Abdurrahman Wahid vs Elias Sarkis

Wahid founded the National Awakening Party (PKB) as a political vehicle for traditionalist Muslims. The party became a major force in post-Suharto Indonesian politics, representing the Nahdlatul Ulama constituency.

Abdurrahman Wahid was elected by the People's Consultative Assembly as the fourth president of Indonesia, succeeding B.J. Habibie. His election marked a transition to democratic governance after the fall of Suharto's New Order regime.

As president, Wahid promoted interfaith dialogue and tolerance, including lifting the ban on Chinese cultural expressions and advocating for the rights of religious minorities. His policies faced opposition from conservative Islamic groups.

The People's Consultative Assembly impeached and removed Abdurrahman Wahid from the presidency due to allegations of incompetence and involvement in financial scandals. He was succeeded by Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri.

In June 1976, President Sarkis requested and received Syrian military intervention to restore order in Lebanon. Syrian troops entered the country to support the Lebanese government against Palestinian and leftist militias. This intervention marked the beginning of Syria's long-term military and political domination of Lebanon, lasting until 2005.

Elias Sarkis was elected President of Lebanon on May 8, 1976, during the height of the civil war, succeeding Suleiman Frangieh. His election was part of a Syrian-brokered agreement, and he was seen as a compromise candidate acceptable to both Christian and Muslim factions, though his authority was limited by the ongoing conflict.

In 1977, President Sarkis attempted to broker a peace agreement between warring factions at the Shtaura conference. The agreement called for a ceasefire and political reforms, but it collapsed due to opposition from hardline Christian and Palestinian groups. This failure prolonged the civil war and demonstrated Sarkis's inability to impose a political solution.

Elias Sarkis's six-year term ended in September 1982, but the civil war prevented a normal transition. He left office as the Israeli invasion of Lebanon was underway, and he retired from politics. His presidency is remembered for his inability to end the war and for the entrenchment of Syrian influence in Lebanon.