*When might Lebanon achieve independence from Syrian and Israeli occupation and become a state free in reality, and not just on paper?

What do Syria and Israel want from Lebanon?

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Couldn't Turkey provide some muscle in this area?

It would be a shot.....

If Turkey were serious, maybe they could, at least, develop their image. Fighting with Israel is - obviously - another matter.....

My( limited) understanding is that both sides are fighting a proxy war.So it would stand to reason until there is a general peace in the region there will be no peace in this country

Interesting questions. Turkey is a rival of Syria, which has funded the Kurds as well as sponsored or linked with radical elements in Turkey, so there's beef between the two countries, but I don't see Turkey intervening in Lebanon at all.

Though predominantly Muslim, Turkey isn't an enemy of Israel, and did not participate in any of the major wars against Israel. Turkey and Israel not only are democracies but they're also both non-Arab countries. They have several cooperative relationships underway, and so long as Turkey remains under secular or moderate Islamic control, Israel should have no problems with Turkey

Lebanon's immediate problems have revolved around Syrian (and outside) interference, coupled with a division between the various Muslim groups (which are divided not only by class and sect but by degrees of militancy) and the Christians in the country, who were for a while backed by the Israelis.

Israel itself has withdrawn from Lebanon, hasn't it? I'm sure if Israel could secure a lasting peace with Lebanon--with a real, functioning Lebanese government, rather than with a Syrian proxy--it would do so.

[ November 19, 2002: Message edited by: fantomas ]

Lebanon's main problem has been the infighting between the Lebanese. Israel won't and can't allow that instability so close to their border. Syria uses it (and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict) as an excuse to interfere in Lebanon to further their territorial aspirations.

A just and lasting peace between the Lebanese would go a long way in creating an atmosphere where Syria (and Israel to a lesser extent) would no longer have the cover to maintain such a large presence within Lebanon.

I've got to agree with Fantomas. No way is Turkey going to get involved with Lebanon again. It is clearly not in their best interests.

Well, I hope Lebanon can get its act together.....

THANKS for the responses - I really appreciate the expertise.