Gary Fitleberg, December 23, 2003

Lebanese "Palestinians" were arrested after a rash of attacks on fast food restaurants including MacDonald’s and Pizza Hut. The Lebanese authorities cracked the cell after a booby-trapped car was found outside MacDonald’s in Beirut in April. It failed to explode.

Lebanese judges gave 26 men sentences ranging from three months to 20 years in prison. One man was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment with hard labor, while eight were acquitted. The convictions ranged from trying to set up a terrorist cell to possession of firearms.

Four of the group were also convicted of plotting to kill U.S. Ambassador Vincent Battle but the court waived their penalties because the plan was never put into action.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2003 Gary Fitleberg