Lebanon, Syria to Establish Diplomatic Ties

Today’s editorial in the Daily Star sees the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Syria as a tremendous step forward for Lebanon’s security and sovereignty. The editorial optimistically proclaims, “The deal will not immediately erase all of the tensions that took decades to develop, but it will allow for the immediate opening of a new chapter of full and healthy relations between the two states.”

Also in the Daily Star, Michael Young looks at the implications of yesterday’s deadly bombing in Tripoli that killed 18 people. Young sees a Syrian hand in the violence, hoping it will push Lebanon’s army to confront the Sunni extremists in a bid to politically divide the Sunnis and weaken President Michel Sleiman’s parliamentary majority.

Grandmasta at Arabic Media Shack also has analysis on the bombing in Lebanon.