NOW THIS IS INTERESTING:

BEIRUT, Lebanon – Hundreds of Syrian troops have begun dismantling bases in Lebanon, officials said Tuesday, moving to reduce Syria’s military profile in the country.

Syria has some 20,000 troops in Lebanon, about 1,000 of which began dismantling bases near Beirut and in eastern and northern areas late Monday, the official told The Associated Press.

The troops moves were seen as a bid by Damascus to placate criticism at home and abroad of Syria’s prolonged military presence in Lebanon, its western neighbor.

Hmm.