Joseph Aoun Elected Lebanon’s New President After Two-Year Vacancy

Joseph Aoun has been elected as Lebanon’s new president after two years without a leader, receiving backing from international powers. He addresses the nation’s reconstruction, vows to combat corruption, and contends with Hezbollah’s influence while navigating a complex political landscape.

On Thursday, Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese army, was elected as the president of Lebanon after a prolonged two-year vacancy in the presidential office, during which there were thirteen attempts to elect a leader. Aoun, who has led the army since 2017, has received support from the United States, Europe, and Saudi Arabia, all of whom are crucial for Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts following the financial collapse of 2021. He succeeds Michel Aoun, whose term ended in October 2022.

The election takes place amidst a precarious ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah. Joseph Aoun’s leadership is viewed as pivotal for Lebanon, especially as the nation seeks recovery from both a dire economic situation and infrastructural damage inflicted during Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah. During his tenure, Joseph Aoun maintained the army’s neutral stance during the protracted conflict and has kept a low profile in the media.

During his address to parliament, President Aoun outlined his agenda, which includes judicial reform, anti-corruption measures, and the state’s assertion of its monopoly on weaponry, implicitly addressing the powerful presence of Hezbollah in the country. He acknowledged the necessity of removing Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and expressed commitment to rebuilding the areas devastated by conflict. Several observers believe that the weakened state of Hezbollah, following its conflicts and regional changes, contributed to Aoun’s election.

Randa Slim, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, represented the nuanced political landscape by stating, “Aoun has never had a conflictual relationship with Hezbollah, but he has also never acquiesced to Hezbollah,” indicating the complexities facing the new president.

Joseph Aoun’s ascent to the presidency follows a tumultuous period for Lebanon, characterized by a leadership vacuum exacerbated by political deadlock and significant national crises. Following the financial collapse in 2021, the Lebanese populace has endured substantial hardships, including inflation and infrastructural decline. The geopolitical situation has further complicated Lebanon’s recovery, especially amid its ongoing tensions with Israel and the internal power dynamics shaped by Hezbollah’s influence.

The election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s president marks a significant development in the country’s political landscape, particularly after a prolonged leadership void. His administration will be challenged to navigate complex political dynamics while pursuing essential reforms to restore public trust and rebuild a war-torn nation. The international support he garners, alongside addressing the influential role of Hezbollah, will be crucial for Lebanon’s future stability and recovery efforts.

Original Source: nypost.com