BEIRUT (AP) — Downtown Beirut was filled with thousands of supporters on Friday, marking the 20th anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. This event takes place against the backdrop of significant political changes in the region. The removal of Bashar Assad in December, ending 54 years of family rule in Syria, signaled the downfall of a government long accused of orchestrating Hariri’s assassination and other political killings in Lebanon.
Simultaneously, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, whose members were found guilty by a U.N.-backed tribunal for their involvement in Hariri’s murder, is now at a critical juncture following the assassination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an Israeli airstrike in September. Nasrallah’s funeral is scheduled for February 23.
Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, addressing a large crowd in Beirut, remarked, “This marks the beginning of justice. If earthly justice failed us, none can escape divine justice.” He added, “Twenty years on, Rafik Hariri’s vision lives on, despite attempts to thwart it.”
Newly-appointed Prime Minister Nawaf Salam paid respects at Hariri’s gravesite earlier in the day, highlighting Hariri’s contributions to Lebanon’s unity and prosperity. Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, acknowledged Hariri’s role in strengthening national unity and maintaining civil peace.
Hariri was assassinated on Feb. 14, 2005, by a massive bomb near the St. Georges Hotel in Beirut. The attack claimed 21 lives and left over 200 injured. In 2020, a member of Hezbollah was found guilty by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon of involvement in the bombing, while three others were acquitted. None of the suspects were apprehended or appeared in court.
Hariri’s assassination sparked the “Cedar Revolution,” leading to widespread protests against Syria’s decades-long military presence in Lebanon, resulting in the withdrawal of Syrian forces in 2005. The incident also exacerbated sectarian tensions within Lebanon and bolstered the political influence of Hezbollah.
Supporters from all over Lebanon converged in downtown Beirut to commemorate the anniversary, waving flags and singing songs in tribute to Hariri. Amid hopes for a unified Lebanon post-Assad, the event symbolized a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.
“Lebanon belongs to all Lebanese, and it is vital for us to come together and find common ground,” stated Ahmad Trab, emphasizing the need for unity and agreement in the country following the assassination of President Rafik. He expressed hope for a brighter future, particularly in relation to Syria.
As the anniversary of Hariri’s death approached, the looming deadline for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon under a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah added to the tension in the region. The ceasefire terms included the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the cessation of Hezbollah’s military presence south of the Litani River, with Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers taking over. The initial withdrawal deadline of Jan. 26 was postponed to Feb. 18, sparking concerns and opposition from Lebanese officials, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and President Aoun.
Pressure mounted for Israel to adhere to the agreed timeline for withdrawal, with Saad stressing the importance of the Israeli army’s prompt exit from Lebanon, particularly in regions with strong Hezbollah support. The need for unity and seizing the moment for progress was emphasized, aiming to dispel any perception of obstruction in the country.
Lebanon saw a shift in leadership with the formation of a new government under Salam, a respected figure appointed following President Aoun’s election. The government, comprising a diverse group of technocrats and political figures, aimed at stability and implementing crucial financial reforms to address the country’s economic crisis.
The new administration’s formation opened doors for renewed Arab engagement, with countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE reevaluating their stance on Lebanon. The growing influence of Iran and Hezbollah had strained relations in the past, but now there were hopes of reintegrating Lebanon into the Arab community, following a period of reassessment and recalibration of diplomatic ties.
