Recent signs point to new era of Syrian influence in Lebanon

Relations between Damascus and the Hezbollah-led Lebanese opposition appear to be warming by the day, and prevalent anti-Syrian sentiment in Lebanon seems to be making way for a new phase in relations between the two countries.

Lebanese General Michel Aoun visited Damascus this week in a move that some say marked the end of Lebanese independence. After 15 years in exile due to his anti-Syrian activities, Aoun returned to Lebanon in 2005 singing an entirely different tune.

Syrian President Bashar Assad greeted Aoun warmly at his hilltop palace in a meeting underlining the dramatic shift in the position of the former general who was defeated in battle by Syrian forces at the end of Lebanon's civil war between 1975 and 1990.

Aoun holds no official post, but he is an influential figure in Lebanon's sectarian politics and an ally of the powerful Hezbollah guerrilla group.

New Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Jean Kahwaji also visited Damascus last week, in what may be a prelude to increasing Syrian influence in Lebanon.