FORT SMITH, Ark., January 4, 2015 – Lebanon, where Christians have concrete power in government, is America’s greatest friend in the Middle East. Under the Lebanese system, Maronite Catholic Christians control the presidency and the armed forces, while the Prime Minister is Sunni and leadership of the parliament belongs to Shi’a.

However, there is risk to this delicate relationship, due to current events. Cheikh Malek el-Khazen, heir to the Ghosta branch of that noble family, discussed some serious problems plaguing the area.

What do you think of the Parliament deciding, unilaterally, to extend its rule until late 2017?