Contrary to recent reports, MP Michel Aoun will not imminently become Lebanon’s president.
In fact, there is simply no indication that his, or anyone else’s, election to the presidency is near.
On the contrary, there is a general feeling emanating from the parties, politicians and regional and international powers involved, and that is that the idea of an occupant in Baabda Palace in the near future is a far-fetched one. In terms of regional and local dynamics little has changed in months, and if anything the stalemate is only getting more entrenched.
However, the Free Patriotic Movement and its supporters have adopted a Soviet-style campaign of media misinformation and propaganda that would make you think that the total opposite is true.
If one were to put blinkers on and focus on the content being disseminated by FPM-friendly politicians and journalists, one would think Aoun already occupies the seat and has made several decrees to alter the structure of the country.
That there is a possibility that Aoun could become president, there is no doubt. But so too is there a possibility that Sleiman Frangieh or another, yet-to-be announced candidate could also be elected.
This body of lies being dished out is only serving to raise FPM supporters’ hopes sky-high, thanks to little more than disingenuous probing and overselling of dreams.
The Lebanese have suffered from enough bogus antics as it is, and proved they aren’t sheep to be swayed at will.
Hopefully someone in the FPM will realize this and start working on a political strategy beneficial for the country, if they really want to see Aoun succeed.
