Lebanon is celebrating its Independence Day with a military parade attended by Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who resigned from Saudi Arabia earlier this month but now says he is putting that resignation on hold. John Owens captures images from Beirut for VOA.
Hariri's Return to Lebanon Sparks Celebration — and Speculation
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Lebanon marks Independence Day, Beirut, Nov. 22, 2017. Prime Minister Saad Hariri's resignation while in Saudi Arabia, and speculation Saudi Arabia is taking a harder line against Iran, has drawn the world's attention. Hariri has since said he is putting that resignation on hold. (John Owens for VOA)
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A photographer takes pictures during a parade marking Independence Day, Beirut, Lebanon, Nov. 22, 2017. In the background is a photo of Prime Minister Saad Hariri's father, Rafik, who was killed in a car bomb in 2005. He was previously prime minister. (John Owens for VOA)
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Lebanon marks its Independence Day in Beirut, Nov. 22, 2017. Lebanon borders Syria, and a recent military offensive has driven back Islamic State from that border — an offensive that involved both the Lebanese army and Hezbollah.
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A young boy stands in front of the grave of Rafik Hariri, the father of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, as Lebanon marks its Independence Day in Beirut, Nov. 22, 2017.