Fouad Chehab
Lebanese general and president who became the first commander of the modern army.
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Fouad Abdallah Chehab (19 March 1902 – 25 April 1973) was a Lebanese general and political leader who held the presidency from 1958 to 1964. Born in Ghazir into a family claiming noble lineage, Chehab began his military service with the French Army in 1919.
When President Bechara El Khoury stepped down amid mass protests, Chehab was named prime minister and tasked with overseeing the subsequent presidential election, which brought Camille Chamoun to power. During the violent 1958 crisis, Chehab kept the military neutral, refusing to back either the government or the opposition, a stance that preserved the army's unity and minimized casualties. He was later elected president in 1958, seen as a consensus figure acceptable to both local factions and international powers.
Background
Fouad Chehab was born in 1902 in Ghazir, the eldest son of Abdallah Chehab and Badiaa Hbeich, with two younger brothers, Farid and Chakib. He was a member of the Maronite Christian Chehab family, a dynasty that ruled Mount Lebanon under Ottoman rule until 1842. His great-grandfather, Hassan Chehab, was the eldest brother of Bashir Shihab II, who ruled Lebanon between 1789 and 1840. Chehab's father Abdallah tried to immigrate to the United States in 1910 but was last seen in Marseille; it has been speculated that he died while on a ship transporting him there.
Commander of the Lebanese Army (1946–1958)
In 1921, Chehab joined the French Military School in Damascus, Syria, and graduated as a lieutenant in 1923. He was promoted to captain in 1929, headed the Rashaya casern, and later studied at the École Supérieure de Guerre in Paris during the 1930s. He became Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces in 1945, shortly after Lebanon declared independence in 1943 and before the final departure of French troops in 1946. In 1952, Chehab refused to allow the army to interfere in the uprising that forced President Bechara El Khoury to resign.
Chehab became Prime Minister in September 1952, holding the additional portfolio of defense minister, and was appointed president with the duty to ensure an emergency democratic presidential election. Four days later, Camille Chamoun was elected. Chehab was again defense minister from 1956 to 1957. During the 1958 crisis, Chehab prevented the army from siding with the government or the opposition, keeping the army unified and limiting losses.
Presidency (1958–1964)
He was elected president in 1958 as a consensus candidate. On taking office, Chehab declared, 'The revolution has no winners and no losers.' In 1960, he offered to resign but was persuaded by members of Parliament to remain. On New Year of 1962, he suppressed an attempted coup by the Syrian Social Nationalist Party, which had been infuriated over his associations with the Nasser regime.
He strengthened Lebanese intelligence and security services and founded the 'Second Bureau' to prevent foreign interference. Chehab refused to amend the constitution to permit himself a second term and backed Charles Helou, who became the next president.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Fouad Chehab?
Fouad Abdallah Chehab (1902–1973) was a Lebanese military officer and politician who led the country as president from 1958 to 1964. He is best remembered for building Lebanon's modern armed forces before entering civilian governance.
What role did Fouad Chehab play in the Lebanese Army?
Chehab was appointed the very first commander of the Lebanese Army when it was formally established on 1 August 1945. In that capacity he shaped the institution's early structure and professional culture.
How did Fouad Chehab become president of Lebanon?
He was elected to the presidency in 1958 following a period of political and military instability, and served two terms until 1964. His background as a professional general gave him credibility across Lebanon's divided political landscape.
When did Fouad Chehab die and how is he remembered?
Chehab passed away on 25 April 1973, roughly nine years after leaving the presidency. He is remembered in Lebanon as a stabilizing figure who tried to keep the state unified during a fragile post-independence era.
More in Asian & Middle Eastern Monarchs & Strongmen
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Fouad Chehab (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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