Elias Sarkis

In June 1976, President Sarkis requested and received Syrian military intervention to restore order in Lebanon. Syrian troops entered the country to support the Lebanese government against Palestinian and leftist militias. This intervention marked the beginning of Syria's long-term military and political domination of Lebanon, lasting until 2005.

Elias Sarkis was elected President of Lebanon on May 8, 1976, during the height of the civil war, succeeding Suleiman Frangieh. His election was part of a Syrian-brokered agreement, and he was seen as a compromise candidate acceptable to both Christian and Muslim factions, though his authority was limited by the ongoing conflict.

In 1977, President Sarkis attempted to broker a peace agreement between warring factions at the Shtaura conference. The agreement called for a ceasefire and political reforms, but it collapsed due to opposition from hardline Christian and Palestinian groups. This failure prolonged the civil war and demonstrated Sarkis's inability to impose a political solution.

Elias Sarkis's six-year term ended in September 1982, but the civil war prevented a normal transition. He left office as the Israeli invasion of Lebanon was underway, and he retired from politics. His presidency is remembered for his inability to end the war and for the entrenchment of Syrian influence in Lebanon.