PhotoThis is the back story of Mr. Hariri’s long, strange sojourn in Saudi Arabia last month, as revealed in behind-the-scenes accounts from a dozen Western, Lebanese and regional officials and associates of Mr. Hariri. Like his father, Rafik, before him, Mr. Hariri owed his political career and considerable family fortune to Saudi backing. And instead of meeting the prince, officials said, he was manhandled by Saudi officials. PhotoSaudi Arabia had many pressure points to use against Mr. Hariri. Intense diplomacy followed by France, the United States, Egypt and other countries, producing a deal that allowed Mr. Hariri to leave Saudi Arabia.

Source: New York Times December 24, 2017 22:52 UTC