'Medieval fortresses are regaining their military role in the Middle East'
COLUMN. The recent reoccupation of Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon by Israel echoes the militarization of centuries-old citadels during Syria's long war, historian Jean-Pierre Filiu observes in his column.
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The Crusades were not always a clash between a united Christian bloc and a unified Islamic bloc. In 1139, the Frankish king of Jerusalem and the Muslim emir of Damascus struck an agreement to counter the threat posed by Zengi, the champion of jihad who then controlled northern Syria. That is how a promontory overlooking southern Lebanon, rising 700 meters above its surroundings, was transferred by Damascus troops to the Crusaders, who built a "Beau Fort" ("Beautiful Fort") there. Read more Subscribers only Capture of Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon is both a strategic asset and a historical burden for Israel Conquered by Saladin in 1192, the citadel was returned to the Crusaders in 1240 due to internal quarrels among Saladin's descendants.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Le Monde (EN).
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