The Era of Change: How General Michel Aoun became Prime Minister and the most renowned politician in the modern history of Lebanon… "General Michel Aoun, the story of a General" sums up in its bloody & peaceful chapters one aspect of the "conflict over power in Lebanon." The Americans, the French and the Syrians gave a green light to remove the Prime Minister of the transitional cabinet from the Lebanese map, encouraging a rebellion against the status quo and allowing the establishing of the “Ta’if Republic". From this point, a new stage of the General's career began: he took off his military uniform to lead the battle of "solidarity, freedom & independence" as a civilian. As Prime Minister, he officially resided at Baabda palace, but for 11 months had to designate the French Embassy as his actual residence. After this period, followed 15 years of compulsory exile, isolation and banishment. However, the General, after long years of imprisonment and exile, has now become the "General of Solidarity" with no competitors for the position.

General Aoun promised the Lebanese people that they would retain their independence and made an oath not to return to Lebanon until it had been liberated from the last Syrian soldiers on its soil. On May 7, 2005 Aoun fulfilled his promise and returned to his liberated land. He addresses " the Great Lebanese People" once more from the Martyr's Square and is again a part of the Lebanese political scene, not from exile but seated at the table as a major partner who cannot be overlooked, a partner permanently committed to "political discourse" for his opponents no less than for his friends.

 Note: Aoun’s real test will come at the end of Lahoud’s presidential term. If he challenges for this post and wins, this will mean not only the final end of Syrian influence in Lebanon, but probably also a rebuilding of the Christian power structure in the country, which should be his first priority. Unless this happens, Christians will continue to emigrate.