Word: militiaization
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...then poured out of the Chouf Mountains onto the flat coastal strip. Bombing and strafing runs by two subsonic Hawker Hunter jet fighters, part of Gemayel's tiny air force, could not stop the Druze even momentarily. After linking up at Khalde with their allies, the Amal militia of Lebanon's dominant Shi'ite Muslim sect, the Druze drove the Fourth Brigade 3½ miles south to the vicinity of Damur. The militiamen stopped there only because they were confronted by Israeli soldiers who had moved north to prevent the Muslims from getting any closer...
...impotence of Gemayel's government needed no underlining to Christian residents of the villages south of Beirut. Thousands fled before the advancing Muslim militia into the Israeli occupation zone. Reported TIME Correspondent David Halevy: "They rolled up to the Awali River in cars and trucks of every age and description. The vehicles were crammed with children, mothers and grandmothers and piled high with blankets, mattresses, ancient refrigerators, rusty sewing machines and, here and there, a new color TV or even a Persian carpet. On a single day last week some 4,000 to 6,000 refugees crossed the Awali...
...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...
...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, the police were gradually taking control of West Beirut, though many militia checkpoints remained in place...
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...