Current best estimates place the Christian population of Lebanon at between 35 and 40%.
At the time of its formation within its present border (1920), Lebanon was thought to be majority (Maronnite) Christian ... though some believe this census (the last formally taken in the country) was somewhat manipulated to provide an advantage to the Christian communities.
Since it seems to have been Christian as late as the 1930s, with a POD sometime in the 1930s or 1940s, how could a Christian Lebanon be maintained?
Would such a country be viewed as Western or still part of the Arab world? or a hybrid of sorts?
Would it be allied with France? Israel?
What would be the impact on Christians in the Middle East? Greater persecution than currently faced, or better treatment thanks to this Christian toehold in the region?
At the time of its formation within its present border (1920), Lebanon was thought to be majority (Maronnite) Christian ... though some believe this census (the last formally taken in the country) was somewhat manipulated to provide an advantage to the Christian communities.
Since it seems to have been Christian as late as the 1930s, with a POD sometime in the 1930s or 1940s, how could a Christian Lebanon be maintained?
Would such a country be viewed as Western or still part of the Arab world? or a hybrid of sorts?
Would it be allied with France? Israel?
What would be the impact on Christians in the Middle East? Greater persecution than currently faced, or better treatment thanks to this Christian toehold in the region?