Former Prime Minister Killed in Beirut Blast (moved from ATSNN), page 1

A former Lebanese prime minister was killed today in a massive explosion that tore through his motorcade in Beirut. Rafik Hariri was pronounced dead on arrival at American University Hospital.

www.ajc.com
Former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, a billionaire who helped rebuild his country after Lebanon's civil war and had recently moved to the opposition, was killed in a massive bomb explosion that tore through his motorcade, Lebanon's official news agency and a Cabinet minister said.

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Explosions in Beirut -- while common during the 1975-90 civil war -- have become rare since the conflict ended. However, in October, amid rising tension between the opposition and the government, a car bomb seriously injured an opposition politician and killed his driver in Beirut.

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The explosion near the city's waterfront shortly before noon shook buildings in the city center and was heard in outlying hills overlooking the Lebanese capital.

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Since his resignation last October, Hariri has been considered part of the opposition to the current government, led by President Emile Lahoud. Hariri was a vocal critic of a proposal to extend Lahoud's term in office.

One can only assume that his rivalry with Lahoud and his pro-Syrian government colleagues contributed to his murder.

Related News Links:
www.guardian.co.uk
news.bbc.co.uk