Michel Aoun (b.1935,) also known as Mīshāl ‘Awn, is a Lebanese politician and former general recognized for his leadership during the Lebanese Civil War (1975–90) and his presidency (2016–22.) His career has been defined by military command, political influence, and shifting alliances.
Born in Haret Hreik, Lebanon, Aoun joined the Lebanese Military Academy in 1955, graduating as an artillery officer. Rising through the ranks, he became Commander of the Lebanese Army (1984–89.) Amid political turmoil, he was appointed Prime Minister of a military government (1988,) leading a faction during the civil war. Exiled in France (1991–2005,) he returned to Lebanon, founded the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM,) and later aligned with Hezbollah.
Elected President in 2016, Aoun faced economic crises, political instability, and the 2019 protests. His presidency ended in 2022, leaving a complex legacy. Biographies include Elie A. Salem’s Michel Aoun: The Last Phoenix (1991,) analyzing his political role, and Nadim Shehadi’s The FPM and Michel Aoun: A Political Analysis (2015,) exploring his ideological and strategic evolution.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Michel Aoun
Any existence deprived of freedom is a kind of death.
—Michel Aoun
Topics: Freedom
Leave a Reply