Kassir was a front-page columnist for the al-Nahar newspaper, where he wrote columns criticizing the pro-Syrian government.[10] George Hawi assassination (June 21) – Former Lebanese Communist Party leader George Hawi, a critic of Syria, died when his car exploded as he was driving through Beirut's Wata Musaitbi district.[11] Elias Murr assassination attempt (July 12) – A car bomb wounded the outgoing Lebanese defense minister, Elias Murr, as his motorcade drove through Beirut's Christian suburb of Antelias. 2 people were killed and 12 others injured.