Police refused to issue a permit for a public performance, citing the strong objections.

CNN: Silenced Cries

However, in October the Ministry of Culture gave the green light for the Director of Municipality to issue a permit for the destruction of the Medawar Building.

FORBES: Postcards from Beirut: Preservationists Lose Battle To Save Historic Building From Bulldozer

In November, a federal judge told both sides to behave themselves, but he sided with the Park Service on the issue of Mr Hale's needing a permit.

ECONOMIST: By bulldozer, across a national park