It is over three weeks since Israeli troops and their surrogates are in South Lebanon no more, but there is no sign of the much-needed return of the Lebanese government. So far the debate has focused on the role of the army, in order to work with the UN troops in assuring the full implementation of UNSC Resolutions 425 and 426. But this is not enough. The army is required as the symbol of Lebanese sovereignty, and to give back up to the police which has the task of establishing public order. But much more is needed: doctors, health services, engineers, public works, etc.

It is clear that the government is still acting under the latest Syrian instructions, preceding the death of President Assad. Any change in those instructions has to come from the new leadership in Syria that is fast taking shape. We are now told that Dr. Bashar Assad is not only the supreme commander of the Syrian Army, but that he has just been elected leader of the Syrian Baath Party.

Congratulations, Dr. Bashar! Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedule and tell our government that it is all right for it to take control of South Lebanon. It is not necessary to wait until you are officially declared the president of Syria!