The Lebanese government has given in to the terrorists. After days of violence instigated by Iranian-backed Hezbollah, the government reversed course on the two decisions that incited the worst week of violence since the country's 1975-1990 civil war.

The U.S.-backed Cabinet said it would not remove the Beirut airport chief, who allegedly has ties to Hezbollah, and backed off its declaration that the militants' private telephone network was illegal.

Those decisions provoked a Hezbollah response that closed roads in the capital and sent its fighters into the streets. The confrontations with government supporters killed at least 65 people and wounded more than 200.

The country's information minister announced the policy reversal as a move "in view of the higher national interests" and in keeping with a request from the military.

After the government's announcement, Hezbollah said it would reopen roads in the capital. The action strengthens Hezbollah's hand in its power struggle with the central government.

Hezbollah quit the Cabinet last November in a demand for more power and a veto over government decisions. The standoff has left the parliament unable to elect a new president or head of state for six months.

The Bush administration has supported the elected government of Prime Minister Fuad Saniora. The administration is asking Congress to speed up scheduled military aid to Lebanon, but it is also displeased with the failure of the military to intervene to stop Hezbollah from seizing control of Beirut neighborhoods.

Hezbollah, with its political organization and armed militia, has long been considered a state within a state, especially in southern Lebanon. Now it has shown it is a force to be contended with in the rest of the country and can use its military power to gain political objectives.

This is a setback for the government and American policy in the region.