Mabrook! I want to start today’s article and episode by thanking everyone who has worked tirelessly over the past six weeks to achieve what many Lebanese thought was impossible: a president, a prime minister, and a cabinet made up—mostly—of the right men and women, in the right positions, at the right time.
I know many of you are here because of Yassin Jaber, so let’s start with that. Yes, he was one of the four ministers approved by Nabih Berri. Yes, he’s not a new face. And yes, he is now the finance minister—an unwritten third pillar in Lebanon’s deeply flawed sectarian power-sharing system, a less-than-ideal version of democracy.
Yassin Jaber
Let’s start with the WikiLeaks cables featuring Yassin Jaber (and there are many). This particular one from 2009 comments on Salah Ezzedine—often referred to as Hezbollah’s version of Bernie Madoff—who orchestrated a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of hundreds of millions, possibly up to a billion USD.
Here’s what Yassin Jaber told U.S. officials and diplomats in November 2009:
Even back on November 18, 2009, Jaber was saying he was “hopeful that over time individuals would become more 'daring' in challenging Hizballah's dominant role in many communities.”
Another WikiLeaks cable that paints a better picture of who Yassin Jaber is, is this one from August 2006, right after the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel.
The Shebaa Farms issue provides them with political cover, but Israeli incursions -- Jaber used the analogy of a rape -- convinces Lebanese to join and support the group. Even Al-Qaeda leader Aiman Zawahiri, who has waged a genocidal terrorist campaign against Shi'a, and other fellow Sunni extremists lent their support to Hizballah.
Source: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/06BEIRUT2826_a.html
Even as far back just before the 2000 Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon, Yassin Jaber told this to David Satterfield:
Southern MPs Yassine Jaber and Samir Azar, allies of Amal Movement, told us separately that the Amal-Hizballah coalition, within the context of a unilateral withdrawal, has questionable longevity.
Source: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/00BEIRUT1411_a.html
One more WikiLeaks cable from 2008,
Prominent Shia attorney (and Hariri lawyer) Mohamad Matar is establishing a new think tank aimed at linking disparate independent Shia groups in Lebanon and securing more political representation in a system in which Hizballah has a monopoly on the Shia representation.
Source: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/08BEIRUT570_a.html
Matar said MP Yassine Jaber was linked to the Lebanese Analytica Matrix (LAM), a think tank uniting independent Shia groups challenging Hezbollah and Amal’s dominance. However, Jaber preferred to keep his association quiet to avoid being seen as pro-March 14.
Now that we’ve established Yassin Jaber was never truly one of the gruesome twosome’s men, it’s clear why Hezbollah never fully trusted him—and why he was sidelined in the 2022 parliamentary elections.
I hate that I’ve had to spend this much time and effort explaining him away, but the combined forces of the bankers, Hezbollah, and those gullible enough to believe the finance ministry is the battleground we all need to die on have made it necessary. The idea that Yassin Jaber is just another Nasrallah in the cabinet is absurd.
One last thing: Jaber’s fortune is largely tied up in the U.S. If he were to become a tool for Hezbollah, I wouldn’t be surprised if the current administration sanctioned him and seized his assets. Given his wishy-washy relationship with the duo, I don’t see him risking his fortune just to appease Berri—which is why I’m comfortable with Nawaf Salam choosing him. Yes, Nawaf picked that name, not the duo.
So, hopefully, the noise from scared bankers and mumena3a accounts can die down, and we can focus on more important matters in this cabinet.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to the good parts!
The Fall of Hezbollah’s May 7 Invasion Ill-Gotten Gains
One of the worst consequences of Hezbollah’s May 7, 2008 invasion of several parts of Lebanon was their securing a third + 1 of the cabinet, along with full control over the Shia share—giving them the power to withdraw at will and collapse the so-called “national unity cabinet.”
Remember what happened in 2011? Lebanon’s unity government fell apart when Hezbollah and its allies walked out in protest of Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s refusal to address the indictment of suspects in his father’s assassination.
The UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) was set to indict at least three Hezbollah operatives, marking a major escalation in long-standing tensions. Hezbollah timed the announcement to humiliate Lebanon on the world stage—coinciding with Hariri’s White House meeting with Barack Obama—just to serve Nasrallah’s agenda and shield his assassins from justice.
That is no longer possible now. Tarek Bitar has resumed his investigation into the August 4, 2020 blast—despite Hezbollah’s failed attempt to stage a mini-May 7 to eliminate the judge. Their efforts were thwarted by President Joseph Aoun’s firm command of the Lebanese Armed Forces, which swiftly shut down this blatant attempt to shield Hezbollah from accountability for the Port Blast.
Some of you might be quick to argue that the duo secured a fifth Shia minister, Fadi Makki. That’s a blatant lie. When Berri stormed out of the Baabda presidential palace in anger, he had pushed for three other names, including Judge Nasser. Nawaf Salam refused.
Yes, Fadi Makki did get the fifth Shia spot—but not as a win for the duo. He’s not just aligned with Nawaf Salam; he’s actually one of his former students.
Nice try, duo!
A Cabinet Picked by the PM for Once
I honestly can’t remember the last time a prime minister and president in Lebanon actually formed their own cabinet. Normally, that’s how it should work—you win an election, you lead the executive branch, and you appoint a team of ministers or secretaries you trust to carry out a unified agenda.
But in Lebanon, that’s never been the case—at least not in my lifetime as a 34-year-old citizen. Instead, parliamentary bloc zaims handpick their loyalists—stooges who pause cabinet meetings just to WhatsApp call their patrons for permission before speaking or voting in the weekly Council of Ministers sessions.
Worse, these ministers were often adversarial to the prime minister or their own colleagues, ensuring that the system is designed not to govern, but to derail, obstruct, and sabotage any meaningful attempt at leadership.
I know for a fact that every party—all of them—sent Nawaf dozens of CVs for their approved candidates, from the Lebanese Forces to the Amal Movement and PSP. Nawaf wasn’t simply handed a list of stooges; they kept trying to push them on him, and he kept refusing—until he finally found someone he could actually work with and rely on.
A Qualified Team for Once
Remember when, in 2016, Lebanese politicians appointed an old man as Minister for Women’s Affairs? That still makes me cringe years later.
It was a perfect example of how rare it was for ministers to actually have expertise or experience in the portfolios they were supposed to lead. Another great example? Gebran Bassil, who jumped from ministry to ministry: telecoms, energy, then foreign affairs—none of which he had any real qualifications for. Or Ali Hassan Khalil, who went from agriculture to health to finance—a true modern-day Renaissance Man.
Our current ministers, are overwhelmingly qualified individuals for they portfolios they will oversee. Let’s break them down:
The President’s Ministers: Defense, Telecoms and Information
Michel Menassa - Defense
Michel Menassa is a retired senior officer of the Lebanese Army, having held various roles within the armed forces. Before retiring, he served as the Inspector General at the Ministry of Defense. Menassa's extensive military background and experience in defense oversight, as well as his great working relationship with President Joseph Aoun, are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Lebanon's defense policies under the new government.
Charles Hajj - Telecommunications
Charles El-Hajj is a Lebanese businessman with extensive international experience in consulting and management. He served as Senior Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he established and led the company's Middle East operations from 1993 until his retirement in 2009.
Paul Morcos - Information
Paul Morcos is a Lebanese legal expert and academic. In 2008, Morcos founded JUSTICIA Beirut Consult Law Offices, where he serves as an appellate lawyer and legal consultant.
I don’t like the fact such a ministry still exists in the 21st Century, but, according to Morcos, he “aims to enhance transparency and communication within Lebanon's government.”
The PM’s Ministers: 8 of them!
