Hezbollah Takes Control Of Lebanon Leadership

The Wall Street Journal reports that "Lebanon's parliament appointed billionaire businessman Najib Mikati as prime minister, choosing the candidate backed by Hezbollah and confirming the movement as the country's most powerful military and political force. The vote spurred occasionally violent protests by Sunni youths angry at the ouster of pro-Western Prime Minister Saad Hariri, raising fears that broader clashes could erupt along sectarian divisions in the country, which has long been a battleground for international rivalries. In less than two weeks, Hezbollah's leader Seyed Hassan Nasrallah has used local political alliances and the backing of Iran and Syria to topple Mr. Hariri, and install his candidate of choice to lead the country." Tweet