According to a professor of political science specializing in the Middle East at McGill University in Montréal, "Hizbullah no longer maintains roadblocks or armed patrols in those former strong-holds (south Beirut, the Biqa Valley) under Lebanese government or Syrian-Lebanese control. Doubtless its security apparatus remains active, but largely for defensive purposes ..." (11 March 1995). The professor added that "in those areas of south Lebanon not under Lebanese government control (i.e., in general south of Sidon, and north of the Israeli-occupied zone), Hizbullah may maintain roadblocks (although I do not believe that these are common). Its security forces would also be active, and might take measures against political opponents, suspected Israeli collaborators, etc." (ibid.). For further information concerning the Hezbollah, please refer to the attached documents.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Professor of political science specializing in the Middle East, McGill University, Montréal. 11 March 1995. Fax sent to the DIRB.

National Public Radio (NPR). 7 September 1994. Transcript # 1598-1. All Things Considered. (NEXIS)

Foreign Report [London]. 2 March 1995. No. 2341. "Israel's Errors in Lebanon," pp. 3-4.

_____. 26 January 1995. No. 2336. "Israel's Shortage of Intelligence," pp. 2-3.

_____. 19 January 1995. No. 2335. "Israel's Secret War," pp. 1-2.

_____. 24 November 1994. No. 2329. "Goodbye, South Lebanese Army," pp. 6-7.

The Globe and Mail [Toronto]. 3 March 1995. Patrick Martin. "Lebanon Convenient Arena for Archfoes," n.p.

Middle East International [London]. 3 February 1995. No. 493. Israel Shahak. "Israel's War in South Lebanon," p. 18.

Reuters. 11 February 1994. BC Cycle. "U.N. Stops SLA from Entering Lebanese Village." (NEXIS)