Green Line (Lebanon)

Green Line, Beirut 1982

The Green Line was a line of demarcation in Beirut, Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War from 1975 to 1990. It separated the mainly Muslim factions in West Beirut from the Christian Lebanese Front in East Beirut. The appellation refers to the coloration of the foliage that grew because the space was uninhabited. Many of the buildings along the Green Line were severely damaged or destroyed during the war. Since the end of hostilities, however, many of the buildings have been rebuilt within the framework of the urban renewal project of Solidere in Beirut Central District.

History

Division

The Green Line did not simply divide Muslim from Christian. Beirut was a metropolitan city consisting of Maronite, Shiite, Sunni, Druze, Armenian and Greek Orthodox. The Maronites and Muslim Sunni and Shiite were well separated by the Green Line, while the others were more mixed between East and West Beirut.

The Siege of West Beirut

Main article: 1982 Lebanon War

The Green Line was a vulnerable point for both West and East Beirut. During Israel's siege of West Beirut, Israel surrounded Western Beirut and stationed tanks along the Green Line.

Syrian withdrawal

Main article: Syrian occupation of Lebanon

After the Syrian military withdrew from East Beirut in August 1982, the Palestine Liberation Army was dispatched to the Green Line under the command of the Syrians. The residents on both sides of the line disapproved of the presence of the Palestine Liberation Army.

External links

• The Beirut Green Line, 1975 - 1990 (Green Line-related photographs and academic papers)
• Beirut video postcards