The Cedar Revolution (ثورة الأرز) was a chain of demonstrations in Lebanon (especially in the capital Beirut) triggered by the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafic Hariri. The popular movement was remarkable for its avoidance of violence, peaceful approach, and its total reliance on methods of civil resistance.
The primary goals of the activists were the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon and the replacement of a government heavily influenced by Syrian interests with more independent leadership, the establishment of an international commission to investigate the assassination of Prime Minister Hariri, the resignation of security officials to ensure the success of the plan, and the organization of free parliamentary elections. The demonstrators demanded the end of the Syrian influence in Lebanese politics. At the start of the demonstrations, Syria had been maintaining a force of roughly 14,000 soldiers and intelligence agents in Lebanon. Following the demonstrations, the Syrian troops completely withdrew from Lebanon on 27 April 2005. With the disbanding of the Pro-Syrian government, the main goals of the revolution were achieved. (For background information on Syria's involvement in Lebanese politics, see the articles Syrian occupation of Lebanon and the Lebanese Civil War.)
The opposition has taken as its symbol the white and red colored scarf, and the blue ribbon; the most popular motto of the movement was Hurriyyeh, Siyedeh, Istiqlel (Freedom, Sovereignty, Independence).
The main goal of the Cedar Revolution was the ending of the Syrian military occupation of Lebanon, which had lasted about 30 years (since 1976). In addition, many Lebanese called for the return of former president Michel Aoun, in exile since 1991, and the release of the imprisoned Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea.
Additional goals of the revolution are:
Ousting Karami's Pro-Syrian government
Firing the six Lebanese commanders of the nation's main security services, along with the State Prosecutor
Unmasking the killers of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri
Running free and democratic parliament elections in spring 2005 free from Syrian interference
The name "Cedar Revolution" is a term that was coined by the U.