Lebanese Forces Chief Samir Geagea recounted that when he took part in the funeral of assassinated Major General Francois Hajj at the Basilica of our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, the Christian leader was coldly welcomed as he entered the church that was then packed with army officers.
When President Michel Suleiman arrived, Geagea recalled, few went on clapping, whereas attendees enthusiastically saluted the arrival of Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader Michel Aoun as he stepped in.
Geagea clearly concluded that Aoun still garners the support of the military personnel who still regard him as their Army Commander.
Ties binding the Free Patriotic Movement's supporters to the Army have always been remarkable, as loyalists are constantly perceived posting pictures of Aoun wearing his military uniform on social media. In fact, the lawmaker is appreciated as an army commander more than a politician, which explains the large popularity of Brigadier General Chamel Roukoz compared to other FPM leaders.
Being the head of the Army's Commando Regiment pushes many to partake in occasions organized by this unit.
Many of FPM supporters regard Roukoz as the successor of MP Michel Aoun. He is a "hero" wearing his military suit, with a reputation as clean as a whistle as he has been never involved in any foul play .
With all that being said, FPM loyalists often choose to update their profile pictures on social media websites, substituting the photo of their incumbent leader [Aoun] with that of Roukoz.
Aounists are closely following up on Arsal clashes by posting only the photos of the Army's Commando Regiment leader, pinning hopes on the latter to achieve victory and clench the battle against terrorists.
With some writing affectional statuses such as "we are waiting for you", others are undoubtedly aspiring to seeing Roukoz appointed as either the Army commander or the head of Free Patriotic Movement.
But while waiting for one of these two dreams to be fulfilled, social media users called on Chamel Roukoz to shut his phone off and launch a "massive destruction" against terrorists.
