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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End to Syrian civil war could be in sight, while confusion circulates around Lebanon

End to Syrian civil war could be in sight, while confusion circulates around Lebanon

Talks in Sochi, Riyadh and in Geneva could finally spell an end to the Syrian civil war, where millions have been displaced and hundreds of thousands killed. The country has been spinning out of contr...

22 Marras 201725min

In spite of Trump, the world rallies around Paris Agreement

In spite of Trump, the world rallies around Paris Agreement

Less than two years into the Paris Agreement, where 196 countries agreed to curb climate change to less than two degrees this century, the goal is beginning to slip out of reach. President Donald Trum...

15 Marras 201723min

Saudi anti-corruption efforts gather pace

Saudi anti-corruption efforts gather pace

In this episode, we look back at a night that will have deep implications for the future of Saudi Arabia. The foreign press dubbed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's anti-corruption drive as "Th...

8 Marras 201723min

Cholera on the decline in Yemen, the 100th anniversary of the Balfour declaration, and political drama in Kuwait.

Cholera on the decline in Yemen, the 100th anniversary of the Balfour declaration, and political drama in Kuwait.

Cholera, as it looked to threaten and plunge Yemen into the worst pandemic since Ebola, is on the decline. The drop coincides with the end of the rainy season but could be back for another bout if med...

31 Loka 201728min

Rohingya refugees, the neglected humanitarian crisis

Rohingya refugees, the neglected humanitarian crisis

One of the most heinous humanitarian disasters is taking place today, and the world has never been so slow to react. The Rohingya refugee crisis has seen more than 600,000 members of the Muslim minori...

25 Loka 201728min

Death and destruction in Somalia; conflict in Iraq; astronomical wonder in Abu Dhabi

Death and destruction in Somalia; conflict in Iraq; astronomical wonder in Abu Dhabi

The most deadly attack in Somalia’s war-torn history has rocked the country and claimed hundreds of lives. We look to find out why the two bombs have gone unclaimed by any terrorist organization. We t...

18 Loka 201727min

A growing ISIL influence in the Philippines

A growing ISIL influence in the Philippines

The Philippines are experiencing an ISIL-influenced insurgency from 8,000 KM away. We analyse what might happen if hard-line President Rodrigo Duterte decides to crack down on the Islamist surge on se...

11 Loka 201726min

Separatists in Iraq and Spain vote for independence

Separatists in Iraq and Spain vote for independence

The right to self-determination is not only the core upon which we gauge human rights but it’s considered one of the fundamental freedoms the United Nations outlines as necessary to all mankind. So wh...

4 Loka 201727min

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