There is no doubt that Lebanon was a top priority in the bilateral talks between US President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande as the latter began a state visit to Washington Feb. 10. This is not surprising since the Lebanese file has become part of the Syrian file, which is grabbing all the attention and most diplomatic efforts.
The links between the Lebanese arena and events in Syria are clear to all. Hezbollah’s fighting in Syria has brought down the Lebanese government, paralyzed its institutions and is now making a presidential vacuum likely. Even more seriously, Hezbollah’s intervention has added to the war's sectarian dimensions.