OVERPLAYING A BAD HAND

Lebanon's political crisis deepens as prime minister-designate abruptly quits (Borzou Daragahi, September 11, 2009, LA Times)

If Suleiman designates him again as prime minister, Hariri could try to form a Cabinet without the support of the opposition. But analysts say that risks deepening the crisis.

"This would be seen as too dangerous," said Hilal Khashan, a professor of political science at American University of Beirut. "Hezbollah would view this as a declaration of war."

There is no Lebanon.

Posted by Orrin Judd at September 11, 2009 7:20 AM