These “before” and “after” satellite images published by the New York Times online show the remarkably powerful information tools that satellite imagery and networked computers have put in the hands of the general public.

You can click on the “July 12″ button to see what Beirut looked like before the conflict with Israel began and click on the “July 31″ button to see what the area looks like after the conflict started.

You can view the satellite images @ Destruction in Southern Beirut.