Chehabism
Chehabism is a political ideology in Lebanon which follows the principles of former president and army general Fouad Chehab. The ideology later influenced the presidency of Charles Helou and Élias Serkis. The writer Marwan Harb is considered one of the most prominent authors who have written about Chehabism and analyzed it as a modernizing political project.
Ideology
Chehab's rule was a delicate balancing act of maintaining relative harmony between the nation's Christian and Muslim populations. He followed the path and principles of dialogue and moderation coupled with public reforms, which came to be known as Chehabism. Generally deeply respected for his honesty and integrity, Chehab is credited with a number of reform plans and regulations to create a modern administration and efficient public services. That eventually brought him into conflict with the traditional feudal, confessional, and clan-based politicians, who saw their grip on power diminishing.Development
1958–1963
Fouad Chehab's presidency was a delicate balancing act of maintaining relative harmony between the nation's Christian and Muslim populations. He followed the path and principles of dialogue and moderation coupled with public reforms, which came to be known as Chehabism. Chehab is credited with a number of reform plans and regulations to create a modern administration and efficient public services especially after the 1958 Lebanon crisis. That eventually brought him into conflict with the traditional feudal, confessional, and clan-based politicians, who saw their grip on power diminishing.The alliance between Chehab and Lebanese prime minister Rashid Karami, a staunch Arab nationalist, soon left Karami in effective control of the Lebanese government. The most pressing issue that was first to cause problems for Helou was the Israeli diversion of the Jordan River.
1964–1970
Charles Helou was elected to succeed Fouad Chehab as president by the National Assembly in 1964.The Six-Day War of 1967 strained sectarian relations in Lebanon. Many Muslims wanted Lebanon to join the Arab war effort, while many Christians wished to eschew participation.