Lebanon Pays High Price to Avert Civil War

Deal achieves short-term peace, but strengthens Hezbollah

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted May 22, 2008 9:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – The agreement that ended Lebanon's 18-month political crisis is nothing less than a sea change for the country, writes the Washington Post, strengthening Hezbollah and dealing a blow to America and its Middle East allies. The US-backed government in Beirut said that the last-minute deal averted a civil war, but gives Hezbollah many of its demands—including a veto over any cabinet decision.

Since the 2005 assassination of PM Rafiq al-Hariri, Lebanon has been beset by troubles, from war with Israel to Hezbollah sacking West Beirut. Yesterday's deal was greeted enthusiastically by Iran and Syria and cautiously by the US. "We may have made compromises and we may have lost something, but it's better than losing everything and Lebanon losing everything." said one Beirut resident.

A picture of Syrian president Bashar Assad hangs on a building as a Lebanese man hangs a picture of army chief, Gen. Michel Suleiman in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, May 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A Lebanese traffic policeman rides a forklift truck on its way to remove concrete blocks from a barricade in front of Government House in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, May 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

A Lebanese man holds white flowers as balloons are released in Beirut's main square in celebration of the deal to end Lebanon's long stalemate on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Grace Kassab)

School children carry pictures of army chief Gen. Michel Suleiman, the consensus candidate to be elected as president on Sunday, as they celebrate in his hometown of Aamchit, north of Beirut, Lebanon,... (AP Photo/Mahmoud Tawil)

Children carry Lebanese flags and pictures of army chief Gen. Michel Suleiman, the consensus candidate to be elected president on Sunday, as they celebrate north of Beirut on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Tawil)

A Lebanese man hangs a picture of army chief Gen. Michel Suleiman on his balcony in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, May 22, 2008. Under the Doha deal, both sides agreed to elect Suleiman president. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A Lebanese soldier removes razor wire from barricades in front of Government House in Beirut, Thursday, May 22, 2008. Authorities removed barricades and road blocks following Wednesday's agreement. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

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Lebanon Pays High Price to Avert Civil War

Deal achieves short-term peace, but strengthens Hezbollah

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But foreign policy, Hezbollah arsenal still divide nation

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Lebanon Pays High Price to Avert Civil War

Deal achieves short-term peace, but strengthens Hezbollah

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Middle East • Lebanon • Hezbollah • civil war • Beirut • Saad al-Hariri • Michel Suleiman • Rafiq al-Hariri

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Divisive Camps Square Off in Lebanon Vote

One pushes liberal economy, the other Islamic militancy

Syria Eyes a New Start With America

President Assad moots direct talks with Israel, strategic pact

Lebanon Picks Prez, Ends 6-Month Crisis

But foreign policy, Hezbollah arsenal still divide nation

Deal Brings Lebanon Thaw, Promise to Talk

Opposition clears roadblocks; Beirut airport reopens

Hezbollah Pulling Gunmen From Beirut

Political group wins concessions from neutral Lebanese army

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