Lebanon is one of the most complex and divided countries in the Middle East, with a population made up of 18 different religious groups (Christian, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Druze, etc.). Each faction is represented within the Government in a delicate balance. Tension between Shi'a Muslims backed by pro-Syrian forces and the Government, which is backed by Western states, is one of the major causes of current violence within Lebanon.

From 1975-1990, Lebanon was devastated by a long and bitter conflict involving Lebanese troops, Palestinian militias and armed forces from the region, notably Israel and Syria. Palestinian refugees, who fled to Lebanon, following the 1948 war with Israel, today number 400,000. The refugees are majority Sunni and have never been integrated into the country nor granted civil rights.

The Israeli occupation lasted until May 2000, when Israeli forces withdrew. On 2 September 2004, UN Security Council Resolution 1559 (2004) called for the withdrawal of all remaining foreign forces and the disbanding and disarmament of all Lebanese and non- Lebanese militias. Syrian forces remained, however, until the assassination of Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri in February 2005, which led to large-scale demonstrations against Syrian interference in Beirut and the withdrawal of Syrian troops in April 2005. Following a request from the Lebanese government, in 2007 the UN established the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, an ad hoc tribunal to prosecute "persons responsible for the attack of 14 February 2005 resulting in the death of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and in the death or injury of other persons."

In July 2006, after Hezbollah, a Shi'a Muslim armed group backed by Syria, kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, Israel launched a vast military operation against Hezbollah, blockading the country for 34 days. More than 1,000 Lebanese and 150 Israelis were killed, and massive damage was inflicted on civilian infrastructure. On 11 August 2006, UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) called for a ceasefire, which was agreed between the parties on 14 August and strengthened the UN peacekeeping mission forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to 15,000 troops.

In July 2008, Lebanese political leaders agreed on the make-up of a national unity government after six weeks of talks. The Western-backed parliamentary majority was set to control slightly more than half of the cabinet. Former opposition groups, supported by Syria and Iran, would have enough seats to veto major decisions.