Bitter rivalry between Lebanon’s political camps and between their respective foreign backers could torpedo next month’s presidential election, threatening a new constitutional crisis, instability and economic paralysis. The poll is the next battle in a struggle that pits the ruling coalition backed by the United States and Saudi Arabia against a Shi’ite-Christian opposition including the powerful Hezbollah group, which enjoys Syrian and Iranian support. According to the constitution, parliament should meet on Sept. 25 to elect a successor to President Emile Lahoud, a close Syrian ally whose term ends at midnight on Nov. 23. (Reuters)
Printing articles to share with others is a breach of our terms and conditions and copyright policy. Please use the sharing options on the left side of the article. Devex Pro members may share up to 10 articles per month using the Pro share tool ( ).
