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The President in Riyadh: Back to the Fundamentals
Two brief yet decisive statements that speak volumes: “Lebanon has endured enough from other people’s wars” (on its territory); “The decision of war and peace must rest solely with the state.” President Joseph Aoun has repeated these words on multiple occasions, capturing with striking clarity the deep-rooted crisis that has gripped the country for decades. His remarks come at a pivotal moment, on the eve of his crucial visit to Saudi Arabia this Monday, March 3.
Joseph Aoun’s decision to make Riyadh his first official destination abroad is far from coincidental. Highly symbolic and carefully calculated, this visit clearly signals the guiding principle of the new administration, marking the end of a long period of foreign policy drift. Likewise, it is no coincidence—nor a mere balancing act in the distribution of key portfolios—that Lebanon’s diplomacy has finally been entrusted to a fundamentally Lebanese party and a distinguished career diplomat, Joe Raggi. His unwavering commitment to sovereignty and firm adherence to the country’s neutrality leave no room for compromise.
This return to the fundamental principles of Lebanon’s foreign relations is a crucial step in pulling the country out of the prolonged state of decline caused by years of Syrian and Iranian expansionism. It was only natural that the first move toward this diplomatic reset would take place in Riyadh. The reason is clear: Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a key player on the international stage. In fact, it was in Saudi Arabia that the first public, official meeting between the new U.S. administration and Russia was held since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict.
Saudi Arabia plays a key role in the rapidly changing and somewhat volatile dynamics of the Middle East. It holds an important position in efforts to contain, and potentially eliminate, the destructive expansionism of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. More broadly, the Abraham Accords, launched by President Donald Trump during his first term, and which he aimed to fully realize, can only reach their full potential with Saudi Arabia’s active involvement. The deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, likely instigated by Tehran, appears to have been aimed at halting or delaying the agreement being negotiated between the Gulf’s leading power and Israel.
From a strictly Lebanese standpoint, by choosing to begin his official foreign engagements in the Saudi capital, Joseph Aoun is resetting Lebanon's external relations. Far from blind allegiance or complacency, certain realities must be openly acknowledged today. By holding the Lebanese people hostage, the Iranian mullah regime has caused many—at least some—to forget that, throughout the long years of war, Riyadh consistently supported Lebanon, not only politically but, more importantly, financially. Through successive bank deposits, Riyadh played a key role in replenishing the Lebanese Central Bank’s foreign reserves. Furthermore, it is essential to note that Saudi Arabia is the only significant regional power that did not establish or support a destabilizing local militia in Beirut, one that would have been blindly loyal to its interests throughout the Lebanese conflict.
The tragic events of recent years have highlighted the serious damage Lebanon suffered when it was pushed (against its will) to distance itself from its natural allies. This was the result of Hezbollah's ongoing aggressive actions against the Gulf states and other friendly nations, all serving Tehran’s growing ambitions.
After his election, President Joseph Aoun welcomed Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the Presidential Palace in Baabda. A few days later, with genuine contentment, he looked his guest straight in the eyes and spontaneously said, "Finally..." A small word, but one that says it all.
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