Amid the dramatic developments in the region, with direct American involvement in military events following the targeting of "Tower 22," it is evident that a significant reshuffling of cards is underway, potentially affecting all countries and forces within the axis of resistance and its governing balances. In this context, many, both Arabs and Westerners, see the absence of House of the Future from the political scene as a major obstacle to achieving many crucial tasks, at times leading to "predicaments" regarding the premiership that could result in major crises and possibly ignite sectarian violence in the country. This has prompted MP Alain Aoun to recall Sheikh Saad and his role during his recent speech discussing the budget in the parliamentary council.
Amid this uncertainty, the Future Movement is preparing to welcome its leader during the commemoration of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination, lasting four days, during which he will deliver an exceptional speech and receive many guests, conveying significant messages, as insiders confirm. They assert that Sheikh Saad in the February 2024 version is entirely different from what the Lebanese knew before.
Follow-up sources indicate that this temporary return is a Saudi test to gauge the current popularity of Prime Minister Hariri and his standing in the Sunni arena, which has become fragmented and in need of "uniting" its ranks and restoring cohesion as one of the avenues to escape the crisis. This is particularly relevant given Riyadh's inability to create regional leadership capable of making political decisions after its decision to withdraw from the Lebanese scene.
On another front, this unity is seen as a pathway out of the presidential crisis, should a resolution be determined through the current parliamentary council. The sources continue that Sheikh Saad's political meetings will be shocking and surprising for many, as coded messages have reached certain Sunni leaders about returning to House of the Future. Among those could be candidates for the premiership in the upcoming period, from figures previously classified as second and third tier.
The sources noted that Sheikh Saad is convinced that returning to Lebanon can only happen under Saudi cover and with a decision and support from Riyadh, which seems to indicate that its Crown Prince has become more lenient on this issue. However, this return will not happen at the beginning of the new term but rather in a later period, preceded by the formation of a new political framework emerging from the Future Movement.
The primary mission for Prime Minister Hariri will be to reassemble and organize the Sunni street, especially in light of the fast-paced events and the American operation that has commenced, the outcomes of which cannot be predicted, leading to a realignment of equations and a necessity for changing strategies. This includes reviving "political entities" and opening houses previously decided to be closed.
In conclusion, the 14th of February represents a fundamental baptism for President Saad Hariri as a Sunni leader still holding onto the Sunni street and a gateway to ending the political retreat. This will be evident through his repeated visits to Lebanon, provided he successfully passes this test, which will lead to recognition based on that.
