War and Peace: A Look Back at the Lebanese Civil War

The Devastating Conflict

The Lebanese Civil War, a complex and multifaceted conflict that raged from 1975 to 1990, left an indelible mark on the country and its people. The war, characterized by the erosion of state authority and the rise of militias along sectarian and ideological lines, resulted in a devastating loss of life, infrastructure, and social cohesion.

Monumental Loss

At the heart of Beirut, the Martyrs' Square, a poignant reminder of the war's tragic toll, stands as a symbol of the city's resilience. The square's name pays tribute to the countless lives lost during the war, including those who fell during the 1982 Israeli siege of Beirut, a pivotal moment in the conflict's bloody history.

A Salvo of Hope

In 1983, amidst the turmoil, the USS New Jersey, an American battleship, arrived off the Lebanese coast, its towering silhouette a beacon of hope in the darkness of war. Its presence symbolized the international community's commitment to peace and stability in the region.

Echoes of Conflict

Today, the wounds of the Lebanese Civil War still linger in the country's fragile political and social landscape. The recent deadly flare-up in Beirut serves as a stark reminder that the festering tensions that fueled the war remain dormant beneath the surface, threatening to spiral into all-out conflict once again.