by Anthony Khoo

Created on: April 19, 2008

For centuries, Lebanon has been known as the center of prosperity, stability and wealth in the Middle East. A popular tourist destination, this small country stood alone amongst the war, conflict and death that has long been the scourge of Western Asia.

Yet all this has changed in the last few years.

Although still comparatively stable, Lebanon is a country divided- a country rife with conflict. Whilst these conflicts may not necessarily stem from the four hundred thousand Palestinian refugees residing in Lebanese refugee camps, it certainly involves them both deeply and dangerously.

These Palestinian refugees are considered strangers'; unwanted foreigners in a foreign land. As foreigners', they are only permitted to take up certain restricted jobs, and consequently many of them remain unemployed and relying on a dole from the Lebanese government. Even those that are employed are distrusted, and this deeply entrenched hostility is a sign of the increasing anger, fear and frustration that is present throughout Lebanon. Of particular note is that often this simmering resentment is displayed not only by the Lebanese people, but also to a lesser extent, the Lebanese government itself.

Yet this reaction to the flood of refugees is understandable, for this flow of refugees has brought conflict and death, war and misery, anger and fear. Much of this conflict stems from a group calling themselves the Fatah al-Islam, a militant group with alleged links to al-Qaida that Lebanon claims is both hiding and acting within the Palestinian camps.

What really needs to occur is a greater communication and understanding between both the Palestinian refugees and the Lebanese government. Lebanon must realise that restricting and isolating the Palestinian people is not going to resolve the situation, but perhaps only exacerbate it further. Moreover, they should recognise that the Palestinians are people first, and refugees second. Conversely, the Palestinians must understand the strain, stress and frustration that Lebanon as a whole feels under the pressure of a considerable Palestinian influx into a what is a relatively small country.

Although the Palestinian refugees have searched for peace and harmony by fleeing to Lebanon, in many cases they are frustrated and angered by the distrust, anger and isolation that has greeted them. Abu Ali, a Palestinian resident of the refugee camp Burj al-Barajineh argues: "You cannot punish a whole population just for some 150 fugitives hiding inside

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