Lebanon’s Future After Joseph Aoun’s Election

Strategic Council Online—Interview: An expert on regional issues said, "The future of Lebanon depends on the cooperation of the various clans and influential countries in Lebanon."

Hadi Borhan, in an interview with the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations website about the election of Joseph Aoun, the new president of Lebanon, and its consequences on the country’s political and social atmosphere, stated: The election of the new president is the result of the new conditions that have prevailed in Lebanon.

After the heavy attacks of the Israeli regime on Lebanon and the developments in Syria, the political weight and power of Hezbollah’s opponents or rivals in Lebanon have become heavier. They have been able to have a decisive impact on the country’s internal atmosphere, and the election of the new president and prime minister is one of these results.

In response to the question of how much the election of the new president and prime minister can affect the economic, political, and security situation in Lebanon and drive the country toward peace, he stated: Western sanctions against Lebanon had a great impact on the Lebanese economy and society. The new situation will undoubtedly be welcomed by Western powers, who will take some of the pressure off the Lebanese government and economy, which will probably help change the economic situation in the country.

Borhani stated That Hezbollah had entered the scene to help the people of Gaza, suffered heavy losses and casualties in the battle with the Israeli regime, and lost some of its political leaders and high-ranking military commanders.

The martyrdom of Sayed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s influential and charismatic leader, has caused a heavy and irreparable loss. Hezbollah’s body also suffered severe damage due to the explosion of pagers and radios, as well as the heavy bombing of the Israeli regime; of course, Hezbollah still has popularity and popular support in Lebanon and can rebuild itself and restore its role in the Lebanese scene especially since it enjoys the political support of the Lebanese Shiites, the largest population in the country.

This expert on regional issues stated about Joseph Aoun’s ability to govern Lebanon in the current and future conditions: “The future of Lebanon depends on the cooperation of the country’s various clans, as well as countries with influence in Lebanon such as Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and France. Overall, new conditions have prevailed in Lebanon. As a result, consultation and cooperation between the countries mentioned above can be very effective in improving Lebanon’s political and economic conditions.”