Lebanese prime minister pulls back resignation, but political crisis not over

Source: The Washington Post




By Louisa Loveluck and Suzan Haidamous November 22 at 6:52 AM

BEIRUT — Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri on Wednesday suspended his shock resignation delivered weeks earlier from Saudi Arabia, marking a stunning return to Beirut after weeks of speculation over his freedom of movement.

Hariri’s Nov. 4 announcement from Riyadh blindsided political allies and foes alike, and stoked regional tensions amid suggestions that he had been coerced by his Saudi allies.

Saudi Arabia strongly objects to a political power-sharing arrangement in Lebanon that gives a voice to powerful Hezbollah, a group backed by Saudi rival Iran. Some believed Hariri was caught up as a pawn in Saudi efforts to curb Iranian influence in the region.

While the Lebanese premier blamed his decision on Iran, foes and allies from across the political spectrum pointed the finger at Riyadh, whose assertive crown prince has stepped up pressures against perceived opponents at home and around the Middle East.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/lebanon-prime-minister-home-after-strange-resignation-but-political-crisis-not-over/2017/11/22/360a7e86-cf0c-11e7-a87b-47f14b73162a_story.html