Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Sour (southern Lebanon) on Aug. 21, 2026. (Credit: Government's X account)
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam was the only key figure who did not meet with the delegation of Emirati businessmen during their visit to Beirut on Wednesday and Thursday. His absence was especially noticeable at a time when the government claims to be working to restore bridges between Lebanon and Arab countries after years of tension. This has led some observers to suspect underlying motives. Sources close to the Grand Serail dismiss this interpretation, saying Salam was traveling in Turkey and could not meet with the delegation for logistical reasons.For some, Salam’s absence could be interpreted from a Saudi perspective, and for good reason: The prime minister has been in Riyadh’s good graces since he took office in January 2025. More recently, the Salam government (and the authorities in general) received a significant Franco-Saudi boost...
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam was the only key figure who did not meet with the delegation of Emirati businessmen during their visit to Beirut on Wednesday and Thursday. His absence was especially noticeable at a time when the government claims to be working to restore bridges between Lebanon and Arab countries after years of tension. This has led some observers to suspect underlying motives. Sources close to the Grand Serail dismiss this interpretation, saying Salam was traveling in Turkey and could not meet with the delegation for logistical reasons.For some, Salam’s absence could be interpreted from a Saudi perspective, and for good reason: The prime minister has been in Riyadh’s good graces since he took office in January 2025. More recently, the Salam government (and the authorities in general) received a significant Franco-Saudi...
