Daily Quiz for June 24, 2008

Bishara al-Khuri. Bishara al-Khuri was the first president of modern-day Lebanon, elected in 1943–although Lebanon did not become fully independent from French rule until 1946. Khuri had previously been Secretary-General of Mount Lebanon (a political predecessor to modern Lebanon administered by the French) as well as its Prime Minister on several separate occasions. In 1943, the French held general elections to fulfill their earlier promises of Lebanese independence. The new government promptly passed legislation to remove French influences in the constitution. The French voiced their dissent by arresting Bishara al-Khuri and most of the government on Nov. 11, 1943. An insurrection, British diplomatic efforts and one more crisis in 1945 finally left the government restored. British and French troops withdrew by the end of 1946 by which time Lebanon had become a member of the United Nations. Bishara al-Khuri managed to get the national legislature to amend the constitution in 1948, to allow him to run for a second term. Alleged corruption and growing opposition to the Khuri government led to a general strike that forced his resignation in September 1952. He was succeeded by Camille Chamoun.