Tarek Mitri - Vice-PM
Tarek Mitri is a Lebanese academic, independent politician, and former government minister. Born on September 16, 1950, in Tripoli, Lebanon, he earned his PhD in political science from the University of Paris X. He was instrumental in crafting the UNSCR 1701 (an obvious huge benefit as one of this cabinet’s main missions is enforcing this UNSC resolution that ended the 2006 July War).
Between 2005 and 2011, Mitri served in four successive Lebanese governments, holding various ministerial portfolios, including: Environment, Administrative Reform, Minister of Culture, Information and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mitri was also the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Libya from 2012 to 2014.
He served as the Director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut from 2014 to 2019. Currently, he is the President of Saint George University of Beirut.
Mitri has been a staunch advocate for freedom of expression and thought. He is also known for his commitment to Lebanese unity. A characteristic he shares with the prime minister.
Ghassan Salame - Culture
Ghassan Salame is a legendary Lebanese academic, politician, and diplomat, renowned for his extensive contributions to international relations and Middle Eastern politics. Born in 1951 in Beirut, Lebanon, he pursued degrees in public law from Saint Joseph University and the University of Paris, as well as a PhD in humanities from Paris III Sorbonne-Nouvelle University and a PhD in political science from Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne University.
From 2000 to 2003, Salamé served as Lebanon's Minister of Culture, during which he also chaired and acted as spokesman for the Organization Committee for the Arab Summit in March 2002 where all 22 states unanimously adopted the Arab Peace Initiative – a historic document that offered a formula for ending not only the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
In the academic realm, Salamé is the founding dean of the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) at Sciences Po, Paris. He has taught at the American University of Beirut and Saint Joseph University in Beirut.
On the international stage, Salamé has been a massive figure. He served as a senior advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General from 2003 to 2006 and again in 2012. In 2003, he was the political advisor to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), playing a crucial role in facilitating dialogues among Iraqi factions. Later, from 2017 to 2020, he led the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General.
Rima Karami: Education
Dr. Rima Karami is a Lebanese academic specializing in educational administration and policy. She currently serves as an Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Education at the American University of Beirut (AUB).
Karami earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Teaching Diploma in Science Education from AUB in 1987, followed by a Master of Arts in Science Education in 1990. She pursued her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) at Portland State University, specializing in K-12 Educational Administration and Supervision, which she completed in 1997.
In 2007, she joined AUB as an Assistant Professor and was later promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2020. She has been instrumental in directing the TAMAM Project, a regional initiative aimed at sustainable school improvement across the Arab world. Under her leadership, the project has expanded to 67 schools in eight countries and was awarded the 2021-2022 UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development.
Karami has served as a consultant for the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education, contributing to the development of national standards for principals and various school improvement initiatives. Her research focuses on educational leadership, policy, and organizational change within the Arab context.
Talk about the right person for the right position! And another fellow AUBite!
Ahmad Hajjar: Interior
Following his military service, he became a member of Kulluna Irada, an advocacy group committed to political reform in Lebanon.
His appointment brings me big hope, that someone qualified, untainted by corruption can help stabilize the security situation in Lebanon, and stop letting the intelligence services be used to go against activists like me, but actual criminals.
Amer Bisat: Economy
Amer Bisat is a economist and financier, currently serving as the Global Head of Emerging Markets at BlackRock, where he leads a team managing approximately $40 billion in government and corporate bonds. He is also a board member of Kulluna Irada.
Bisat's extensive experience includes roles as a partner in two macro hedge funds and portfolio management positions at UBS and Morgan Stanley. Between 1991 and 1998, he was a senior economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he contributed to high-profile programs with countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Egypt. He has also taught graduate-level economics courses at Columbia University and co-authored works on globalization and financial sector development.
Bisat is another appointment that brought me a lot of hope. He was always in my go-to sources for analysis during the economic collapse, and I’ve followed him for a while now. Right person, right place!
