Between Joseph Aoun and Samy Gemayel, points of convergence and Samir Geagea as a shared rival

Old habits die hard. Lebanese Forces (LF) Leader Samir Geagea has always favored the comfort of being in the opposition over the demands that governing requires and the compromises it entails. Although his party is represented in Nawaf Salam’s Cabinet and played a major role in electing Aoun, Geagea’s latest address sounded unmistakably like that of an opposition figure. Geagea multiplied criticism of the ruling duo, accusing them of being overly cautious — and even lax — toward Hezbollah. “You are aware of the joy the Lebanese felt when you came to power. But sadly, that joy has yet to translate into stability and confidence in the future,” he said on Sunday. Need the context? Geagea tells Aoun and Salam, ‘No more complacency, disarm Hezbollah now’ Geagea’s calculations are clear. With roughly six months until the parliamentary...