Chamoun, Camille (kämē`yə shämōn`), 1900–1987, Lebanese political leader. Chamoun held a variety of governmental posts before serving as president of Lebanon (1952–58). A Maronite Christian, Chamoun was opposed by Muslim leaders who disliked his pro-Western policies. The Muslim groups openly rebelled against Chamoun's government in 1958, and, in response to Chamoun's request for help, U.S. marines were sent to support the government. After defending the Lebanese against Syria in the 1975 civil war, he held a succession of ministerial appointments.

Chamoun, Camille (Nimer)

also spelled Kamil Sham'un

(born April 3, 1900, Dayr al-Qamar, Leb.—died Aug. 7, 1987, Beirut) President of Lebanon (1952–58). He reorganized government departments to increase efficiency and allowed the press and opposition groups considerable freedom. International tensions rose in 1956 when he refused to break relations with Britain and France over the Suez Crisis. In 1958, when Syria and Egypt formed the short-lived United Arab Republic, he refused pleas from Lebanon's Muslims to join. Armed rebellion broke out, and Chamoun did not seek a second presidential term. He held ministerial posts during the Lebanese civil war (1975–91).