[Bill Hemmer, Cnn Anchor:] Also from overseas, in the Mideast, it looks like a billionaire construction tycoon has won again a seat in Lebanon's parliament. He could go on again to become the country's prime minister, but first he needs the approval of Lebanon's president, and that is no easy task, the two men are at odds. Here is Brent Sadler, live in Beirut, for more on the elections from this past weekend Brent.
[Brent Sadler, Cnn Correspondent:] Thanks, Bill. Well, so far, results from Sunday's parliamentary elections here have shaken the political establishment. Voters having turned their backs, as you say, on the current administration of Salim Hoss. Instead they switched to the former Lebanese prime minister, Rafik Hariri, the businessmanpolitician, and his allies within the opposition. It is allowing Hariri, who left office less than two years ago, the perhaps unstoppable opportunity to return to power. Outside his home, supporters celebrate what they call the conquest of the capital. For his opponent, Salim Hoss, it was the first time in modern Lebanese history that a serving prime minister was defeated at the polls, losing his own parliamentary seat. But Mr. Hoss wasn't the only big name to topple. Three of his ministers also went out, as well as a number of other important figures within Beirut's ruling elite, shattering long-established traditions here. Prime Minister Hoss blamed the huge spending power on a Hariri- led assault on his government as the root cause of defeat. In voting for a change, a majority of Lebanese are putting their confidence in a return to the dynamism of the former Hariri years, hoping the landslide win they gave him will bring about a stabile and unified government intent on putting Lebanon back on the map. That is a daunting challenge in a country reeling from many economic problems, and where prospects of a financial dividend from stalled Middle East peace talks between Israel, neighboring Syria and Lebanon are indeed slim. Back to you, Bill.
[Hemmer:] Brent, it appears nothing gets done in Beirut and the rest of Lebanon without the involvement of Syria. Have they taken a position or issued any sort of statement, given the election results we saw on Sunday?
[Sadler:] Not yet, Bill. It seems that the Syrians this time around, particularly under the presidency of Bashar al-Assad, who came to power just a few months ago, have taken a less than direct involvement in this election, perhaps allowing this really surprising upturn to take place here. But, for sure, the Syrians will be closely involved in monitoring who ascends up the political ladder here and becomes the next prime minister Bill.
[Hemmer:] Something to track, we will. Brent Sadler, live in Beirut. Brent, thanks to you.