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 Now that Israelis have withdrawn from the south, there is more grumbling about Syrian control.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.
Roscoe Suddarth, president of the Middle East Institute in Washington, says Lebanese politicians get their guidance from Syria. There is an understanding at all levels of the Lebanese government that they are not going to take any strategic moves, from the president right on down, without consultation with Syria. The Syrians exert their control on the ground through a military commander, but also through someone who is in the Lebanese security forces and a very powerful member of the Lebanese cabinet. Mr. Suddarth, a former U-S ambassador to Jordan, says Syria plans a permanent presence in its smaller neighbor. As evidence, President Hafez al-Assad has assigned supervision of Lebanon to his son and possible successor, Bashar.