Disputing Theories on Hariri

ByABC News
February 23, 2005, 2:08 PM

Feb. 23, 2005 --

Dispute Erupts Over Existence of Connecting Tunnel

A furious row has erupted between the Saint George Yacht Club and Hotel and a Dignity Block MP over whether a tunnel exists near the hotel that could have housed the bomb that killed Rafik Hariri and 17 others. (The Daily Star)

Asharq Al Awsat reports that further evidence presented by Lebanese MP Mohammed Qabbani to support the theory that the bomb was buried underground include testimonies by experts who examined the color of the fire resulting from the explosion. They believe the bright color suggests there was sodium in it, which would indicate it contained seawater and imply that the explosion came from underground. (Asharq Al Awsat)

Family Still Searching For Missing Body

The number of people killed in the blast that killed former Premier Rafik Hariri has risen to at least 18. However, the body of Abdel-Hamid Mohammed Ghalayini remains missing since the day of the accident on Feb. 14. (Daily Star)

Arrested Suspects Were Preparing a Video

Two brothers, Ahmed and Nasser Weheish, who were arrested Saturday in a Kuwait City suburb for allegedly being connected to a terror group planning to attack Americans and Kuwaiti security forces were preparing a video to send to television stations, Asharq Al Awsat reports today. The suspects confessed and provided valuable information about the terror group, sources told the paper. They said the video was going to show masked men calling for the ousted of Arab leaders. (Asharq Al Awsat)

An Algerian Infiltrated Fundamentalist Groups For Six Years

An Algerian who infiltrated fundamentalist groups in London for six years, during which he provided British and French intelligence with information is worried about the new laws which are expected to permit the release of Abu Qatada, who is often described as al Qaeda's spiritual leader in Europe, and place him under house arrest. Reda Hasayn claims that Abu Qatada issued a religious edict (fatwa) to kill him because he provided British intelligence with information that led to Abu Qatada's arrest. Abu Qatada's lawyer however claimed that the Algerian may be mentally disturbed. She said she has no knowledge of a fatwa issued by her client from prison. (Asharq Al Awsat)