No Result
View All Result
Saturday, August 23, 2025
  • Login
NEWSLETTER
JOURNOS NEWS
21 °c
Columbus
22 ° Sun
17 ° Mon
  • Home
  • World News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Technology
  • Lifestyle
  • Science
  • Health
  • Home
  • World News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Technology
  • Lifestyle
  • Science
  • Health
21 °c
Columbus
22 ° Sun
17 ° Mon
No Result
View All Result
JOURNOS NEWS
No Result
View All Result
Home World News Middle East

Who is Joseph Aoun? Lebanon’s Low-Profile Army Chief Turned President

Joseph Aoun: The Military Leader Who Became Lebanon’s President

by pinkfloyd
March 28, 2025
in Middle East, Military & Defense, Politics, World News
0
Joseph Aoun Elected as Lebanon’s President—Here’s What You Need to Know - Hussein Malla/AP Photo

Joseph Aoun Takes Office: A Turning Point for Lebanon? - Hussein Malla/AP Photo

Who is Joseph Aoun? The Low-Profile Army Chief Who Became Lebanon’s President

Lebanon’s new president, Joseph Aoun, is a former army commander known for his low-profile, disciplined leadership. Unlike many in Lebanon’s fractured political system, Aoun has largely avoided partisan affiliations and political discussions, making him a unique figure in the country’s leadership.

Bilal Saab, a former Pentagon official and now senior managing director of TRENDS US consulting firm, describes Aoun as a “very sweet man, very compassionate, very warm.” Saab, who worked closely with Aoun during his tenure as army chief, emphasized that Aoun was fiercely nonpartisan and had little interest in media appearances or political maneuvering.

“He wanted to take care of business, and his only order of business was commanding the Lebanese army,” Saab noted. This trait, according to Saab, could be an advantage as president, as Aoun is less likely to demand political favors or engage in the transactional nature of Lebanese politics.

Aoun, 61, hails from Aichiye, a Christian village in southern Lebanon’s Jezzine province. He joined the Lebanese army as a cadet in 1983 during the country’s 15-year civil war. His military experience includes commanding the army’s 9th infantry brigade before being appointed army chief in March 2017.

More RelatedPosts

Trump’s Hot Mic Remark to Macron Reveals Theory on Putin Peace Deal

Norway’s Crown Princess Son Indicted on Multiple Charges Including Rape

India and China Rebuild Ties as Modi Meets Top Chinese Diplomat

Bolivia’s Presidential Vote Heads to Runoff Between Centrist Rodrigo Paz and Former Right-Wing President Jorge Quiroga

Load More

Retired Brigadier General George Nader, who fought alongside Aoun during the 1990 Battle of Adma, recalled him as steady and focused, even in the face of significant bloodshed.

“The level of bloodshed was significant, and I remember Joseph was steady and focused,” Nader said.

Aoun’s tenure as army chief saw Lebanon through multiple crises, including:

  • Battling Islamist militants: Aoun led the army’s offensive against Islamic State and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants near the Syrian border.
  • Navigating the 2019 mass protests: The Lebanese army played a key role in managing large-scale anti-government demonstrations.
  • Responding to the 2020 Beirut port explosion: The military assisted in rescue efforts following the devastating blast.
  • Handling the Israel-Hezbollah conflict: While largely staying on the sidelines, the Lebanese army suffered casualties from Israeli strikes and shelling.

As Lebanon’s economy collapsed in 2019, soldiers’ salaries plummeted to less than $100 per month. In a rare political statement, Aoun openly criticized the country’s leadership for inaction.

“What are you waiting for? What do you plan to do? We have warned more than once of the dangers of the situation,” he declared in a 2021 speech.

The United States and Qatar eventually stepped in to subsidize military salaries, helping prevent large-scale defections.

Ed Gabriel, president of the American Task Force on Lebanon, described Aoun as “very direct, very honest,” and a leader who inspired loyalty through hard work. He also highlighted Aoun’s deep religious faith, which he believes shapes his strong moral compass.

In his hometown, celebrations erupted after Aoun’s election, with fireworks, dancing, and people handing out sweets and whiskey.

Despite widespread support, Aoun’s election was not without controversy. Lebanon’s constitution bars a sitting army commander from becoming president, though this rule has been waived multiple times. Some lawmakers opposed bending the rules again.

Moreover, his election was seen by some as influenced by external powers, particularly the United States and Saudi Arabia. Hezbollah’s ongoing conflict with Israel had weakened the militant group, leading to increased international involvement in Lebanon’s political landscape.

Independent lawmaker Halima Kaakour criticized the election process, stating, “We cannot justify violating the constitution.” She also accused foreign powers of interference, saying, “No one should interfere in our internal affairs.”

Saab, the analyst, acknowledged that no Lebanese president or prime minister is completely independent of foreign influence. However, he argued that Aoun is far from a puppet of Washington.

“The entire country is heavily penetrated and vulnerable to international powers,” Saab explained. “But if you compare him to Hezbollah’s leadership, which is fully subservient to Iran, then no, he’s not that guy when it comes to the Americans.”

Aoun faces immense challenges as Lebanon’s new president, including economic turmoil, political fragmentation, and ongoing regional tensions. His nonpartisan approach and military background could help him navigate these challenges, but only time will tell how his presidency will shape Lebanon’s future.

