Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: "Joseph Aoun" is one of the prominent and influential military and political figures of Lebanon, who was elected as the president of this country on January 9, 2025. In his professional career, he has traveled a complex and challenging path and is known for his managerial qualities, relative neutrality and ability to interact with various groups and parties in Lebanon.
Publish dateFriday 10 January 2025 - 16:08
Story Code : 304308
Below are more details about his biography, military and political record, and his connection with Lebanese groups and parties:
Biography of Joseph Aoun
Joseph Khalil Aoun was born on January 10, 1964 in the city of San El-Fiel, in the suburbs of Beirut. He grew up in a Maronite Christian family, a group that is one of Lebanon's main religious communities.
Aoun studied at the Lebanese Military Academy and then was sent to foreign countries for advanced military courses. In the United States, he took courses in crisis management and command at the Army Command and Staff College. In France, he also received advanced military training that deepened his understanding of war tactics and manpower management.
Military and managerial record
Aoun joined the Lebanese army in 1983, that is, during the period when the country was involved in a civil war. During his service, he went through military ranks one after another and was present in various missions throughout Lebanon.
In March 2017, Aoun was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Army. Under his leadership, the army was able to achieve important successes, including:
- Fight against terrorism: In 2017, the forces under his command were able to drive out ISIS and Al-Qaeda affiliated groups from the borders of Lebanon and Syria, especially in the "Mountain Rise" operation in the eastern regions of Lebanon.
Maintaining internal stability: Aoun was able to present the army as a neutral institution committed to maintaining national security in critical situations such as the protests of 2019 and the economic crisis of 2020.
Joseph Aoun has always emphasized that the Lebanese army should remain separate from politics and act as a national and neutral institution. This approach has made him gain respect among political and religious groups in Lebanon.
Communication with Lebanese groups and parties
1.Interaction with Hezbollah
- As the commander of the army, Aoun was able to establish a delicate balance between security cooperation and maintaining the independence of the army.
- Security cooperation: In some cases, the Lebanese army coordinated with Hezbollah to protect the security of the borders, especially against threats from Israel and terrorist groups.
- Maintaining independence: He tried to prevent the army from entering into political conflicts or becoming a tool in the hands of Hezbollah or other parties.
- The election of Joseph Aoun as the president of Lebanon was accompanied by the support of Hezbollah and the Amal movement, but he has been able to maintain his neutrality so far.
2.Interaction with Christian parties
- Aoun did not have the support of some Christian parties, including the Lebanese Forces Party (Samir Geagea), because these groups believed that he had shown softness in his interaction with Hezbollah. However, other parties such as the Free National Movement (Michel Aoun) welcomed his election.
3.International support
3.International support
- Joseph Aoun was able to attract the support of foreign powers, including France and the United States.
- France: He had good relations with Paris and France supported his neutrality and professionalism.
- America: Aoun benefited from American military aid to strengthen the army during his command of the Lebanese army.
Presidency and upcoming challenges
1. Economic crisis: Lebanon is facing one of the most severe economic crises in its history. Joseph Aoun must find a solution to reduce inflation, strengthen the value of the national currency and improve economic infrastructure.
2. Political tensions: Balancing political parties, including Hezbollah, Christian movements, and Sunni and Druze groups, will be one of his biggest challenges.
3. Maintaining a neutral role: He must ensure that the presidency is not tilted in favor of any particular group.
Aoun has a chance to succeed in creating political and economic stability due to his professional background and the neutrality of the army under his command. He can play an important role in rebuilding domestic and international trust in Lebanon.
summary
With a rich experience in military management and the ability to interact with various political and religious groups in Lebanon, Joseph Aoun is a prominent figure who can set a new path for this country. His success depends on his ability to build domestic consensus and leverage international support.
Can he stop the aggression and attacks of the Zionist regime on Lebanon?
Preventing the attacks and aggressions of the Zionist regime on Lebanon is a complex issue that depends on several factors, including Lebanon's military power, international interactions, and diplomatic approaches. Joseph Aoun, due to his military and political background, has abilities and limitations in this field:
1. Strengthening the Lebanese army
- Military experience: Joseph Aoun, as a former army commander, has high experience in managing the armed forces and can focus on strengthening the Lebanese army during his presidential term.
- Receiving military aid: Lebanon was able to receive military aid from the United States and other countries during Aoun's leadership. This capability may continue to better equip the armed forces.
2. Coordination with Hezbollah
- Cooperation with Hezbollah: Hezbollah, having one of the most powerful militia forces in the region, plays a major role in confronting Israel's aggression. As a bridge, Joseph Aoun can establish security cooperation between the Lebanese army and Hezbollah, as was the case during the army command.
- Security coordination: The Lebanese army has unofficially coordinated with Hezbollah in matters such as protecting the borders and preventing small Israeli aggressions.
International interaction
- Gaining international support: Joseph Aoun can use his close relations with powers such as France and the United States to put more diplomatic pressure on the Zionist regime and gain more support for Lebanon.
- The role of the United Nations: Strengthening the role of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) is one of the diplomatic tools that Aoun can use to reduce tensions.
Limitations and challenges
1. The structural weakness of the Lebanese army
- The imbalance of military power: the Lebanese army cannot compete with Israel's military power in terms of equipment and budget. This structural imbalance limits the capability of direct confrontation.
- Dependence on foreign aid: The Lebanese army is largely dependent on military aid from the United States and other countries, which reduces its independence in the face of Israel.
2. Complex relations with Hezbollah
- Internal differences: some internal parties in Lebanon (especially Christian and Sunni parties) are opposed to Hezbollah's military presence in Lebanon. These differences can limit Aoun's ability to coordinate between the army and Hezbollah.
- International reaction: Any official cooperation between the army and Hezbollah may cause a negative reaction from Western countries, especially the United States.
3. Regional equations
- International pressure: Israel has strong support from Western countries, especially the United States. This support can limit Lebanon's efforts to effectively deal with the aggression of the Zionist regime.
- Lebanon's internal crisis: Lebanon's economic and political crisis has severely limited the government's resources and focus and shifted priorities away from security issues.
The prospect of confronting Israeli aggression
1. Defense strengthening:
Aoun can focus on strengthening the defense of the border areas using the joint forces of the army and UNIFIL. This action may reduce minor offenses.
2. Using diplomacy:
He can force Israel to reduce its aggression by gaining the support of global and regional powers.
3. Indirect inhibition:
Tacit coordination with Hezbollah to strengthen deterrence against Israel could be a practical solution, without the military being directly involved.
4. Adherence to international resolutions:
Adherence to UN Resolution 1701, which established a ceasefire after the 2006 war, could strengthen global support for Lebanon.
Conclusion:
Joseph Aoun's ability to directly prevent the attacks of the Zionist regime is limited, but he can use diplomatic tools, military reinforcement and internal coordination to reduce tensions and create deterrence. Success in this field depends on the balance between internal and external pressures and the intelligent use of existing capacities.
avapress.com/vdchvknx623nvxd.01t2.html
Top hits
