Lebanon’s Unstable Equilibrium

Mona Yacoubian with USIP has published a new work (PDF) entitled “Lebanon’s Unstable Equilibrium.”  She writes that despite the newly formed unity government there remains sectarian animosity and mounting tensions with Israel that could undermine Lebanon’s fragile peace.  In the paper she argues that Lebanon needs to develop an institutionalized dialogue process and make progress on political and economic reforms, including municipal election reforms, decentralization, capacity building, and de-confessionalization.

In other news, The Daily Star reports parliament has concluded the election of committees and members based on consensus between the opposition and majority parties.  Most parties retained control over the same key committees, with the exception of the Budget Committee that will be headed by the Free Patriotic Movement.  President Michel Sleiman and Syrian President Assad have vowed to continue coordination between the two countries after a meeting on Thursday, while both Russia and Iran have publicly welcomed the new unity government.