Lebanon to Create National Unity Government

Lebanese citizens in the Beirut fly balloons in Martir Plaza Wednesday, expressing their support for a decision by the nation’s ruling and opposition parties to create a national unity government. The Lebanese government was teetering on the verge of a civil war in November 2006 when the coalition cabinet collapsed due to the withdrawal by the Hezbollah-led opposition. However, the ruling and opposition parties found new momentum to stabilize the country’s political situation through the decision. Hezbollah is likely to claim a political victory in this negotiation as it succeeded in extending its political presence in the Lebanese government.