| Abstract: | The assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February 2005 and the subsequent Cedar Revolution – resulting in the historic withdrawal of Syrian troops in April 2005 – left many foreign observers wondering if the Lebanese had finally broken the barrier between religious and political loyalties. However, it is argued in this paper, the Lebanese were asserting their independence not urging reform of the power-sharing settlement set out in the Taif Accord (1989). This paper evaluates the opportunity for reform of the electoral system, the status of the National Dialogue Process as well as the problem of an armed Hezbollah. An examination of these key issues provides the impetus for an in-depth and comprehensive look not only at the mechanics of the political process but also the motives of the players involved. |
