The Government Quits

OK - the Lebanese government folded up - so what? Just what will be accomplished by this? Nothing that I can see.

First off, the pro-Syrian president, Emile Lahoud, will name a new Prime Minister to carry through until the planned elections in May (if they ever happen).

Syria has changed their mind about pulling out their troops, now tieing it to a "peace treaty" between themselves (or the Palestinians, I'm not too sure) and Israel. Yep - I can see that happening. It translates to "NEVER" - at least as long as it can keep total control over Lebanon. Is Jumblatt a possibility for a new government? Would he be acceptable to the Lebanese people? More to the point, would Syria put up with any choice that doesn't kiss their ring?

As was expected after Afghanistan, Iraq and now Egypt, other Arab and Middle Eastern nations are seeing what can happen and are becoming highly pissed that they aren't being able to participate. Hell, even the Saudi's are going to let women vote - as long as they're so covered up that they can't read the ballot (and who taught them to read, anyway?).

I can't see any good coming out of this in the short term, but that's just me.