Heir Apparent

Hizbullah had been expected to win last week's election in Lebanon, but voters took to the streets in droves and unexpectedly voted into power the pro-Western March 14 coalition led by Saad Hariri. Newsweek's Lally Weymouth talked by phone with the victor and probable new prime minister. Excerpts:

WEYMOUTH: How are you feeling after your victory?
HARIRI: I am feeling great.

Were you surprised?
No. We had our own polling but didn't publish it. We expected to win.

What do you think made voters turn out in such large numbers?
We presented a very convincing campaign. All we wanted was for Lebanon to come first. We talked about what the people really want—jobs, an economy that is thriving, reforms within the government and a strong central government. Also we had a clear vision of what we wanted.

What was that vision?
The vision is that Lebanon should come before any [foreign] interest. We should concentrate on rebuilding the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces to a level where there will be a stronger central government. In our economic program we are also looking for privatization and reforms within the government.

Four years ago I interviewed you after your victory, and you were not sure whether you would serve as Prime Minister. Now do you want to become Prime Minister of Lebanon?
I am going to discuss it with my allies and see what is in the best interest of the 14th of March Alliance and for Lebanon. I am not shying away from it. Four years ago I didn't have the experience and the knowledge. Today, Saad Hariri is a different Saad Hariri than he was four years ago. I learned a lot in four years.

Did you worry about your physical safety during the campaign?
It is something we decided to do and once we decide to do something we do it all the way. Either you believe in it or you don't.