Sarkis, Elias (1922– )

Lebanese Maronite Christian politician, president 1976–82. His term was marked by the resumption and escalation of the civil war, which had begun in 1975 and had officially ended in October 1976. With militias and the Syrian army gaining the upper hand, central authority weakened and Sarkis, although respected, was unable to make an impact. In June 1982, three months before his presidential term ended, Israeli forces invaded Lebanon.

Born into a lower-middle-class family, Sarkis, after graduating in law, worked as a judge at the audit office, where he impressed Fuad Shihab, who was president 1958–64. Sarkis served as governor of Lebanon's Central Bank 1967–76, at a time of economic difficulties. He narrowly failed, by one vote, to be elected president by parliament in 1970, but in 1976, with Syrian backing, became president, succeeding Suleiman Franjiyeh.