The victory of the March 14th alliance in Lebanese parliamentary elections June 7 is a welcome surprise. For many, the election was a referendum on Hezbollah and the armed resistance movement it represents as well as on the continued influence of Syria and Iran over Lebanese politics.
The victory of the alliance, a Western-oriented group headed by the son of assassinated Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, signals a favorable shift in Middle Eastern politics. The key now is to ensure that the election win translates into establishment of a working government. That is a formidable assignment, given Hezbollah's demand for a veto over Lebanese policy and the factionalism that divides any Beirut government.
Lebanese politics divides along religious lines. One of the most important divisions is between Sunnis, who side with the March 14th alliance, and Shiites, who comprise a third of the population and back Hezbollah. Christians, one-third of the population and another powerful group, are also divided. One faction is headed by Mr. Michel Aoun, a former general. A small number of other Christian parties have joined the March 14th alliance.