Lebanon extends president's term

[Darranar]

Lebanese MPs have voted to extend President Emile Lahud's term, despite a UN Security Council resolution targeting the Syrian military presence in Lebanon.

With 96 MPs voting in favour and 26 against, the parliamentary decision effectively adds three more years to Lahud's presidency.

The outcome of the vote on Friday is seen as an outright rejection of Thursday's UN resolution.

The resolution had been sponsored by the US and France, who argued the plan to extend Lahud's term was the result of Syrian interference in Lebanon.

Aljazeera

[gottaB]

1. Various views on 1559 and related

I don't know what to make of it, except that Lebanon's getting screwed from all sides.

Some views I've read:

• A "victory" that looks suspiciously like a Syrian defeat
  
• Damascus and Washington: Dialogue to Ripen the Decision
  
• Syria and the U.S. have much to gain from responsible cooperation
  
• Back to the Taef Accord
  
• On Dealing with Lebanon
  
• When the Security Council Violates the UN Charter
  
• Stagnation Leading to a New Catastrophe