Lebanon marks 20 years since Rafic Hariri’s assassination amid political shifts weakening Hezbollah’s influence. His son Saad Hariri returns to Lebanon as the political landscape changes. The anniversary serves as a platform for assessing Hariri’s future in leveraging Sunni leadership, supported by shifting international interest, particularly from Saudi Arabia.
Lebanon commemorates the 20th anniversary of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri’s assassination, coinciding with significant shifts in the country’s political dynamics. Hariri, who was killed in a car bombing on February 14, 2005, was a key figure in Lebanese politics. His death has since been linked to Hezbollah and its allies, which have seen a decline in power following various conflicts and political developments.
In 2022, a UN-backed tribunal sentenced two Hezbollah members to life in absentia for their roles in Hariri’s assassination, although the group has refused to extradite them. Saad Hariri, Rafic’s son and a former prime minister, has returned to Lebanon from the UAE for this year’s memorial, facing a transformed political landscape.
Hezbollah’s influence has waned significantly due to internal strife and external pressures, particularly following the Hezbollah-Israel conflict and the change in Syrian leadership. Hariri is expected to rally his supporters at his father’s grave in downtown Beirut, presenting a vision for Lebanon’s future without immediately re-entering politics.
Historically, Saad Hariri has been a pivotal Sunni leader in Lebanon, but his standing fluctuated due to strained relations with Saudi Arabia and his attempts to engage with Hezbollah. His resignation in 2019 followed widespread protests against the political elite; subsequently, in 2022, he announced a suspension of his political activities, largely in response to Iranian influence over Lebanon.
As the political climate changes, including the election of former army chief Joseph Aoun as president after a lengthy vacancy, some observers predict a potential revival of Hariri’s political career. Aoun’s presidency has garnered backing from the United States and Saudi Arabia, a critical development for the Sunni political landscape in Lebanon.
The 20th anniversary of Rafic Hariri’s assassination highlights Lebanon’s evolving political landscape, marked by a decline in Hezbollah’s power and potential opportunities for his son Saad Hariri. The influence of Saudi Arabia and international stakeholders offers a supportive environment for potential shifts in leadership, raising questions about Hariri’s future role in Lebanese politics. As the country witnesses significant changes, the scenario poses a mix of challenges and opportunities for the Sunni community.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
