Lebanese Unhappy with Hizballah

Sat, Jul 15, 2006 at 8:46:45 am PDT

Here’s a report on growing Lebanese criticism of Hizballah and their terrorist adventures: Lebanese hate Israel, upset at Nasrallah.

The question is, are they angry enough at Hizballah to overcome their hatred for Israel?

The Arab world’s criticism of Hizbullah’s leader started with Saudi Arabia, while Egypt and Jordan only provided hints. Nasrallah’s beloved Lebanese street also began criticizing him, although less so.

The Saturday edition of the London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat Arabic-Language newspaper reported of a growing trend of criticism in Beirut.

“I stayed awake all night long, smoking and watching the news. I can’t understand life here in Lebanon. Hizbullah should be disarmed,” the newspaper’s reporter was told by a restaurant owner named Morris in east Beirut.

“I don’t believe one party should be making the decision and putting the entire country at risk,” said Zina, who took her place in a crowded line in the supermarket, buying necessities and preparing for the unknown.

“I am against Hizbullah but also against the Israeli response. There are millions of citizens in Lebanon and, as usual, our infrastructure is ruined. It seems that Israel’s interest is to hurt the Lebanese people. I am very angry,” she said.