Greater Beirut security plan: the army deploys and the militias are ordered out of the capital.
Syria, with large forces in West Beirut and the Metn, had cleared the plan beforehand. Troops, their numbers doubled by most of Aoun's former units, took up positions across the capital and all militias were told to go: Amal (south) and the PSP (Chouf) at once, Hezbollah three days later.
Syria, with large forces in West Beirut and the Metn, had cleared the plan beforehand. Troops, their numbers doubled by most of Aoun's former units, took up positions across the capital and all militias were told to go: Amal (south) and the PSP (Chouf) at once, Hezbollah three days later.
Sources differ: Entry 1217 dates the Amal, PSP and Hezbollah withdrawal to 11 November.
Thursday, 22 November 1990
Added from the books
Presidents Bush and Assad meet in Geneva.
George H. W. Bush and Hafez al-Assad met in Geneva. Picard writes that Bush welcomed the mutual deterrence between Israel and Syria and spoke of US and Syrian interests 'converging' in Lebanon; in her view no outside power then backed a more independent Lebanese line.
George H. W. Bush and Hafez al-Assad met in Geneva. Picard writes that Bush welcomed the mutual deterrence between Israel and Syria and spoke of US and Syrian interests 'converging' in Lebanon; in her view no outside power then backed a more independent Lebanese line.
Friday, 23 November 1990
Added from the books
The Lebanese Forces begin leaving Beirut.
On 23 November the Lebanese Forces began leaving Beirut, with a parade to show their strength. They had wanted pro-Syrian militias out of the Metn; the government did give the Kataeb its offices back and posted to Ashrafieh troops from the mostly neutral Sarba garrison rather than units that had fought for Aoun.
On 23 November the Lebanese Forces began leaving Beirut, with a parade to show their strength. They had wanted pro-Syrian militias out of the Metn; the government did give the Kataeb its offices back and posted to Ashrafieh troops from the mostly neutral Sarba garrison rather than units that had fought for Aoun.
Sources differ: Entry 1217 says the Lebanese Forces had to leave Ashrafieh by 19 November at the latest.
Wednesday, 28 November 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
After 15 months of absence, the US Embassy reopens in Aoukar and the new Ambassador in Beirut, Ryan Crocker, starts his mission initiating a come-back of the American diplomacy on the Lebanese scene.
Monday, 3 December 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Lebanese Forces achieve the evacuation of their heavy armaments. Great Beirut has become a reality.
What the books addHanf: on 4 December 1990 soldiers started clearing the Green Line barricades, the Lebanese Forces having left Beirut on 3 December except for 300 men at their Karantina headquarters and in the port.
Tuesday, 4 December 1990
Added from the books
The army begins to dismantle the Green Line; Beirut is reunited.
Soldiers began removing the Green Line barricades on 4 December, the day after the Lebanese Forces finished pulling out. Beirut, split since February 1984, was one city again; Hanf adds it was nearly clear of militiamen, as not since 1975.
Soldiers began removing the Green Line barricades on 4 December, the day after the Lebanese Forces finished pulling out. Beirut, split since February 1984, was one city again; Hanf adds it was nearly clear of militiamen, as not since 1975.
Wednesday, 5 December 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Lebanese Army controls the port of Beirut and the 5th dock is closed to the maritime traffic.
What the books addHanf says 300 Lebanese Forces militiamen stayed at Karantina and the port after the December 1990 withdrawal, and dates the army's entry into the Fifth Basin and other militia ports to 11 March 1991.
Thursday, 6 December 1990
Added from the books
President Hrawi visits Ashrafieh.
Hrawi made his first visit to Ashrafieh as president.
Hrawi made his first visit to Ashrafieh as president.
Monday, 10 December 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Fouad Chehab avenue, known under the name of the ring, was finally reopened to the circulation in both directions. This passage, closed since 1984, was completely cleaned up and free of mines.
Thursday, 13 December 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
After a small rise of the Lebanese Pound, the dollar catches up and reaches 800 LBP.
Saturday, 15 December 1990
Added from the books
Hrawi negotiates the new government in Damascus.
In Damascus on 15 December Hrawi and the Syrians settled the next cabinet without Prime Minister Hoss or Speaker Husseini. Hanf sees an early sign of practice departing from the revised Constitution, whose new powers for both men went unheeded.
In Damascus on 15 December Hrawi and the Syrians settled the next cabinet without Prime Minister Hoss or Speaker Husseini. Hanf sees an early sign of practice departing from the revised Constitution, whose new powers for both men went unheeded.