Haneen al-Sayyed: Social Affairs
Hanine al-Sayyed is a Lebanese expert in human development and social protection, with over 25 years of experience at the World Bank. She has led major strategic engagements and policy dialogues across various regions, including the Middle East and North Africa, East Asia, South Asia, and Europe. Her areas of expertise encompass social protection, labor and employment, education, poverty alleviation, and gender issues, with a particular focus on contexts of fragility and conflict.
During her tenure at the World Bank, al-Sayyed played a pivotal role in coordinating the organization's response to the Syrian crisis between 2011 and 2017. She led operational programs, analytical work, and donor coordination efforts, contributing to publications such as "The Fallout of War" and "The Mobility of Displaced Syrians."
Additionally, she spearheaded the development of the World Bank's MENA Region Human Capital Plan.
Al-Sayyed holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stanford and Columbia Universities, respectively.
Her academic background, combined with her professional experience, positions her to effectively address Lebanon's pressing social challenges, particularly in the realms of poverty reduction and social protection.
Another right person in the right spot!
Laura Al Khazen Lahoud: Tourism
Laura El Khazen Lahoud is a Lebanese mathematician, business executive, and cultural advocate.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of London and a Master's degree in Mathematics and Operational Research from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Lahoud has held several leadership positions in business and finance, such as a board member at C.A.T. Group since 2020 and as a director at Saradar Bank SAL, where she owns a 1.96% stake.
Beyond her business endeavors, Lahoud has been deeply involved in Lebanon's cultural scene. She has served as the managing director of Al Bustan Hotel & Spa since 2016 and is the Executive Vice President of the Al Bustan International Festival, an annual event celebrating classical music and the arts in Lebanon.
Upon her appointment as Minister of Tourism, Lahoud expressed optimism about Lebanon's future, stating, "The responsibility is great, but I am optimistic; we have entered a new phase with President Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam."
Fadi Makki: Administrative Development
Dr. Fadi Makki is a Lebanese economist and behavioral scientist, recognized for pioneering the application of behavioral economics in the Middle East. He founded the region's first behavioral insights and "nudge" unit, B4Development (formerly the Qatar Behavioral Insights Unit), and also established Nudge Lebanon, aiming to integrate behavioral science into public policy.
Makki has over 25 years of experience in public policy, socio-economic development, and behavioral economics. He has led more than 150 experiments in areas such as health, sustainability, inclusion, and human capital development, advising governments and organizations worldwide on implementing behavioral science strategies.
Makki served as the Director General of the Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade, where he was also the chief negotiator for Lebanon's accession to the World Trade Organization. He has held advisory roles to the Prime Minister of Lebanon and the Qatari Ministry of Finance, Economy, and Commerce.
Makki holds a PhD in International Trade from the University of Cambridge, master's degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of Hull, and bachelor's degrees from the American University of Beirut and the Lebanese University Law School. He has held teaching and research positions at institutions such as Georgetown University in Qatar and the American University of Beirut.
This was the minister the duo attempted to claim as their own, but upon just looking at his CV, it’s clear he’s one of Nawaf’s handpicked people.
Kataeb’s Pick
Adel Nassar: Justice
Adel Nassar is a Lebanese lawyer with extensive experience in arbitration, banking, corporate law, construction, and international transactions. He holds a Master of Public and Private Laws from Saint Joseph University in Beirut (1987), a Diplôme d’Études Approfondies in General Private Law from Paris II Panthéon-Assas University (1988), and a Master of Laws (LLM) from Harvard University (1991). He is admitted to both the Beirut Bar (1987) and the Paris Bar (1993).
Throughout his career, Nassar has represented Lebanon at the International Chamber of Commerce's International Court of Arbitration (2012-2015) and co-authored the Lebanese Gas and Oil Law. He has advised on high-value projects globally, including real estate deals in Brazil, and has published several significant works, including articles on international arbitration and intellectual property.
