Sources: Lebanon on verge of collapse - Nation's pro-Western chief could be replaced

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

Perilous Times

Sources: Lebanon on verge of collapse - Nation's pro-Western chief could be replaced

Posted: November 09, 2010
9:29 pm Eastern


The pro-Western government of Lebanese Prime Minister Raad Hariri is on the verge of collapse, according to warnings from sources close to the issues at hand.

Those sources close to Hezbollah as well as a close armed ally, the National Syrian Socialist Party, have said that Hariri could be forced to resign within three weeks, although the resignation would not be through military force.

However, members of the militia of both the Resistance and the National Syrian Socialist Party, which is closely allied with Syria, are prepared to go to the streets to force the resignation if necessary.

Hariri would be replaced with a Sunni who is sympathetic to both Syrian and Hezbollah interests. The prime minister under the Lebanese constitution must be a Sunni. However, there are a number of Sunnis sympathetic to the Resistance, or Hezbollah.

Already, indications of a process have begun.

The Resistance has initiated boycotts of government meetings, making it impossible to make decisions.

The replacement of Hariri with a Sunni more sympathetic to Syria and Iran would alter U.S. influence in the region, a concern which was heightened over reports that U.S. ally Saudi Arabia has withdrawn its support for Hariri.

Saudi King Abdullah has advised Hariri privately that it is time to step aside.