ael aiding Christian forces. A cease-fire was policed primarily by Syria. In 1981, new outbreaks of fighting between Syrian troops and Christian forces took place; Israel invaded in June of 1982, with tensions remaining high throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s (World Almanac & Book of Facts, 2000). In May and June of 1998 the country held its first municipal elections in 35 years, and Lebanese armed forces chief Emile Lahoud was elected president October 15, 1998 with Syrian approval (World Almanac & Book of Facts, 2000). This admittedly brief historical background paints a picture of a country deeply divided along religious and class lines and subject to intervention by its more powerful neighbors (particularly Israel and Syria, both of which have maintained a strong military presence in the country for the past three or more decades).
Functioning of Present Political System
Lebanon has made progress toward rebuilding its political institutions since the end of the 16-year civil war, which ended in 1991 (CIA, 2000). Under the Ta'if Accord -- the blueprint for national reconciliation -- the Lebanese have established a more equitable political system that has given the Muslim majority a more influential voice in government and also institutionalized sectarian divisions of the government. Most of the warring Christian and Islamic (Hizbollah, the radical Shi'a party) militias have been disbanded or severely weakened. Foreign forces still occupy portions of Lebanon, though Israel has announced plans to withdraw in Summer of 2000 (Yeranian, 2000).
The head of government, President Lahoud (in office since Nove
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