World Notes LEBANON

Rumormongering, a major industry in Beirut, brought worldwide fame last November to Hassan Sabra, 44, editor of ash-Shiraa, when his weekly exposed the secret sale of U.S. arms to Iran. Last week the journalist fell victim to another of the Lebanese capital's employment specialties, terrorism.

Riding in the back of his limousine, Sabra was attacked by two gunmen on a motorcycle. One of them fired three pistol shots through a window of the car, wounding Sabra in the face and neck. The would-be assassins escaped, and their identities are unknown. But in the days after the assault on Sabra, who is a strong supporter of Syrian influence in his country, three other prominent Lebanese allied with Damascus were the objects of bombing or shooting attacks.