Live on Lebanese TV: Politicians Nearly Brawl Over Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

A contentious exchange escalated into a near-brawl as two politicians argued over Syrian president Bashar al-Assad on a live Lebanese television program. The scene erupted when former Lebanese parliament member, Dr. Mustafa Alush, called Assad a liar -- a slur Dr. Faez Shakor of the Ba'ath party didn't take lying down.

According to Ynet's translation of the Arabic-language exchange, Alush said, "I don't believe him, Bashar Assad. I just don't believe him," to which Shakor responded, "Who are you to not believe President Assad?

Alush then accused Shakor of "collaborating with (Syrian) intelligence."

At this stage, Shakor attacked Alush and threw a glass of water at him. The unfortunate presenter tried to separate the two and asked them to calm down, but at this point Alush had already picked up his chair with the intention of throwing it.

One of the stage workers then came into play, the broadcast was halted and the show took a commercial break.

Somehow, the two political rivals eventually calmed down long enough to finish the show.

Watch the clip below: