News this week was dominated by Saudi Diplomat Nizar Al Aloula’s visit to Beirut who started his meetings with Lebanese officials and politicians. the causes and results of the meetings cannot be verified before he finishing his tour and meets with Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea.
The importance of this visit is in its timing, especially when there are many questions regarding the kingdom’s role in Lebanon, specifically after Hariri’s resignation. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia expresses that its concerns regarding certain issues and policies do not mean that it will stop its support to the Lebanese government and its freedom, sovereignty and independence.
It’s certain that Al Aloula’s visit gained more publicity than Rex Tillerson’s visit, even though Tillerson is Secretary of State of the strongest nation on earth and leads the negotiations on a very sensitive issue around the sea borders between Lebanon and Isreal. This publicity reflects Riyadh’s important role in the region and its direct and open conflict with Iran and all its militias.
There is no doubt that the visit will hold many topics, some even not on the agenda, but the core of the visit is the message Saudi Arabia is sending to Lebanon and the world, the message is that the kingdom that once helped in ending the Lebanese civil war and creating the Taif agreement will always support Lebanon in regaining freedom, and maintaining a strong government able to spread its power on all the land.