Lebanese lawmakers elected army chief Joseph Aoun as head of state, filling the vacant presidency with a general who enjoys US approval and showing the diminished sway of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group after its devastating war with Israel. Aoun's election is a chance for a fresh start for Lebanon after years of domination by Hezbollah. If Aoun is committed to bringing peace to Lebanon and can stand up to Hezbollah, he could well steer Lebanon toward a stability it has not known for years, and reinforce the fragile truce. This is his opportunity to show the Lebanese people, Hezbollah, Israel, and the wider world that he means business and is serious about improving the fortunes of his country.