The Guardian: Lebanese Leaders Step Up Demands for Return of Prime Minister Saad Hariri

The abrupt resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hairiri has raised numerous questions and exacerbates political tensions in the Middle East. As Martin Chulov observes for the Guardian: “Hariri’s unexpected departure has placed Lebanon at the heart of an intensifying power tussle between Riyadh and Tehran, and has alarmed allies of the fragile state who are scrambling to contain a move they describe as destabilizing and a threat to the regional order.” Since Hairir’s resignation, he has spoken out against the Iran-backed militia and political party Hezbollah. While Hairiri insists that he is speaking of his own volition, some officials in Beirut question if the former prime minister has “been scripted to attack an arch Saudi foe” as a loyalty test of sorts. According to one unnamed official, the Saudis “don’t have to hold him hostage. They have so much leverage over him. He is semi-reluctant to be doing this. But he wants to be back in their favour.” Lebanon has long been the subject of intense power struggles between Iran and Saudi Arabia, with both governments financing rival political parties. After the election of pro-Iran president, Lebanon is seen as drifting toward Iranian influence. With Iran making crucial military inroads in Iraq and Syria, this development fuels a protracted power struggle between Riyadh and Tehran. –YaleGlobal