This had been a particularly difficult chapter in Lebanon's recent history.

　　这在黎巴嫩的近代史上是个特别困难的时期。

　　It's very difficult to demote somebody who has been standing in during maternity leave

　　要将一个在别人休产假期间顶替上来的.人再降职是非常困难的。

　　It is difficult to fight down a desire to sleep.

　　克服睡意是很困难的。

　　As a result of collective effort, the difficult situation changed into a favourable one.

　　经过大家的努力，困难的局面终于让位于顺利的局面。