Spring Break
After violence, supporters question loyalties toward militant group Hezbollah
The Associated Press
Issue date: 1/25/07 Section: News
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"I never thought they would behave in such a way," said one Shiite woman, Nasra Jaafar, a 29-year-old accountant, referring to Tuesday's protests, which left three people dead, injured more than 170 and wreaked havoc on roads and highways around the country.
"I was a supporter. Before, (Hezbollah leaders) acted in a more transparent way. But I am very much against what they did yesterday - destroying roads, traffic lights and everything else," said Jaafar.
Such feelings suggest a disconnect between some Shiites and Hezbollah's leadership, which has warned of more protests to come in their drive to topple the U.S.-backed government of Prime Minister Fuad Saniora.
It is not known how deep the discontent goes - some disillusioned Hezbollah backers in Beirut's southern Shiite suburbs refused to give their names for fear of reprisals.
The group has enjoyed overwhelming support among Shiites, particularly after its summer war with Israel, and much of that sympathy likely remains. Jaafar and others said they still back Hezbollah's goals if not its methods.
But Tuesday's turmoil clearly shook many Lebanese. It began as a nationwide strike called by Hezbollah and its allies, but turned into clashes with government supporters when protesters set up barricades of burning tires and cars on roads in Beirut and across the country.
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