Paul Dakiki

Suleiman will be elected president, the opposition will have the "blocking minority" that will permit it to veto any government decision, and a new electoral law will be ratified. Expressions of satisfaction both inside and outside of the country.

The army has announced that soldiers will prevent violations of the law "even by force", and the Arab delegation is expected tomorrow. But weighing on everything is Hezbollah, which is setting conditions across the board. Saudi Arabia warns Iran and Syria.

Hizbollah’s militias attack Jumblatt’s stronghold in the Chouf. Arab League announces a high-level delegation set to travel to Beirut to talk with majority and opposition leaders.

18 are believed to have died in the clashes over the past two days. The United Nations security council and the Arab League are meeting. Only Syria's Assad speaks of a "domestic Lebanese matter".

Mobilised on orders from their leader, militiamen of the Party of God have gained the advantage against the supporters of Hariri, closing their radio, television, and newspaper outlets. The UN security council expresses its support for the legitimate government. Saudi Arabia wants a meeting of the foreign ministers of Arab countries.

Clashes between government and opposition supporters continue. Hizbullah demands the government withdraw its measures against the party’s communications network. Grand Mufti says Sunnis have had enough. Military warns the present situation threatens its unity.

The demonstration called to protest the economic situation turned into a "shove" against the government. Although planned for some time, the protest came the day following the government's decision to oppose firmly any initiative of the Party of God.

Out of the meeting comes advice on electing Lebanon’s new president and demands for an end to armed militias in Iraq. Syria calls the summit a success, but the Arab world is has divided as it has ever been. Meanwhile Tehran’s shadow looms greater than ever.

Syria is blamed for Lebanon’s presidential deadlock. Arab countries fear Iran’s growing influence.

Although no one is admitting it formally, the Arab initiative has failed. The possibility of reviving it depends on political pressure from Saudi Arabia and Egypt. For the 15th time, the parliamentary session to elect the republic's president has been delayed.

The second day of meetings between Moussa, Gemayel, Hariri, and Aoun appears to be crucial. Patriarch Sfeir invokes God, that "he may spare us the worst". Yesterday, a meeting between Saudi Arabia and Egypt to apply pressure to Syria.

According to the head of parliament, voting cannot begin until talks are concluded between Lebanon's leaders and members of the Arab League, who are proposing General Sleiman and asking for the formation of a national unity government. Hezbollah is putting up opposition.