Army Arrests Christians Critical of Syrian Control
A security sweep by Lebanese troops that has netted as many as 250 Christian activists in two days renewed debate over Syrian military and political control in Lebanon and threatened to create a political crisis.
The arrests Tuesday and early Wednesday followed a demand by Christian supporters at a weekend rally that Syria pull its 25,000 soldiers out of Lebanon.
The army defended its actions, saying they targeted anti-Syrian activists holding illegal meetings. The Maronite Catholic Church and influential Druze politician Walid Jumblatt condemned the arrests, warning of political and sectarian repercussions.
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