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Lebanon Elects General Joseph Aoun as President Amidst Political Vacuum

2 minutes read

Lebanon Elects General Joseph Aoun as President Amidst Political Vacuum

2 minutes read

General Joseph Aoun has been elected as Lebanon’s new President on January 9, 2025, securing 99 votes from the 128-member parliament. Aoun, a native of Sin el-Fil in Beirut, born to a Maronite Christian family with roots in Aishiye, south Lebanon, becomes the first president from that region in the country’s history.

Aoun,  brings with him an extensive military background, having joined the Lebanese army in 1983 and rising to become the Commander-in-Chief in 2017. His academic credentials are equally impressive, with a bachelor’s degree in political science from the Lebanese American University and another in military science, complemented by fluency in Arabic, English, and French.

His military tenure was marked by significant operations, including the 2017 Fajr al-Joroud campaign against ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra, which he described as a “decisive victory against terrorism.” Aoun’s term as army chief was extended twice amidst Lebanon’s ongoing political instability, the latest extension coming just weeks before his scheduled retirement in January 2025.

The election comes at a critical time for Lebanon, grappling with economic turmoil and regional tensions. Aoun led the armed forces through Lebanon’s devastating financial crisis starting in 2019, where soldiers’ salaries plummeted, reflecting the broader economic collapse. His leadership was supported by international aid, notably from the United States, which provided over $3 billion in military assistance since 2006, including a recent $72 million for soldier salaries in 2023. Qatar also contributed with a $60 million aid package in 2022.

Recently, during the Israel-Hezbollah skirmishes that started on October 8, 2023, Aoun’s forces maintained a neutral stance, despite losing 40 soldiers. The ceasefire that followed saw the Lebanese military deploying alongside UNIFIL in south Lebanon, underlining Aoun’s strategic role in maintaining national security.

The international community has shown significant interest in Aoun’s presidency, with recent meetings involving high-profile officials from France, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. His discussions with these nations focused on military cooperation and support, highlighting his role in stabilizing Lebanon. Notably, US envoy Amos Hochstein’s visit to Beirut was part of Washington’s push for a presidential election in Lebanon.

As Lebanon embarks on a new chapter under President Aoun, the nation looks towards stabilizing its economy, ensuring security, and navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. His military and diplomatic experience will be pivotal in these endeavors, as he steps into the presidential palace with the hopes of many Lebanese pinned on his leadership.

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