A billboard featuring a portrait of Lebanese president Joseph Aoun and the inscription: "Diplomacy is the means to end the war in Lebanon," along the Saida highway, as displaced families return to their villages in southern Lebanon, June 15, 2026. (Credit: Fadel Itani/AFP)
"What is the alternative?" This the question Joseph Aoun systematically asks anyone who challenges his decision to sign a memorandum of understanding with Israel under Washington's auspices. In recent days, the Lebanese president has received journalists, politicians and union representatives, to whom he has sought, in an informal setting, to provide the "after-sales service" for the agreement.And he does it quite well. Charismatic, approachable, attentive and full of common sense, the head of state has no shortage of qualities when it comes to convincing his audience that he had no choice but to embark on this diplomatic path in the hope of pulling Lebanon out of the war.After all, he did not want this war. Upon arriving in Baabda, he chose to open a dialogue with Hezbollah, convinced that it was the best way to...
"What is the alternative?" This the question Joseph Aoun systematically asks anyone who challenges his decision to sign a memorandum of understanding with Israel under Washington's auspices. In recent days, the Lebanese president has received journalists, politicians and union representatives, to whom he has sought, in an informal setting, to provide the "after-sales service" for the agreement.And he does it quite well. Charismatic, approachable, attentive and full of common sense, the head of state has no shortage of qualities when it comes to convincing his audience that he had no choice but to embark on this diplomatic path in the hope of pulling Lebanon out of the war.After all, he did not want this war. Upon arriving in Baabda, he chose to open a dialogue with Hezbollah, convinced that it was the best way...
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