This chapter examines the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, focusing on the Siege of West Beirut and its devastating impact on civilians. It explores the complex alliances formed during the conflict, the geopolitical dynamics influenced by global powers, and the eventual evacuation of the PLO under pressure. Additionally, the narrative highlights the brutal aftermath of the invasion, including the Sabra and Shatila massacres, and the internal divisions within the PLO following their withdrawal from Lebanon.
Featuring Abdel Razzaq Takriti, this is the SIXTEENTH and final episode of Thawra (Revolution), our series on Arab radicalism in the 20th century. Today’s installment traces a massive defeat for the Palestinian Revolution: Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon and brutal siege of Beirut. Under severe pressure and isolated in the wake of Egypt’s normalization with Israel, the PLO evacuated its headquarters. What followed was a giant massacre of Palestinian civilians and the end of the decades-long era of Arab revolutionary politics to which this series has been dedicated. A substantial epilogue is coming soon.
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