Forces, and Catholic theology student. Since the days of the Crusaders, the Maronites of Lebanon have fought the Christian fight in the Middle East against militant Islam. Today, Western powers again find themselves entangled in the future of this tiny Orthodox Catholic faith, although with considerably more reluctance than Richard the Lionheart. But if Kalashnikovs have replaced sabres and howitzers replaced lances, has the struggle itself changed? How much longer can the warlords defend their faith, while the widows continue to grieve?