Hariri reverses political slide by backing Aoun presidency

Saad Hariri’s success as prime minister will depend on new compact with Michel Aoun and Hezbollah, less so on Saudi Arabia; Al-Monitor breaks news of Russian draft plan for Syrian Kurdish autonomy; United States seeks ground force to isolate Raqqa.
Christian politician and FPM founder Michel Aoun (L) walks next to Lebanon's former prime minister Saad al-Hariri after he said he will back Aoun to become president in Beirut, Lebanon October 20, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTX2PSCO
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri (L) walks next to Christian politician Gen. Michel Aoun in Beirut after Hariri said he will back Aoun to become president of Lebanon, Oct. 20, 2016. As part of the deal, Hariri would become prime minister again. - REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
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Aoun, Hariri deal a "rare opportunity"

Gen. Michel Aoun, the leader of the largest Christian bloc in the Lebanese parliament and an ally of Hezbollah, is expected to assume the presidency Oct. 31 in a deal that would see Saad Hariri, the leader of the Future Party, return as Lebanon’s prime minister.

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