Nawaf Salam’s appointment as prime minister has taken many by surprise. On Monday, the President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) secured the position after 84 MPs nominated him in binding parliamentary consultations, leaving caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati — Hezbollah and Amal’s preferred candidate — with just nine votes. And, Amal and Hezbollah, ended up abstaining, casting blank votes. This marks the first time since 2008 that a prime minister has been appointed without the backing of the two Shiite parliamentary blocs. Read more Binding parliamentary consultations: Hezbollah and Amal confront their limits once again Despite broad support, Salam now faces a difficult road ahead. Forming a government and securing parliamentary confidence will prove challenging without Amal and Hezbollah’s support, which would not...