Hariri's Return to Lebanon Sparks Celebration — and Speculation

Lebanon displays its military strength at the parade marking Independence Day, Beirut, Lebanon, Nov. 22, 2017.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri attends Lebanon's Independence Day military parade, Beirut, Lebanon, Nov. 22, 2017.

A young boy holds the flag for Prime Minister Saad Hariri's party, the Future Movement, in Beirut, Lebanon, Nov. 22, 2017.

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun attends the Independence Day military parade, Beirut, Lebanon, Nov. 22, 2017.

Central Beirut was locked down amid high security for the military parade, Beirut, Lebanon, Nov. 22, 2017.

Supporters of Prime Minister Saad Hariri celebrate his return outside Beirut's central mosque, and near the tomb of Saad Hariri's father, Rafik, in Beirut, Lebanon, Nov. 22, 2017.

Lebanon declared independence from the French Mandate in 1943, and this military parade marks that day, Beirut, Lebanon, Nov. 22, 2017.

Supporters of Prime Minister Saad Hariri stand in front of the grave his father, Rafik, in Beirut, Lebanon, Nov. 22, 2017.

Lebanon marks Independence Day, Beirut, Nov. 22, 2017. Prime Minister Saad Hariri's resignation while in Saudi Arabia, and speculation Saudi Arabia is taking a harder line against Iran, has drawn the world's attention. Hariri has since said he is putting that resignation on hold. (John Owens for VOA)

A photographer takes pictures during a parade marking Independence Day, Beirut, Lebanon, Nov. 22, 2017. In the background is a photo of Prime Minister Saad Hariri's father, Rafik, who was killed in a car bomb in 2005. He was previously prime minister. (John Owens for VOA)

Lebanon marks its Independence Day in Beirut, Nov. 22, 2017. Lebanon borders Syria, and a recent military offensive has driven back Islamic State from that border — an offensive that involved both the Lebanese army and Hezbollah.

A young boy stands in front of the grave of Rafik Hariri, the father of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, as Lebanon marks its Independence Day in Beirut, Nov. 22, 2017.