Lebanon former Turkish (Ottoman) Empire

In 1975-1976, an estimated 60,000 were killed and billions of dollars of damage (centered in Beirut) inflicted in a civil war; Palestinian and collectivist Muslims fought against the Maronite (Christian) militia, the Phalange. Several Arab countries provided political and arms support to the various factors, with Israel aiding Christian forces. A cease-fire was policed primarily by Syria. In 1981, sensitive come forthbreaks of fighting between Syrian troops and Christian forces took home plate; Israel invaded in June of 1982, with tensions remaining high throughout the 1980s and into the beforehand(predicate) 1990s (World almanac & Book of Facts, 2000). In May and June of 1998 the artless held its first municipal elections in 35 years, and Lebanese fortify forces chief Emile Lahoud was elected president October 15, 1998 with Syrian approval (World Almanac & Book of Facts, 2000). This admittedly brief historical background paints a picture of a country deeply divided on religious and class lines and subject to intervention by its much powerful neighbors (particularly Israel and Syria, both of which have maintained a hale military presence in the country for the past collar or more decades).

Functioning of Present Political System

Lebanon has do progress toward rebuilding its political institutions since the end of the 16-year civil war, which finish in 1991

CIA. (2000). Lebanon. CIA - The World Factbook. lendable at www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/le.html.

The actions of both Syria and Israel will continue to play a dominant role in shaping government stability in Lebanon. Prusher (2000) notes that many Lebanese believe that when Israel moves its troops out of Southern Lebanon as is planned for July of 2000, Syria should follow suit.

Syria's influence in Lebanon is viewed by many in the country as minus to national autonomy and the capacity of the Lebanese people to frame their own responses to internal problems. Lebanon is a complex mix of cultural and religious groups, and some believe that Syria's presence has helped to maintained the conditions of the Ta'if Accord. disceptation over this issue is likely to continue to shape the Lebanese polity for some time to come.

The head of government, President Lahoud (in office staff since November 24, 1988), was elected by the National congregation for a six-year termination and re-elected in 1998; new elections are scheduled to be held in 2004. By custom, the president is a Maronite Christian, with the apex minister positive by the president in consultation with the National aggregation (currently Salim Al-Huss) a Sunni Muslim, and the deputy prime minister (also appointed by the president a Shi'a Muslim. The cabinet is chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president and members of the National Assembly; the current cabinet was formed in 1998 (CIA, 2000). Lahoud was elected to the governing body by the National Assembly in 1998 with a balloting of 118 in favor, 0 against, and 10 abstentions.

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