Lebanon: 'Lebanon's president appointed staunchly pro-Syrian politician Omar Karami as prime minister on Thurdsday, asking him to form the next government in a move that consolidates Syria's hold on Lebanese politics. Karami replaces billionaire Rafik Hariri, who has had a long rivalry with President Emil Lahoud - a close ally of Damascus - and who announced a day earlier he would not continue as prime minister in the new government.' (Guardian)