By: William Wheeler Beirut- When Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eric S. Edelman visited with top officials in Lebanon May 31, he brought more than just words of encouragement.

Beirut- The Lebanese Army on Thursday bolstered its troops in Tripoli and deployed in the contested districts of Jabal Mohsin and Bab Tabbaneh with orders to "firmly confront" whoever sparks clashes.

Beirut - Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri promised President Michel Suleiman yesterday to try and mediate in the controversy over Hezbollah's nomination of Ali Qansou, the former SSNP chief, to join the new cabinet as minister of youth and sports.

By Robert F. WorthBeirut/ Doha - In the past month, after Qatari diplomats brokered a landmark peace deal in Lebanon, this tiny Gulf emirate has enjoyed a moment of giddy celebrity.

Beirut- Premier-designate Fouad Siniora does not reject participation by the Syrian Social National Party (SSNP) in the forthcoming cabinet, but rejects its former leader Ali Qansou in person.

Beirut - Lebanon's Democratic Gathering leader MP Walid Jumblatt urged all residents of Bab al Tabbanah and Jabal Mohsin to exercise calm and restraint and to be patient

Beirut - One day after threatening to strike Israeli and U.S. interests if attacked, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards were reported Wednesday to have test-fired nine missiles, including one that Tehran claims has the range to reach Israel.

Beirut - The focus will again be the formation of the government. A new obstacle is facing the formation of the government ...it is the nomination by Hezbollah of Ali Qansou the former head of Syrian Social Nationalist Party. Prime