Ali Abdel Karim Ali has been accepted as Syria’s first ambassador to Lebanon. The two counties gained independence from France in the 1940’s, but hadn’t established formal diplomatic relations until just five months ago.

Part of what is considered Greater Syria for over 400 years, Lebanon was occupied by Syrian  troops up until 2005.  That year, former Prime Minister  Rafik Hariri was assassinated using a massive car bomb. At the time, Hariri was a major public figure and was leading the reconstruction of Lebanon after its 15 year civil war.

Syria was widely blamed for Hariri’s murder.  Shortly thereafter, Syrian troops were forced out of the country under intense pressure from the Lebanese people and the international community. The exodus signaled a shift in regional relationships, as Syria was now being forced to deal with Lebanon as a separate  country.

Many people believe that Syria’s long-term goals include a consolidation of the entire Levant, including Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Territories. Obviously this is completely unfeasible right now, but Damascus, being one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, is used to thinking long-term.

So it will be interesting to  see what portion of this establishment of diplomatic ties is genuine and what portion charade. Coming less than three months before the Lebanese parliamentary elections, the move may be designed to soften the blow of the vocal anti-Syria set.

However, opening embassies  and exchanging ambassadors could signal that Syria is ready to respect Lebanon as a neighbor and equal. At least for now.