Lebanon’s Uneasy Peace

• The Lebanese Army’s ferocious battle with Fatah al-Islam came to an end, according to the Lebanese defence minister on 21 June. However, Lebanon’s larger war with Al-Qaeda-inspired Salafi jihadism will likely outlast the recent fighting.
• The formation of a national unity government depends largely on the convergence of both foreign and local interests, and the ability of each to moderate their differences
• September’s presidential election will provide a critical indicator of the hopes for a peaceful end to the stalemate, but for the time being insecurity will remain. 

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