Nawaf Salam Appointed Prime Minister of Lebanon

Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun has appointed Nawaf Salam, an international jurist and head of the International Court of Justice, to form a new government, marking a significant shift after two years of caretaker leadership amid ongoing economic turmoil. Salam received majority support from Lebanese lawmakers, though his nomination has angered the Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies, who abstained from endorsing any candidate. His appointment comes on the heels of a truce following a devastating war with Israel, which has weakened Hezbollah's influence, enabling a possible shift towards Western alignment. Salam is viewed as a neutral figure capable of implementing much-needed reforms, contrasting with previous prime ministers seen as under Hezbollah's sway. Analysts express hope that Salam's leadership could facilitate political and economic recovery in Lebanon, which has been plagued by corruption and instability. Despite Hezbollah's objections, Salam's acceptance by other factions indicates a potential new political landscape in a country long divided along sectarian lines.