Camille Chamoun

Camille Chamoun was elected President of Lebanon on September 23, 1952, succeeding Bechara El Khoury. His election marked a shift in Lebanese politics, and he served a six-year term until 1958.

President Chamoun faced a major political crisis when Muslim factions rebelled against his pro-Western policies and alleged attempts to amend the constitution for a second term. The U.S. intervened by landing Marines in Beirut to stabilize the government.

Chamoun refused to resign despite widespread opposition and the formation of a rebel government in Tripoli. He remained in power until the end of his term in September 1958, when he handed over to Fuad Chehab.

After leaving the presidency, Chamoun founded the National Liberal Party (NLP) in 1958. The party became a major political force representing Maronite Christian interests and played a role in the Lebanese Civil War.

Chamoun's National Liberal Party and its militia, the Tigers, fought in the Lebanese Civil War as part of the Christian Lebanese Front. He opposed the Taif Agreement and remained a polarizing figure until his death in 1987.