Analyst Cites Rafic Hariri’s Pre-Death Counsel, Urges Son to Embrace Resistance
DUBAI, UAE – Prominent Arab analyst Abd al-Bari Atwan, editor-in-chief of Rai al-Youm, has offered strategic counsel to Saad Hariri on his potential return to Lebanese politics, drawing parallels between current political speeches and emphasizing the enduring influence of “resistance” in the region. Atwan, a seasoned observer of Middle Eastern affairs, suggests that Saad Hariri’s political future hinges on aligning with, or at least avoiding confrontation with, the resistance movement, a path he claims was implicitly endorsed by Saad’s father, the late Prime Minister Rafic Hariri.
A Critical Juncture for Lebanese Politics
Atwan’s analysis, published in Rai al-Youm, juxtaposes Saad Hariri’s recent speech on the anniversary of his father’s martyrdom with remarks made by Sheikh Naim Qassem, Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah. According to Atwan, these two speeches collectively offer a critical lens through which to view the future trajectory of Lebanon and the wider region.
The analyst strongly advises Saad Hariri against distancing himself from the resistance or denying any coordination with Hezbollah. He argues that such an approach would be strategically unsound, given the group’s pervasive influence and political reality in Lebanon.
Rafic Hariri’s Strategic Counsel
In a compelling revelation, Atwan recounted a conversation with Rafic Hariri prior to his martyrdom. Atwan states that the elder Hariri maintained a “strategic relationship” with Hezbollah and conveyed to him that “disavowing the resistance is not the right option.” This historical context serves as a cornerstone of Atwan’s argument, suggesting that maintaining ties with the resistance is not a betrayal but a pragmatic and historically rooted approach to Lebanese statecraft.
Atwan further stressed that coordination with Hezbollah should not be viewed as a transgression but as a fundamental political reality within Lebanon. He asserted that the resistance remains the primary and most influential force in the region, advocating for its central role in future political calculations.
Embracing Regional Realities Over External Reliance
The Rai al-Youm editor cautioned against the perceived futility of relying solely on the United States and Israel for Lebanon’s security and political stability, describing such a strategy as “mistaken and shortsighted.” Instead, Atwan advised Saad Hariri to metaphorically “bet on the horse of resistance,” rather than placing his hopes on external powers.
He reiterated that the political future of Saad Hariri is intrinsically linked to his proximity to, or at minimum, non-confrontational stance with Hezbollah. Any attempt to distance himself from the resistance, Atwan concluded, would constitute a significant strategic error.
The Decisive Power of Resistance
Highlighting Sheikh Naim Qassem’s remarks, Atwan underscored how the resistance is increasingly portrayed as a legitimate, popular, and even salvific force for Lebanon. He reaffirmed the enduring strength and decisive power of the resistance movement in shaping the nation’s destiny.
In closing, Atwan presented Saad Hariri with a stark choice: align with the “axis of America and Saudi Arabia” or with the “axis of resistance.” His final counsel was explicit: “Do not distance yourself from the resistance, because the future of Lebanon and the region is moving in its favor.”
