Analysis-Lebanon slips further into Iran's orbit as Hariri bows out

FILE PHOTO: A Hezbollah fighter stands in front of anti-tank artillery at Juroud Arsal, the Syria-Lebanon border, July 29, 2017. REUTERS/Ali Hashisho/File Photo

BEIRUT (Reuters) - A decision by Sunni Muslim leader Saad al-Hariri to step away from Lebanese politics opens the way for Shi'ite Hezbollah to extend its already deep sway over the country, rendering it ever more a bastion of Iranian influence on the Mediterranean.

Three times prime minister, Hariri https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanons-hariris-turbulent-career-politics-2022-01-24 declared on Monday he would suspend his role https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanons-hariri-expected-announce-election-boycott-party-members-say-2022-01-24 in public life and boycott a general election in May, citing Iranian influence as one of the reasons he saw little hope of positive change.