1975 April 14 Violent fighting breaks out in Lebanon with Phalangists pitted against Palestinian militiamen, thought by some observers to be from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The confessional layout of Beirut's various quarters facilitates random killing. Most residents stay inside their homes and few imagine they are witnessing the beginning of a war that will devastate their city and divide their country. A leftist Muslim coalition confronts rightist Christians.