Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Joseph Aoun has been elected president of Lebanon, marking a significant moment of political consensus in the fractured nation. The LAF chief secured the necessary 86 votes in parliament to bypass the constitutional two-year "cooling period" required for military officials.
The path to Aoun's election was paved by crucial support from both the Amal-Hezbollah alliance and opposition factions, culminating in Thursday's decisive parliamentary session. His election represents a rare moment of agreement among Lebanon's typically divided political groups.
Born in 1964 in Sin el Fil, Mount Lebanon governorate, Aoun's journey to the presidency began with his 1983 enlistment in the LAF. Rising to commander in 2017, his tenure was marked by successful counter-terrorism operations and skillful navigation of Lebanon's complex political landscape, particularly during the country's recent crises including the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
Video: Compilation footage of the Beirut explosion
Aoun's reputation for diplomatic finesse helped secure broad support from diverse stakeholders, including both Western powers and regional actors. His academic background includes degrees in political science and military science, complemented by fluency in Arabic, English, and French.
Known for quoting Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," Aoun brings to the presidency a strategic mindset that helped him maintain neutrality while building consensus among Lebanon's various political factions. His election comes at a crucial time as Lebanon faces ongoing economic and political challenges requiring stable leadership.