Minister Adel Nassar has pledged to reform Lebanon's military courts, a move that resonates deeply with many, including myself. His impressive credentials and extensive experience offer hope that he can address the injustices faced by activists who have been prosecuted by these courts, leading many, like myself, to seek refuge abroad.
This appointment exemplifies Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's strategic approach to governance: selecting qualified individuals for key positions while acknowledging the essential role political parties play in a healthy democracy.
Lebanese Forces Pick
Joe Rajji: Foreign Affairs
Youssef Emile Raji, born on November 20, 1962, in Beirut, Lebanon, is a seasoned diplomat with a distinguished career in the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants. He holds a Master's degree in Political and Administrative Sciences from Saint Joseph University in Beirut and a specialized degree in Media and Political Communication from the French Institute of Journalism at Paris II Panthéon-Assas University.
Throughout his diplomatic tenure, Raji has held positions including: 1995–1999: Political Affairs Officer at the Lebanese Embassy in Washington, D.C., USA. 1999–2002: Deputy Head of Mission and Consul responsible for political affairs concerning Belgium and the European Union at the Lebanese Embassy in Brussels, Belgium. 2004–2005: Deputy Head of the Permanent Mission of Lebanon to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Switzerland. 2005–2017: Served at the Lebanese Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, assuming the role of Acting Chargé d’Affaires during multiple periods. 2017–2022: Director of Inspection at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants in Beirut. 2020: Acting Chargé d’Affaires at the Lebanese Embassy in Amman, Jordan.
What a change from our last foreign minister, huh? Good pick by Nawaf from the many CVs the LF submitted.
Joe Saddi: Energy
Joe Saddi is a Lebanese business executive with over 30 years of consulting experience in strategic, organizational, and restructuring services. He is the former CEO and chairman of Booz & Company.
He holds an MBA from Cornell University and has served as the Global Chairman of the Board and Managing Director for the Middle East at Booz & Company, now known as Strategy&.
Throughout his career, Saddi has led major privatization programs in sectors such as oil and gas, mining, steel, and electricity. He has advised Middle Eastern governments on sector deregulation and policy, and has been instrumental in reorganizing national oil companies and large corporations.
Notably, this marks the first time in years that the energy minister was not named by the Free Patriotic Movement. Good pick Lebanese Forces and Nawaf Salam!
Kamal Chehadeh: Displaced Persons / Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Chehadeh is a telecommunications and technology expert with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. He served as the Chairman and CEO of Lebanon's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) from 2007 to 2010, where he was instrumental in shaping the country's telecommunications policies and regulatory frameworks. During his tenure, Chehadeh advocated for the liberalization of the telecom sector and the establishment of broadband capabilities, emphasizing the significant economic growth resulting from job creation in these areas.
Following his role at the TRA, Chehadeh held leadership positions in the United Arab Emirates, notably as the Head of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at Emirates Telecommunications Group (Etisalat).
His dual expertise in telecommunications and regulatory legislation positions him to effectively address the challenges in these sectors, particularly in integrating advanced technologies into public administration and developing policies to support displaced populations.
I think it’s fantastic Nawaf’s government is focusing on AI and information technology. Another good pick in this cabinet!
Joe Issa el-Khoury: Industry
Joe Issa el-Khoury is a Lebanese business executive with a background in civil engineering and finance. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the American University of Beirut and an MBA from INSEAD in France.
Early in his career, he worked at Merrill Lynch in Paris before returning to Lebanon to join the Méditerranée Group as an advisor to the Chairman and Deputy General Manager of Méditerranée Investment Bank.
PSP’s Picks
Fayez Rasamny: Public Works & Transport
Fayez Rasamny is a prominent Lebanese entrepreneur and the third-generation leader of the Rasamny family to helm the Rasamny Younis Motor Company (RYMCO), a leading automotive dealership in Lebanon. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Richmond, The American International University in London.
Under his leadership, RYMCO has maintained a strong partnership with Nissan, celebrating a 50-year collaboration in Lebanon's automotive industry.
