Saudi Arabia’s crown prince has made it a priority to counter the growing regional influence of Iran. Nothing about that is expected to change because of the Saudi maneuvering to coerce Mr. Hariri. The attempt fizzled when Lebanon’s president refused to accept the resignation unless Mr. Hariri delivered it in person, and the normally fractious Lebanese united against the Saudi move. It has been a policy largely ignored, both by Hezbollah and by Mr. Hariri’s party’s offer of early support to Syrian rebels. One reason for the alarm over the Saudi move to pressure Mr. Hariri was the danger that it could further destabilize Lebanon.

Source: New York Times December 05, 2017 19:26 UTC