Lebanon is a parliamentary republic within the overall framework of confessionalism, a form of consociationalism in which the highest offices are proportionately reserved for representatives from certain religious communities.

The New York Times suggested that the resignations came after the collapse of talks between Syria and Saudi Arabia to ease tensions in Lebanon.

The resignations stemmed from PM Hariri's refusal to call an emergency cabinet session over discussion for withdrawing cooperation with the STL.

The protests began on 27 February 2011, with hundreds of Lebanese citizens marching along the old demarcation line in Beirut, symbolizing their opposition to the country’s sectarian political structure.

Demonstrators called for the creation of a secular state that would abolish sectarian quotas and promote equal citizenship regardless of religious affiliation.

Martyrs' Square is historically significant as the site of demonstrations during the 2005 Cedar Revolution, which had led to the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon.

[13][14] A rally was organised by the in which several hundreds of thousands supporters attended in commemoration of the start Cedar Revolution 6 years earlier.

Unlike the previous protests, which focused on ending sectarian rule, this rally was organized by the March 14 political coalition, which included parties like the Future Movement led by Saad Hariri.

The coalition called for the disarmament of Hezbollah, which remained a heavily armed political and military force in Lebanon even after the 2006 war with Israel.

The protesters, emboldened by the larger turnout earlier in the month, sought to maintain pressure on Lebanon’s political elite.

In Tripoli, clashes between supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and those opposing his regime began to escalate, leading to fears that Lebanon could once again be drawn into sectarian conflict.

[26] On 5 and 6 October 2011, the Syrian army briefly invaded (killing one person) before retreating again across the border, causing instability in the Mikati government.

In addition to the Tripoli clashes in March between Alawites and Sunnis, several border penetrations increased fears of Syrian uprising affecting Lebanon.