>>What's next for Lebanon?
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>Real democracy and freedom of expression would be nice. Though I doubt they could achieve that in the near future. Religion and politics shouldn't mix. With the exception of Turkey, which went through a very painful change to achieve it, all other moslem countries (AFAIK) are controlled by religion.
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>>How will the change of the government affect the politics of the middle east?
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>Positively, I hope.
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>>Will Beirut be a nice place to take a family on sightseeing vacation this summer? <g>
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>Not that fast, But eventually... Who knows? It was once called "the Switzerland of the Middle East". Maybe it will again. If the Syrians get out of there. If they get democracy and freedom. If they can keep their house in order. Maybe.
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>At least it seems that the Ukrainian people's expression of freedom (congrats to them), seems to be spreading.

Alex;

On one of the cable news offerings they gave a glimpse of what was going on in Lebanon yesterday. From that glimpse came one of the official “experts” comments.

1. Lebanon would have democracy.

2. Syria would completely withdraw.

3. There would be free elections in all Arab countries.

4. All Arab countries would recognize Israel.

5. Israel would give up the Goland Heights to Syria.

6. President Bush’s foreign diplomacy was responsible for all this.

The next story (as if to validate previous visions) was about the elections in Saudi Arabia. Why they were having “free” elections! Wow! The newsperson went on to end the story in a low tone and short sentence. Some day women may have the right to vote in Saudi Arabia.

Imagine women having the right to vote! What kind of liberal @%^$ is that? Everyone knows only men have the ability to make decisions! :)

Well, we have no problems then. Amazing how many things can be attributed to a momentary event that has yet to unfold. This kind of news reporting is much like the television weather person. They can give you a seven day prediction (which changes hourly) but cannot tell you what is happening with the weather right now!

Tom