Suppose the US had not chased Syria out of Lebanon. Would the 2006 war have taken place? Very unlikely. Over 100 Israelis who died would be alive.
The basic problem is the unfair advantage the Christians have. They are guaranteed at least 50% of the parliament, but they are only 33%-40% of the population. (Nobody is sure, CIA said 25% in 1986, 40% in its 2006 "Fact Book," recent stories have guessed 33%. No census since the 1930s because the Christians don`t want it publicized how weak they are.)
The only way Shi`ites have to attempt to get fair representation is in the cabinet, and that`s what they`re doing right now. The share of cabinet ministers they demand is probably actually less than their share of the population.
SOLUTION: get rid of the religious preferences in Lebanese politics and introduce genuine democracy. |
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