His extensive experience in the automotive sector and business management is anticipated to bring a practical and innovative approach to Lebanon's public works and transportation infrastructure.
Another great pick, even if he was in the list of many CVs sent to Nawaf Salam from Walid Jublat. Hopefully we can start having solutions to our transport sectors and ensure public works isn’t as corrupt as it has been for the last 40 years.
Nizar Hani: Agriculture
Dr. Nizar Hani is a Lebanese environmentalist and expert in protected area management. He has been serving as the Director General of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve (SBR), the largest protected area in Lebanon, covering approximately 5% of the country's territory. Under his leadership, the SBR has become a model for holistic ecosystem management, integrating conservation efforts with sustainable development and community engagement.
In 2021, Hani was elected as the Vice President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) World Commission on Protected Areas for the Middle East and North Africa region, reflecting his significant contributions to environmental conservation.
Dr. Hani holds a Master's degree in Agricultural Sciences and a PhD in Ethnobotany, with his research focusing on the traditional knowledge and sustainable use of plant resources within the Shouf region. His academic background complements his practical experience in managing biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hani has been recognized for his innovative approaches to conservation. In 2020, he received the prestigious Kenton R. Miller Award for Innovation in National Parks and Protected Area Sustainability from the IUCN, honoring his efforts in transforming the Shouf Biosphere Reserve into a globally significant model for conservation and sustainable development.
In February 2025, Dr. Hani was appointed as Lebanon's Minister of Agriculture in Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's government. His extensive experience in environmental conservation and sustainable resource management is expected to bring a forward-thinking perspective to the country's agricultural policies, aiming to balance ecological preservation with agricultural development.
I love Dr. Hani! His work at the Shouf Biosphere Reserve is one of the few bright spots I can remember as far back as when I was a Scout, and later in my Biology undergrad when we’d do our field research in the magnificent BSR! Very happy about this pick!
Tashnag’s Pick
Nora Bayrakdarian: Youth and Sport
Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian is a distinguished Lebanese academic of Armenian descent, specializing in international relations and international law. She serves as a professor and heads the International Relations Department at the Faculty of Law and Political Science at the Lebanese University. She is also a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Studies and Public Administration at the American University of Beirut.
Bayrakdarian holds a PhD in International Relations from La Sorbonne University in Paris, where she graduated with the highest honors. Her doctoral research focused on international diplomacy and conflict resolution. She has authored several books and numerous peer-reviewed articles on topics such as multilateralism in U.S. foreign policy and global governance challenges.
Amal/Hezbollah’s Picks
Rakan Nasreddine: Health
Dr. Rakan Nasreddine is a Lebanese vascular surgeon who earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut (AUB). He has been affiliated with the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), where he contributed to both clinical practice and academic research.
Nasreddine's research includes studies on diabetic foot infections, focusing on microbiological profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns. His work has been published in reputable medical journals, contributing to the understanding and management of vascular-related health issues in Lebanon.
As minister, he is expected to leverage his medical expertise to address the country's healthcare challenges, aiming to modernize and improve Lebanon's health sector.
Out of all the duo-approved candidates, I think Nawaf chose the right candidate.
Tamara El Zein: Environment
Dr. Tamara El Zein is a Lebanese scientist and academic, recognized for her significant contributions to physical chemistry. She earned her PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Haute-Alsace in 2002. Following her doctorate, she served as a "Maître de Conférences" at the same university, where she focused on material characterization, thin films, polymers, and nano-materials.
In 2013, El Zein returned to Lebanon to join the National Council for Scientific Research of Lebanon (CNRS-L), where she established a research unit dedicated to innovative materials for radioactive decontamination. Her work has resulted in two international patents and over 70 publications in scientific journals and conferences.
In July 2022, El Zein was appointed as the Secretary-General of CNRS-L, becoming the first woman to lead the institution since its establishment in 1962.
