Lebanon’s Parliament has named Nawaf Salam, a diplomat and international jurist, as the country’s new prime minister. This move was seen as a significant blow to Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group that has dominated the country’s politics for decades.
Salam, who is currently serving as the head of the International Court of Justice, won the support of 85 members of Parliament, while his main opponent, Najib Mikati, secured only nine votes. The new government reflects a shift in power dynamics across the Middle East, with analysts saying that Hezbollah’s grip on Lebanon has weakened.
The selection of Salam was seen as a rebuke to Hezbollah’s long-standing influence over the country’s politics. Hezbollah opposed Salam’s nomination, but he was still elected by the majority. The move is also significant because it marks a new chapter in Lebanon’s relations with neighboring countries and international partners.
Analysts say that Hezbollah’s loss of its main ally, Syria, and its patron, Iran, has weakened its position. The war between Hezbollah and Israel has left billions of dollars in damages across the country, and Hezbollah’s web of anti-Israel militias has unraveled. This has created an opening for Gulf countries and Western nations to take a more prominent role in Lebanon’s politics.
Salam’s appointment is seen as a positive move by many in Lebanon, who hope that it will bring an influx of funds from Saudi Arabia and other countries to help with the country’s reconstruction efforts. The Arab countries are supporting Salam and President Joseph Aoun, which has sparked hopes that Lebanon may be welcomed back into the Arab family.
The selection of Salam as prime minister underscores a significant change in Lebanon’s political landscape. Analysts say that the old modus operandi of Hezbollah dominating the country’s politics is no longer effective, and a new dynamic is emerging.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/world/middleeast/lebanon-nawaf-salam-prime-minister.html