Talal Arslan

His Highness
Emir Talal Arslan
الأمير طلال أرسلان
Head of the House of Arslan
In office
1989 – present
Preceded by Emir Faysal Arslan
Succeeded by Prince Majid Talal, as Heir apparent
President of the Lebanese Democratic Party
In office
2001 – present
Member of the Parliament of Lebanon
In office
1991–2005
In office
2009 – present
Minister of Tourism
In office
1990–1992
Minister of Emigrants
In office
1996–1998
Minister of State
In office
2000–2004
In office
13 June 2011 – 14 June 2011
Minister of The Displaced
In office
2004–2005
Minister of Sports and Youth
In office
2008–2009
Personal details
Born (1965-06-12) 12 June 1965
Choueifat, Lebanon
Nationality Lebanese
Political party Lebanese Democratic Party
Spouse(s) Zeina Kheireddine
Children Prince Majid (b. 1994)
Princess Kinda (b. 1996)
Parents Emir Majid Arslan II
Khawla Rashid Jumblatt
Religion Druze

Emir (Prince) Talal Arslan (Arabic: الأمير طلال أرسلان‎‎) is a Lebanese politician and the head of the mostly Druze Lebanese Democratic Party. He is the chief of the Arslan family, who claim to be descendants of the Lakhmids.

Early life

Arslan was born in Choueifat to the late Druze leader Emir Majid Arslan. He studied at Charley Saad school in Choueifat, now known as SABIS International School. He then moved to London to continue his studies because of the war in Lebanon. Before taking over his duties, his mother, Emirah Khawlah Majid Arslan, was the family chief. During her reign his brother, Emir Faysal Arslan, was also involved in politics.

Arslan has a bachelor's degree in political sciences from George Washington University and a master's degree from the American University of Beirut.[1]

Family and personal life

Arslan met his wife Zeina Kheireddin, now known as Emirah Zeina Talal Arslan, in London. They got married on 17 July 1993 and bore two children: Emir Majid (b. 8 April 1994) and Emirah Kinda (b. 30 April 1996).

Arslan resides in "Khaldeh Palace", or "Dar Khaldeh", located in Khalde, Choueifat, Lebanon. The palace has been the residence of the chief of the Arslan family since the beginning of the 20th century. It is the official residence of other members of the family such as Princess Khawla Majid and Princess Zeina Majid. Before that, the official residence of the head of the dynasty was in the "Serail of the Arslan family" in Choueifat (Arabic: سراي الأمير جمال الدّين الأرسلاني‎‎) that was built in the 17th century and is still used today by family members for private retreats.

Styles of
Emir Talal Arslan
Reference style His Highness
Spoken style Your Highness
Alternative style Sir

Political career

Arslan was elected to the Lebanese Parliament as a deputy of the Aley District in 1991, 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2009. From 1990 to 1992 he was the Lebanese Minister of Tourism, from 1996 to 1998 he was Minister of Emigrants and served as Minister of State twice from 2000 to 2003 and from 2003 to 2004. Emir Talal founded the Lebanese Democratic Party in 2001. He is also affectionately called "al-damaneh" (Arabic: الضمانة‎‎) meaning "The Guarantee", by his followers.[1]

Cabinet positions

2011 Cabinet resignation

Arslan resigned after not providing the Druze in general, and his party (Lebanese Democratic Party) in particular, a "key ministerial portfolio". He stated "I cannot participate in a Cabinet in which Mikati says that the Druze do not have a right to be assigned a key ministerial portfolio...Mikati is conspiring against coexistence in the country." He further accused Mikati of trying to ignite a conflict within March 8 by lying to the public and attempting to embarrass Hezbollah by stalling the formation of a new government. Security officials said that his supporters in his stronghold of Khalde blocked the highway leading to the village and fired gunshot rounds in the air to protest Mikati cabinet. Moreover they blocked the international highway leading to Damascus in Mount Lebanon as well as main roads in the Chouf District and in South Lebanon; in Hasbaya.

Post resignation

The resignation of Arslan had a negative effect on the March 8 Alliance that was criticised for letting down Arslan whose party was a major ally in it. Therefore many key people in the alliance - such as the speaker of parliament Nabih Berri—contacted Arslan trying to find a suitable solution for the representation of the LDP in general and Arslan in particular in the newly formed government. After weeks of discussions the resolution allowed Arslan to name a minister to take his place as Minister of State so that the government will be complete (with 30 ministers) and the political hole would be recovered. Thus, Marwan Kheireddine became the representative of the Lebanese Democratic Party in the Government of Lebanon .

References

  1. 1 2 Arslan Talal, Minister of The Displaced, Baabda-Aley MP Lebanonwire. Archived October 13, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.

See also

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