El-Husseini (Middle East and Middle Eastern American Center, City U. of New York) analyzes the evolution of Lebanese politics in the years following the Ta'if Agreement of 1989, years dominated by Syrian political hegemony until the "Cedar Revolution" of 2005 forced the withdrawal of Syrian troops. The study is based on qualitative analysis with Lebanese parliamentarians and other figures widely described as having the ability to influence the political system. El-Husseini's central argument is that Syrian political hegemony provided temporary stability but failed to resolve the political tensions that led to the civil war. It also led to the recruitment of new elites who were then incorporated into traditional elites, as well as the intrusion of military and security apparatuses into Lebanese political life. With the elections of 2005, however, this system was drastically changed, as coalitions held together by Syrian influence collapsed and elites who relied on Syrian support were purged from office. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)