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What minefields await Lebanon's new president?

Michel Aoun was sworn in just a week ago, and he already faces a full agenda of crucial issues as Lebanon's president.
Newly elected Lebanese president Michel Aoun (C) sits with former prime minister Saad al-Hariri (R), who is expected to lead the new Lebanese government, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (L) at the presidential palace in Baabda, near Beirut, Lebanon November 3, 2016. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir - RTX2ROR8

BEIRUT — The moment Michel Aoun, Lebanon’s new president, stepped into the presidential palace Oct. 31, he knew his calm days — if there had been any — were over. His ability to secure the support of two opposing groups in the Cabinet and parliament, Hezbollah and the Future Movement, got him into office; now he must manage the relationship.

Aoun is considered an ally of Shiite movement Hezbollah and Iran, yet he leads the largest Christian bloc in parliament. He also managed to win the support of new Prime Minister Saad Hariri, leader of the Sunni Future Movement and a Saudi ally.

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