Michael Young

Lebanon is used to politically tense summers, but the coming months could be the most treacherous, as the country continues to suffer from the struggle next door.

Democracy is an ideal and in that sense the Arab impulse for emancipation has been remarkable.

The Syrian conflict is entering a new phase, and Alawite actions may signal some ominous intentions.

Lack of cooperation among members of the Security Council is reminiscent of the Cold War.

Hizbollah is maneuvering to ensure passage of an new Lebanese election law that will stack the deck in its favour, whenever voting day arrives.

Russia might help maintain open channels between a post-Al Assad government and former Alawite army and intelligence officers and other minority representatives.

Although the postponement of the Hariti tribunal has hardly caused a ripple in Lebanon, the trial is bound to add to the tension between Sunni and Shia.

To paper over Lebanon¿s domestic divisions, many people are calling for the resumption of national dialogue. But what lies ahead is further inter-Lebanese discord.

The US president used his visit to engage in symbolism intended to improve his reputation in an Israel that deeply distrusts him.

The theory behind the way Lebanon is ruled is sound, but theories don't always translate into practice.

Events in Syria might lead to fighting between Sunni Salafists and Hizbollah that spares no one. But Lebanon should take lessons from the past.

Rafiq Hariri's memory is shrinking from Lebanon's national consciousness, under the pressures of today's divisions in society.

Given the divisions of the Lebanese political class, political cover for the army is rarely forthcoming. So the army has to resolve situations by building consensus around its strategy.