TIME: Springtime for Arab Democracy? Photo Essay (2)

The murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri has brought tens of thousands of citizens onto the streets of Beirut, demanding that Syrian troops withdraw from their country. Syrian troops first entered to stop the civil war 28 years ago, and today Lebanon’s government remains under the effective control of the Syrian regime. But the street protests have forced the pro-Syria government to resign, and Syrian troops may soon be heading home.

MARCO DI LAURO / GETTY IMAGES

Springtime for Arab Democracy?: In Beirut, Baghdad, Ramallah, Cairo and Riyadh, the pressure for democratic reforms grows. The results are sometimes surprising

Beirut Spring
The murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri has brought tens of thousands of citizens onto the streets of Beirut, demanding that Syrian troops withdraw from their country. Syrian troops first entered to stop the civil war 28 years ago, and today Lebanon’s government remains under the effective control of the Syrian regime. But the street protests have forced the pro-Syria government to resign, and Syrian troops may soon be heading home.


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