But Syria seems now to have regained the initiative, emboldened by a huge pro-Syrian rally in downtown Beirut on Tuesday led by Hezbollah, the militant Shiite Muslim group.
"This will be seen as a slap in the face of the opposition," said Michael Young, a political analyst in Beirut.
...
If the opposition does not take part, only pro-Syrian ministers will be responsible for organizing and overseeing the elections. They will also be responsible for setting a timetable for Syrian withdrawal. Tensions over these issues would certainly ensue.
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If the opposition, which has about 50 deputies in Parliament, does not want to take part in a national unity government, "Well, we won't kill ourselves," said Nabih Berri, the pro-Syrian speaker of Parliament.
Also,
After years of campaigning against Hezbollah, the radical Shiite Muslim party in Lebanon, as a terrorist pariah, the Bush administration is grudgingly going along with efforts by France and the United Nations to steer the party into the Lebanese political mainstream, administration officials say.
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"The main players are making Hezbollah a lower priority," said a diplomat who is closely tracking the negotiations. "There is a realization by France and the United States that if you tackle Hezbollah now, you array the Shiites against you. With elections coming in Lebanon, you don't want the entire Shiite community against you."
Update: Rich Lowry says the administration has not changed its mind regarding Hezbollah.
Condoleezza Rice says feelings toward Hezbollah have not changed.
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