The President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, receiving the new director of General Security, Hassan Choucair, in Baabda on March 13, 2025. (Photo taken from the presidency's X account)
President Joseph Aoun emerged victorious from Thursday’s Cabinet session, during which military and security appointments were approved. The candidates he endorsed took their seats, including for the leadership of General Security (GS) — a position traditionally reserved for the Shiite community and the appointment to which was historically influenced by Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri.This time, however, Aoun had the final say. His veto blocked the appointment of Merched Sleiman, Berri’s preferred candidate, in favor of Hassan Choucair, a more consensus-driven figure. Sleiman was appointed deputy director of State Security, seemingly as a compromise to avoid completely breaking Berri’s will.Aoun’s approach appears clear: Not yielding to the Amal-Hezbollah duo’s demands while also ensuring he does not alienate them or exacerbate...
President Joseph Aoun emerged victorious from Thursday’s Cabinet session, during which military and security appointments were approved. The candidates he endorsed took their seats, including for the leadership of General Security (GS) — a position traditionally reserved for the Shiite community and the appointment to which was historically influenced by Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri.This time, however, Aoun had the final say. His veto blocked the appointment of Merched Sleiman, Berri’s preferred candidate, in favor of Hassan Choucair, a more consensus-driven figure. Sleiman was appointed deputy director of State Security, seemingly as a compromise to avoid completely breaking Berri’s will.Aoun’s approach appears clear: Not yielding to the Amal-Hezbollah duo’s demands while also ensuring he does not alienate them or...