Saad Hariri, the son of assassinated former prime minister Rafiq Hariri, is emerging as the favorite to lead Lebanon's government after his pro-Western coalition fended off a serious challenge from Iranian-backed Hezbollah in weekend elections. Legislative allies said Tuesday that Hariri, the 39-year-old moderate leader of the largest parliamentary bloc in the winning coalition, is expected to replace his ally Fuad Saniora. Hariri's alliance dealt a major setback to Hezbollah. His spokesman, Hani Hammoud, said Tuesday that Hariri has repeatedly declared he will not shy away from the premiership but will consult with his allies before deciding. Hariri declined the position after the last elections in 2005, held just months after his father Rafiq Hariri was assassinated.
