political figure

Rafik Hariri

رفيق الحريري

Also known as: Mr. Lebanon • Abu Bahaa

Journeys

Rafik Hariri: The Man Who Built Lebanon, The Man Syria Killed

Hariri's life and death define the Syria-Lebanon relationship's darkest chapter. He embodied Lebanese aspiration for sovereignty and prosperity. Syria, through Hezbollah, killed him. But his murder backfired strategically — the Cedar Revolution that followed expelled Syrian troops after 29 years, though Syrian intelligence and Hezbollah remain entrenched in Lebanon to this day.

Biography

Rafik Hariri was Lebanon's billionaire Prime Minister who rebuilt Beirut after the civil war. He served as PM twice (1992-1998, 2000-2004) and was the driving force behind Lebanon's post-war reconstruction through his company Solidere. As he moved toward opposing Syrian domination of Lebanon in 2004-2005, he was assassinated by a massive car bomb in Beirut on February 14, 2005. The UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon convicted Hezbollah member Salim Ayyash in absentia. His death triggered the Cedar Revolution and forced Syria's military withdrawal from Lebanon.

Documentation Status

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Journeys1

Key Facts

Born:1944-11-01

Place:Sidon, Lebanon

Died:2005-02-14

Nationality:Lebanese