Lebanese workers reconstruct a shop at d

Beirut, LEBANON: Lebanese workers reconstruct a shop at devastated southern suburb of Beirut, 14 September 2006 that was destroyed during the 34 days of Israeli offensive against pro-Iranian Hezbollah. War-torn Lebanon is set for an economic slump this year because of the month-long military offensive by Israel but it should bounce back strongly in 2007, the International Monetary Fund said in its World Economic Outlook report. The Lebanese economy is expected to contract 3.2 percent in 2006, after 1.0 percent growth in 2005 and a 6.0 percent expansion in 2004. The month-long war that started between Israel and the Hezbollah Shiite militia in mid-July shattered Lebanon's economy, destroying thousands of homes as well as roads, bridges and power plants and scaring off tourists. AFP PHOTO/ANWAR AMRO (Photo credit should read ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images)