Syria Moves the Goalposts on the Lebanese Presidency
By David Schenker
As the presidential crisis in Lebanon enters month five, violence is increasing. Under pressure from the Arab League and fearing diminished support from Washington, after months of vowing not to compromise on the presidency, the pro-West March 14th ruling party made a huge concession to the Hizballah-led opposition and agreed to support the candidacy of Armed Forces Chief of Staff Michel Suleiman.
It now appears that Suleiman--who had earlier been backed by Damascus--has lost the confidence of Syria and its Lebanese allies.
The Syrians are moving the goalposts on the Lebanese presidency, and in the process are exacerbating communal and sectarian tensions in Lebanon--a dangerous trend.
I wrote a policywatch about the ongoing crisis and Syria's role in prolonging and exaccerbating the tensions today.
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