Samir Geagea

Samir Geagea (born September 25, 1952) is a Lebanese military and political leader who played a prominent role in Lebanon's Civil War and its aftermath. As founder and commander of the Lebanese Forces militia, one of the largest Christian militias, Geagea became a major figure in the country's factional conflicts from 1985 onward. His military career was marked by significant military operations, though also by allegations of human rights abuses. Following the end of the civil war in 1990, Geagea was imprisoned for 11 years but was released in 2005 as part of a general amnesty. He subsequently transformed into a political figure, founding the Lebanese Forces Party and becoming a vocal opponent of Syrian influence in Lebanon and later of Hezbollah. Geagea has been a presidential candidate multiple times and has served as a Member of Parliament. He is known for his nationalist positions and advocacy for Christian rights within Lebanon's confessional political system. Though controversial due to his civil war history, Geagea remains an influential voice in Lebanese politics and a symbol of Christian political mobilization.