After years marked by concessions and failed attempts at reaching a compromise with the Hezbollah-led coalition, the March 14 movement showed signs of rejuvenation by attempting to go back to its popular roots and original message. During this week's commemoration of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination, the leaders of the Cedar Revolution apologized for past mistakes and reasserted their unwavering commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, freedom, and independence. The occasion was marked by a call for a mass protest on March 14 to reaffirm popular support for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).

In Washington, the White House reiterated its resolute commitment to the cause Prime Minister Hariri and so many Lebanese gave their lives for, calling on all friends of Lebanon to stand with its people in their determination of their own destiny. Similarly, the State Department paid tribute to the achievements of the assassinated Prime Minister, urging the next Lebanese government to provide stability and promote justice by honoring its obligations to the STL.

On Capitol Hill, U.S. lawmakers also sent a clear warning to the incoming Lebanese government, introducing the Hezbollah Anti-Terrorism Act 2011, which aims to ensure that no U.S. funds reach a Hezbollah-controlled government or entity. Days later, and in a powerful message to Lebanon's vital banking sector, the U.S. Treasury designated the Lebanese-Canadian Bank for its alleged money laundering activity on behalf of the group. Washington insiders believe that other similar designations could be in the pipeline should Lebanon's banks become a hub for Hezbollah and Iranian financial activities.

Meanwhile, the Shiite group's leader Hassan Nasrallah renewed his threats to "punish" those who are supporting "the American project" in Lebanon. In a speech marking "The day of the Martyr," Nasrallah vowed to bring down the STL, which is reportedly expected to accuse members of his party and of the Syrian regime of assassinating Hariri.

The most striking note in Nasrallah's speech was his attempt to distance his party from the soon-to-be-formed government, saying that it is not backed by Hezbollah, but rather by the "true majority" of the Lebanese people. This position was perhaps an attempt to preempt the potential failure of a new government in instilling much promised political and economic reforms, especially in light of ongoing power-sharing disputes and political bickering among its allies.  Hezbollah has been a long-time critic of Hariri's government, despite taking part in it.