On February 14, 2005, a massive explosion in the heart of Beirut targeted the convoy of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, resulting not only in his death but also in the deaths of 21 others. This assassination was more than a significant security incident; it became a national trauma that sparked widespread anger both domestically and internationally, fundamentally altering the trajectory of Lebanon's political scene. The event marked a decisive turning point in Lebanon's history, paving the way for the withdrawal of Syrian troops after nearly three decades of presence in the country and leading to a popular uprising known as the "Cedar Revolution," which encapsulated calls for sovereignty and independence.