Bahaa Hariri announces his intention to take on his father's political mantle in a recorded message released on January 28. Sawt Beirut International via Reuters
Bahaa Hariri announces his intention to take on his father's political mantle in a recorded message released on January 28. Sawt Beirut International via Reuters
Bahaa Hariri announces his intention to take on his father's political mantle in a recorded message released on January 28. Sawt Beirut International via Reuters
Bahaa Hariri announces his intention to take on his father's political mantle in a recorded message released on January 28. Sawt Beirut International via Reuters

MENA

Lebanon

Bahaa Hariri vows to continue father's fight after younger brother quits Lebanese politics

Eldest son of Raifik Hariri declares intention in message released days after Saad Hariri said he would not be taking part in next election

The National

January 29, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Bahaa Hariri, son of Lebanon's former prime minister Rafik Hariri, declared his intention to join the battle "to take back the country" on Friday, days after his younger brother Saad, also a former premier, announced he was quitting politics.

Bahaa Hariri released a recorded message in which he said he would "continue the journey" of his father, who established the Hariri family as the dominant player in Lebanon's Sunni community before his assassination in 2005.

"Through partnership and solidarity, we will enter the battle to take back the country and the sovereignty of the country from its occupiers," he said.

Bahaa Hariri is a fierce critic of Lebanon's Hezbollah group, an armed Iran-backed Shiite movement that dominates the country's sectarian political system. He launched a cross-sectarian political movement, Sawa Li Lubnan, in November to contest the next parliamentary election, scheduled for May.

READ MORE

Hariri's exit illustrates the perils of leadership in Lebanon

Bahaa Hariri enters Lebanese politics: 'I couldn't just do nothing'

Saad Hariri took on his father's mantle as representative of Lebanon's Sunni community after the 2005 assassination. His withdrawal from politics on Monday, four months before the election, has added to the turmoil facing Lebanon amid a devastating financial crisis. He attributed his decision to factors including Iranian influence, which he said prevented positive change in the country.

In his message on Friday, Bahaa Hariri said: "The son of the martyr Rafik Hariri will not leave Lebanon, I am with you and very soon I will be among you."

After 15 years of managing his business empire from London, he told The National in November that his decision to enter Lebanese politics was prompted by the deadly Beirut port blast in August 2020 that devastated the capital and claimed more than 200 lives.

