Lebanon 'victory' spurs Syrians to demand a voice

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Lebanon 'victory' spurs Syrians to demand a voice


Good news out of Syria yesterday, as reported by the Washington Times: [Here]

Demonstrations that brought down the government of neighboring Lebanon on Monday inspired Syria's intellectuals and activists to issue new calls yesterday for greater political participation in their own country -- a nation known for its strict limits on dissent.

"What happened [in Lebanon] was a huge victory not only for the Lebanese people, but for the people of this region," said Wael Sawah, a Syrian political analyst and activist. "This is the first time a Cabinet resigns under popular pressure."

Meanwhile, Syria yesterday gave its clearest indication yet that it is willing to move its troops out of Lebanon. President Bashar Assad said in an interview published yesterday that a troop pullout could come in a matter of months. "It [the withdrawal] should be very soon and maybe in the next few months. Not after that."

[Element4040]

Good it's about time, I'm ready to be able to visit Lebanon, finally. I know it'll still take a decade or so before it stabilizes, but one can dream.