How Rafic Hariri’s assassination shaped the next 20 years in Lebanon

How Rafic Hariri’s assassination shaped the next 20 years in Lebanon

On February 14, 2005, a massive explosion ripped through the heart of downtown Beirut, killing the former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri and 21 others. In a targeted attack, a bomb had detonated just as his motorcade drove near the St George Hotel, along Beirut's seafront. The killing of one of Lebanon's dominant political figures sent shockwaves across the country. Tensions had been simmering with Syria as it exerted its growing influence in Lebanese affairs, maintaining a military presence and cherry-picking government candidates to serve its interests. Mr Hariri had been tasked with rebuilding Lebanon after its civil war but he had to navigate a challenging political landscape that was tainted by power struggles, foreign intervention and government corruption. He tried to push back against Syria’s presence but this made him a target and eventually led to his assassination. In the two decades following his death, the country descended into unrest and economic turmoil. But Lebanon today stands at a crossroads in the aftermath of Israel’s spillover war from Gaza, the weakening of Hezbollah and the fall of the Assad government in Syria. This episode of Beyond the Headlines, marking the 20th anniversary of Hariri’s death, looks back at the spiral of events that swept across Lebanon in its wake, how they shaped the country, and how the long-awaited new government has a fresh opportunity to bring much-needed reform.

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What’s happening behind Israel’s yellow line in Gaza?

What’s happening behind Israel’s yellow line in Gaza?

Under US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, a yellow line has been traced along the inside of the enclave's land borders. It designates more than half of Gaza as territory controlled by Isr...

31 Loka 202520min

Can mediation cut through conflict in the Middle East?

Can mediation cut through conflict in the Middle East?

In Gaza, a fragile ceasefire comes with great uncertainty for the future. In Yemen, the Houthis are abducting humanitarian workers and journalists in a witch hunt for alleged spies. And in Syria, a ne...

29 Loka 202531min

Violence, gunfire and annexation: Palestinian olive farmers under attack

Violence, gunfire and annexation: Palestinian olive farmers under attack

Palestine’s olive harvest season started this month, and quickly became the target of Israeli settler attacks. A viral video this week showed a mob violently chasing Palestinian olive pickers in an oc...

24 Loka 202522min

Who will fill the security vacuum in Gaza?

Who will fill the security vacuum in Gaza?

World leaders gathered in Sharm El Sheikh on Monday to sign a declaration of peace in Gaza. But the resurgence of armed militias brings a new threat to the strip. Clashes have broken out between these...

17 Loka 202519min

What we know so far about the Gaza ceasefire breakthrough

What we know so far about the Gaza ceasefire breakthrough

Palestinians in Gaza took to the streets overnight to celebrate the prospect of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. They welcomed the news of a deal to pause the fighting and release Israeli hostage...

9 Loka 202510min

Stolen moments: Two years of war in Gaza

Stolen moments: Two years of war in Gaza

Almost 70,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war in Gaza began two years ago after Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel. About 90 per cent of residential buildings have been damaged or ...

7 Loka 202520min

Reading between the lines of Trump’s Gaza plan

Reading between the lines of Trump’s Gaza plan

US President Donald Trump’s strategy to end the war in Gaza and prepare for the day after has divided opinion. After two years of failed ceasefire talks, it is the only prospect within reach now that ...

3 Loka 202522min

Vote for Beyond the Headlines in the Signal Awards

Vote for Beyond the Headlines in the Signal Awards

Follow the link to vote for Trending Middle East: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting?utm_campaign=signal4_finalists_finalistnotification_092325&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cio#/2025/[…]odcast F...

2 Loka 202530s

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