On November 22d, 2017, Lebanon’s Independence Day, Saad Hariri, Lebanese Prime minister, returned to Beirut after two weeks of confinement in Saudi Arabia, where it was feared that he would be evicted by the crown prince Mohammed bin Salmane. Supporters of his “Future” party came from all Lebanon to celebrate and cheer as he gave a press conference announcing that he would return to the office of PM, thus ending 2 weeks of political crisis in Lebanon. This event shows the strength of Saudi influence in this country, next to Iran and France.
You can see the pictures and read more detailed stories by the Middle-East Eye and L’Orient – Le Jour.
Saad Hariri appears at the window of his Beirut mansion. 
Saad Hariri greets his supporters during a press conference given at his Beirut mansion. 
The Lebanese army patrols the streets on Independence Day and blocks access to the official parade. 
A supporter of Saad Hariri and his children honor the tomb of Rafic Hariri, assassinated in 2005, on Martyr’s Square. 
A girl holds a poster of Saad Hariri. 
Supporters of Saad Hariri struggle to cross an army checkpoint to join the celebration at Hariri’s Beirut mansion. 
A portrait of Saad Hariri travels through the crowd of his supporters. 
Young Hariri supporters celebrate the PM’s return. 
A woman carries a Lebanese flag. 
Flags of Saudi Arabia, the Future Party and Lebanon are flown to celebrate Hariri’s return. 
A young man carries a portrait of Saad Hariri.
Philippe Pernot 