There is renewed anxiety in Arab press editorials that political tensions in Lebanon are leading to violence.
Many commentators say the country's crisis is worsening, and that Lebanon's precarious social balance is under increasing strain.
Lebanon is now at a dangerous crossroads. The country's immediate future will be gloomy and turbulent if no efforts are made to hold national dialogue to set up a new government, and contain the political split by holding parliamentary elections, as a peaceful and democratic way to resolve the issue of Lebanon's future.
Syria's Al-Thawrah, commentary by Galib Qandil
It is imperative for the present Lebanese political situation to emerge from its deadlock and seriously acknowledge other participants in the country's political life, however large or small their numbers. This is the only way Lebanon can come out of a state of assumption into a state of certainty.
Lebanon's Al-Safir, commentary by Wajih Qansu
After weeks of political posturing, bickering and mudslinging, we have reached a moment for a potential breakthrough in Lebanese politics. The hostile political climate has begun to thaw, with the leaders of the country making attempts to defuse tensions and expressing commitment to bringing Lebanon out of its period of crisis. Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, Chuf MP Walid Jumblatt and Sidon MP Bahiya Hariri, along with other members of both the loyalist and opposition camps, have all now firmly expressed a commitment to implementing the Taif Accord.
Lebanon's The Daily Star editorial entitled "It is time for Lebanon's leaders to shelve their brawn and use their brains."
It is now necessary for those in charge of [ex-prime minister Rafik] Hariri's media establishment to revise all the venomous rumours and suspect reports that they have been disseminating and understand that such broadcasts lead only to consequences of which Hariri himself consistently cautioned.
Syria's Al-Thawrah, editorial by Chief Editor Fa'iz al-Sayigh
Lebanon is going through an interim period. We know exactly the station we are leaving but absolutely do not know at which station we will arrive.
Lebanon's Al-Safir, commentary by Joseph Samahah
If Prime Minister Omar Karami succeeds in forming a national unity government, the opposition will have succeeded in blocking foreign interference, or the mass of honey-coated tar, and in realising its slogans of freedom and sovereignty. If Karami fails in his mission, the opposition will also have succeeded, but in taking Lebanon into the unknown and chaos...
Syria's Al-Thawrah, article by Khalid al-Ashhab
The gap between the opposition and the loyalist camp continues to grow, with the deadlock seeming almost irreversible. So far, all behind-the-scene contacts and mediation between Prime Minister-designate Omar Karami and the opposition over the next government have failed.
Lebanon's The Daily Star
The [Syrian] withdrawal is no longer the issue. The Syrian presence in Lebanon seems to be already in the past... The Lebanese crisis is worsening day by day... It is going round in empty circles with demonstrations and counter-demonstrations which could lead to the danger of a political and constitutional vacuum.
London-based Al-Arab al-Alamiyah
What is behind this stirring up of the people?... Once again Beirut turns into a massive field of demonstrations that is not only trying to outline the future of Lebanon but perhaps that of the Middle East.
London-based Al-Sharq al-Awsat
Lebanon's unity after Hariri's assassination was only a pretext to divide the country under the slogans of democracy, Arabism, Islam, unity and national peace. Our hands are on our hearts in fear for this beloved country.
Jordan's Al-Dustur
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