Bit more complex by Toby Richardson, journalist - 28-Aug-08
The new warrant is part of a long series of back-and-forth developments in the case of the "Vanished Imam", Moussa Sadr. Legal and political attempts to reach justice in this case have been pursued by the family of Moussa Sadr for many years.

Knowing of the complex relations between the Sadr family, the Amal movement under its current leadership, and Hezbollah - which has been in intense and often bloody rivalry with Berri's Amal for many more years than their current alliance of conveniences - indicates that the new warrant, issued on occasion of the anniversary of the imam's disappearance in Libya, is not a simple sign for Hezbollah's growing influence over Lebanon's politics.

Hezbollah's increasing role in Lebanese politics is a fact but it will not serve any good to attribute all and every Shia initiative to this group. There are enough Lebanese Shiites who quietly disagree with Hezbollah and seek different ways forward for their community.

Moussa Sadr, incidentally, was the first prominent Lebanese Shiite cleric to speak in a church - over 40 years ago - and call for more understanding between Muslims and Christians and among different faiths in general. [Report Abuse | Email to a Friend | Reply to this Comment]