Syria's civil war may be spreading beyond its borders
BEIRUT - On Wednesday, they began burying the dead in Beirut, Lebanon. Twin suicide bombings on Tuesday killed at least 23 people. The target was Iran's embassy, a sign perhaps that Syria's civil war next door is spreading beyond its borders. Iran backs the Assad dictatorship in Syria, and an al Qaeda offshoot that claimed responsibility for the bombings backs the rebels in Syria.
In security camera footage, the moment after the first blast, you can see people cautiously moving towards the scene. Then, the second much bigger bomb explodes.
At the scene of the blast, investigators sifted through the wreckage looking for evidence.
Asked who was responsible for the attack, Lahoud said: "The enemies of Lebanon. And do you know who is the biggest enemy of Lebanon?
He added: "After experience, I can say that it is the fundamentalists."
An extremist group with ties to al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it revenge for Iran's support of Hezbollah. The Lebanese militia is fighting with Syrian government troops against the rebels inside Syria.
Lebanon is now braced for retaliation.
The atmosphere was emotionally charged. "Death to America!" the people shouted.
It's a traditional chant at Hezbollah events. But the real threat is much closer to home -- the real chance that Lebanon may be drawn deeper into Syria's civil war that is spreading through the region.
