Lebanon has not had a real president for over two years, but that could be set to change this week.

On Thursday, lawmakers are due to make a 13th attempt to elect a new president. According to the Lebanese constitution, the state's power lies with the prime minister and Cabinet. The transitional government under Prime Minister Najib Mikati, however, only has limited powers and has been unable to overcome Lebanon's political and economic problems.

The prospects for a successful election now exist partially because of a the ceasefire agreement that Israel and Hezbollah signed at the end of November, after several weeks of fighting on the ground and Israeli air raids over Lebanon. Previously, Lebanese political opponents had blocked one another's candidates. But now, a president and a functioning executive are needed to credibly implement the ceasefire agreement that expires at the end of January.

The election is taking place against the backdrop of multiple crises in Lebanon. The country has struggled with a severe economic recession for several years now, deposits in banks are frozen and the value of the Lebanese pound has plummeted.

The consequences of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel also resulted in considerable destruction in Lebanon, and repairs will........

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