In an atmosphere of reconciliation and peaceful transition, but with a backdrop of tires burning in the streets of Beirut, a new prime minister has been nominated in Lebanon. Najib Mikati was prime minister for a few months in 2005, and he is Lebanon’s richest man.
Mikati’s first speech struck a conciliatory tone: “My hand is extended to all Lebanese, Muslims and Christians, to build, not to destroy, to talk, not to quarrel,” Mr. Miqati said on Tuesday. “Let’s learn from the lessons of the past.”
Meanwhile, Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, was quick to say that this new government is not led by his group, and that Mikati is a consensus nomination. Saad Hariri, the ousted prime minister, did not see it that way: “What has happened is virtually a coup d’etat, a political coup d’etat,” he said.
Hariri’s supporters in Beirut took to the streets, burning tires and setting up roadblocks through downtown. The army soon cleared away the protestors, but it is clear that Lebanon is far from united. All leaders have publicly committed to a peaceful resolution of the current political crisis. Hopefully it turns out that way.
Photo: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters
