Sectarian Violence on the Increase in Lebanon as Christians, Alawites Attacked

Businesses located in the Lebanese city of Tripoli that are owned by Christians and Alawites came under attack over the weekend fueling speculation that a sharp escalation in sectarian violence is in the offing. At least ten stores and shops were targeted and torched. Victimized store owners told the Beirut-based Daily Star that because they are minorities, there are no officials to complain to or to seek protection from. The affected Tripoli neighborhood, Zahrieh, was home to Muslims, Christians and Jews before the 1967 war.