Ten Steps Towards a Diplomatic Relationship
Syria and Lebanon have a history of not getting along. BBC News detailed the ten stage evolution of the relationship between the two countries since they became independent states after WWII. These stages go through the history of Syria’s dominance and desire to control Lebanon as that country has tried to fight back and survive as an independent nation.
Lebanon was the underdog from the very beginning. In the first stage, the two nations never established diplomatic ties after they gained independence, because Syria always saw Lebanon as part of its domain. Meanwhile, Lebanon, with its many different religious minorities, was determined to stay independent.
Syria did enter Lebanon in 1976 to help defeat the leftist Palestinian group in the Lebanese Civil War, but they remained in Lebanon after the end of the war in 1990. Syrian forces remained in Lebanon and dominated the nation in its weakened state. Also, without established diplomatic ties between the two nations, Lebanese, Syrians and other Arabs were allowed to cross the border without visas. However, foreigners in Lebanon needed visas to enter Syria.
The next crucial step in the history of Syria and Lebanon came with the death of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 20 others on Valentine’s Day in 2005. Many thought that Syrian intelligence officers and their Lebanese partners were responsible, though Syria denied any involvement. Anti-Syrian sentiment grew as Israel ended its occupation of Southern Lebanon in 2000, leaving Syria as the only occupying force. The United States wanted to see democracy in Arab states and supported Syria leaving Lebanon. Some attribute this approach to Syria not backing the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. Finally, a United Nations resolution called for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon.
As internal conflict continued in Lebanon, Hezbollah, a political and military Shiite movement backed by Syria and claimed by many to be a terrorist organization, was given a new share of power in Lebanon. Now, Syria is trying to play nice with the West by entering into indirect negotiations with Israel mediated by Turkey, while France is helping to establish diplomatic ties between the two nations. Syria did move 10,000 troops to the Lebanon border claiming they are there to “counter cross-border smuggling.” The question is now whether they are there to set up for another invasion, or if they are trying to improve their relationship with Lebanon.
Samantha Foley
