Behind the News: Violence in Lebanon

A violent clash between Lebanese troops and a group called Fatah Islam that is accused of terrorist ties reached its second day today. Lebanese officials have accused Syria of stirring up trouble in the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, which Syria denies.

The violence in the area, along with a deeply divided government, has raised fears that the situation in the region could destabilize very quickly.

For background on the situation in the country and the region, here are three "Letters From Lebanon" from the U.S. News & World Report archives, detailing both the civilian toll of last summer's conflict and the political aftermath.

• "Lebanon Journal," July 19, 2006
• "Scenes From a War Zone," July 28, 2006
• "Who's Stoking the Fires?" Feb. 4, 2007

Plus: Video on the Euripting Violence in Lebanon