The Shura Council of Lebanonʼs prominent group has picked Naim Qassem as its new leader; following the loss of Hassan Nasrallah in an air-strike on Beiruts south area (about a month ago)
Qassem‚ who is 71-years old has been the groups second-in-command since the early-90s: his selection follows the groups standard decision-making process. The long-time deputy got his position from Abbas al-Musawi who was later hit in a chopper strike
The new chief has been a well-known face for the group — dealing with foreign press and making public statements through-out recent border issues. After Nasrallahʼs passing and the loss of another high-ranking member Hashem Safieddine‚ Qassem stepped up to speak on TV three times; including a talk where he backed peace-making tries
The shift in power comes at a complex time for the group which has seen quick changes in its top-ranks. Safieddine‚ who many thought would be the next leader got hit in strikes just weeks after Nasrallah