Topic: Michel Suleiman

Sunnis launch 'Day of Rage' to protest Hezbollah's 'soft coup' in Lebanon

A Hezbollah-backed billionaire is poised to become prime minister, edging out Saad Hariri, whose government collapsed after Hezbollah ministers withdrew in protest two weeks ago.

Hariri tribunal launches legal case, prompting protests in Lebanon

The Hariri tribunal indictments submitted yesterday mark the first time that a legal case has been launched against suspects on a political assassination in Lebanon.

What Hezbollah wants from Lebanon's next government

Talks in Lebanon to form a new cabinet are set to begin Monday. Hezbollah pulled support from the government over opposition to a tribunal investigating the 2005 Rafik Hariri assassination.

Hezbollah and allies withdraw, Lebanon government collapses

Hezbollah: President Michel Suleiman asked Saad Hariri to stay on as caretaker prime minister after the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah and its allies resigned Wednesday and brought down Hariri's government.

Hezbollah-led pullout brings down Lebanon's government

Fearing the international indictment of some of its leaders for the 2005 killing of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Hezbollah ministers resigned Wednesday, causing the collapse of Lebanon's coalition government.

Ahmadinejad visit to Lebanon brings little rapture back home

Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is visiting Lebanon, wants to lead a regional 'axis of resistance.' But Iranians are focused on economic and political problems at home.

11 countries speaking out against Koran burning in Florida

More than 10 countries have now condemned a Florida pastor's plan to burn the Koran in commemoration of the 9/11 terrorist attacks of nine years ago. Here is what leaders are saying worldwide.

Israel-Lebanon clash: Could it spark another war?

The Israel-Lebanon clash today along the country's border did not involve Hezbollah, making it relatively controllable. A UN official told the Monitor that UNIFIL – the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon – was able to end today's fighting.

Rare Arab summit to forestall possible Hezbollah unrest in Lebanon

An Arab summit of the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Syria met in Beirut today for the first time in eight years amid rising concern that the Hariri assassination tribunal could indict key Hezbollah members – sparking Hezbollah unrest.

Lebanon resumes defense talks on Hezbollah's military wing

The most powerful politicians in Lebanon resumed discussions on national defense, with questions of how to rein in Shiite political party Hezbollah's powerful military wing on the table.

Ethiopian airlines crash: Experts look at possible causes

An Ethiopian Airlines plane carrying 90 people caught fire and crashed into the sea just after taking off from Beirut early Monday. Experts speculate that an engine malfunctioned – possibly caused by a bird strike – shortly after take off.

Lebanon's Hariri, Hezbollah form new government

Five months after a Western-backed coalition narrowly beat the Hezbollah-led opposition in in Lebanon's June elections, the two sides reached a deal Monday night.

Hariri quits, casting Lebanon into further uncertainty

The prime minister-designate announced he was stepping down, 10 weeks after fruitless negotiations to form a new government.

Can Lebanon's Hariri work with Hezbollah?

A Monitor reporter sits down with Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri in his mansion as he discusses the legacy of his father and a fresh push for reconciliation.

Lebanese election a blow to Hezbollah

The Western-backed March 14 coalition won an unexpectedly large parliamentary majority – 71 of 128 seats – over the opposition, led by the Iranian-backed militant group.

High stakes in Lebanon's election

A win for Hezbollah and its allies Sunday would tip the region’s balance of power toward Iran.

Hillary Clinton reassures Lebanese in surprise visit

The US Secretary of State dropped into Beirut Sunday to bolster US allies against Hezbollah supporters ahead of close parliamentary elections.

Syria boosts diplomatic ties with Lebanon

In another nod to the West, Syria also sent an ambassador to Iraq – the first in decades.

Warmer Lebanon-Syria ties puts focus on prisoners' fate

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman's visited Damascus Wednesday, raising the prospect that perhaps hundreds of detainees in Syria will be released.

World

Can Lebanon douse political fires?

Fighting in Tripoli is indicative of rising Sunni-Shiite tensions as the formation of a new government hits an impasse. Religious leaders called for calm Wednesday.

World

Qatari deal defuses Lebanese crisis

The agreement gives Hezbollah and the opposition allies of the Shiite militants enough control in the government to have veto power over legislation.

The heart of Lebanon's strife

Violence is rooted in the flawed 1943 power-sharing pact.

World