As Lebanon looks to form new government, all eyes turn to Hezbollah

BEIRUT - When Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation Tuesday, it was a victory for Lebanese anti-government protesters flooding the country's streets by the millions.

But in that victory, they now face a new challenge in Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite political party and its associated armed faction. As the best-organized and most powerful force in the country, the group has emerged as the top protector of a political class most people - including many from its own base - find untenable.

Hariri's departure came after two weeks of relentless protests, considered remarkable for having managed to unite the normally fractious Lebanese in their absolute hatred of their leaders.

The protests