Poker, Beirut-Style Summary and Analysis

After the PLO and Arafat depart from Beirut, the Phalangists and Israelis are left in charge. They persuade the Muslims to accept the Presidency of Bashir Gemayel. Gemayel is elected on August 23, 1982. The Israelis expect Bemayel to consolidate control in the Lebanese army so the Israelis can withdraw from Lebanon. The Israelis expect the Lebanese army to keep the Syrians and the PLO out of Lebanon. The Syrians, not happy with the situation, arrange for the assassination of Gemayel. Gemayel is killed in a bomb blast at an apartment building where he goes to meet with other officials. The Israelis respond by invading West Beirut on September 15, which they promised not to do before the assassination.

The Israelis have two targets in West Beirut. One is the PLO Research Center with their archive center. The other is the Sabra...