A seminar to discuss the current rapidly changing situation in the Middle East.

In the weeks following Rafiq Hariri's assassination, the world has witnessed an unprecedented popular outpouring in Lebanon for changes in the government and Syrian withdrawal. Observers have drawn parallels with the Orange revolution in the Ukraine as peaceful demonstrations finally led to the resignation of the Pro-Syrian Prime Minister Omar Karami. Is this the dawn of a new era?

This discussion explored the rapidly changing dynamics in the Middle East with a view to better understand the future of the Lebanese state and its impact on Syria.

The speakers at the event were:

Nadim Shehadi Director of the Centre of Lebanese Studies at Oxford University. Nadim is also an Associate Fellow of Chatham House. Recent publications include Lebanon on Hold: Implications for Middle East Peace, with Rosemary Hollis and 'Violent Dialogue' in The World Today.

Patrick Seale who is one of the leading British journalists in the Middle East. He is the former correspondent of the London newspaper "The Observer". Patrick Seale is the author of a number of books, including "Assad of Syria: The Struggle for the Middle East".

Ghayth Armanazi For 10 years, Ghayth Armanazi was the Arab League's representative in London. He is the founder of the Arab International Media Forum and is currently a senior Consultant at Middle East Consultants International.

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