Assad’s fall may free Lebanon, too

A rebel victory in Syria would make it harder for Iran to ferry arms to Hezbollah, limiting the terrorist group’s ability to blackmail Lebanese politicians. At present, Hezbollah controls the government through Prime Minister Najib Miqati, a Syrian cat’s-paw, with support from Maronite Christian ex-Gen. Michel Aoun.

Assad’s fall would mean the end of Miqati’s premiership. (Indeed, as an astute businessman, he might cut and run before his Syrian patron falls.) And Aoun, sensing the change of weather, has already started distancing himself from the Iranian scheme in Lebanon.

For the first time since its civil war of 30 years ago, Lebanon has a real chance to regain its sovereignty, shake off Syrian and Iranian domination and embark on the “democratic leap” that Suleiman has evoked. Supporting that process is in the best interests of the United States and other Western democracies.