Informed sources close to President Saad Hariri reveal to "Al-Diyar" that arrangements are underway at the Center House where Hariri will stay for a few hours, but that his schedule and meetings will be very limited. In this context, a source from "Mustaqbal" indicates that coordination meetings are being organized by Ahmad Hariri with leaders and coordinators from various regions in preparation for commemorating the anniversary. This year, notably unlike previous years, the beginning of February coincides with the slogan "Come Down So He Can Return," aimed at encouraging everyone for the largest possible participation and emphasizing the necessity of Hariri's return to political work.
The source continues that the commemoration of February 14 this year will be different from previous ones, with expectations for a wide popular participation, provided the weather does not negatively impact "Mustaqbal's" audience. While the source denies that Hariri will hold political meetings with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri or others, a meeting with Mufti Daryan is anticipated. Other meetings may be determined at the last moment if Hariri sees fit.
But has the Saudi position towards Saad Hariri changed? Have efforts to improve relations between the two sides succeeded in softening the Kingdom's stance? Well-informed sources in "Mustaqbal" merely state: "The atmosphere today is better than before." They add: "The general situation, especially within Lebanon, has shown that everyone realizes the country cannot stabilize and achieve national balance without the Sunni component, especially since everyone who tried to take Hariri's place failed, starting with Al-Seniora up to Fouad Makhzoumi. Even the caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, despite representing significant Sunni weight and having good relations abroad, could not fill the void left by Hariri's absence; he even failed to establish good ties with Christian parties, such as the "Free Patriotic Movement" and the "Forces," which did not nominate him for the premiership."
In this context, a source from the "Free Patriotic Movement" criticizes Mikati's approach towards the Christian component during his leadership of the caretaker government and his handling of files as a presidential candidate, thus encroaching on the responsibilities of the primary Christian position in the Lebanese state.
In any case, regarding the possibility of Saad Hariri's return to political life, prominent sources indicate that facts have proven that "political Harirism" has not died. Recent files, which bore Hariri's fingerprints, serve as solid proof. These sources mention that communication between Hariri and the Kingdom is not severed but exists through specific channels. They reveal that Hariri has been keen on following up on several issues over the past months, particularly the case of the head of the examinations department and the secretary of the committee for equivalency for pre-university education in the Ministry of Education, Amal Shaaban. Information indicates that Hariri, who followed all the details, has been diligently working for her release and personally intervened with those who could influence the situation to work on securing Shaaban's release and establishing her innocence, eventually achieving his goal, although the matter caused a rift between Hariri and Jumblatt.
As we await February 14, should we interpret everything that is happening and the messages being sent as paving the way for a close Hariri return? A reliable source in "Mustaqbal" answers: "It's still early to respond, but what is certain is that Hariri will return no matter how long the wait takes!"
