A divisive debate over Lebanon's electoral law may delay parliamentary elections scheduled for June 9, stoking fears of instability in a country already rattled by the conflict in neighboring Syria. Nominations opened on Monday but no candidate has yet been registered. Meanwhile, rival political groups have quibbled over how legislative power should be shared out in the multi-confessional country.

The same as in domestic politics, Lebanon is divided into two camps over the conflict in Syria. One is led by Hizbullah that is backed by Syria and Iran. The other, the March 14 opposition alliance, is bitterly opposed to the Damascus regime. [Link]