The Cedar Revolution

Mass demonstrations in Lebanon after the assassination of Rafic Hariri that led to Syria's military withdrawal.

Background

Syrian forces had remained in Lebanon since the civil war of the 1970s and 1980s, and Syria exerted wide influence over Lebanese politics. Opposition to this presence grew, especially after Syria pushed through an extension of President Émile Lahoud's term in 2004.

Course of events

Former prime minister Rafic Hariri was killed in a bomb attack in Beirut on 14 February 2005. Large protests demanded Syria's withdrawal and the truth about his death, and rival rallies were also held by pro-Syrian groups. Syria withdrew its troops in April 2005.

Legacy

Lebanon held elections later in 2005, and an international tribunal investigated Hariri's murder. The country remained deeply divided, and its political system continued to face crises.