Lebanese Civil War Volume 2

Once known as the ‘Switzerland of the Middle East’, an island of economic stability and social progress, Lebanon was shattered by a civil war that raged from 1975 until 1990. While Volume 1 of this mini-series concentrated on the conflict pitting the central government against different factions and alliances of Christians, Sunni and Shi’a Moslems, leftists, and the Israeli and Syrian armed forces from its beginning in 1975 until the Israeli Operation Stone of Wisdom (or Operation Litani) in 1978, Volume 2 continues with the period from 1978 until 1981.

With its armed forces of a size comparable to that of the strength of the active components of the contemporary US Army and led by politicians pursuing aggressive intentions towards its northern neighbour, Israel gradually established itself in control over much of southern Lebanon and all of Lebanese airspace. In turn, Syria found itself facing not only a growing insurgency and unrest at home, but also strong opposition inside Lebanon. Moreover, a seemingly endless series of air battles with the Israeli air force exposed a growing technological gap with its primary opponent, forcing it to deploy ever larger contingents of its air defences into Lebanon. After almost culminating in a major war in 1981, the situation was defused through international pressure: nominally at least, a relatively quiet period was to follow before the next storm.

Focusing on military-related developments, and containing much exclusive detail and specially commissioned illustrations, Volume 2 of Lebanese Civil War dissects the military forces of Israel, Syria and the many Lebanese militias, their equipment, intentions and capabilities, and provides a detailed, blow-by-blow account of combat operations into 1981.

"...will be of interest to both modelers and military historians alike." AMPS Indianapolis

"...Like all previous books by Helion, you get a super selection of period photos, some helpful maps, and a center section of profiles of participants and equipment. It is another very enjoyable read about a conflict that often gets lost in the mists of history. Well worth getting." ModellingMadness.com

"If you want to set up a mini-campaign for control of Lebanon, these Middle East at War booklets can help sort through the alphabet soup of factions and provide an overview to get the political militias and forces into focus." Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

"Each section goes into deep detail on the environment was like leading up to war during the combative build up of militias and regular military troops." IPMS/USA

“I recommend this book for anyone with an interest in the tragic collapse of the Lebanese state and how Syria and Israel, along with the PLO and others, contributed. Cooper has also provided excellent illustrations of value to modelers.” The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation