A Lebanese politician and businessman who served as the Prime Minister of Lebanon, known for his efforts to rebuild the country after a devastating civil war. He's also the son of a former Lebanese Prime Minister who was assassinated.
Saad Hariri, the son of the late Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, is a Lebanese-Saudi politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Lebanon twice, from 2009 to 2011 and 2016 to 2020. He is known for his leadership of the Future Movement party, which he founded in 2007, and is often regarded as the strongest figurehead of the March 14 Alliance.
Born on April 18, 1970, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saad Hariri spent his early years surrounded by the intricacies of politics. His parents, Rafic Hariri and Nidal Bustani, an Iraqi woman of Kurdish origin, instilled in him the importance of serving others. Hariri graduated from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University in 1992 with a degree in business administration, where he honed his skills in multiple languages, including English, French, and Italian.
Saad Hariri's political career has been marked by his unwavering commitment to Lebanon's growth and development. During his first tenure as Prime Minister, from 2009 to 2011, he implemented several reforms aimed at strengthening the country's economy and infrastructure. His second term, from 2016 to 2020, was marked by his efforts to address the country's growing debt crisis and reform the energy sector.
Hariri's resignation in 2017, broadcast on Saudi state TV, sent shockwaves through the region, with many interpreting it as a gesture of solidarity with Saudi Arabia in its ongoing rivalry with Iran. The move sparked a diplomatic crisis between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the complex web of regional alliances and rivalries that shape Middle Eastern politics.
In 2019, as Lebanon faced widespread protests against government corruption and economic mismanagement, Hariri announced his resignation, along with that of his cabinet. This move marked a critical turning point in Lebanon's history, as the country sought to navigate the treacherous waters of reform and political transition.
Saad Hariri has received numerous accolades for his service to Lebanon, including the Lebanese Order of Merit, the Grand Cordon of the National Order of the Cedar, and the Arab League's Shield of Honor.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Saad Hariri remains a beacon of hope for a brighter future for Lebanon. His commitment to serving his country and people is unwavering, and his legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedicated leadership in the face of adversity.
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