Pierre Gemayel's death

Today the industry minister, Pierre Gemayel, was gunned-down mid-afternoon in new Jdeideh, a Christian Beirut suburb. Gemayel's death marks the first time that a sitting minister was targeted (mps were targeted in the past). Also, Gemayel's death marks the first time since the Syrian forces withdrew in May 2005, that a Christian politican was targeted. Gebran Tueni, Samir Kassir and May Chedac were the only Christians targeted since independence. All were journalists (though Tueni was also a politician).
The streets were surprisingly calm though there were some boys with Kataeb flags tied around their necks like capes. Amine Gemayel, Pierre's father and President between 1982-88, beeseched the angry throngs of supporters to remain calm and light candles instead of malatovs (well, not literally, but symbolically, yes).
Tomorrow is independence day and Pierre's funeral. The procession will start in Beirut, at the Kataeb headquarters in downtown Beirut. It will end at the Gemayel home town of Bikfaya. Many suspect that protests will take place in Marytrs' Square, located in downtown Beirut.
The situation is still volatile. Tensions mounted last week as three Hezbollah and two Amal ministers resigned their posts, leaving the parliament void of any Shi'ite representation. One Christian minister, a pro-Syrian, pro-Emile Lahoud (Lebanon's pro-Syrian president) also resigned. The Shi'ite ministers' walk out was catalyzed by Hezbollah which demanded a third of all parliamentary seats which would give them veto power. Shi'ites are under-represented in the cabinet fwhich follows a confessional-based structure. The resignations came before the parliament voted on whether to adopt the Rafik Hariri tribunal. As the Shi'ite representatives stormed out, parliament voted onthe draft tribunal resolution and agreed to adopt it. However, Hezbollah ministers claimed the vote illegal as the constitution stipulates that all sect mujst be represented when voting on legistlation occurs.
Hariri was assasinated Feb. 2005. Many accuse Syria of the crime. From his death spawned a multi-religious, anti-Syrian coalition called the March 14 forces or the 'opposition.' Many are critical how much of an opposition they can be as they are pro-America can tend to pander the American design for the region.
Lebanese wait for another day that many don't believe will bring renewed violence. When politics reaches a stalemate in Lebanon, assassination attempts often occur to stir up the pot, which is quickly brought to a simmer. The Civil War (1975-1990) was an exception to that, but since, many successful and attempted assasinations have occured that made people fearful of renewed sectarian strive, with little signs of another full out civil war. One example is the past summer's war between Hezbollah and Israel, which would have been an ideal time for the country to further factionalize.