What's happened
On January 9, 2025, Joseph Aoun was elected as Lebanon's new president, ending a two-year political deadlock. His election, supported by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, marks a shift in Lebanon's political landscape, particularly against Hezbollah's influence following recent military setbacks.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Political Shift: Joseph Aoun's election signifies a potential shift in Lebanon's political dynamics, particularly in diminishing Hezbollah's influence.
- International Support: The backing from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and France highlights a renewed interest in stabilizing Lebanon, which has been in crisis since the 2019 financial collapse.
- Hezbollah's Weakness: The recent military defeats of Hezbollah have weakened its political leverage, allowing for Aoun's candidacy to gain support from previously opposing factions.
- Future Challenges: Aoun faces significant challenges, including economic recovery and managing sectarian tensions, as Lebanon's political system is deeply fragmented.
- Ceasefire Implications: His presidency will likely influence the implementation of the ceasefire agreement with Israel, which requires the Lebanese military to ensure Hezbollah's withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
What the papers say
According to Barak Ravid from Axios, Joseph Aoun's election is a significant achievement for the Biden administration, which has been lobbying for his candidacy amid Hezbollah's weakened position. Ravid notes that Aoun's victory is expected to increase Western support for Lebanon's government and military.
The South China Morning Post highlights the broader implications of Aoun's election, indicating a revival of Saudi influence in Lebanon, which had been overshadowed by Iran and Hezbollah. The article emphasizes that Aoun's election is a crucial step towards restoring government institutions in a country that has been without a fully empowered cabinet since October 2022.
AP News reports that Aoun's election followed the withdrawal of Hezbollah's preferred candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, which cleared the path for Aoun's victory. The article underscores the importance of international financial support for Lebanon's reconstruction, contingent on Aoun's presidency. This sentiment is echoed by other sources, indicating a consensus on the need for a stable leadership to address Lebanon's ongoing crises.
How we got here
Lebanon has been without a president since October 2022 due to political divisions. The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah created an opportunity for U.S. and allied efforts to facilitate a presidential election, leading to Joseph Aoun's candidacy gaining traction.
Go deeper
- What challenges will Joseph Aoun face as president?
- How will Aoun's election affect Lebanon's relationship with Hezbollah?
- What are the implications of the ceasefire agreement for Lebanon?
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As Lebanon approaches a pivotal presidential election, the potential election of Joseph Aoun has sparked discussions about the future of the country's political landscape. With Hezbollah's candidate withdrawing, many are questioning how this shift will impact Lebanon's governance, economy, and international relations. Here are some key questions and answers surrounding this significant political moment.
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More on these topics
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017.
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Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.
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Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.
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Suleiman Kabalan Frangieh, last name also spelled Frangié, Franjieh, or Franjiyeh, was a Lebanese Maronite politician who was President of Lebanon from 1970 to 1976.
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Michel Naim Aoun is the current President of Lebanon. He was elected president on 31 October 2016 on the 46th electoral session of the Lebanese parliament, breaking a 29-month deadlock.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.