Beirut, Lebanon Talks Bog Down

The talks between rival Lebanese factions teetered near collapse on Monday. At that time, the Arab League mediators in Qatar pressed the parties to resolve the political strife that erupted into violence. This had pushed the country to the brink of civil war.The two sides are trying to negotiate a unity government under a deal that ended the fighting last week. A new parliamentary election law meant to ease 18 months of political deadlock and prevent more violence took effect. Clashes between pro-government groups and the Hezbollah-led opposition have killed at least 67 people.