News Analysis: With Hezbollah meddling in Syria, Lebanon may turn into "Iraq"

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BEIRUT, Nov. 20 -- Following the deadly suicide bombings in Beirut on Tuesday, local analysts said the intervention of Hezbollah in the Syrian conflict may lead to the " Iraqization" of Lebanon.

A total of 24 people were killed and 150 others injured during the Tuesday blast that targeted the Iranian embassy in Beirut, according to latest report provided by the health ministry.

Speaker of the House, Nabih Berri warned Wednesday that Lebanon might lead to "Iraqization" and renewed his call for dialogue as the only way to "safeguard Lebanon and the Lebanese in these dark days."

Hezbollah, the militant party that gained its fame from being able to liberate Lebanon from the Israeli occupation in 2000, however, claims that it is involved in the Syrian war against the "takfiris" or Islamist fundamentalists as a way to push them away from Lebanon.

Rached Fayed, an Almustaqbal politburo member said that the party did not succeed in that as the suicide bombings, which bear Al Qaida hallmark, were never present in Lebanon before Hezbollah went to Syria."

"Hezbollah opened the door to enter Syria but seems that it forgot the doors are open in both directions," he said.

"The only solution to prevent the deterioration of security in Lebanon is to convince Hezbollah to stop meddling in the Syrian crisis and withdraw its fighters home so we can form a new government and start a real dialogue to preserve our country," an official from Almustaqbal movement told Xinhua.

However, supporters of the Syrian government claim the contrary and believe that in any war a price has to be paid but victory looms at the end.

Qassem Qassir, a renowned political analyst close to Hezbollah said: "Hezbollah decided to confront the Islamist fundamentalists in Syria and is involved in a war against terrorism. They went for this purpose and they want to safeguard Lebanon and protect its interests."

• Hezbollah chief says "takfiris" behind August car bombing
• Lebanon rejects foreign military intervention in Syria
• UN calls on Lebanese to exercise self-restraint
• UN calls on Lebanese to exercise self-restraint
• 4 rockets launched from Lebanon into Israel
• Iran denounces EU's blacklisting of Hezbollah military wing

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