Is the resignation of Lebanon’s pro-Syrian government amid massive street demonstrations a sign of the growing potency of “people power” and warning shot fired across the bow of the Syrian government?
It certainly seems that way. Today has been one of the most historical days ever for Lebanon — and a day in which American neocons may be reaching for the champagne. Of course, these unfolding events haven’t finished yet, but it certainly seems as if Mid-Eastern autocrats might have some trouble sleeping tonight.
Just look at what happened:
- The demonstrations in the morning were massive, angry and specific. They represented the kind of angry murmur from the populace that governments dread. At issue: the murders of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 16 others in a huge Feb. 14 bombing, which many blame on Syria. The demand: the government’s resignation and Syrian withdrawal of some 15,000 troops positioned in Lebanon.
- The government resigned, sparking cries of joy from the demonstrations — and more demands that Syria quit their country.
- A statement from White House press spokesman Scott McClellan, calling events “an opportunity” and calling on Syria to withdraw it’s troops from Lebanon.
We believe the process of a new government should proceed in accordance with the Lebanese constitution and should be free of all foreign interference,” McClellan said.
Syria should comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions, McClellan said.
“That means Syrian military forces and intelligence personnel need to leave the country. That will help ensure the elections are free and fair,” he said.
What’s likely to happen next?
- Events give Washington more leeway to rein in Syria not only in the case of Lebanon, but on any possible involvment in even tacitly helping insurgents in Iraq.
- Events weaken Syria’s hand in terms of its relationship with Israel, since more than ever it is a rogue state.
- Any misbehavior or non-cooperation by Syria is will increase its isolation multifold since the demonstrations and resignation of the Lebanese government underscore completely on the record for all to see allegations against Syrian involvement in the assassination. If Syria was indeed involved it was supposed to be covert action. It will be dangerous even for many of the country’s allies to get too closely associated with the Assad government.
You can’t quite say the world has moved towards Zero Tolerance in the case of Syria — but Syria is now in a much weaker position than it was one week ago. And any sanctions or action (including military) in the future against Syria have just become easier — and more justifiable.
Joe Gandelman is a former fulltime journalist who freelanced in India, Spain, Bangladesh and Cypress writing for publications such as the Christian Science Monitor and Newsweek. He also did radio reports from Madrid for NPR’s All Things Considered. He has worked on two U.S. newspapers and quit the news biz in 1990 to go into entertainment. He also has written for The Week and several online publications, did a column for Cagle Cartoons Syndicate and has appeared on CNN.