Rafiq Hariri

Lebanon's anti-Syrian opposition blamed the governments in Beirut and Damascus of responsibility for the assassination of Hariri, who was killed along with at least nine people when the explosion ripped through his motorcade. About 100 people were wounded in the blast that left a trail of carnage and devastation in a busy seafront area in scenes reminiscent of the 1975-1990 war.

Media reports said the blast was caused by a car bomb and an unknown Islamic group claimed responsibility for what it said was a suicide attack to avenge Hariri's close ties with the Saudi regime.

The dead included one of the bodyguards of the 60-year-old rags-to riches Sunni Muslim who resigned as prime minister in October in a row over Syrian dominance of Lebanon.

The attack came at a time of high political tension in Lebanon and international pressure over Syria's role in the country. It was unclear if his death would delay parliamentary elections expected in April and May.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 19, 2005
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