Lebanon’s parliament is making another attempt to elect a president, a decision that has been elusive for over two years. Army Chief Joseph Aoun is emerging as a strong candidate, seen favorably by the public due to the military’s credibility. However, the election hinges on political agreements among factions divided along religious lines, and foreign influence from the U.S. and Iran. Analysts express skepticism about immediate progress, but some optimism exists regarding Aoun’s potential support from foreign powers for a new leadership in the crisis-stricken nation.