19/01/2025

Election reflects internal consensus and international backing, says a political analyst

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Lebanese political analyst Michel Chamai asserts that the election of General Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s president signifies a rare intersection of domestic and international alignment amid exceptional political and regional conditions.

 

A positive turning point for Lebanon

As Lebanon witnesses a decline in the influence of the pro-Iranian axis and rising hopes for the restoration of state sovereignty, analysts are optimistic about the country’s trajectory. Speaking on Suroyo TV, Michel Chamai described the election of General Joseph Aoun as a positive development for Lebanon.

Despite objections from political factions, particularly the “resistance axis,” General Aoun secured the support of Lebanon’s sovereignist forces, attributed to his distinguished leadership of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

 

Regional dynamics accelerate election

Chamai highlighted the weakening of the pro-Iranian axis in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen as a catalyst for the swift election of Lebanon’s new president. Aoun’s balanced approach during pivotal events, such as the Tayouneh clashes in 2021, earned him both international and regional trust, facilitating a broad consensus on his presidency.

 

Eroding influence of Hezbollah

According to Chamai, Hezbollah’s political dominance has waned alongside its diminishing military strength. However, he cautioned that remnants of the “deep state” aligned with the resistance axis remain a persistent challenge.

 

Commitment to national sovereignty

Chamai underscored the importance of adhering to Aoun’s inaugural speech, which emphasized that the state alone bears the responsibility of ensuring Lebanese security. The anticipated deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces south of the Litani River marks a critical step toward reinforcing state sovereignty and implementing international resolutions.

 

A historic opportunity for stability

Chamai concluded that Lebanon stands at a historic crossroads. If President Joseph Aoun succeeds in his vision of strengthening state institutions, the country may regain its political and security stability, ushering in a new era of governance and sovereignty.