What changed, IMHO, wasn't just the Iraqi election, it was the stunning revelation that the Shi'ite leaders are insisting on an inclusive, representative government there. Why that is significant is that up until now and especially in Lebanon, it was relatively easy to get disparate groups at one another's throats, and the Syrians are experts at it. If current directions in Iraq hold the Syrians will be under intense pressure to leave Lebanon by the only ones who really matter - the Lebanese. I think we hear early echoes of that sentiment already.
The Iranians will fight it tooth and nail. Lebanon has been their principal base for world Islamic terrorism since the 1980's, and if they don't confront us there they look at confronting us on their own soil. Payback for 1979 is long, long overdue, IMHO, and the interest has mounted up.
Yes, if I understand some of the recent reports correctly, the dominant Shiite ticket (with 48% of the vote) includes a fair number of friendly Sunnis and others who are not Shiites but were approved by the Shiite leader. So some of the Sunnis in the government may be foot-dragging enemies from the Saddam-loving regions, but many other Sunnis will be friendly to the Shiites, part of their ticket, and willing to work closely with them.
It was done once in Lebanon, before the troubles. They had an elaborate system of checks and balances worked out among the three major groups, and it was highly successful. The country was free and prosperous. I'm sure many Lebanese, including Muslims, long for the return of those days.