Supporters of the anti-Hezbollah Christian Lebanese Forces party celebrate in Beirut's Ashrafieh Christian stronghold their victory in Lebanon's parliamentary elections. Western-backed movements inflicted a surprise defeat on Hezbollah and its allies at the ballot box in Lebanon, according to final results, but the winner faces a battle to keep the nation together. (AFP/Patrick Baz)US Allies Defeat Hezbollah In Lebanon Vote -- Yahoo News/AF
BEIRUT (AFP) – A pro-Western bloc inflicted a surprise defeat on Hezbollah and its allies at the ballot box in Lebanon, final results showed on Monday, as the winners faced a battle to keep the nation together.
The coalition headed by Saad Hariri, son of slain ex-premier Rafiq, landed 71 seats in the 128-member parliament against 57 for Hezbollah and its Shiite and Christian allies, Interior Minister Ziad Baroud said.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iraqi security forces arrest five American civilians.
Defiant settlers build new outpost near Migron containing 'Obama Hut'.
Don’t discount Israel pre-emptive strike, Hillary Clinton warns Iran.
In Iran, campaigns heat up. More news here and here.
Poll: Few Iranians see US favorably, despite Obama.
North Korea wipes out Iran (from the World Cup)
Fatah: Hamas preparing for West Bank coup attempt.
ASIA
N. Korea sentences US reporters to 12 years labor.
Pentagon: US troops erred in Afghan air strikes.
Pakistan taps tribes' anger with Taliban.
Two more Muslim rebel camps fall in Philippines - Military.
China requires PCs to come with anti-porn software.
AFRICA
Guinea-Bissau crackdown slammed by peers.
Somali president warns of Al-Qaeda setting up base.
Somalia: 50 killed in Central Somalia clashes, Aweys 'wounded'.
Nigerian militants intensify 'oil war' threat.
Gabon's president dies at 73 after 42-year rule.
Sudan's Bashir in Zimbabwe visit.
EUROPE
Europeans punish left-leaning parties in EU voting.
4 found liable for NIreland's Omagh bombing.
German industrial orders fuel optimism.
Dalai Lama made citizen of Paris.
Chechen leader says rebel chief badly wounded.
AMERICAS
Anti-Drug plan set for Mexican border.
18 killed in bloody Acapulco shootout as Mexican drug war spreads.
Death toll reaches 41 in fire at day care center in Mexico.
Brazil confirms massive offshore oil field.
Chavez proudly wears dictator title.
Canadians angered over "Buy American" rule.
Cuba rejects offer to rejoin OAS.
Peru struggles to defuse Amazon violence with 50 dead.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Growing terrorism in South Asia.
Report: Top US lawyers thought harsh interrogation legal.
Official: Al-Qaeda like a fast food franchise ' for terrorism'.
Real IRA chief to blame for Omagh.
ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS
Big U.S. government spending programs having opposite desired effect...
Obama’s economic circle keeps tensions simmering.
Top Chinese banker Guo Shuqing calls for wider use of yuan.
Democrats weigh health mandate as Obama urges taxing wealthy.