Daijiworld Media Network- Lebanon

Lebanon, Jan 11: Lebanon ends presidential void amid Saudi-led consensus

In a dramatic and pivotal moment for the Middle East, Lebanon finally elected a new president, Army Chief Joseph Aoun, breaking a years-long political impasse that left the country leaderless. The resolution came after a last-minute diplomatic push by Saudi Arabia, in coordination with Western allies like the United States and France, signaling Riyadh's re-entry into Lebanese politics after years of disengagement.

Saudi Arabia's strategic return to Lebanon

The Saudi delegation, led by Prince Yazid bin Farhan, conducted intense meetings with Lebanon’s fragmented political factions, persuading them to back Aoun. This intervention culminated in an overwhelming parliamentary vote, making Aoun president and ending a presidential vacuum that had persisted for over two years.

The election marked a shift in Saudi policy, reigniting Riyadh's influence in Lebanon after an extended period of Iranian-backed Hezbollah dominance. Observers speculate that the move is part of a broader Saudi strategy to counter Tehran's regional influence while leveraging improved ties with Iran to stabilize Lebanon.

Hezbollah's calculated compliance

Surprisingly, Hezbollah and its ally Amal initially withheld support but later cast decisive votes for Aoun during a critical second round of voting. Despite Aoun’s mandate to disarm militias—a direct challenge to Hezbollah’s decades-long military presence—the group appeared to yield, possibly due to recent setbacks, including a costly war with Israel and the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a key regional ally.

Hezbollah’s acquiescence has been interpreted as a move to maintain its political relevance amid shifting regional dynamics. Analysts believe the group’s support for Aoun reflects an attempt to buy time while negotiating terms for its disarmament.

Challenges ahead for President Aoun

Aoun faces daunting tasks as he steps into leadership. Internally, he must navigate the delicate process of disarming Hezbollah without plunging Lebanon into civil strife. Externally, he must manage Lebanon’s fraught relationships with Israel and neighboring powers while addressing economic recovery and governance reforms.

In his inaugural speech, Aoun vowed to strengthen state institutions and end the era of independent militias, a statement widely viewed as a commitment to restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability.

A test for regional diplomacy

Aoun’s presidency also serves as a litmus test for the budding rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, whose detente was brokered by China in 2023. With Lebanon as a potential flashpoint, the success or failure of this collaboration could have broader implications for the region.

Optimism and uncertainty

For many Lebanese, Aoun’s election represents a rare moment of hope. “This is a turning point for Lebanon,” said political analyst Rima Khaled. “After years of stagnation, there’s finally a chance to rebuild our institutions and chart a path forward.”

Yet, the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty. As Aoun works to consolidate state power and steer Lebanon through uncharted waters, his success will hinge on his ability to balance competing domestic and international interests. For now, the world watches closely as the tiny Mediterranean nation embarks on what many hope will be a transformative new chapter.