Sunni Muslim a Voice for Moderation in Lebanon
Salim Hoss, a Sunni Muslim who has been a voice of moderation through 14 years of civil war in Lebanon, returns to the prime minister’s office for the fourth time in 13 years to try to end the fighting.
The 59-year-old economist is a firm backer of democracy, a free-wheeling economy and Christian-Muslim coexistence. He is married to a Christian.
Hoss’ main asset is the wide respect he commands among both Christians and Muslims.
His previous tenure in office began June 2, 1987, a day after Prime Minister Rashid Karami was assassinated.
Trained as an economist at the American University of Beirut, Hoss obtained a doctorate in economics and business administration from Indiana University in 1959.
The tall, balding, bespectacled Hoss does not smoke or drink and normally goes to bed early. He prefers Oriental food and likes to spend evenings listening to classical music.
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