This is Beirut 2024-11-12 13:20 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Iranian bank cards can now be used in Russia, state television reported, as the two countries linked their banking systems in the latest bid to counteract sanctions. Iranian banks have been excluded since 2018 from the SWIFT international financial messaging service, which governs the vast majority of transactions worldwide. The move is part of ...
Christiane Tager 2024-11-12 09:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Lebanon Internet Alfa Touch Starlink
As connectivity becomes a lifeline for everyone, Lebanon faces a serious threat to its internet network. Johnny Corm, the caretaker Minister of Telecommunications, has issued a stark warning, cautioning that the country's internet is at significant risk. Speaking to This is Beirut, he explained that “Lebanon’s airspace is open, allowing ...
This is Beirut 2024-11-11 10:40 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
League of Civil Servants Strike
The League of Civil Servants announced on Monday its intention to initiate a warning strike in public administrations, with the exception of urgent cases, from Wednesday, November 13 to Friday, November 15. This decision follows the government's dismissal of civil servants' plea to eliminate the requirement for in-person work. In a press release ...
This is Beirut 2024-11-11 10:40 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
China Donald Trump Asian markets
Most Asian markets fell Monday after China's keenly awaited plans to support the world's number two economy fell short of expectations, while traders were also keeping tabs on Washington as Donald Trump puts his cabinet together after last week's election win. Stocks rallied last week on hopes that a second Trump administration - supported by a ...
Liliane Mokbel 2024-11-10 21:40 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
syria border crossings lebanon
The Lebanon-Syria border is dotted with countless unofficial crossing points. Without natural barriers like rivers, mountains or a coastal divide, an effective demarcation of the border remains challenging. There are currently only six official crossings, three of which have been put out of operation by Israeli strikes. Masnaa, Kaa, Daboussiyeh, ...
Liliane Mokbel 2024-11-07 19:20 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Amal Central Bank of Lebanon Reserves
Political pressure from the Amal-Hezbollah duo on the government is mounting, driven by rising complaints among the displaced population and the decrease in international aid. Faced with limited options, Lebanon is now in a state of voluntary default. All eyes are set on the foreign currency reserves of Lebanon’s central bank (BDL) and the ...
This is Beirut 2024-11-07 17:45 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
The national emergency plan, the humanitarian and health situation and the aid distribution mechanism were discussed at a participatory working meeting held by the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (ESEC) on Thursday with the coordinators of the Emergency Committee, caretaker Environment Minister Nasser Yassin and caretaker Health ...
Christiane Tager 2024-11-06 18:25 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Donald Trump Dollar Elon Musk Oil prices
Global markets responded enthusiastically to Donald Trump’s victory as President of the United States. The US 10-year Treasury yield spiked above 4.4%, climbing 15 basis points overnight, while Wall Street opened with strong gains after the Republican win. Dow Jones futures surged 1,100 points pre-market, and Bitcoin broke past the $75,000 mark, ...
Maurice Matta 2024-11-06 12:25 - Reading : 5 minute(s)
Democrats Donald Trump Republicans United States USA White House
The US elections extend beyond domestic concerns; their impact resonates worldwide due to the United States' power, wealth, and influence. With a gross domestic product approaching $28.8 trillion, the US is at the heart of global information, capital, goods, and services flows. Therefore, understanding the potential ramifications of the elections ...
This is Beirut 2024-11-06 09:45 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Donald Trump Republicans bitcoin dollar
The dollar surged and bitcoin hit a record high Wednesday as traders bet on a victory for Donald Trump as he picked up key swing states needed to take the White House, ramping up bets on fresh tax cuts, tariffs and rising inflation. While polls had shown the race on a knife edge, the Republican appeared to be faring better than his Democratic ...
This is Beirut 2024-11-05 21:45 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
The Purchase Managers Index (PMI), published by BlomInvest, registered 45 points in October 2024, down from 47 in the previous month in Lebanon. This is the lowest figure in forty-four months. Business confidence also fell to its lowest level in sixteen months. Commenting on the figures, Fadi Osseiran, Managing Director of Blom Business Bank, ...
Liliane Mokbel 2024-11-05 18:40 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Amal Central Bank of Lebanon Displaced
The Shiite duo (Amal-Hezbollah) reportedly has its sights set on the funds in Lebanon's Treasury Account 36 to support the displaced. This account comprises funds collected by the Lebanese state, primarily from taxes, customs duties, donations and other sources of public revenue. Recently, Hezbollah and Amal MPs and ministers, including Hussein ...