Rafik Hariri was a Lebanese businessman and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Lebanon from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2000 until his resignation in 2004. He played a significant role in the reconstruction of Lebanon after the civil war and was known for his efforts to improve the country's economy and infrastructure. Hariri was assassinated in a car bomb attack in Beirut on February 14, 2005, which led to widespread protests and political changes in Lebanon. His death sparked international investigations and highlighted issues related to Syria and Lebanon's political landscape, ultimately leading to the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon.