History
Lebanon today
In late May 2000, the Israelis and the SLA withdrew from Lebanon, leading to great rejoicing throughout the region. Nevertheless, relations between the two countries remain tense, and many Lebanese fear that their country will once again be dragged into the volatile and seemingly irresolvable conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
In February 2005, a tragic event acted as a catalyst for a major historical upheaval. The former prime minister and popular benefactor, Rafiq Hariri, was killed in a car bomb in Beirut. Though Damascus denied any involvement, the Syrians were popularly blamed and huge anti- (and some pro-) Syrian demonstrations followed. The public reaction in turn triggered both the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon (ending a 29-year military presence) and the eventual downfall of the government later that year. Following elections in May and June 2005, an anti-Syrian alliance led by Saad al-Hariri, (the son of the assassinated Rafiq Hariri) won a majority in Parliament - and for the first time in 15 years, members opposed to Syrian influence outnumbered the pro-Syrians. Fouad Siniora (a Hariri ally) is currently prime minister, and, although the Syrian-backed Emile Lahoud remains as president, pressure is mounting on him to resign. For the first time also, a member of Hezbollah joined the new cabinet. The government has pledged to continue the reform and development initiated by Rafiq Hariri.
In the meantime, political jockeying and continuing Syrian interest in the country, allied with deeply rooted corruption and ever-simmering sectarian tensions still far from guarantee a smooth path forward for the country. Even if the natural Lebanese optimism continues regardless.
