After two rounds of voting, Lebanon’s Parliament picked Gen. Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese military, to be the next president.
His election reflects the changing power balances at an unnerving time for Lebanon, which has endured a series of disasters in recent years, including an economic collapse and a war between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.
The country’s international allies, including the U.S., had hinted that financial support after the war was contingent on a successful presidential election.
Aoun is considered to have U.S. backing and is widely respected in Lebanon. Since 2017 he has led the military, which is the only national institution to have cross-sectarian support.
