Smaller Lebanon and earlier separation from Ottoman Empire

What if France joined the Russo-Turkish war and occupied Beirut and the Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate and at the peace treaty gets these two territories and joines them together as a French protectorate, perhaps at first still nominally a part of the Ottoman Empire or under it's suzerainty, much like Egypt or Cyprus. This state and it's capital Beirut would contain a large Christian majority and be more stable than otl Lebanon. This would butterfly away Lebanese civil war. What do you guys think?
 
I suspect that a earlier independence of Mount Lebanon would result in a Greek projectory, where Lebanon will join in future conflict with the Ottomans and expand Lebanon, while ethnic cleanse much of the areas they conquer.
 
Maybe Lebanon would even prefer to become an integral part of France instead of becoming independent at some point (I assume here that decolonization would occur sooner or later also in this ATL). They might seek this as a kind of protection against its neighbours. Also, an interesting question is whether there would be an immigration of French people, like what happened in North Africa in OTL.
 
I suspect that a earlier independence of Mount Lebanon would result in a Greek projectory, where Lebanon will join in future conflict with the Ottomans and expand Lebanon, while ethnic cleanse much of the areas they conquer.
That would be a very bad idea. First they would likely be crushed by Ottomans and second they would likely get only limited independence under French protection and military occupation. Taking more Muslim lands was what made Lebanon unstable and led to the civil war between Christians and Muslims.
 
Maybe Lebanon would even prefer to become an integral part of France instead of becoming independent at some point (I assume here that decolonization would occur sooner or later also in this ATL). They might seek this as a kind of protection against its neighbours. Also, an interesting question is whether there would be an immigration of French people, like what happened in North Africa in OTL.
I also thought that French annexation of Lebanon would be a possibility and supported by the Christian majority. Not sure it's a good idea or necessary though. They could be first autonomous and then independent, but with a special relationship with France and probably French troops on their soil and French ships in the port of Beirut.
 
A good idea would be to establish this Lebanese state as a monarchy and give the throne to a European Christian prince. Perhaps he can remain Catholic or Protestant, but have his children baptised as Maronites. The constitution would guarantee freedom of religion though.
 
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