The demographic edge currently with the Shiite population in Lebanon will become more distinct, changing the character of the Lebanese state possibly into an Islamic Republic. However, a peace that brings the end of the Syrian occupation will signal the expatriates to return, bringing with them their wealth and the social conscious that they have acquired by living in western societies. We noted that the pro-Syrian government has been as insensitive to the economic and social needs of the the southern Lebanese population as the previous Christian dominated governments. It is this grinding poverty that provides the pools of talent from which radical elements draw their recruits. We said that it is not in Israel's interest to have this type of country to its north.
Stability requires that Lebanon be the pluralistic democratic state that it once was.
Ross commented that he was aware that reconstruction efforts to date had been centered around Beirut and had largely by-passed the rest of the country. He agreed that the Shiites are being left out again and that the best solution to the security problems in southern Lebanon is to bring the economic recovery south so as to dry up the talent pools from which the militants draw their recruits. We then asked about the travel ban. DNR said there are no plans to lift the travel ban. We referenced an AP report in which Hrawi said that it was coming off.