Hopes for recovery emerge in Lebanon

Aoun's election victory seen as a clear sign of reviving political life in nation

After many attempts, Lebanon has finally elected a president, ending more than two years of deadlock and raising hopes of a reset that could rid the nation of years of economic, political and security turmoil.

Joseph Aoun, who had been Lebanon's army commander, won huge backing at the end of an electoral session held by the 128-member Lebanese parliament on Thursday, weeks after Israel and Lebanon entered a 60-day cease-fire.

The political division had derailed Lebanon, leaving the country without a president following the end of the tenure of Michel Aoun — who is not related to the new head of state — in October 2022. A caretaker government led by Prime Minister Najib Mikati had been running the country during the presidential vacuum.