A heartening story.
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon's Syrian-backed government resigned on Monday in a surprise decision greeted with jubilation by thousands of protesters in central Beirut gathering to demand the withdrawal of Syrian troops.
Prime Minister Omar Karami's government came under unprecedented pressure after the Feb. 14 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri. Protesters turned their sights on the president and demanded he also step down.
"The people have won," main opposition leader Walid Jumblatt told LBC television after Karami announced the resignation of the cabinet to a parliament session debating Hariri's killing.
Continued:
Ecstatic protesters, having got their wish for the government's resignation, chanted "Syria out" and "Freedom, sovereignty, independence." Syria has wielded political and military power in its smaller neighbor for decades.
They also chanted "Lahoud, you're turn is next," in reference to pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud.
Nice to see my morning cheers come partially true. Granted this is just a beginning, but it is a fortuitous one. So I wanted to spread the news, and hope that the future holds more events like this. Unilateral invasion isn't how you get freedom and democracy, it's having and helping people stand up for their own rights.