Michel Suleiman served as the 12th president of Lebanon from 2008 to 2014, a tenure preceded by a decade as commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. Born in Amsheet in 1948, he ascended through the military ranks to the highest national office during a period of intense sectarian division and regional security volatility.
Military Formation and Early Service
Suleiman joined the Lebanese Armed Forces in 1967 and graduated from the military academy as a 2nd lieutenant in 1970. He pursued further technical training internationally, including courses in Belgium and France, alongside his academic studies at the Lebanese University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in politics and administrative sciences. His operational roles progressed from infantry platoon leader to battalion command, eventually leading to his appointment as Chief of the Intelligence Branch of Mount Lebanon in 1990 and later as Army Staff Secretary-General.
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In December 1998, Suleiman succeeded Émile Lahoud as commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. His leadership coincided with significant internal security challenges. In 2007, he directed the military operation against the Fatah al-Islam organization at the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp. The conflict lasted from May until September, resulting in the defeat of the group after sustained fighting that claimed hundreds of lives, including 170 soldiers. Following the 2006 Lebanon War, he oversaw the deployment of the military to southern border regions to reassert national sovereignty, culminating in the hoisting of the Lebanese flag on the hill of Labbouni.
Presidency and Political Crisis
Sworn into office on 25 May 2008, Suleiman assumed the presidency following a prolonged political vacancy caused by deep polarization between the country's competing political camps. Shortly after his inauguration, his administration faced the May 2008 civil unrest sparked by government decisions regarding Hezbollah’s telecommunications network and airport security personnel. Suleiman navigated this crisis by proposing the reversal of the government's contested decisions. Throughout his presidency, he received various international honors, including the Order of the Umayyads in 2010 and the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Lion in 2013.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Amsheet
- President of Lebanon: 2008-2014
- Commander of Lebanese Armed Forces: 1998-2008
- Religion: Maronite Church
- Education: Lebanese University
- Military Rank: General
Questions readers ask
What major military operations did he lead as commander?
He led operations against Fatah al-Islam in 2007 and managed the redeployment of the army following the 2005 withdrawal of Syrian forces.
How did he become president?
He was elected by the Lebanese political establishment in 2008 to end a leadership vacuum caused by an impasse between the 8 March and 14 March political camps.
Achievements
- Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces
- President of Lebanon (2008–2014)
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour — 2009
- Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic — 2009
- Order of the Badge of Honour — 2011
- Grand Cordon of the National Order of the Cedar — 1999
- Educated at Lebanese University
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