Source: AP News – Who is Joseph Aoun, a low-profile army chief who is now Lebanon’s president?

pinkfloyd

pinkfloyd

Related Posts

In hot mic exchange, Trump tells Macron he believes Putin may want peace “for him” as European leaders discuss Ukraine war security guarantees. - Getty Images/FOX News
International Relations

Trump’s Hot Mic Remark to Macron Reveals Theory on Putin Peace Deal

August 20, 2025
Oslo Prosecutors Charge Marius Borg Høiby, Son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, with Rape, Abuse, and Threats Amid Ongoing Investigation - Lise Aserud/NTB via AP, File
Europe

Norway’s Crown Princess Son Indicted on Multiple Charges Including Rape

August 19, 2025
Modi and Wang Yi Hold High-Level Talks as India-China Relations Slowly Normalize After Years of Tension - AP Photos/Markus Schreiber and Rodrigo Abd, File
India-China Relations

India and China Rebuild Ties as Modi Meets Top Chinese Diplomat

August 19, 2025
Rodrigo Paz Tops Bolivia Presidential Vote, Forcing First Runoff Since 1982 as MAS Party Suffers Historic Loss - AP Photo/Freddy Barragan
Elections & Campaigns

Bolivia’s Presidential Vote Heads to Runoff Between Centrist Rodrigo Paz and Former Right-Wing President Jorge Quiroga

August 18, 2025
Serbia Faces Widespread Unrest as Protests Against President Vučić Turn Violent, With Party Offices Set on Fire and Dozens Arrested - AP Video shot by Marko Drobnjakovic
Europe

Serbia Protests Escalate as Clashes With Police Intensify Across Multiple Cities

August 17, 2025
Alaska Summit Between Trump and Putin Concludes Without Breakthrough on Ukraine War Despite U.S. Push for Diplomatic Progress - AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
Politics

Trump Leaves Alaska Summit with Putin Without Ukraine Peace Deal

August 16, 2025
Muriel Bowser Navigates Tense Standoff with Trump Over D.C. Police Control Amid National Guard Deployment and Federal Crime Crackdown - AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File
Government and Politics

DC Mayor Bowser Balances Caution and Criticism in Response to Trump’s Federal Takeover of City Policing

August 14, 2025
Hong Kong Court to Decide Fate of Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Amid Trump’s Promise to Secure His Release During U.S.–China Trade Diplomacy - Tyrone Siu/Reuters
Asia-Pacific Affairs

Trump’s Pledge to Free Jimmy Lai Faces Crucial Test as Hong Kong Court Nears Verdict

August 14, 2025
Iran Faces Potential UN Sanctions as Britain, France, and Germany Prepare Snapback Mechanism by August 2025 - AP Photo/Ronald Zak, File
International Relations

Britain, France, and Germany Warn Iran: Sanctions Could Return if Nuclear Talks Don’t Resume by August 31, 2025

August 13, 2025
Load More
Next Post
South Korea Reports Surge in North Korean Troop Deployment to Russia - KCNA/Reuters via CNN

South Korea: 3,000 More North Korean Soldiers Deployed to Russia

From Diagnosis to Treatment: How AI is Revolutionizing Healthcare - Tom Werner/Digital Vision/Getty Images via CNN

How AI is Changing Healthcare: What Patients Need to Know

Strong Earthquake Devastates Myanmar and Thailand—Rescue Efforts Underway - Sakchai Lalit/AP Photo

Massive 7.7-Magnitude Quake Rocks Myanmar and Thailand, Causing Widespread Destruction

Royal Health Update: King Charles III Experiences Side Effects from Treatment - Yui Mok/PA via AP News

King Charles III’s Health Reminder: A Brief Hospital Stay Sparks Concern

How Two Tiny Geckos Became the Oldest on Record - Department of Conservation NZ via CNN

Meet the World’s Oldest Geckos: Antoinette and Brucie-Baby

Popular News

  • Judge Frank Caprio Shares Hospital Update, Asks Fans for Prayers Following Setback in His Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer - Photography by Alex Gagne/Rhode Island Monthly

    Judge Frank Caprio Requests Prayers Following Setback in Pancreatic Cancer Battle

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Google Unveils Pixel 10 Series, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2a at Hardware Event

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • How to Protect Yourself from Vibrio Vulnificus Infections in Coastal Waters

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Israel Approves Controversial West Bank Settlement Project

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Texas Republicans Poised to Approve Redistricting Map Adding Five GOP Seats

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Recommended

Understanding summer respiratory viruses: COVID-19 Stratus variant, flu, RSV, and how to protect yourself during warmer months. - AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File

Understanding Summer Colds and the Emerging COVID-19 Stratus Variant

1 week ago
From Labor to Robots: China's EV Industry Enters a New Era - Edward Burtynsky

Inside China’s Robot-Run EV Factory: No Workers, Just Machines

2 months ago

Connect with us

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Cookie Settings
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Support Press Freedom
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Advertising
  • Online Shopping
Breaking News That Keeps You Ahead.

Copyright © 2024 JournosNews.com All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • World News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Technology
  • Lifestyle
  • Science
  • Health

Copyright © 2024 JournosNews.com All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.