"The Sunni-Shiite conflict is in the open now. It's been triggered and operationalized," said Paul Salem, director of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut.
Since Hizbollah withdrew from West Beirut after the Shia militant group took over much of the capital, Sunni-Shia tensions have reached fever pitch. There are fears that the animosities that divide the two will escalate into new fighting. Obaid, a Sunni Muslim who was held captive by Hizbollah during the siege and later released, said, "We cannot go back to how we lived with them before. The blood is boiling here. They push, they push, they push." Some of the extremist elements within the Sunni community are calling for a jihad to avenge the deaths of Lebanese Sunnis.
The toD verdict: The risks of sectarian violence between the two is a reality that cannot be ignored. Last week, journalist Robert Fisk said the three-day battle was geared towards a larger struggle against the US. A recent International Crisis Group (ICG) report says the street battles have also magnified the divide between the two religious groups. Hizbollah's military success demonstrates its ability to confront the Lebanese Army and stand its ground. However, outside its own political constituency, Hizbollah is viewed as a Shia militia that has renounced its struggle of national resistance for self-interest. The ICG report argues that to maintain stability and peace, outside parties need to stop attempting to influence the internal political dynamics of Lebanon.
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Detention centers in Iraq and Afghanistan are holding several hundred adolescents as unlawful enemy combatants. A US periodic report given to the United Nations confirmed that "as of April 2008, the United States held about 500 juveniles in Iraq." All are under 18 with the majority believed to be either 16 or 17. A US military spokesman said none were under 16. However, a US military doctor believes at least three are under 16.
Burma may allow in more aid
More than two weeks after Cyclone Nargis devastated Burma, the human costs and suffering compounded by the intransient military junta cannot be minimised - 134,000 dead, 2.4 million missing. Last Thursday, the reclusive Senior General Tan Shwe declared the emergency aid complete, a statement vehemently contested by international aid organizations. But perhaps, finally, the junta may allow in more international aid.
The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is scheduled to visit Burma this week in an effort to implement food and aid distribution plans. Britain's Asia minister said a deal was brokered between international diplomats and the junta for humanitarian relief support. The plan includes allowing foreign helicopters inside Burma. Currently, there are only six Burmese helicopters in operation.
Muslim American charity targeted
Prior to 9-11, the National Security Agency (NSA) was tasked to monitor foreign suspects. But since the Bush administration expanded national security powers, agencies like the US Treasury Department are using NSA to monitor citizens.
This is not a new story - the New York Times uncovered the operation in 2005. An Oregon charity foundation was tapped without warrant in March 2004, its assets frozen by the Treasury Department. The foundation had to wait four years before the government issued a statement of explanation. The Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation in Oregon is a charity organization under investigation with possible links to terrorist organisations. And still today, no one in the charity has been charged with terrorism. Instead, the US officials claim the foundation is a front for radical Islamists though no evidence has been provided to substantiate the claim. Lynne Bernabei, Al-Haramain's lead attorney says the government's charges are based on "misinterpretation", warrantless surveillance, and on information taken from unreliable sources.
Immigrants attacked in South Africa
Angry mobs in South Africa attacked immigrants willing to work for lower wages near the townships surrounding Johannesburg. Twelve people have been killed and hundreds of others have fled to police shelters for refuge. Shops and businesses belonging to immigrants were looted and burned. People from Zimbabwe and Mozambique among other countries were the prime targets. The attacks appear to be spreading to other townships. Attacks were also reported in Johannasburg's city centre. So far, police have made 200 arrests.
Russia arrest Georgian spy
For the past several weeks, Russia and Georgia have been exchanging threats as the conflict over the breakaway provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia continues unresolved. Russia claims to have caught a Georgian spy and is now accusing Tbilisi of aiding the rebels in the North Caucasus. Tbilisi is accusing Russia of deploying heavy weaponry alongside its "peacekeepers" in Abkhazia. On Friday, three bombs exploded in the Georgian held area in South Ossetia, killing a Georgian police officer. Georgian forces then detained Russian peacekeepers who were later released.