History of Michel Aoun

Michel Aoun, born on September 30, 1933, in Haret Hreik, a suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, is a noteworthy figure in Lebanese politics, known for his dynamic role during periods of upheaval and transition in Lebanon. Aoun’s journey is marked by his military prowess, political aspirations, and controversial stints both in exile and power, making him a deeply polarizing yet influential figure in Lebanon’s modern history.

Aoun's early life saw a promising military career. He joined the Military Academy in 1955, and his early years in the military were marked by rapid promotions due to his dedication and strategic acumen. By 1984, Aoun was appointed as the head of the Lebanese Army. His leadership coincided with a highly volatile period in Lebanese history—the civil war, which was characterized by sectarian violence, foreign interventions, and political fragmentation.

In 1988, during the twilight of the Lebanese Civil War, President Amine Gemayel appointed Aoun as the head of a military government in a controversial move, bypassing the election of a new civilian president. In this role, Aoun’s primary mission was to restore order. However, his tenure was complicated by the continuous Syrian military presence and competing factions within Lebanon.

Aoun declared a “War of Liberation” against Syrian forces in March 1989, which underscored his oppositional stance towards Syria’s intervention in Lebanon. This war, however, strained his resources and was unable to expel Syrian influence. His political maneuvers during this period consolidated his image as a nationalist figure but also led to significant loss of life and further devastation in the country.

Following the adoption of the Taif Agreement in November 1989, which was designed to provide a power-sharing framework and end the civil war, Aoun found himself increasingly isolated. His refusal to accept the agreement, primarily due to its acceptance of continued Syrian presence, resulted in international and Arab pressure. By October 1990, increased military operations led by Syria resulted in Aoun seeking refuge in the French Embassy in Beirut, and eventually, he went into exile in France, where he would remain for the next 15 years.

During his time in exile, Aoun remained actively engaged in Lebanese politics from afar. He was particularly vocal against Syrian interference in Lebanese political affairs and continued to promote his ideology through various platforms. This period in Aoun’s career was marked by building alliances with various Lebanese diaspora groups and nurturing the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), which he founded in 1991 as a means to solidify his political base among Lebanese Christians and secularists opposed to Syrian influence.

The assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005 set off a chain of events that dramatically altered the Lebanese political landscape. The incident led to widespread protests, known as the Cedar Revolution, and resulted in the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon. This change allowed for Aoun’s return from exile in May 2005, where he was welcomed by thousands of supporters, energizing his political comeback.

Upon his return, Aoun immediately immersed himself in Lebanese politics, casting the FPM as a mainstream political party. His party performed well in the parliamentary elections of 2005, securing a substantial Christian backing. Aoun’s political strategy oscillated between forming unexpected alliances and maintaining a staunch nationalist, anti-Syrian rhetoric.

One of the most unexpected turns in Aoun’s political career was his pact with Hezbollah in 2006, which surprised many of his supporters, given the party’s relationship with Syria. This alliance was born out of pragmatism, allowing Aoun to gain formidable leverage within Lebanon’s fractured political system and enhancing his influence among Christian voters.

Aoun’s long-term ambition to become president came to fruition in October 2016, following a protracted political deadlock that left Lebanon without a president for 29 months. His election was largely due to a consensus forged among Lebanon’s various political factions, including Hezbollah and the Future Movement, led by Saad Hariri. Aoun’s presidency, characterized by a call for national unity and institutional reform, faced significant challenges, including tackling economic mismanagement, political corruption, and regional instability.

Aoun's tenure as president was not without criticism. The Lebanese economy continued to face severe issues, culminating in the financial crisis of 2019, which sparked widespread protests against the political elite, including Aoun, accused of perpetuating a corrupt and ineffective political system. His governance style, often seen as aligned with Hezbollah’s strategic interests, drew both domestic and international criticism.

Michel Aoun’s political journey encapsulates the tumultuous narrative of modern Lebanon, where sectarian considerations, foreign influence, and national identity politics intertwine. His legacy is one of resilience and controversy, a testament to his significant role in shaping Lebanon’s recent history.