 Assad did not wish a leftist victory in Lebanon which would strengthen the position of the Palestinians.He did not want a rightist victory either, instead of seeking a middle-ground solution which would safeguard Lebanon and the region.When Jumblatt met with Assad on 27 March 1976, he tried to persuade him to let him "win" the war; Assad replied that a ceasefire should be in effect to ensure the 1976 presidential elections.