They will inevitably cause yet another shift in the complex politics of a small country that remains in the grip of outside forces, in particular Syria. Syria and Lebanon may have the closest relations of any countries on earth, and not by choice on Lebanon's part. Starting in 1975, Syrian forces intervened in the civil wars convulsing the country. There they have stayed, generally suppressing conflict and sometimes contributing to it, and always in Syria's best interest. Some 30-thousand Syrian troops are stationed in Lebanon, mostly out of sight in the Bekaa Valley, close to the Syrian border.
Nobody knows how many Syrian security forces out of uniform patrol the country.
They also enjoy more freedom in Lebanon than they have back home. Lebanese benefit from cheaper Syrian goods, which also undercut local businesses. Now that Israelis have withdrawn from the south, there is more grumbling about Syrian control. But Lebanese know not to carry their criticism too far. Punishment awaits the indiscreet.