Omar Karami, Lebanon's pro-Syrian prime minister who resigned just a week ago will be asked to form a new government in the coming days. The decision by the Lebanese legislature is evidence of just how deep Syrian influence is inside Lebanon, a country Syria has occupied since 1976. A formal announcement is expected within the next 36 hours.

Opposition leaders sent only two delegates to the meeting of the parliament and did not suggest any specific candidates to replace Karami. The opposition merely restated its demand that all Syrian occupying troops leave the country immediately.

It now appears a foregone conclusion that President Emile Lahoud will ask Karami to form a new government.

Meanwhile, pro-government demonstrations took place in Damascus in support of dictator Bashar Assad. Tens of thousands of Syrians proclaimed their loyalty to the government and urged support of Assad, chanting 'We sacrifice our blood and our souls for you, oh Bashar!' as they marched through the streets of the capital.

Meanwhile, Syrian troops started their redeployment closer to the Syrian border. President Bush rejected the move as a 'half measure' but the Syrian government has indicated that any further troop withdrawals were subject to further negotiations.

It remains to be seen what the opposition will do when Karami is asked to form a new government. Lebanon endured a 15 year civil war between 1975 and 1990 that threw the country into chaos. Thus far, government troops have not used excessive force against opposition protesters but it is uncertain how long this uneasy peace will continue.

The opposition has rallied after the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri. Most opposition leaders believe Syria was involved in the killing of Hariri although the Syrians continue to deny any involvement.