Syrian refugees in Lebanon blamed for causing price hike and other social evils

In this on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 photo, Syrian refugee children who fled their homes with their families due to fighting between rebels and government forces, look outside their tent, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon. According to the United Nations refugee agency, there are now more than 265,000 Syrian refugees scattered across Lebanon, straining services in health, education and housing, pushing up prices and causing friction with Lebanese, some of whom resent their presence and blame them for everything from rising crime to the country’s notorious traffic. The issue is particularly sensitive given Lebanon’s long and complicated history with tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees who fled to Lebanon with Israel’s creation in 1948, as well as Syria’s long dominance over Lebanese politics.

In this on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 photo, Syrian refugee children who fled their homes with their families due to fighting between rebels and government forces, play with toys at an under construction house, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon. <AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari>