The former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri was praised by many for transforming post-civil war Lebanon. AFP
The former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri was praised by many for transforming post-civil war Lebanon. AFP

2005 - The assassination of Hariri

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Updated 19 April 2025
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2005 - The assassination of Hariri

2005 - The assassination of Hariri
  • The car bomb that killed the former prime minister wiped out all hope of a prosperous and peaceful country

DUBAI: The Middle East of the early 2000s was in a state of flux. Saddam Hussein was toppled in Iraq. Al-Qaeda and its various hydra-headed affiliates were running amok, popping up everywhere. Terrorists were on a killing spree. There was chaos and confusion.

It was during this particularly unstable time that I entered journalism, at Lebanon’s Future Television. There were plenty of stories to cover in the region, mostly of death and destruction, conspiracy and collusion, revenge and vendetta. There seemed to be an unending and singularly vicious cycle of violence.

In Lebanon, on the other hand, Rafik Hariri was scripting a rare success story. By following his vision, and thanks to the Saudi-brokered Taif Agreement in 1989 that brought to an end the civil war, the country had finally found its feet as the “Switzerland of the East.”

Hariri was at the helm as prime minister from 1992 to 1998, and again from 2000 to 2004. He turned Lebanon around, infusing new life into a country that had been ripped asunder by a long, bloody civil war.

It was a dream time for the nation. Lebanon became the talk of the town in shisha cafes across the region. Here was a Middle Eastern country proving that it could rise from the ashes and earn the admiration of its people, as well as that of the wider world. Proving that it could set an example for others to follow. The one man responsible for this unprecedented, historic turnaround was Hariri.

Unfortunately, as the saying goes, all good things come to an end — or, in the case of the Middle East, are brought to a violent end with bloody carnage.

And so it was that the purveyors of death and destruction, the satanic forces that had been lying in wait for a long time, struck. The location was the center of Beirut, and the strike hit with the destructive force of about 1,000 kilograms of explosives. Hariri was assassinated at the age of only 60.

How we wrote it




Arab News dedicated its front page to Rafik Hariri’s tragic assassina­tion, capturing global outrage and local fears.

I was nearly 4,000 kilometers away at the time, in London, working for Asharq Al-Awsat. I remember that day with pain and pathos. It was Monday, Feb. 14, 2005. Those were pre-Twitter days, and suddenly I found myself deluged with text messages. I rushed to my office.

I watched the whole world freeze as I saw the images of the exploding car. This was not just another news story to me, because I had worked at Future Television, which Hariri founded, and I had known him personally. I also knew, and had worked with, a number of other people who were at the scene of the explosion in Beirut, including the cameraman who was seen weeping in images at the time.

My pain and anger were all the greater because I had witnessed what was commonly referred to as “the second golden era of Lebanon,” between 1992 and 2005, when Hariri was in his prime. Many memories flashed through my mind.

I remembered distinctly the feelings of euphoria when French President Jacques Chirac had visited and walked hand-in-hand with Hariri in downtown Beirut. That happened on a beautiful summer night in the early 2000s, when the center of the city was buzzing with citizens, expatriates and tourists. They were out to enjoy the experience of fine dining, shopping, clubbing or puffing on shisha in the newly renovated heart of the Lebanese capital.

The atmosphere felt so busy and alive, and I recall sitting with several friends. We had chosen to go to a well-known downtown cafe opposite the headquarters of the now-defunct pan-Arab daily newspaper Al-Hayat. We struggled to attract the attention of the waiters, who were doing their best to handle the flood of orders being thrown at them, mostly by much better-tipping Gulf tourists who, for obvious reasons, did not have as many problems as we students did in getting their attention.

Then, all of a sudden, a musician playing the saxophone beside our table stopped his music. Everybody stood and people all around us began clapping and cheering as Hariri appeared on the street, holding hands with Chirac.

Key Dates

  • 1

    Prime Minister Rafik Hariri supports UN Security Council Resolution 1559 calling for Syrian and other foreign forces to leave Lebanon.

  • 2

    Hariri resigns as prime minister in protest against Syria’s role in Lebanon.

    Timeline Image Oct. 20, 2004

  • 3

    While campaigning for parliamentary elections, Hariri urges the opposition to back Resolution 1559.

  • 4

    Hariri is assassinated in Beirut.

    Timeline Image Feb. 14, 2005

  • 5

    Under pressure from world opinion and the mass protests of the Cedar Revolution, Syrian troops finally withdraw from Lebanon.

    Timeline Image April 27, 2005

  • 6

    Appointed by the UN to investigate Hariri’s assassination, the international Special Tribunal for Lebanon opens in The Hague. Four suspected members of Hezbollah eventually charged with his murder. One later dies, the others remain fugitives.

    Timeline Image March 1, 2009

  • 7

    Hassan Nasrallah, longtime leader of Hezbollah, killed by Israeli airstrike on an underground facility in Dahieh, the group’s stronghold in Beirut. He is succeeded by his deputy, Naim Qassem.

  • 8

    After more than 2 years of political deadlock, Lebanon’s parliament elects armed forces commander Joseph Aoun as the country’s 14th president.

The French president was on an official visit to Lebanon, and Hariri decided to show him firsthand the progress made by the Lebanese people, both socially and physically. What better way to do this than take Chirac out for a walk to experience the kind of vibrant life Hariri had worked so hard to provide for his nation?

There were no bodyguards in sight, no weapons and no formalities whatsoever. On the contrary, both leaders casually greeted people and shook hands with them. The musician began, with no prompting, to play the French national anthem on his saxophone.

It was phenomenal, and incredible, how Hariri managed to turn Lebanon around in less than a decade. There was a new airport, a new downtown area, and tourism flourished. Everything was going right for the country. It was indeed Lebanon in its prime, a legendary second golden period.

Watching from my office in London, I realized immediately how the assassination of Hariri was going to affect Lebanon. I anticipated, and then painfully witnessed, the steady deterioration and institutions failing, one after the other.

Two decades later, Lebanon has defaulted on its debt, people are protesting about the lack of jobs, opportunities and even basic necessities of modern life such as electricity 24 hours a day.

More concerning is the reality that, regardless of the government that is elected, or the heavy blow Hezbollah suffered during its most recent conflict with Israel, which brought destruction and despair to the heart of Beirut, members of the Iran-backed groups of the country.

The assassination of Hariri wiped out all hope of a prosperous and peaceful Lebanon. This only added to the depressing scenario that existed then, and continues to exist, in the wider Middle East.




Firemen try to extinguish flames engulfing one of the cars of Rafik Hariri’s convoy in Beirut after his assassination. AFP

Twenty years have passed since Hariri was assassinated, and in that time I have written umpteen articles on the state of affairs in Lebanon. Whenever I write on the topic, I recall wistfully and nostalgically the stellar vision and leadership that Hariri provided for his country. Sadly, however, those days are gone — and they are not coming back.

Hariri had a vision and that vision died with him. His critics say he was a Saudi puppet, and that he brought on the financial debt Lebanon now faces. Of course the country had to borrow money under Hariri, but it was on its way to recovery and the numbers at the time showed it.

As for the accusation that Lebanon was the Kingdom’s puppet, well, as Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman rightly put it during an interview with media group Vice, Saudi Arabia sent tourists to Lebanon and Iran sent terrorists (including Hezbollah, which is accused of killing Hariri).

If there is any doubt over which vision was and is better for Lebanon, one only has to compare the central Beirut that existed under Hariri when Chirac visited, with what it is today under the armed rule of Hezbollah: much like the rest of the country, it is torn apart by political divisions and unable to function, with businesses forced to close and tourists nowhere to be found.

On Feb. 14, 2025, 20 years to the day after Hariri was assassinated, his supporters took to the streets once again, able for the first time to commemorate the memory of the late statesman without any real fear of threats from Hezbollah. The militia’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and most of his deputies were killed by Israel during the dramatic events of 2024.

In January this year, after a power vacuum that persisted for more than two years amid political deadlock, Lebanon’s parliament finally freely elected a new president, former army chief Joseph Aoun. The headline on the Arab News story that reported this development was “The rebirth of a republic” — the republic that Rafik Hariri dreamed of and in pursuit of which he gave his life.

  • Faisal J. Abbas, Arab News editor-in-chief, began his journalism career in Lebanon.


Turkish president discusses Israel-Iran strikes with Oman’s sultan, Kuwait’s emir

Turkish president discusses Israel-Iran strikes with Oman’s sultan, Kuwait’s emir
Updated 6 min 17 sec ago
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Turkish president discusses Israel-Iran strikes with Oman’s sultan, Kuwait’s emir

Turkish president discusses Israel-Iran strikes with Oman’s sultan, Kuwait’s emir
  • Leaders stress importance of de-escalation, halting aggression, resolving differences through diplomatic means

LONDON: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed developments in the Middle East during separate phone calls on Sunday with the Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq, and the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Erdogan discussed with the Omani sultan the Israeli strikes against Iran, which began on Friday morning, and their “worrying repercussions” for the region, the Oman News Agency reported.

The parties stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy and a return to the negotiating table to settle conflicts and prevent the escalation of crises in the region.

The ONA reported that they exchanged views on maintaining security and stability in accordance with international law.

Erdogan and the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal also discussed the rapid developments in the Middle East and the conflict between “the friendly Islamic Republic of Iran and the brutal Israeli entity,” the Kuwait News Agency reported.

In addition, both leaders renewed their condemnation of the ongoing Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip, where at least 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since late 2023. They emphasized the importance of de-escalating tensions, halting aggression, and resolving differences through diplomatic means in the region, the KUNA added.


MP calls out lack of bomb shelters in Arab-Israeli communities

MP calls out lack of bomb shelters in Arab-Israeli communities
Updated 22 min 30 sec ago
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MP calls out lack of bomb shelters in Arab-Israeli communities

MP calls out lack of bomb shelters in Arab-Israeli communities
JERUSALEM: Ayman Odeh, an Israeli member of parliament of Palestinian descent, accused the government on Sunday of failing to provide Arab-Israeli communities with enough shelters after an Iranian missile killed four people in the city of Tamra.
“The state, unfortunately, still distinguishes between blood and blood,” Odeh lamented on X, after touring the city of 37,000 predominantly Arab residents.
A house there was destroyed by a missile launched by Iran overnight in response to Israel’s unprecedented attacks on the Islamic republic’s military and nuclear sites.
“Four civilians were killed yesterday: Manar Al-Qassem Abu Al-Hija Khatib (39), her two daughters Hala (13) and Shada (20), and their relative Manar Diab Khatib (41),” Odeh said, adding that “dozens more” were wounded.
Cars and buildings were also damaged by the strike on the community in the Israeli region of Galilee, an AFP journalist at the scene reported.
“Tamra is not a village. It is a city without public shelters,” Odeh said, adding that this was the case for 60 percent of “local authorities” — the Israeli term for communities not officially registered as cities, many of which are Arab-Israeli.
Arab-Israelis are Palestinians who remained in what is now Israel after its creation in 1948, and represent about 20 percent of the country’s population.
The community frequently professes to face discrimination from Israel’s Jewish majority.
With Israel and Iran engaged in their most intense confrontation ever, Odeh, a communist MP for over 10 years, warned of “a threat of unprecedented destruction (that) will not distinguish” between Arabs and Jews.
He also accused the government of “neglect” toward citizens of Palestinian descent.
A video shared on social media Sunday night caused outrage after showing families apparently rejoicing in Hebrew as missiles fell on Tamra.
In some Arab neighborhoods, missiles launched toward Israel have also been welcomed with joy, AFP journalists reported.

Air India crash death toll climbs to 270 as victim identification continues

Air India crash death toll climbs to 270 as victim identification continues
Updated 28 min 51 sec ago
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Air India crash death toll climbs to 270 as victim identification continues

Air India crash death toll climbs to 270 as victim identification continues
  • Only one of 242 people on London-bound flight survived
  • Doctors have identified 32 individuals through DNA matching

NEW DELHI: The death toll from the crash of an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London has risen to 270, as bodies, including those of people killed on the ground, continue to be identified.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed less than a minute after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Gujarat state on Thursday.

It was carrying 242 people — 230 passengers, two pilots and 10 crew members. Only one person, a British national sitting in an emergency exit seat, survived the crash.

It remains unclear how many people were killed on the ground as the aircraft fell on B.J. Medical College and a hostel for students and resident doctors of the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.

Dr. Dhaval Gameti, president of the Junior Doctors’ Association at the college, told The Associated Press on Saturday that the hospital had received the bodies of 270 victims.

The process of matching DNA samples to confirm their identities is underway.

Dr. Rajnish Patel, additional superintendent at the hospital, told the media on Sunday that only 14 bodies had been handed over to their next of kin.

“In the Ahmedabad plane tragedy, the DNA samples of 32 deceased individuals have been matched,” the hospital said in a statement.

“The mortal remains of the deceased whose DNA samples have been matched are being respectfully handed over to their families.”

Dr. Sarbari Dutta, secretary general of the Indian Medical Association, told Arab News that at least four medical students were confirmed to have been killed when the plane crashed into the college compound.

“More than 20 students are admitted in the hospital, some of them with very severe injuries,” she said, adding that the actual number of casualties would “definitely” be higher.

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the inquiry into the cause of the crash.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said on Saturday, after the aircraft’s digital flight data recorder, or black box, had been found at the site of the crash, that an investigation report would be issued within three months.

“The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has also given an order to do extended surveillance for the (Boeing) 787 planes,” he said.

“There are 34 in our Indian aircraft fleet today. I believe that eight have already been inspected and with immediate urgency. All of them are going to be done.”


ACWA Power advances $1.8bn capital increase plan to boost global expansion, says CFO


ACWA Power advances $1.8bn capital increase plan to boost global expansion, says CFO

Updated 31 min 12 sec ago
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ACWA Power advances $1.8bn capital increase plan to boost global expansion, says CFO


ACWA Power advances $1.8bn capital increase plan to boost global expansion, says CFO


RIYADH: Saudi utility giant ACWA Power is moving forward with its SR7 billion ($1.8 billion) capital increase as part of a broader strategy to expand its footprint in energy transformation, water desalination, and green hydrogen production, according to its chief financial officer.

In an interview with Al-Ekhbariya, Abdulhameed Al-Muhaidib described the capital raise as a critical step to reinforce the company’s leadership both domestically and internationally in sustainable infrastructure.

ACWA Power’s investment portfolio currently stands at around SR400 billion, encompassing over 78 gigawatts of production capacity and more than 9.5 million cubic meters per day in water desalination capacity. In line with long-term objectives, the company’s board approved a plan two years ago to triple assets under management to over SR937.5 billion by 2030.

The initiative also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national goal of achieving a balanced energy mix by 2030, targeting an equal split between gas and renewable sources for electricity generation.

“The company decided to increase its capital through a rights issue rather than expanding into debt markets, with the aim of strengthening its financial position and enhancing credit flexibility. A large portion of the proceeds will be used to expand its project portfolio both inside and outside the Kingdom,” said Al-Muhaidib.

He noted that 60 percent of ACWA Power’s current investments are located in the Kingdom, with the remaining 40 percent spread across international markets. Between 75 percent and 85 percent of the new capital will be allocated to greenfield projects, while acquisitions will account for no more than 20 percent.

“ACWA Power’s infrastructure projects rely primarily on debt, with shareholders’ equity covering 20 percent to 25 percent of the financing structure. The company will continue this financing strategy while maintaining net debt at approximately SR20 billion, despite the significant growth expected through 2030,” he added.

Highlighting the company’s geographical expansion, Al-Muhaidib said ACWA Power added new projects worth SR34 billion in 2024 across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and China.

He also pointed out the firm’s active presence in China, with more than 90 employees based in its Shanghai office to support growth in that market.

ACWA Power successfully achieved nine financial closings in 2024, amounting to SR34.6 billion. The CFO said a dedicated internal team has been established to streamline project execution from inception to operation.

He confirmed that the Capital Market Authority has approved the capital increase, with the final offering price set to be announced during the company’s general assembly on June 30.

“Seventy-seven percent of shareholders have submitted their subscription pledges,” Al-Muhaidib noted, adding that the high participation rate underscores investor confidence in the company’s long-term strategy.

ACWA Power reported a net profit of SR1.75 billion in 2024, a 5.74 percent increase year on year, according to a Tadawul filing issued in February. The gain was attributed to higher revenues from operations and maintenance, increased electricity sales, and improved earnings from equity-accounted investees, capital recycling, and net finance income.


Two police officers killed, two wounded in ambush in Pakistan’s Balochistan province

Two police officers killed, two wounded in ambush in Pakistan’s Balochistan province
Updated 41 min 3 sec ago
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Two police officers killed, two wounded in ambush in Pakistan’s Balochistan province

Two police officers killed, two wounded in ambush in Pakistan’s Balochistan province
  • Attack, claimed by BRA separatists, took place late on Saturday in Sui, mountain town about 50km from Dera Bugti city
  • Police were ambushed after had rushed to the area in two vehicles to respond to reports of a grenade explosion

QUETTA: Two police officers were killed and two others injured when gunmen ambushed a police patrol in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, officials said on Sunday. 

The attack took place late on Saturday in Sui, a mountainous town about 50km from Dera Bugti city where police had rushed to respond to reports of a grenade explosion.

Jalab Khan, station house officer at Sui Police, said officers were traveling in two vehicles when they were ambushed.

“Nearly a dozen armed men were hiding behind a large rock and attacked our vehicles with heavy gunfire, hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenades,” Khan told Arab News.

“Two policemen were killed on the spot and two sustained bullet wounds,” he said, adding that the attackers fled under the cover of darkness.

The Baloch Republican Army (BRA), an ethnic Baloch separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack. The BRA has been involved in multiple attacks on security forces and gas infrastructure in Dera Bugti, one of Pakistan’s key natural gas-producing districts.

The group emerged after the killing of veteran Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti during a military operation in 2006.

Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, is a mineral-rich region that is home to Beijing’s investment in the Gwadar deep water port and other projects. It is Pakistan’s largest province by size but smallest by population and the most impoverished. It has long been the site of a separatist insurgency by groups like the BRA, who are fighting for independence.

Pakistan accuses neighboring India and Afghanistan of supporting Baloch separatist militants, a claim they deny. Islamabad also says neighboring Iran does not do enough against militants operating on their shared border. 

“The slain policemen were local residents of Dera Bugti and their bodies have been handed over to families for burial,” said Atta Tareen, the district police officer for Dera Bugti.

A first information police report hasd been registered and Balochistan’s Counter Terrorism Department was leading the investigation, Tareen added.