BEIRUT — Joseph Aoun, Lebanon’s newly elected president and a former army commander, has long been known for his quiet demeanor and steadfast neutrality in a country where politics is often marked by division and partisanship. Described by those close to him as a man of integrity and warmth, Aoun has consistently avoided aligning himself with any political faction, a trait that sets him apart in Lebanon’s complex political landscape.
Bilal Saab, a former Pentagon official and now a senior managing director at TRENDS US, has worked closely with Aoun during his time overseeing U.S. security cooperation in the Middle East. saab recalls Aoun as a “very sweet man, very compassionate, very warm,” someone who shied away from political debates “like the plague.”
“He really was viciously nonpartisan, did not have any interest in even delivering speeches or doing media,” Saab said.“He wanted to take care of buisness,and his only order of business was commanding the Lebanese army.”
This approach might seem unusual for a president in a country where leaders often demand political favors for their supporters.Though, Saab believes Aoun’s impartiality could be a breath of fresh air for Lebanon. “He’s not going to ask for equities in politics that typically any other president would do,” Saab noted.
Born in Aichiye, a small Christian village in southern Lebanon’s Jezzine province, Aoun joined the Lebanese army as a cadet in 1983, during the height of the country’s 15-year civil war.His military career has been defined by resilience and composure under pressure.
George Nader,a retired brigadier general who fought alongside Aoun,remembers him as a calm and focused leader during one of the war’s most brutal battles. “the level of bloodshed was significant,and I remember joseph was steady and focused,” Nader said,recalling the 1990 battle of Adma,a fierce clash between the Lebanese army and the Lebanese Forces militia.
aoun’s leadership skills earned him the role of commander of the 9th infantry brigade before he was appointed army chief in March 2017. During his tenure, he faced numerous challenges, including coordinating efforts to push out islamist militants from the Islamic State group and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) near the Syrian border. The lebanese army worked in tandem with Hezbollah during these operations.
HTS, in its current form, has since become a dominant force in Syria, leading a swift offensive that toppled President Bashar Assad last month. Aoun’s leadership also saw the Lebanese army navigate other crises, such as the mass anti-government protests in 2019 and the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020.
As Lebanon’s new president, Aoun’s nonpartisan approach and military background offer a unique possibility for the country to move beyond its deeply entrenched political divisions. His ability to remain steady in the face of adversity has earned him respect from colleagues and observers alike, making him a figure of hope in a nation yearning for stability.
Lebanon’s Military Under Joseph Aoun: Leadership Amidst Crisis
Table of Contents
- 1. Lebanon’s Military Under Joseph Aoun: Leadership Amidst Crisis
- 2. A Nation in Turmoil
- 3. Economic Collapse and Its Impact
- 4. A Leader’s Legacy
- 5. Festivity and Controversy
- 6. Looking Ahead
- 7. Yoast SEO: The Ultimate WordPress Plugin for 2024
- 8. Why Yoast SEO Dominates the WordPress SEO Landscape
- 9. Key Features That Set Yoast SEO Apart
- 10. How Yoast SEO Helps You Stay Ahead in 2024
- 11. Actionable Tips for Maximizing Yoast SEO
- 12. Conclusion
- 13. What are the key features covered in the article that distinguish Yoast SEO as a top choice for 2024?
- 14. why Yoast SEO remains a Top Choice in 2024
- 15. How Yoast SEO Stands Out in 2024
- 16. Conclusion
In a nation grappling with economic collapse, political instability, and regional conflicts, Lebanon’s military has faced unprecedented challenges. At the helm of this beleaguered institution is General joseph Aoun, a leader whose tenure has been marked by resilience and controversy in equal measure.
A Nation in Turmoil
Lebanon’s recent history has been defined by a series of devastating events. The catastrophic Beirut port explosion in August 2020 and the 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah,which ended with a ceasefire agreement in november 2021, have left the country reeling. Throughout these crises, the Lebanese military has struggled to maintain its footing, often caught between competing political and sectarian interests.
During the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the military largely remained on the sidelines, only responding when Israeli strikes directly targeted its positions. Dozens of soldiers lost their lives in airstrikes and shelling, further straining an already overburdened institution.
Economic Collapse and Its Impact
The military’s challenges were compounded by Lebanon’s economic collapse, which began in 2019. The devaluation of the Lebanese pound reduced soldiers’ monthly salaries to less than $100, forcing many to seek second jobs to make ends meet.In a rare public statement, General Aoun criticized the country’s leadership for its inaction, asking, “What are you waiting for? What do you plan to do? We have warned more than once of the dangers of the situation.”
International allies, including the United States and Qatar, stepped in to subsidize soldiers’ salaries, providing temporary relief. Though, the long-term sustainability of the military remains in question.
A Leader’s Legacy
General Aoun’s leadership has been a beacon of stability for many. Ed Gabriel, president of the American Task Force on Lebanon, described him as “a very direct guy, very honest” and a leader who “inspires loyalty by his hard work.” These qualities helped prevent mass defections during the economic crisis, even as soldiers faced immense personal hardships.
Aoun’s deep faith and humility have also shaped his leadership style. as a Maronite Christian, he embodies the sectarian power-sharing system that defines Lebanon’s political landscape. His values, rooted in his religious beliefs, have earned him respect both within and outside the military.
Festivity and Controversy
when Aoun was elected, his hometown erupted in celebration. Fireworks lit up the sky,and residents danced in the streets,handing out sweets and glasses of whiskey.“We are currently living in very difficult times, and he is the right person for this challenging period,” said Claire Aoun, a jubilant resident. “May God guide and support him, and may he rebuild this entire nation for us.”
Though, his election was not without controversy. The Free Patriotic Movement,a prominent Christian party,opposed his candidacy,and the Lebanese Forces party only endorsed him the night before the election. Some critics argued that his election violated the constitution, which bars a sitting army commander from assuming the presidency.
Looking Ahead
As Lebanon continues to navigate its myriad challenges, General Joseph Aoun’s leadership will remain pivotal. His ability to inspire loyalty and maintain discipline within the military has been a rare radiant spot in an otherwise bleak landscape. Yet, the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, and the nation’s future hinges on the collective efforts of its leaders and citizens alike.
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