Throughout her career, Dr. Elzein has received numerous accolades, including the "L'OREAL-UNESCO for Women in Science" prize for the Levant-Egypt region in 2016 and the "International Rising Talent" award in 2017. In October 2020, she was honored by the French Republic as a Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques (Knight in the Order of the Academic Palms).
For a duo-approved minister, Tamara is definitely someone I don’t mind being in this transformational cabinet.
Yassin Jaber: Finance
I already talked about him more than I wanted to, but here’s a short CV too. Born in Nabatieh in 1951, he earned a degree in Economics and Business Administration from the American University of Beirut in 1973.
Jaber founded a financial company in Beirut, which he managed until the onset of the Lebanese Civil War in 1975. During the war, he worked abroad in Saudi Arabia, Africa, Britain, and Los Angeles, focusing on contracting and international trade.
Jaber's political career began in 1992 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Nabatieh district, a position he held until 2022. He served as Minister of Economy and Trade from 1996 to 1998 and as Minister of Public Works and Transport from 2004 to 2005. Throughout his tenure, Jaber was known for advocating free trade agreements and supporting economic development initiatives.
Mohamad Haidar: Labor
Dr. Mohamad Haidar is a Lebanese physician specializing in nuclear medicine. He earned his medical degree from the Lebanese University in 1995 and subsequently focused his studies on nuclear medicine. Dr. Haidar received training in France and the United States, enhancing his expertise in the field.
Upon returning to Lebanon, Dr. Haidar joined the American University of Beirut (AUB), where he serves as an Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology. He holds the position of Director of the Nuclear Medicine Division and Cyclotron Facility at AUB Medical Center.
Dr. Haidar has also been actively involved in the broader medical community. He served as the President of the Lebanese Nuclear Medicine Society from 2011 to 2015 and is currently the President of the Arab Society of Nuclear Medicine. His contributions to the field have been recognized through various awards, including honors at the Middle East Oncology Congress in 2009 and the Radiological Society of North America in 2018.
He is perhaps the minister I am least excited about. But, I understand where Nawaf Salam is coming from, and given the usual lot, Haidar is some of the best the duo can offer this transitional period.
Final Thoughts
The newly formed cabinet under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stands out for its exceptional qualifications, bringing together a cohort of highly educated and globally experienced professionals.
With six ministers from the American University of Beirut (AUB) my alma mater! Five from Parisian universities—including Sorbonne and Sciences Po—three from London-based institutions, and one each from Harvard, Cambridge, and Stanford, this government is stacked with academic pedigree rarely seen in Lebanese cabinets.
Heavyweights from the United Nations, IMF, World Bank, and elite consulting firms like Booz Allen Hamilton and Booz & Company further bolster the cabinet’s credentials.
Tarek Mitri, Ghassan Salamé, and Haneen al-Sayyed have deep UN experience, while Amer Bisat brings financial expertise from BlackRock and the IMF.
From renowned diplomats like Joe Rajji to social and economic strategists like Amer Bisat, this cabinet signals a shift towards a highly technocratic, globally connected, and reform-driven leadership—a stark contrast to previous governments.
Nawaf Salam has pulled off the impossible—assembling the most qualified cabinet I’ve seen in my lifetime while also ensuring it secures a confidence vote from a less-than-ideal parliament.
If you have reservations, channel that energy into the 2026 elections to make sure that next time, we don’t need the blessings of parties like Amal and PSP to get the right people in power.
And let’s be honest—it’s impossible to ignore the fact that the biggest losers in this equation are Hezbollah’s allies, from Gebran Bassil to Sleiman Frangieh. This should serve as a lesson for those who gambled on unwavering loyalty to Nasrallah, rather than prioritizing Lebanon and its people.
We are watching. We are supporting. And we will stand up if decisions are made that betray the Thawra platform of 2019—the very vision that Joseph Aoun embraced in his inaugural speech and that Nawaf Salam has begun implementing at record speed with the formation of this nearly impossible cabinet.
Let’s get to work ladies and gents!!!
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