Search
Search

PORTRAIT

Joseph Aoun, Lebanon’s new president: A flawless military record, a political enigma

Even if his military career is flawless, the elected president remains a political enigma.

Joseph Aoun, Lebanon’s new president: A flawless military record, a political enigma

The army chief, Joseph Aoun, during a tour in the border village of Khiam, in southern Lebanon, on Dec. 23, 2024. (Credit: AFP)

He is said to have a "feel for battle." The army chief, Joseph Aoun, knows Lebanon’s terrain like the back of his hand, having served in every corner of the country before assuming leadership of the military. Under his command, the Lebanese Army has remained one of the nation’s few steadfast institutions. Today, Aoun was elected president after securing a significant majority of votes.The 60-year-old officer, known for his quiet demeanor, bald head and solid build, has spent recent years navigating crisis after crisis with steady resolve. His peers praise him for having "earned every stripe," citing victories that were often hard-won. Since taking charge of the military in 2017, Aoun has built an almost impeccable record, even as his presidential candidacy earned him enemies among political rivals. Still, he remains one of the most...
He is said to have a "feel for battle." The army chief, Joseph Aoun, knows Lebanon’s terrain like the back of his hand, having served in every corner of the country before assuming leadership of the military. Under his command, the Lebanese Army has remained one of the nation’s few steadfast institutions. Today, Aoun was elected president after securing a significant majority of votes.The 60-year-old officer, known for his quiet demeanor, bald head and solid build, has spent recent years navigating crisis after crisis with steady resolve. His peers praise him for having "earned every stripe," citing victories that were often hard-won. Since taking charge of the military in 2017, Aoun has built an almost impeccable record, even as his presidential candidacy earned him enemies among political rivals. Still, he remains one of the most...