Former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri and his sons Saad, left and Bahaa, centre, perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in 2003. Saad would go on to become prime minister in 2009, four years after the assassination of his father. All photos: AFP
Former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri and his sons Saad, left and Bahaa, centre, perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in 2003. Saad would go on to become prime minister in 2009, four years after the assassination of his father. All photos: AFP
Saad Hariri and Solange Gemayel, the widow of assassinated president and Christian warlord Bashir Gemayel, attend a press conference in Beirut in 2005, where Hariri announced his list for the coming elections. Ms Gemayel became a shoo-in for Beirut's only Maronite Christian seat.
Saad Hariri and Solange Gemayel, the widow of assassinated president and Christian warlord Bashir Gemayel, attend a press conference in Beirut in 2005, where Hariri announced his list for the coming elections. Ms Gemayel became a shoo-in for Beirut's only Maronite Christian seat.
Saad with Rafik Hariri's sister, Bahia, during the funeral procession for former minister Bassel Fleihan, Hariri's close aide, who died from wounds sustained in the February 14 bomb blast that killed the prime minister.
Saad with Rafik Hariri's sister, Bahia, during the funeral procession for former minister Bassel Fleihan, Hariri's close aide, who died from wounds sustained in the February 14 bomb blast that killed the prime minister.
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa receives Saad Hariri on December 4, 2005 in Abu Dhabi.
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa receives Saad Hariri on December 4, 2005 in Abu Dhabi.
Mr Hariri, newly-elected Lebanese parliamentarian, meets Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in New York, in 2005, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Mr Hariri, newly-elected Lebanese parliamentarian, meets Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in New York, in 2005, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Former French president Jacques Chirac with Hariri in 2005, after a meeting at the Elysee palace in Paris.
Former French president Jacques Chirac with Hariri in 2005, after a meeting at the Elysee palace in Paris.
With Jordan's King Abdullah II on the sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York, 2005.
With Jordan's King Abdullah II on the sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York, 2005.
US envoy David Welch, left, then assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs, meets Mr Hariri in Beirut, in 2007. Mr Welch held talks in Lebanon to discuss a presidential void.
US envoy David Welch, left, then assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs, meets Mr Hariri in Beirut, in 2007. Mr Welch held talks in Lebanon to discuss a presidential void.
With Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, in 2011.
With Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, in 2011.
French President Emmanuel Macron walks between Saad Hariri and UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed, right, as they arrive to attend the Lebanon International Support Group meeting in Paris on December 8, 2017.
French President Emmanuel Macron walks between Saad Hariri and UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed, right, as they arrive to attend the Lebanon International Support Group meeting in Paris on December 8, 2017.
Mr Hariri delivers a speech to mark the 10th anniversary of the assassination of his father in Beirut, 2015.
Mr Hariri delivers a speech to mark the 10th anniversary of the assassination of his father in Beirut, 2015.
With former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak in Cairo, in 2008.
With former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak in Cairo, in 2008.
Mr Hariri greets Lebanon's newly-elected Sunni Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan, in 2014.
Mr Hariri greets Lebanon's newly-elected Sunni Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan, in 2014.
Former US president George W Bush shares a light moment with Mr Hariri during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, in 2006.
Former US president George W Bush shares a light moment with Mr Hariri during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, in 2006.
Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, then Crown Prince of Dubai, receives Mr Hariri in 2005.
Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, then Crown Prince of Dubai, receives Mr Hariri in 2005.
With Lebanese President Michel Aoun at the presidential palace in Beirut, in 2020.
With Lebanese President Michel Aoun at the presidential palace in Beirut, in 2020.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin meets Mr Hariri in Moscow, in 2021.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin meets Mr Hariri in Moscow, in 2021.
With then Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, in 2005, at the UN in New York.
With then Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, in 2005, at the UN in New York.
France's former president Francois Hollande, right, welcomes Mr Hariri to a meeting at the Elysee presidential palace, in 2012.
France's former president Francois Hollande, right, welcomes Mr Hariri to a meeting at the Elysee presidential palace, in 2012.
Mr Hariri salutes thousands of supporters in Lebanon's Miniyeh region.
Mr Hariri salutes thousands of supporters in Lebanon's Miniyeh region.
Greeting supporters upon arrival at his home in Beirut, in 2017, after a mysterious odyssey that resulted in him announcing his resignation while in Saudi Arabia. Hariri told cheering supporters that he was staying.
Greeting supporters upon arrival at his home in Beirut, in 2017, after a mysterious odyssey that resulted in him announcing his resignation while in Saudi Arabia. Hariri told cheering supporters that he was staying.
With former US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice in 2005.
With former US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice in 2005.
Meeting Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Beirut, in 2005.
Meeting Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Beirut, in 2005.

Bahaa Hariri has been at odds with his brother Saad over his decision to reach a political compromise with Hezbollah. Members of the group were implicated in the assassination of Rafik Hariri, including one who was convicted by a UN special tribunal. Hezbollah denies any involvement in the killing.

Saad Hariri said on Monday his decision aimed to spare Lebanon civil war but had cost him his fortune and "even brothers".

Mohanad Hage Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Centre said Bahaa Hariri's message was "a signal that he will not allow a void in Sunni politics, that he is stepping in to carry the mantle".

"At the same time it is very difficult to see him filling the void, unless there is regional backing and solid financing behind him. If he is willing to spend money on the Sunni scene, perhaps he might have a chance," he told Reuters.

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Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

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Towering concerns
More on this story
The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

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What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

FROM%20THE%20ASHES
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While you're here
The%20specs
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Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

if you go

The flights 

Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning. 

The trains

Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.

The hotels

Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
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Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo

Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic

Power: 242bhp

Torque: 370Nm

Price: Dh136,814

Monster Hunter: World

Capcom

PlayStation 4, Xbox One

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Xpanceo

Started: 2018

Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov

Based: Dubai, UAE

Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality

Funding: $40 million

Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)

Updated: January 29, 2022, 10:19 AM`