Nabih Berri

A prominent Lebanese politician and the longest-serving Speaker of Parliament, holding the position since 1992. Born on January 28, 1938, in Sierra Leone to Lebanese Shia parents, he later moved to Lebanon, studied law at Beirut University, and earned a master’s degree in France. In 1980, after the disappearance of Amal Movement founder Musa al-Sadr, Berri became its leader. Amal, a Shia political and militia movement, played a significant role during Lebanon's civil war (1975–1990), often cooperating with Syria and engaging in conflicts such as the "War of the Camps" against Palestinians. Under his leadership, Amal became a major Shia political force, sometimes competing with Hezbollah. As Speaker, Berri has been a key figure in Lebanese politics, known for his mediation skills and alliances with Syria and Hezbollah. He supported the 1989 Taif Agreement, which ended the civil war and reinforced Lebanon's sectarian political system. However, his long tenure has faced criticism for entrenching sectarianism and accusations of political stagnation.