The last Syrian troops have now left Lebanon after nearly three decades of occupation. This is indeed a great day for the Lebanese people, but it’s only the start, not the end, of their democratic transformation. The Syrians may be gone, but they’re still going to try to have influence over Lebanese affairs. President Lahoud remains a stooge of Damascus, and the opposition still needs to organize a truly democratic system of elections.
The Lebanese have every right to celebrate this monumental first step, and the world should celebrate with them, but there’s a long road ahead. Hopefully Lebanon’s newfound freedom will continue to expand and a new independent and democratic Lebanese government will restore the formerly shattered country to greatness and prosperity.
