Lebanon's Political Crisis Deepens as Hezbollah's Mikati Stakes Claim to Prime Minister Post

Tensions in Lebanon have reached a boiling point as supporters of caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri demonstrate against Hezbollah's nomination of former Prime Minister Najib Mikati to head a new government. The crisis, fueled by a dispute over a U.N. tribunal's investigation into the 2005 assassination of Rafik Hariri, has led to the resignation of 11 ministers from Hezbollah and its allies, bringing down the Hariri-led administration.

Key Takeaways:

• Hezbollah's nomination of Mikati has sparked protests from supporters of Hariri's Western-backed Future Movement, with thousands gathering in Tripoli and along the highway between Beirut and Sidon to demand the "day of rage."
• Demonstrators have attacked journalists and burned an al-Jazeera transmission truck in Tripoli, highlighting the rising tensions in the country.
• Hezbollah officials claim that Mikati has secured 65 votes in parliament, enough to name him prime minister, but the tally has not been officially confirmed by President Michel Suleiman.
• The political crisis has led to a scramble for a new governing coalition, with parties struggling to form a consensus after the collapse of the Hariri-led administration.
• The dispute over a U.N. tribunal's investigation into Rafik Hariri's assassination has pitted Hezbollah against other political parties, with the militant group opposing the tribunal's findings that implicate its members in the crime.
• Tensions have escalated as President Suleiman meets with parliament to discuss the nomination of a new prime minister, a key step in reorganizing the country's government.

Statistics:

• 11 ministers have resigned from the Hariri-led administration, leading to the collapse of the government.
• 65 votes have been secured by Mikati in parliament, according to Hezbollah officials, though the tally has not been officially confirmed.
• Thousands of protesters are estimated to have gathered in Tripoli and along the highway between Beirut and Sidon to demand the "day of rage."
• 2005 was the year of the assassination of Rafik Hariri, which sparked a dispute over a U.N. tribunal's investigation that has pitted Hezbollah against other political parties.

Sources:

• UPI, "Supporters of Lebanon's caretaker prime minister protest nomination of replacement," January 25.
• al-Jazeera satellite television, cited by CNN, "Thousands in Tripoli protest Hezbollah's nomination of a prime minister," January 25.
• CNN, "Lebanon's presidential meeting with parliament on who should be next PM," January 25.
• CNN, "Iranian-backed Hezbollah endorses Mikati for prime minister," January 25.