Word: amal
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...fighting escalated into a vicious struggle for all of West Beirut. Amal forces were joined by Druze fighters and members of the Murabitun, a left-wing militia that was thought to have disbanded after the Israeli withdrawal from West Beirut. At 1:30 p.m. on Monday, the army declared a curfew and warned that anyone found on the streets would be "shot without warning...
...soon became apparent, however, that the battle was as much for the hearts and minds of the army as for territory. Heeding a call from Berri, Shi'ite members of the Lebanese Army deserted in droves. Many of them joined the Amal militia, surrendering equipment like armored personnel carriers. A few army outposts fell without a shot being fired, while others were taken only after ferocious battles. In many places, local ceasefires were arranged; army soldiers were allowed to keep their weapons if they promised not to use them...
...Muslim leaders wish to inherit a city more divided than it already is. On Wednesday, after an uneven peace settled over West Beirut, a joint security committee representing Amal, the Druze and the Murabitun issued a set of guidelines. Besides turning West Beirut over to internal police forces, the group outlawed kidnaping, the seizing of homes and the carrying of arms in the area. Muslim militiamen were ordered to return vehicles commandeered during battle and to report to the green line, where sporadic duels with the Phalange and army units still loyal to Gemayel persisted through the week. By Saturday...
Last week when Muslim guerrillas of the Shi'ite Amal militia led the attack on Lebanese Army units controlling West Beirut, it signaled the emergence of yet another faction from the wings onto center stage. With that stunning victory, the once obscure Amal, under Leader Nabih Berri, was suddenly poised to play a decisive role in Lebanon's future...
...Amal's newly won prominence is long overdue. In 1932 the last official census established the Christians as Lebanon's largest group and justified an agreement guaranteeing them a dominant role in the government. By most estimates, however, the Shi'ites now outnumber all other factions, constituting roughly 40% of Lebanon's population of 3.5 million to 4 million. Until recently the Shi'ites have remained a silent underclass. Made up of impoverished farmers from the south and also of Beirut's urban poor, the Shi'ites long adhered to conservative Islamic teachings...