Presidency

A Tale of Two Aouns

As Joseph Aoun takes office as President of the Lebanese Republic, he inherits more than just a position: he carries a name weighed down by a heavy legacy. Michel Aoun, his predecessor, left his mark on Lebanon’s history as the embodiment of failed governance, an unwavering ally of Hezbollah and its destructive agenda for Lebanon, and a ...

The Presidential Election and Its Aftermath

Finally, the long-awaited presidential election has taken place after two and a half years of deliberate sabotaging and unjustified procrastinations. Whatever might have been the intricacies of the electoral process, the constitutional mandate would have never taken place if it were not for the changing dynamics elicited by the Israeli ...

Regional and International Support for Joseph Aoun's Presidency

The President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, enjoys significant regional and international support, notably from Saudi Arabia and the United States. Major European powers such as France, the United Kingdom and Germany also back the president. The Vatican, for its part, has expressed satisfaction with the election results. This regional and ...

Are We Witnessing the Rise of Another Fouad Chehab?

In Lebanon, history tends to repeat itself in times of crisis, seldom during moments of progress, as we have grown accustomed to hardship that we often forget the fleeting moments of light. However, one cannot help but notice the striking similarities between the newly elected President Joseph Aoun and one of the pillars of Lebanon's First ...

Shifting Alliances: The Evolution of US Foreign Policy in Lebanon and the Road Ahead

The United States’ involvement in Lebanese politics has intensified, particularly in efforts to counteract Hezbollah's influence. Recent events suggest that the US is attempting to influence Lebanon's presidential election, backing candidates like General Joseph Aoun to potentially weaken Hezbollah's grip. This involvement underscores the US’s ...

If I Were President of the Republic!

Alright, let’s face it: what you’re about to read might feel like déjà vu, but let’s give it a shot. If I were president, I would make it clear to Hezbollah that it has lost the war and that its political survival hinges on surrendering its weapons. Failing that, the weapons will be taken by force, and not a single cent will go toward ...

Presidential Election: Everything You Need to Know

All eyes will be on Place de l’Étoile this Thursday. Since June 2023, MPs have failed to convene to elect a new president, leaving the position vacant since October 31, 2022. How will the vote unfold? What quorum is required? Will the Constitution be amended again? This is Beirut explains all the answers. Quorum For an electoral ...

Can Joseph Aoun Be Legally Elected on January 9?

According to Article 49 of the Constitution, “judges and first-category public officials, or their equivalents in all public administrations, public institutions and any other legal entity governed by public law, cannot be elected during the exercise of their functions or within two years following the date of their resignation, cessation of ...

No Economic Solution from the Presidency

A growing narrative is emerging in private discussions among decision-makers in Lebanon – even if only at the surface level – that the new presidency will restore prosperity and usher in a renewed economic boom capable of resolving the current crisis. Those involved are counting on Gulf and European aid to open the door to improvement across ...

The Maronite Curse…

During World War I, a remarkable event, known as the Christmas Truce, occurred on Christmas Eve. Along the Western Front in Europe, opposing soldiers, without an official ceasefire or wide public announcement, gathered to share a meal in the spirit of Christmas. This holiday has the power to inspire miracles, provided faith is present. As Jesus ...