LEBANON: Bloodletting

Outwardly the most stable of all Arab countries, prosperous and democratic little Lebanon (pop. 1,500,000) has been rocking for months on the rim of the Arab nationalist volcano. Last week all the pent-up flames of its religious feuds and political frustrations burst into the wildest and bloodiest rioting of Lebanon's twelve years of independence.

Little Lebanon, smaller than Connecticut, likes to think of itself as a Switzerland, peacefully balancing its internal factions, staying out of trouble and making money. Today, as in the time when the Phoenicians pushed their biremes seaward from...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!