Saad Hariri’s return to Lebanon after a forced absence surprised Lebanon and the rest of the Arab world. It is significant in several ways and comes with wishes attached.

On the one hand, Hariri's visit coincides with the apparent development of a Saudi-Iranian rapprochement, which, if it lasts, could lead to a decrease in tensions in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. On the other hand, the political deadlock and deteriorating social and economic crises in Lebanon — and accompanying distress — have led many people to hang their hopes for Lebanon on Hariri's return, to which they lend many interpretations.

Some believe Hariri's presence could mean a coming push to elect a president, thus filling a seat that has been vacant for four months. Others see in his visit the potential for a revivial of economic activity, which has been chronically stagnant, given that Hariri’s name is linked to reconstruction and that he has had a positive influence in business circles.

Such speculation reflects the aspirations and needs of the Lebanese, but they remain wishes only, as they do not rest on solid political ground. The Saudi-Iranian rapprochement is still very young and might not extend beyond a circumstantial convergence of current mutual interest, namely, confronting the Islamic State (IS) and its threat to both parties.