Hariri, Rafiq al-

Hariri, Rafiq al- (b. 1944, d. 14 Feb. 2005). Prime Minister of Lebanon, 1992–8; 2000–  Born in Sidon, into a poor family, he studied at Beirut American University and in 1966 emigrated to Saudi Arabia, whose citizenship he acquired. He founded his own construction business, and became active in banking and real estate. One of the world's wealthiest men, his fortune is estimated at around $4bn. He tried to mediate a peaceful solution to the Lebanese civil war in the 1980s, and was instrumental in securing the Taif Accord of 1989. In 1992, he was asked to lead the government. In his first two terms in office, he stabilized the currency, and spent much energy (and some of his personal fortune) in rebuilding Beirut. He was confirmed in office in 1996, but in 1998 he was dismissed by the President owing to personal disagreements. In 2000, however, candidates supporting him won the general elections on the promise of economic improvements. In response, the President, Émile Lahoud, asked Hariri to form another government. Hariri was not just a popular character inside his own country, but also enjoyed excellent connections to other Arab leaders.