But many Christian voters remain deeply suspicious of the radical Shiite camp. When Ahmadinejad spoke in language that made it seem Iran expected Lebanon to fall in line behind Tehran, the message was particularly hard for proud Maronite Catholics to swallow. And then Obama made his speech last week and called for tolerance in the Muslim world. "The richness of religious diversity must be upheld," he declared, "whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt."

On its face, this would seem a fairly anodyne statement of general principles, but Lebanon's Christians got a different message: one of recognition, and sympathy. And that's more than they heard from Ahmadinejad. Already under attack by his opponents for poisoning Iran's relations with the world, the Iranian president is now vulnerable to charges he's undermined some of his closest allies.

This victory may yet be reversed by the violence, viciousness and venality that are trademarks of politics in Lebanon. But, still, it's good news in a time of great uncertainty. So if Obama is smiling, well, we might just want to join him.

© 2009