Revolution May Be Under Way in Lebanon

Associated Press ^ | February 28, 2005 | BARRY SCHWEID

[NCjim]

Czechoslovakia had its Velvet Revolution, the former Soviet republic Georgia the Rose Revolution, and Ukraine an Orange Revolution.

In Lebanon, at least according to a State Department official, a less-colorful but catchy "Cedar Revolution" may be under way.

The reference to Lebanon's majestic trees -- celebrated in the Bible as a symbol of well-being -- came Monday from Undersecretary of State Paula Dobriansky. Lebanon is struggling to get out from under the control of Syria.

"In Lebanon, we see growing momentum for a Cedar Revolution that is unifying the citizens of that nation to the cause of true democracy and freedom from foreign influence," Dobriansky said while releasing the State Department's annual report on human rights abuses around the world.

Colors instead of trees appear to be more popular names for revolutions. Last week President Bush contended a "Purple Revolution" had taken hold in Iraq, a reference to the ink-stained fingers Iraqis raised to show they had voted in elections there.

Czechoslovakia's Velvet Revolution erupted 15 years ago when communism was overthrown mostly with protest marches. Democracy returned to Prague after a half-century of German and Soviet control.

In late 2003, Georgia's Rose Revolution against longtime President Eduard Shevardnadze ended with reformers led by Mikhail Saakashvili taking over after weeklong demonstrations by peaceful protesters carrying roses.

The Orange Revolution in Ukraine culminated in the election last December of pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko, whose party color was orange.

[Dashing Dasher]

The human spirit yearns to be free.

[RightWhale]

Are there any cedars left in Lebanon?

[SlowBoat407]

I love the smell of cedar in the morning.

[Alkhin]

You know I was just recalling that phrase to mind as I was typing in my blog. Can anyone enlighten me as to the history/reference?

[RightWhale]

The cedars of Lebanon were harvested to build ships. Stripped the place bare. A similar thing happened in Italy. England, too.

[JarheadFromFlorida]

I'll be happy to help sponser the revolution in Lebanon. Then onward to Iran, Saudai Arabia, and then Egypt. That should put in a real dent in Islamic radicalism :)

[SteveMcKing]

Iraq, Lybia, and now Lebanon. Not a bad scorecard, mr. President.

[Alkhin]

Thanks RightWhale!! Build ships in the 18th century?

[Raycpa]

http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=cedar+lebanon&wholewordsonly=yes&version1=50&spanbegin=1&spanend=73

[RightWhale]

Goes way back. The cedars made good masts.

[JeffersonRepublic.com]

"Iraq, Lybia, and now Lebanon. Not a bad scorecard, mr. President."

Don't forget to include Afghanistan.

Holtz
JeffersonRepublic.com

[WFTR]

Is this one for your mid-east list?

[Coldwater Creek]

It tickles me to death every time something like this happens. George Bush is going to be known as one of the great Presidents one day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[speedy]

Are you saying you pine for cedar?

[nopardons]

That it does!

[Raycpa]

Ezekiel 27:4-6

4Your borders are in the midst of the seas.
Your builders have perfected your beauty.
5They made all your planks of fir trees from Senir;
They took a cedar from Lebanon to make you a mast.
6Of oaks from Bashan they made your oars;
The company of Ashurites have inlaid your planks
With ivory from the coasts of Cyprus.[a]

[WFTR]

Iraq, Lybia, and now Lebanon. Not a bad scorecard, mr. President.

The president who doesn't spend his time worrying about a legacy is building quite a legacy.

[Raycpa]

Are you saying you pine for cedar?

Yes, he wood.

[what's up]

Another major domino falls in the War on Terror.

I betcha one of Bush's big goals is to see Castro out before 2008. Betcha it'll happen.