Pro-Syrian Lebanese Government resigns en masse...

[Rat Faced]

There were also pro-Government/Syrian protests in other cities... somehow none of those were on the news, strange huh?

Syria is unlikely to leave Lebanon as a major part of its economy is based there now (over 1,000,000 Syrians work in Lebanon, and it relies on the Lebonese Banking System for example)

They are an occupying force and there has always been opposition to them being there in some quarters.

If you look at the protesters, the vast majority are Christian and Jewish... I assume that means that the majority of Muslims are either keeping silent or on the pro-Government/Syrian marches...

Do we really want another Civil War in Lebanon based on religion?



Edit:

Newsflash:

Syria has just said it could withdraw from Lebanon within a few month, however if there is violence or Israel moves in again.. it will.

[j2k4]

Again, I don't wish at this point to question the motivation for the dissolution of the sitting government; I commend the alacrity and apparent honesty with which it was accomplished, but now we are met with the possiblility of civil strife in Lebanon, and likewise the need to aid and abet whatever eventuality promises the least disruptive and most humane outcome.

The issue, at the moment, is who jumps in, and under which auspices?

Time is of the essence, much as in the case of an infant left unattended.

BTW-

Does Israel get points for staying away?

Does the U.S. offer to intercede until another set of "cavalry" arrives?

[Biggles]

I think there is most definitely Brownie points for Israel if it does not intervene.

Ideally, assistance should be from the ME - possibly Egypt, Morocco etc.,

The US probably not - as I recall last time that ended rather unpleasantly. The EU probably not - unless that was the preferred choice of the various factions in Lebanon.

Ideally, the Lebanese will not resort to the internecine strife of the 1970s. It is in no one's interest to see Lebanon turn into a free for all (except perhaps AQ)

Has anyone accused AQ of the bombing - or is it too convenient for too many to use it as a stick to beat Syria with?

[j2k4]

Has anyone accused AQ of the bombing - or is it too convenient for too many to use it as a stick to beat Syria with?

Not aware of any accusations so far; truth be told, Syria is (and has been) in deep enough that any such stick should be considered over-kill.

I think all are wise to Syria; the only mystery, as far as I'm concerned, is whether they took possession of any WMD from you-know-who.

I would think Lebanon should be ready for a bit of a breather before plunging into the maelstrom again-provided Syria follows through on it's promise/plan.

[geezagonk]

This may sound basic, but -

George Bush demands Syria pulls out of Lebanon -

The biggest demonstration ever see in Lebanon is Pro-Syrian, demanding that they stay.

Is Bush argueing against democracy?