Joseph Aoun Ascends to Lebanon's Presidency After Long Political Stalemate
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Lebanese lawmakers ended a two-year presidential deadlock by electing General Joseph Aoun, the respected army commander, as the nation’s 14th president amid mounting economic and political challenges.
General Aoun, who has led the army since 2017, now becomes the 14th president of Lebanon, following more than two years of political deadlock since the departure of Michel Aoun from Baabda Palace in October 2022.
Joseph Aoun is the latest military figure to ascend to the presidency, joining predecessors such as Fouad Chehab and Michel Sleiman.
However, some political factions, including the Free Patriotic Movement led by Gebran Bassil, argue that electing a military official contravenes constitutional norms.
Born on January 10, 1964, in Sin El Fil, Lebanon, Aoun joined the military in 1983 and quickly rose through the ranks due to his notable skills. He underwent military training in several countries, earning the rank of brigadier general in 2013 before becoming army commander in March 2017.
During his tenure, Aoun oversaw critical security operations, including the 2017 "Dawn of the Outskirts" campaign, which, in coordination with Hezbollah, expelled Daesh (ISIL or ISIS) militants from Lebanon's borders with Syria.
Despite US support for Aoun’s candidacy, analysts argue he is not a mere proxy for Washington, distancing him from figures like Riad Salameh, Lebanon's embattled former central bank governor.
Aoun’s leadership has been marked by professionalism, neutrality, and a commitment to national unity, qualities that have shielded the army from internal divisions amid Lebanon’s crises.
In his interactions with Hezbollah, Aoun emphasized coordination rather than confrontation, maintaining a balanced approach toward internal and regional stakeholders. Observers suggest he is likely to retain this centrist stance during his presidency.
Amid Lebanon’s ongoing economic collapse and political paralysis, Aoun’s presidency faces enormous challenges. Analysts view his election as an opportunity to stabilize the country, although the path ahead remains uncertain.
