Since 1976, Syrian military, security and intelligence forces have occupied Lebanon and held it captive to the interests of Damascus. In addition to the military force, Syria has encouraged the emigration of some 1 million of its citizens to Lebanon, straining the economy and altering the demographics of the country. Under Syrian control, Lebanon has become a haven for terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and Osama bin Laden's organization. It has become a major producer of heroin and other drugs. Syrian domination has resulted in the worst imaginable human rights abuses.
People just disappear off the streets.
Lebanon once boasted the freest press in the Middle East. Today, it's gone, replaced by official and semi-official voices only. For years Syria used the presence of Israeli troops in southern Lebanon as an excuse to maintain its own armed forces in the country. Last year, Israel withdrew the last of its forces from Lebanon. We hear much about United Nations resolutions in discussions of Middle East problems.