Liban 2005: decompositions et recompositions

In: Critique internationale: revue comparative de sciences sociales, Heft 2, S. 39-52

Abstract

The year 2005 in Lebanon was a year of great upheavals both as regards its relationship with neighboring Syria & its internal political equilibrium. Since the summer of 2004, Syrian influence has been in the West's sights, particularly those of France & the United States. Damascus has been enjoined to stop interfering in Lebanon & to help disarm the Hizbollah & Palestinian factions operating on Lebanese soil. The assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, after his resignation, hastened the evacuation of Syrian troops. The following months unleashed popular mobilization unprecedented in the country's history, but the hopes opened by this era of political emancipation were soon tarnished by the usual maneuvers of alliance-forging during the Spring elections of 2005. In the bellicose regional environment, the persistence of communitarian & political cleavages & vital questions such as the presidency of the Republic, continuing resistance & the future of Lebanese-Syrian relations perpetuate alarming scenarios for the future of Lebanon. Adapted from the source document.