This analysis by an authority in Middle Eastern politics discusses the historic 2005 elections in Lebanon. Much attention has been devoted to Iraqi developments, but the election outcome in Lebanon may be a better indicator of the potential for democracy in the region. In reviewing what happened, the author assesses the impact of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri and the subsequent withdrawal of Syrian military forces from Lebanon. Although the author highlights the importance of major Christian political figures returning from exile and imprisonment, he warns that the future is still volatile.
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