TRIPOLI, Lebanon - After meteoric advances in Iraq in June, the Islamic State (IS) became the center of radio debates, TV talk shows and newspaper op-eds in Lebanon. Conversations among residents in coffee shops, taxis and diners quickly turned to the violent conflicts raging in the region. The violence has not spared Lebanon.

Deadly confrontations in early August erupted in Arsal, bordering Syria, with security forces battling fighters from IS and Jabhat al-Nusra, an al-Qaeda affiliate also operating in Syria. More than 100 extremists and 19 Lebanese army soldiers were killed. Forty-four security personnel were captured by the armed groups, and three of them have thus far been executed by IS.

Although Lebanon is not a solid base for IS, according to the Economist, at least 890 Lebanese citizens have joined the organization. There have been reports of IS suicide attacks carried out by Lebanese citizens, and the army said that two Lebanese men were present at or involved in the execution of two of the captured Lebanese soldiers. Although there is widespread condemnation of the Islamic State's actions, public protests against the group in the form of flag burning have proven to be controversial.

In mid-August, three young men burned an IS flag in broad daylight in Beirut and posted a photo of the event on social media. It went viral and sparked debate. Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi released a highly critical statement in which he demanded punishment for the young men. Rifi said the act constituted “an insult to the religious slogans [on the flag] … and could stir up sectarian conflicts.” The IS flag contains the shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, on a black background along with other religious insignia.