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CIAO DATE: 5/5/2007
Saudi-Iranian Mediation on Hizballah: Will a Lebanon Deal Come at Syria's Expense?
David Schenker
February 2007
Abstract
On February 20, the Lebanese cabinet with a Hizballah-led opposition boycott extended the term of the UN commission investigating the February 2005 assassination of former prime minister Rafiq Hariri. While the commission's work can now continue for as long as one more year, any future decision about organizing an international tribunal to try those indicted for the murder remains hostage to a vote requiring the opposition's assent in the paralyzed Lebanese parliament. Meanwhile, Hizballah continues to press its demand for increased political power within a "national unity" government, threatening civil disobedience should its demands not be met.