Lebanon's Political Comeback: Hariri's Party Eyes Election Return

Lebanon's political scene is buzzing with news that Saad al-Hariri's Future Movement might jump back into the election race. This comes four years after Hariri took a step back from public life. He hinted at this possibility during a speech honoring his late father, Rafik Hariri, who was also a prime minister. Hariri's speech was a clear message to his supporters and rivals alike. He said his party's voice would be heard and their votes would count in the upcoming elections. However, it's still a mystery whether Hariri himself will run for office. Despite his absence from politics, his popularity among Lebanon's Sunni Muslims remains strong. Thousands gathered in Beirut's Martyrs Square, waving his party's flag and chanting his name. Meanwhile, Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri confirmed that elections will go ahead as planned on May 10. This decision comes despite calls from some politicians to delay the vote due to security concerns. Tensions are high, especially in southern Lebanon, where Israel has been targeting the militant group Hezbollah.Hariri's decision to step back from politics in 2022 left a significant void. He cited Iran's growing influence in the country as one of his reasons for withdrawing. This was seen as an indirect reference to Hezbollah, which has been playing an increasingly prominent role in Lebanon's internal politics. However, Hezbollah's power has been weakened after a recent conflict with Israel. Before his withdrawal, Hariri led one of the largest factions in parliament. His Future Movement's absence in the 2022 elections led to a fragmented Sunni Muslim representation. This is particularly significant because Lebanon's parliament seats are divided according to a sectarian quota system. The political landscape in Lebanon is complex and ever-changing. Hariri's potential return adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming elections. It remains to be seen how this will play out and what impact it will have on the country's future.