Lebanon's parliamentary majority formally nominated the army commander to be the nation's president Dec. 2.

The majority's nomination of Gen. Michel Suleiman does not guarantee he will get the job. The constitution needs to be amended and the majority needs the backing of some opposition parties, although major groups have given their support.

Suleiman's emergence as a compromise candidate has set up a potential resolution to months of conflict between the U.S.-backed majority and the Hezbollah-led opposition. Many in Lebanon fear a prolonged leadership vacuum could lead to violence.