Though Lebanon’s presidency is mostly symbolic, it has a few important powers, like approving prime ministers and cabinets. In a country still haunted by the memory of civil war, symbolism is important too: how the head of state is chosen says much about the balance of power in Lebanon’s factious politics.

Lebanese army commander elected president weeks after a tenuous cease-fire agreement halted a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

US and Saudi-backed Joseph Aoun, tasked with upholding ceasefire ending fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, promises state monopoly on arms, 'new phase' for beat up country