Love him or loathe him, retired Gen. Michel Aoun has been an integral part of the political scene for more than a quarter of a century.
At various stages of his political career, first as interim premier, then exiled opposition leader and finally an integral part of the ruling class, he has enjoyed popular support in Lebanon, mainly among Christians.
From the early days, the general hit a cord among many when he stood up first to the Syrian military presence and then to the dominant militia in the Christian areas during the Civil War. From his exile he later worked actively to garner international pressure to get Syrian forces out of the country.
Despite little success, and at times catastrophic results, many supporters stood with Aoun, seeing him as a force of change in the political class and a serious alternative to warlords-turned-politicians.
When he returned to Lebanon his supporters rejoiced and his rivals fretted – both assuming he would seek change. Forming a large parliamentary bloc, he called it Change and Reform. Friends and foes braced for the onslaught. Then, not much changed.
Aoun can point to many factors that didn’t facilitate a reform agenda. He can blame adversaries for his long trail of disappointments, from the presidency to the government and Army command. But what happened Tuesday can’t be defended by the most dedicated of followers.
Imposing his son-in-law as leader of his party, without even the façade of an election or a vote despite widespread internal opposition, epitomized Aoun’s turbulent career: A lot of rosy promises, but little change. In the end he became a typical member of Lebanon’s political elite, the elite he spent his long career claiming he wants to reform.
