According to Al-Jazeera, Maronite Christians in Lebanon have accused the Lebanese government of increasing the influence of Islam in the country and of failing to maintain the fragile balance between various ethnic and religious groups.  As an example, Christians pointed to the recent cancellation of the Good Friday vacation.  Many also claimed that they faced discrimination when applying for government jobs.

Lebanese officials in charge of Muslim-Christian relations admitted that there was some factual basis to the Christians’ concerns.  However, they said, the Christians need to realize that they live in an Islamic area, and to respect its laws.