Wednesday, 19 December 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
President Hoss resigns and Omar Karame is designated Prime Minster. His task is to put together a New Government of National Union.
What the books addHanf: Omar Karami was asked on 20 December 1990 to form a government after Hoss quit on the 19th; Hrawi had settled its make-up with the Syrians in Damascus on 15 December, excluding Hoss and Speaker Husseini.
Monday, 24 December 1990
111101 entry in the original chronology
The Karame Government is composed of 30 Ministers including 9 Ministers of State, but the Lebanese Forces and the Kataeb refuse to be part of it.
What the books addHanf lists the parties left out of the Karami cabinet of 24 December 1990: Hezbollah, the National Liberals, Aoun's supporters and the Communists. With 30 ministers it was Lebanon's largest. Berri, Jumblatt, Geagea, Hobeika, Suleiman Frangieh, Abdallah el-Amin and Assad Hardan, seven militia chiefs, joined as ministers of state without portfolio. After the Lebanese Forces protested at its make-up, Geagea urged the Christian ministers to resign; only his two colleagues followed. It won confidence on 9 January 1991.
1990: day not established
early 1990
Added from the books
Aoun postpones indefinitely the elections he had called.
General Aoun's government had set elections for January 1990 when it dissolved parliament in November 1989. Since a vote could not be held anywhere, even where no foreign troops were present, Aoun postponed it indefinitely early in 1990.
General Aoun's government had set elections for January 1990 when it dissolved parliament in November 1989. Since a vote could not be held anywhere, even where no foreign troops were present, Aoun postponed it indefinitely early in 1990.
winter 1989-1990
Added from the books
The Hoss government stops paying the army and civil servants in Aoun's area.
Hanf argues that the financial sanctions imposed by Hoss's government set Aoun on course for a clash with the Lebanese Forces. Civil servants in his zone were told to leave government offices and the Central Bank was barred from paying his soldiers and officials; the only money left in the enclave was what the militia still raised as 'taxes'.
Hanf argues that the financial sanctions imposed by Hoss's government set Aoun on course for a clash with the Lebanese Forces. Civil servants in his zone were told to leave government offices and the Central Bank was barred from paying his soldiers and officials; the only money left in the enclave was what the militia still raised as 'taxes'.
after 16 February 1990
Added from the books
Geagea asks the Hrawi government for help.
The four Fouga-Magister aircraft seized at Halat went to General Lahoud's Qlayaat base as a goodwill gesture from Samir Geagea, who after losing Ain al-Rummaneh appealed to the 'legal authorities', the President and the Hoss cabinet. Hrawi's price: unreserved acceptance of the Taif Agreement and of the government's authority.
The four Fouga-Magister aircraft seized at Halat went to General Lahoud's Qlayaat base as a goodwill gesture from Samir Geagea, who after losing Ain al-Rummaneh appealed to the 'legal authorities', the President and the Hoss cabinet. Hrawi's price: unreserved acceptance of the Taif Agreement and of the government's authority.
Sources differ: Entry 1190 dates Geagea's rapprochement with Hrawi to 3 April.
mid-March 1990
Added from the books
Aoun offers to negotiate with Hrawi; Hrawi refuses.
In mid-March Aoun offered Hrawi talks, saying the latest battles proved the conflict could be settled 'only by dialogue'; Hrawi refused until Aoun accepted Taif. The two Christian camps' fire on each other's ports prolonged Syria's 1989 blockade.
In mid-March Aoun offered Hrawi talks, saying the latest battles proved the conflict could be settled 'only by dialogue'; Hrawi refused until Aoun accepted Taif. The two Christian camps' fire on each other's ports prolonged Syria's 1989 blockade.
April to early May 1990
Added from the books
The army is stopped short of the Lebanese Forces headquarters at Karantina.
In April, Vatican, US and Israeli pressure stopped the army short of Karantina, the Lebanese Forces' headquarters, which it was preparing to storm after taking the Metn and upper Kisrawan in weeks of fighting that killed several hundred. De Clerck and Malsagne also cite the jamming of army radios by Israeli radars in militia hands, officers won over or bought by the militia, and Patriarch Sfeir's threat to excommunicate Christian soldiers.
