With no end in sight for the civil war in Syria, the violence is now beginning to spill over into neighboring Lebanon. Hundreds of people have been wounded, and dozens killed in Lebanon's second largest city, Tripoli. Residents fear that they are being swept up into the larger conflict of pro- and anti-Syrian factions raging next door, and some fear even stepping outside their homes.
The conflict in Syria has been fought in part along family and ethnic lines. This worries Lebanon, a highly diverse country that has long dealt with ethnic tensions, and survived its own bloody 15-year-long civil war.
Syria has a long history of intervening in Lebanese affairs, and therefore the political climate in Syria is always a touchy subject for its neighbor. Those who support Hezbollah in Lebanon hope that Bashar al-Assad, the current President of Syria, stays in power, while those who hope to reduce the Syrian influence in their country support the cause of the rebels.
If the violence continues for much longer, Lebanon may get pulled headlong into the fighting. Most residents are hoping for a quick end to the Syrian civil war so they can avoid further violence and destruction.
Warm Up Questions
1. Where is Lebanon? What countries does it border?
2. What is going on in Syria right now?
3. What causes a civil war?
Discussion Questions
1. Do you think the international community should intervene in Syria to prevent the spread of violence?
2. Based on what you saw in the video, why do you think some in Lebanon still support the Syrian President?
Additional Resources
Civil War in Syria Raises Questions About When to Intervene
Syrian Conflict Upgraded to "Civil War"
