Editorial: U.S. should help Lebanon secure its democracy

Lebanon is poised to become one of the few functioning
democracies in the Middle East ““ but it will only be
successful if Syria removes both its troops and secret agents who
have dominated Lebanon for decades.

The Bush administration has teamed up with France, Egypt,
Jordan, Saudi Arabia and other nations to finally put pressure on
Syria to let the people of Lebanon rule themselves. Syria has said
it will begin to pull its troops out and seems willing to reduce
its control over the government.

But change in Lebanon will not come without risk. The current
governmental system is a unique design meant to split power between
Christians and Muslims. The president’s office is always
Christian, while the prime minister’s office is Muslim. Other
positions are similarly divided.

Reforming the government of Lebanon and withdrawing Syrian
troops could lead to sectarian violence, but it could also lead to
the formation of one of the freest democracies in the Middle
East.

It’s a big gamble ““ and it depends on Syria’s
cooperation ““ but the potential outcome is promising. The
United States should support the people of Lebanon in securing
their fledgling democracy.