There is a lot of discussion about the impact of the Iraqi elections on the recent events in Lebanon. The elections definitely had some effect, and it probably differed person by person among the demonstrators.
But there is another giant effect the U.S. had that doesn't seem to be mentioned. And that is the fact that if Syria had put down the demonstrations, they very well could have had the U.S. Army in Damascus the next day.
The fact that the U.S. had invaded Iraq, clearly had considered invading Syria, and had several divisions next door, made it clear to the Lebanese and the Syrians that a violent reaction to the Cedar Revolution would very likely mean an invasion of Syria.
This meant the Lebanese felt it was safe to demonstrate against Syria. And it meant Syria felt they had very limited options in there responses. So the U.S. in Iraq had a very significant impact on Lebanon.
