On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the death of former President Fouad Chehab [1902-1973] — a memorial event was held at St. Joseph University in Beirut on April 23 — I would like to recognize a general-cum-statesman who did more for Lebanese democracy and social reform than perhaps many of his contemporaries. 

He shepherded a peaceful transition in the 1950s after the confrontation that took place between President Chamoun and the opposition and refused to have the army involved, which reinforced the trust of the political establishment in Lebanon at the time. During the Lebanese Civil War [1975-1990], Chehab refused to take sides and was perceived as a man of great integrity. And in 1958, in the aftermath of the crisis between Chamoun and the opposition, he was elected president with a broad consensus. His election brought relief and the promise of a more stable, secure and democratic Lebanon.

His tenure was characterized first of all by a reconciliation of Lebanon with the United Arab Republic (Egypt and Syria), when he met President Gamal Abdel Nasser, thus defusing  tensions that existed in a divided political community. It is in this sense that he was able to focus on internal reforms, institution building, enhancing the infrastructure of Lebanese governance and particularly in bringing the outlying regions into the mainstream. He prioritized their inclusion and sought to solve many of the residual problems that tribalism had caused. He refused a second term and wanted to be remembered as someone who transformed a sectarian system. His time in office was an era of great hope and building foundations for a democratic and progressive state.

Fortunately, he was surrounded by leading Lebanese statesmen such as Fouad Boutros, Michel Eddy, Rachid Karameh, Kamal Jumblatt and others. There is no doubt that remembering him at this juncture is not only a tribute but an experience to emulate.