Lebanon’s new pulse
In the shadow of the Syrian war, Lebanon may be discovering a new social contract.
Lebanon might be on the verge of a social and economic upheaval that could unite many Lebanese around a new banner for change, and in doing so put to rest the classical political division known as the March 8 and March 14 movements.
This trend could soon outpace the signs of a more hopeful political constellation in Lebanon. Agreement has been reached for a government that includes equal divisions (eight seats each) among the March 14 and March 8 coalitions, with another eight seats for independents.
The approval on March 20 of Prime Minister Tammam Salam’s Cabinet, after months of delay, and the agreement on a ministerial statement that will guide this government’s platform, are signs that governance, rather than sectarianism and ideology, may be gaining traction.
The next, anticipated step is presidential elections to take place on time, as President Michel Suleiman’s term ends May 25.
