An Arab plan to end the political crisis in Lebanon was welcomed by the major players in that country, including Hezbollah, though cautiously. But it doesn't mean the crisis is over. There are still a "few" things to iron out, mainly the composition of the new cabinet, before the plan can be announced, which calls for the immediate election of army chief, General Michel Sulaiman as the new president of the republic. It also calls for the formation of a new national unity government, in which no party would have the veto power - that would rest with the new president.
The opposition, led by Hezbollah, demands guarantees it would be a partner in the policy-making, a demand long rejected by the ruling majority. The demands can sound strange in any plural democracy where the majority forms the government and the minority would be in the opposition. But Lebanon has a tradition of "consensual" democracy where minority parties have a say, due to its unique demographic composition. Therefore, for the plan to succeed, the Arab League needs to allay the fears of each camp. It should not be perceived as taking the side of one party. It is a tough task. But it can be done and the signs are encouraging.
