Beirut Explosion Targets American Diplomats

An large explosion in the Karantina Area in Beirut targeted a car that belonged to the American embassy. No Americans were killed.

Some Lebanese passer-byes were dead, but this is very much about the Americans. 

If you ask me, this large provocation of American interests without going all the way (like targeting the Ambassador for example), resembles very much the Iranian provocation of American warships in the straight of Hormuz last week.

America is being tested and George bush is given the salutary fireworks while he’s in the region…

I could be speculating too early, but what ever it is, it doesn’t bode well for the days ahead.


Some Updates:

- According to Lebanese news bulletins, the American Ambassador, Mr. Jeffrey Feltman was the intended target. The convoy was a security make-believe decoy intended to thwart such assassination attempts.

-The American Embassy in Beirut released the following statement:

The U.S. Embassy condemns in the strongest terms the January 15 car bomb attack in the Dora area north of Beirut. The Embassy also extends its deepest condolences to the families of those killed in this explosion. We offer our wishes for the full and speedy recovery of those injured in this attack.The Embassy is outraged that there are still those who work to undermine Lebanon’s stability through murder and intimidation. The Lebanese people deserve to live in peace and security in an independent and united Lebanon. Crimes like the Dora attack will not weaken the international partnership working to support and strengthen Lebanon’s independence and democracy. Out of respect to the victims of today’s terrorist explosion, Ambassador Feltman has canceled the farewell reception he was hosting tonight. The Ambassador expresses to all Lebanese his deep appreciation for friendship and cooperation during his tenure in Lebanon.

More Updates:

- Firas Maksad of the Lebanese Renaissance foundation (facebook group), linked the attack with Hezbollah’s recent fiery anti-American speech:

“Today’s blast will be interpreted by many as a message for U.S. President George Bush, who is currently on a Middle East tour drumming up support against Iran. It is also the latest in a series of escalations that have coincided with the Bush visit, including an attack against United Nation forces operating in southern Lebanon, the firing of two-rockets by an unknown party into Israel and Hizbullah inspired street riots against the U.S. backed government. Hizbullah has been extremely critical of the visit, with group leader Hassan Nasrallah yesterday expressing great pride in being the “enemy of the Great Satan.” The group is also held responsible by the U.S. for the bombing of U.S. Marine barrack in 1982 which killed over 200 servicemen.The blast coincides with the expected return to Beirut of Arab League envoy Amr Moussa, who secured nominal commitment from Syria to facilitate the election of a president through its Lebanese allies. Syria’s commitment however and the success of Moussa’s initiative are now very much in doubt.”

- A video of the immediate aftermath is available here.