Michael Young

The country's situation has changed too much for Unifil to go on as it is

The results have further entrenched the sectarian parties – at a time when regional dynamics demand the opposite

Washington is giving Hezbollah an excuse to delay disarmament by stalling conditions of its ceasefire proposal for Lebanon – mainly Israeli withdrawal

Lebanon's new government knows the way to consolidate state power is through a more gradual approach

Such an outcome is tied to the ongoing US-Iran talks, but domestic politics is also a factor

If Aoun's government doesn't act, Israel could resume the conflict, with no opposition from the US

Most Lebanese want an end to hostilities with Israel, but do not necessarily embrace normalisation

As Syria and Gaza also seek funds, there is unlikely to be enough to rebuild the country

The funeral of the former Hezbollah leader was seen as an occasion to unify ranks, but without clarity from Iran on its future the party remains directionless

The reconstruction process he drove was thorny, but it would have overwhelmed most other prime ministers

The problem lies not in the post-civil war agreement itself, but the what followed

Like Lebanese, regional and global powers are tired of seeing Lebanon bled dry from within

A country that is often torn apart by regional rivalries is bound to be affected by a fundamental realignment in the Middle East

Walid Joumblatt's support for the army commander is telling, even as Speaker Nabih Berri is opposed

Hezbollah may be making a similar mistake as Al Assad, who refused to negotiate when he had the upper hand