In April, Vatican, US and Israeli pressure stopped the army short of Karantina, the Lebanese Forces' headquarters, which it was preparing to storm after taking the Metn and upper Kisrawan in weeks of fighting that killed several hundred. De Clerck and Malsagne also cite the jamming of army radios by Israeli radars in militia hands, officers won over or bought by the militia, and Patriarch Sfeir's threat to excommunicate Christian soldiers.
Sources differ: Hanf sees stalemate from March, the Lebanese Forces keeping Karantina, with no hint it was about to fall; for Fisk, by July Aoun and Geagea each held half the Christian enclave.
by Easter 1990
Added from the books
Christians flee East Beirut for the western sector.
By Easter, Fisk writes, Christians were fleeing Aoun's enclave, most for Muslim West Beirut, where some had not been for fifteen years; 600 Maronite students returned to the American University. In 1982 West Beirutis had sheltered in the east; now, Hanf notes, tens of thousands of East Beirutis did the reverse.
By Easter, Fisk writes, Christians were fleeing Aoun's enclave, most for Muslim West Beirut, where some had not been for fifteen years; 600 Maronite students returned to the American University. In 1982 West Beirutis had sheltered in the east; now, Hanf notes, tens of thousands of East Beirutis did the reverse.
May 1990
Added from the books
Hezbollah attacks Amal in West Beirut; Syria restores order.
Renewed in Iqlim al-Tuffah in December 1989, the Amal-Hezbollah conflict reached the capital: by May 1990 Hezbollah could strike Amal in central West Beirut. Syria intervened again, restoring calm without letting either militia win.
Renewed in Iqlim al-Tuffah in December 1989, the Amal-Hezbollah conflict reached the capital: by May 1990 Hezbollah could strike Amal in central West Beirut. Syria intervened again, restoring calm without letting either militia win.
July 1990
Added from the books
The war of Iqlim al-Tuffah between Amal and Hezbollah begins.
Amal and Hezbollah fought mainly over Iqlim al-Tuffah, high ground east of Sidon and a route to the Israeli-held border strip. Hanf has the clashes there resuming in December 1989; Hezbollah's official account starts its 'war of Iqlim al-Tuffah' in July 1990, with an Amal siege lasting nearly 100 days.
Amal and Hezbollah fought mainly over Iqlim al-Tuffah, high ground east of Sidon and a route to the Israeli-held border strip. Hanf has the clashes there resuming in December 1989; Hezbollah's official account starts its 'war of Iqlim al-Tuffah' in July 1990, with an Amal siege lasting nearly 100 days.
Sources differ: Hanf: from December 1989. The Confluences article is by the same authors as the 2025 book.
end of July 1990
Added from the books
Aoun courts Damascus.
Isolated, Aoun began courting Damascus. In late July he described Lebanese and Syrians as one people by custom, tradition and culture, and asked why the two should not be bound more closely than by 'privileged relations'. He had also opened contacts with Hezbollah, though opposition to Taif was all they shared.
Isolated, Aoun began courting Damascus. In late July he described Lebanese and Syrians as one people by custom, tradition and culture, and asked why the two should not be bound more closely than by 'privileged relations'. He had also opened contacts with Hezbollah, though opposition to Taif was all they shared.
August 1990
Added from the books
Suleiman Frangieh takes over the family leadership in the north.
In August 1990 Suleiman Frangieh, son of the assassinated Tony, succeeded his uncle Robert as head of the family, which kept some autonomy under Syria in the Christian north.
In August 1990 Suleiman Frangieh, son of the assassinated Tony, succeeded his uncle Robert as head of the family, which kept some autonomy under Syria in the Christian north.
early October 1990
Added from the books
Syrian elite troops take up positions around Aoun's enclave.
In early October Syria moved elite units to the edges of Aoun's area.
In early October Syria moved elite units to the edges of Aoun's area.
November 1990
Added from the books
Hrawi says the PLO's military presence must end within six months.
Hrawi said the PLO's armed presence in Lebanon would not be tolerated beyond six months.
Hrawi said the PLO's armed presence in Lebanon would not be tolerated beyond six months.
mid-December 1990
Added from the books
Algeria's President Chadli visits Beirut.
In mid-December Algeria's President Chadli Bendjedid, the first Arab head of state to visit Beirut in years, pledged military aid to rebuild the army. Five officers loyal to Aoun also left the French embassy then and submitted to General Lahoud.
In mid-December Algeria's President Chadli Bendjedid, the first Arab head of state to visit Beirut in years, pledged military aid to rebuild the army. Five officers loyal to Aoun also left the French embassy then and submitted to General Lahoud.