BEIRUT — The new president of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, a former military commander, has chosen to keep a low public profile since his election ended a prolonged two-year vacancy in the presidential office. Those acquainted with him describe him as a straightforward and kind individual, who prefers not to align with any political party or express opinions on political matters—an uncommon stance in Lebanon’s politically fragmented landscape.
Bilal Saab, who previously worked at the Pentagon and now serves as a senior managing director at TRENDS US consulting, has met Aoun frequently during his tenure overseeing U.S. security activities in the Middle East. Saab describes Aoun as a “very sweet man, very compassionate, very warm” who avoided political dialogue rigorously. “He really was viciously nonpartisan,” Saab shared, adding that Aoun has no inclination to give speeches or engage with the media but focuses solely on his responsibilities in leading the Lebanese army.
Aoun’s non-partisan approach could be advantageous for Lebanon, particularly because new leaders typically seek to divvy up powerful positions among allies, something Aoun is not expected to pursue. At the age of 61, Aoun hails from Aichiye, a Christian village situated in the southern region of Jezzine. His military career began in 1983 amidst Lebanon’s civil war, making him a seasoned figure in military circles.
George Nader, a retired brigadier general who served alongside Aoun, recalled their experiences during the Adma battle in 1990, which was a significant conflict involving the Lebanese army and a militia, noting Aoun’s composure under stress and turmoil. Aoun’s professional journey included commanding the 9th infantry brigade before becoming the army chief in March 2017. His tenure has seen him manage multiple crises, including operations against jihadist groups along the eastern borders with Syria and navigating the ramifications of anti-government protests in 2019 and the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020.
During the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese military largely refrained from engagement, only returning fire intermittently against Israeli airstrikes. The army’s standing has suffered significantly due to Lebanon’s economic collapse, which began in 2019, drastically reducing soldiers’ salaries to under $100 a month. In a rare moment of candor, Aoun criticized the national leadership regarding the ongoing economic crisis in a speech made in June 2021, urging immediate action to avert further disaster.
Ed Gabriel, the president of the American Task Force on Lebanon, praised Aoun’s integrity and work ethic, stating that he earned respect and loyalty amongst soldiers, even as many faced economic hardships that compelled them to seek additional employment.
Describing Aoun on a personal level, Gabriel noted his humility and profound religious convictions. Like all presidents in Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing arrangement, Aoun, a Maronite Christian, bases his values and decisions on his faith, which Gabriel believes strongly influences his moral compass.
After Aoun’s election, his hometown erupted in jubilation, with residents celebrating through fireworks and dance while distributing sweets and whiskey. Celebrants expressed optimism for the future, with Claire Aoun stating, “He is the right person for this challenging period,” emphasizing the hope for national rebuilding.
However, Aoun’s ascent was not universally embraced. Opposition emerged from influential factions, including the Free Patriotic Movement linked to former President Michel Aoun, despite last-minute support from the Lebanese Forces party. Furthermore, some challenged the legality of Aoun’s election, given the constitution’s restriction against a sitting army commander assuming the presidency—although this has been overlooked before by the legislature.
The notion that Aoun’s election was heavily influenced by foreign powers, particularly the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, has also been raised, with critics arguing that it undermines national sovereignty. Independent lawmaker Halima Kaakour voiced concerns about the constitutionality of Aoun’s election and criticized foreign intervention in Lebanese affairs during the parliamentary session.
Despite these criticisms, Saab argues that labeling Aoun as a puppet of foreign interest is misrepresentative. While acknowledging Lebanon’s vulnerability to international dynamics, he maintains that Aoun does not operate under the strict control of U.S. interests, particularly when compared to Hezbollah’s strong ties to Iran. “If you were going to compare him to the leadership of Hezbollah being fully subservient to Iranian interests, then no, he’s not that guy when it comes to the Americans,” Saab concluded.
