Iran moves into Lebanon vacuum

Iht ^ | MARCH 13, 2006 | By Michael Slackman

[Flavius]

BEIRUT Nearly one year ago, not long after the assassination of Rafik Hariri, who was twice prime minister of Lebanon, Syrian troops withdrew from Lebanon, unleashing a wave of patriotism here that prompted many to declare that the Lebanese might finally be able to take control of their destiny.

But like so many other historic events, the intensity of the moment and the rush of emotions eclipsed at least one important and largely unanswerable question: What next? With Syria gone, or at least its troops gone, who would fill the power vacuum left behind?

At the time, Iran did not appear to be the answer. But that is what is

[nuconvert]

Another reason why we can't sit around wasting time on diplomatic meetings going nowhere and waiting for the U.N. to do something.

Help the people get rid of the regime!

[Flavius]

nuh just everyone is getting ready

lebanon hezbolah, syria, iraq shiia, and iran, one corner

then our side

[Lejes Rimul]

lebanon ... iraq shiia

That's gratitude for you.