ABSTRACT
In Beirut in early January 2007, government buildings were surrounded by layers of barbed wire, which, in turn, were surrounded by white tents flying orange, green, yellow and red flags, with Christmas trees, crescents and crosses, as well as pictures of religious leaders and revolutionary heroes. Men, women, and children milled around, smoking, eating and talking. They had been there since the demonstrations in the middle of December, when a truce between government and opposition was called for the season of festivals. Dotted around the tents were small contingents of soldiers, often with armoured cars and tanks.
