GEORGE BUSH'S claim that the example of Iraq could spread democracy throughout the Arab world is frequently mocked,not least by the Arabs.In truth,nobody can foretell the long-term consequences.Following last week's murder by assassins unknown of Rafik Hariri,Lebanon's former prime minister,most Lebanese blame Syria,which has occupied their country since intervening in its civil war in 1976.Many Lebanese have launched what they are calling a"peaceful intifada"to push the Syrians out.Walid Jumblatt,the leader of the country's Druze,says that Iraq is part of the inspiration for this."I was cynical about Iraq,"he told the Washington Post."But when I saw the Iraqi people voting three weeks ago,8m of them,it was the start of a new Arab world...The Syrian people,the Egyptian people,all say that something is changing.The Berlin Wall has fallen.We can see it."
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