ocr: remains unique. The years of grindingpoverty and tragic sectarianism have not eroded the friendliness and hospitality that underpins their character. Although Syrian control has been expanded, Lebanon has not only demonstrated its resilience but also, perhaps, that it cannot for the moment control itself. Life was never SO bad as after 1984, when all the foreign powers in the country were in exasperated retreat. For the moment, at least, the social advantages of pax Syriana far outweigh the political disadvantages. To survive and prosper, Lebanon will have to accept that there is no ship on th ...
