The Ta'if Accord, signed under the auspices of the Arab League in 1989, officially ended the civil war in 1990. To balance power among Lebanon's three main religious groups the presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim and the speaker of parliament is always a Shia Muslim. Pictured are the current president Michel Suleiman, (center), prime minister Najib Mikati, (right) and speaker of the parliament Nabih Berri, (left).