Lebanon Marks 20 Years Since Hariri Assassination Amid Political Shifts

Lebanon commemorates the 20th anniversary of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination amid significant political shifts that could pave the way for a resurgence of his son, Saad Hariri. Rafik Hariri was killed in a 2005 suicide bombing, which has since led to ongoing investigations and convictions related to Hezbollah, although the group denies involvement and claims the tribunal was politically motivated. This year, Ahmad Hariri highlighted the anniversary's coincidence with the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, emphasizing the challenges facing the new Lebanese government amid ongoing regional tensions. Saad Hariri, who has returned from the UAE for the commemorations, is expected to address supporters about Lebanon's future, though he may delay his political re-engagement. The weakening of Hezbollah following the Hezbollah-Israel conflict and the political landscape changes in Syria may influence Hariri's potential return to politics. The anniversary serves as a reminder of Hariri's legacy and ongoing struggles in Lebanon’s governance.