Bangladesh, Aug. 24 -- Lebanon stands at a critical crossroads. As the balance of power in the Middle East shifts, growing Turkish and Syrian involvement in Lebanon is being viewed by some Lebanese communities, particularly many Sunnis, as a possible opportunity to weaken Hezbollahs long-standing dominance. The emergence of a new political order in Syria and Turkeys expanding regional role have created expectations that the traditional Iranian influence over Lebanon could finally be challenged.

Yet replacing one external patron with another would not solve Lebanons fundamental problems. It would merely reproduce a cycle that has repeatedly prevented the country from developing a sovereign and functioning state.

Lebanons history is fille...