Hezbollah fires at an Israeli-held border zone, the group’s first strike since a ceasefire began
Associated PressNov 23, 2024
ICJ Pres. Nawaf Salam to Become Lebanon's Next Prime Minister
story
Image copyright: Remko de Waal/Contributor/ANP/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Top International Court of Justice (ICJ) judge Nawaf Salam is set to become Lebanon's next prime minister, replacing Najib Mikati. Salam will be expected to soon form a new government, as Lebanon has been run by a caretaker administration for over two years.
Salam's appointment comes only days after the Lebanese Parliament elected Joseph Aoun as the country's new president. Due to Lebanon's complex system of sectarian power sharing, the president is expected to be a Maronite Christian, with the prime minister expected to be a Sunni Muslim.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Salam's appointment as prime minister is another loss for Hezbollah and a victory for Lebanese sovereignty. Both Salam and Aoun have many difficult battles ahead, but, for once, there is hope that Lebanon can begin tackling its myriad of political and economic crises. Lebanon's future is bright.
Pro-Israel narrative
Both Aoun and Salam have been on Lebanon's political scene for some time, yet they have not felt much urgency regarding Hezbollah's weapons. Lebanon has so far failed to reel Hezbollah in, and Israel has been forced to respond. Additionally, Salam is an anti-Israel figure — and one should be skeptical that he will be able to effectively disarm Hezbollah.
Establishment-critical narrative
Lebanon's Shiite parties — Hezbollah and the Amal Movement — have been shrewd in terms of dealing with the current political realities of the Middle East and seek to preserve national unity. Foreign influences have worked to deepen sectarian and political divisions, but Hezbollah will not take the bait. Regardless of who is in power, Lebanon must maintain strong relations with friendly regional and Islamic nations.
