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Written by General Editor
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Emile Lahoud
Despite high expectations from his own Christian Maronite community - and the backing of the military which he commanded in the post-war period - President Emile Lahoud has proved to be a weak and unpopular leader, taking his cue from Syria on most matters.
He was elected by parliament in 1998 after a Syrian-backed constitutional change - allowing public employees to stand for office. In 2004 Damascus steamrollered another amendment through parliament to give him a three-year extension in office.
This move triggered the current crisis that has split Lebanon into pro- and anti-Syrian camps. The divisions were exacerbated by the killing of Rafik Hariri in February, who had resigned from the prime ministership in protest over this issue.
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