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2mo ago

Saad Hariri Signals Potential Political Return as Lebanon Shifts After Hezbollah and Assad Weakening

The former Lebanese Prime Minister addresses supporters on the 20th anniversary of his father's assassination, highlighting regional power changes and Lebanon's opportunities for reform.

FILE - Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, gestures in front of a picture of his late father and former Prime Minister of Lebanon Rafic Hariri at his house in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, on Jan. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)
FILE - Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Rafik Hariri leaves the Parliament building in Beirut, Lebanon, on April 17, 2003. (AP Photo/File)
A giant billboard bears portraits of Lebanon's slain former prime minister Rafic Hariri (L) and his son Saad Hariri

Overview

  • Saad Hariri, former Lebanese Prime Minister, addressed a large crowd in Beirut, marking the 20th anniversary of the assassination of his father, Rafik Hariri, and hinted at re-engaging in politics after a three-year hiatus.
  • Hezbollah's influence has declined significantly following a devastating 14-month war with Israel, while Syrian President Bashar Assad's ousting has further shifted the regional balance of power.
  • Hariri called for national unity and urged Lebanon to seize a 'golden opportunity' to rebuild and implement reforms, emphasizing the need for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon as per a ceasefire agreement.
  • The newly formed Lebanese government, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, is seen as a step toward stabilizing the country, with renewed interest and potential support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
  • Rafik Hariri's assassination in 2005, attributed to Hezbollah and Syrian involvement, led to the Cedar Revolution and the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon after nearly 30 years of occupation.