Read in
One single step can lead to contradictory reactions. That seems to be the trend in the Middle East — a trend that is not alien to the logic of this region or that of the conflict in it. On Feb. 24, Israeli warplanes conducted a raid along the border of Lebanon and Syria. This raid generated identical reactions of confusion and embarrassment for the Damascus authorities and their opponents, and for the allies of these authorities in Beirut and their enemies.
However, Lebanon and Syria reacted differently. In Syria, embarrassment was translated in complete silence. In Lebanon, an endless series of rivalries that might topple the fragile government emerged — a government that was born in Beirut only nine days before the raid.
