Toba Owojaiye Reporting
In a decisive moment for Lebanon and a bold maneuver in global geopolitics, Joseph Aoun, the US-backed former army chief, has been elected Lebanon’s president, ending a crippling two-year political stalemate. His ascension marks a significant victory for the United States and its allies in shaping the political trajectory of the volatile Middle East.
Truth Live News gathered that, after two rounds of parliamentary voting on January 9, 2025, Aoun was declared president, swiftly resigning as army chief and taking the oath of office in civilian attire. In his inaugural speech, Aoun promised a “new era” for Lebanon, vowing to resolve its entrenched economic and political crises. Among his boldest commitments was a pledge to “monopolize weapons” under state control—a clear rebuke of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group long considered Lebanon’s de facto military force.
Aoun’s victory underscores the success of robust US and Saudi Arabian efforts to rally parliamentary support for the army general, whose alignment with Washington and Riyadh positions him as a counterbalance to Iran’s influence.
The election also reflects a recalibration of Lebanon’s political power dynamics. Hezbollah, whose dominance in Lebanese affairs was shaken by a devastating war with Israel last fall and the collapse of its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, strategically cast its votes for Aoun in the second round of parliamentary voting. Mohammad Raad, head of Hezbollah’s bloc, stated the group sought to “promote national cohesion” while using the first round to “send a message” of sovereignty.
The militant group has faced mounting challenges since its defeat in the 2024 war with Israel and the subsequent US-brokered ceasefire signed on November 27. The agreement mandated Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the Israel-Lebanon border and required Israeli forces to leave Lebanese territory by the end of January 2025, effectively limiting Hezbollah’s military operations.
This weakened position has revived a contentious domestic debate about Hezbollah’s disarmament, a cornerstone of Aoun’s vision. “The Lebanese state will get rid of the Israeli occupation,” Aoun declared, signaling his intent to implement a state-controlled “defensive strategy” without Hezbollah’s involvement. This represents a direct challenge to Hezbollah’s historical role as the sole defender against Israel’s aggression.
Aoun’s election is emblematic of the United States’ ability to mold international politics to its advantage, reinforcing its position as a dominant global power. By orchestrating Aoun’s rise to Lebanon’s presidency, Washington has further entrenched its influence in the Middle East, ensuring Lebanon’s alignment with its strategic goals.
Critics argue this maneuver is part of a larger pattern of US interventionism, where Washington shapes political outcomes to curb adversaries and consolidate power. From orchestrating ceasefires to dictating military withdrawals, the US often appears less as a neutral arbiter and more as a global puppeteer, pulling strings to maintain its dominance.
As Lebanon emerges from its presidential vacuum, Aoun’s tenure promises sweeping changes, from economic reforms to security strategies that could redefine Lebanon’s sovereignty. However, the country remains on precarious ground, with foreign powers influencing its trajectory.
While Aoun’s presidency is being lauded as a victory for stability, it also serves as a reminder of how deeply Lebanon’s fate is intertwined with the interests of global superpowers. As the nation grapples with its identity, one truth looms large: the United States’ influence in global politics, far-reaching and often unyielding, shapes destinies long before crises cross its borders.
The coming years will test whether Lebanon’s “new era” is truly its own—or simply the latest chapter in Washington’s master plan.