I have been watching with bated breath the “Cedar Revolution” now sweeping Lebanon. It is wonderful to see Muslim, Christian, and Druze Arabs peacefully protesting together against Syria’s 30-year occupation of their homeland. While I don’t want to get my hopes up too high, as Syria may crush this velvet-like revolution, I do believe we’re seeing the seeds of democracy sown in the Middle East.

Yesterday, the BBC published an article entitled, “Lebanon finds unity in street rallies.” It is worth reading, as it provides a decent analysis of what is transpiring in Lebanon, some history, and first-hand accounts of how people of various faiths, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds have come together peacefully in common cause. Below are some snippets, but I urge people to read the entire article.

It is true that what Beirut is witnessing is unique. Rarely have people in this region taken to the streets like this - spontaneously, peacefully and with much determination.

Many in the region believe the Lebanese are setting an example for their Arab brethren. But it is not the first time that people here have protested en masse against Syria's presence. …

Druze, Christians, Shias and Sunnis, they are all out there, holding hands in a rare show of unity.

Young women and men holding up Christian crosses and the Koran have been leading demonstrations through the streets.

People have been raising not the flags of their respective political parties, but the national flag.

That alone is quite an achievement in a country where people still put allegiance to their community above everything. …

There are girls in tight skirts and high heels, carrying expensive leather bags, as well as men in business suits or trendy tennis shoes.

And in one unforgettable scene an elderly lady, her hair all done up, was demonstrating alongside her Sri Lankan domestic helper, telling her to wave the flag and teaching her the Arabic words of the slogans.

Farmers, taxi drivers, and construction workers have also been chanting "Syria out" and "Down with the government".

But what has been fascinating to observe is how Lebanon's middle and upper classes have been woken from their usual lethargy by the assassination of Hariri. …