Economy

Iraq to Provide 200,000 Tons of Flour to Lebanon
Iraq to Provide 200,000 Tons of Flour to Lebanon

Iraq pledged to supply 200,000 tons of flour to Lebanon as part of an emergency humanitarian aid package designed to alleviate the burden of the ongoing crisis in Lebanon, following the Israeli attacks on the country. This was announced on Wednesday by caretaker Minister of Economy Amin Salam following a phone call with his Iraqi counterpart, ...

Al-Qard Al-Hassan: Is Hezbollah's 'Bank' in Jeopardy? (2/2)
InvestigationAl-Qard Al-Hassan: Is Hezbollah's 'Bank' in Jeopardy? (2/2)

Many legal experts agree on the idea that "the Al-Qard Al-Hasan Association is a loophole in Lebanese law." The change in terminology does not alter the legal nature, which means that it is, in essence, a bank under legal reality and cannot be considered a non-profit charity organization, as it identifies itself. Specific circulars about Al-Qard ...

Oil Price Drops Amid Israeli Reassurances
Oil Price Drops Amid Israeli Reassurances

Oil prices continued their downward trend on Tuesday, falling by more than 3%, after The Washington Post reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had assured US President Joe Biden in a phone conversation that he planned to strike the Iranian military, not oil or nuclear infrastructure, in retaliation for the Iranian strikes on ...

Global Public Debt to Exceed $100tn Says IMF
Global Public Debt to Exceed $100tn Says IMF

Global public debt is expected to reach a record $100 trillion this year, the IMF said Tuesday, warning that the fiscal outlook for many countries may be even "worse than expected." In its latest report on fiscal policy, the International Monetary Fund said it expects global public debt to hit 93 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP) ...

When War Forces People to Flee…
When War Forces People to Flee…

Over the years, Lebanon’s conflicts have consistently driven large-scale displacements, whether domestically or internationally. The current war between Israel and Hezbollah has similarly led to a surge in departures to various destinations. While exact figures remain elusive, the numbers are striking. Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanon’s ...

Rising Rentals: Effects of the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
Rising Rentals: Effects of the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

Over a million Lebanese citizens have been forced to leave their homes due to the escalating Israeli bombardments, seeking refuge in safer regions. This phenomenon has led to a significant surge in real estate prices in areas that remain unaffected by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Several factors have contributed to this increase, ...

Maroun Khater: 'Defusing the Cheques Time Bomb'
Maroun Khater: 'Defusing the Cheques Time Bomb'

In its meeting on October 9, 2024, the Central Council of Banque du Liban (BDL) amended main circular No. 166, extending its benefits to depositors who converted their funds from Lebanese pounds to foreign currencies after October 30, 2019. The council also updated main circular No. 147, requiring banks to return outstanding or circulating bank ...

Russia Rules Out Azerbaijani Gas Transit to Europe via Ukraine as Key Deal Expires
WindowRussia Rules Out Azerbaijani Gas Transit to Europe via Ukraine as Key Deal Expires

Moscow has been supplying gas to Europe through Ukrainian pipeline infrastructure under a 2019 deal that has generated income for both sides. However, Kyiv has stated that it will not renew the agreement when it expires at the end of 2024. When asked whether Azerbaijani gas could replace Russian gas once the deal ends, the Russian Deputy Prime ...

Figures Outlining Impact of War on Economy
Numbers & FiguresFigures Outlining Impact of War on Economy

Nabil Fahed, president of the Supermarket Owners’ Union, revealed that the non-essential commercial sector, meaning non-food-related businesses, is operating at only 5% of its pre-war capacity, experiencing a 95% drop. Additionally, it is facing various challenges, according to him. The closure of the Masnaa border crossing, which connects to ...

Airline Tickets: Wartime Premiums
Airline Tickets: Wartime Premiums

Lebanese authorities are resolute in their commitment to maintaining the “intact” reputation of BRHIA, ensuring stringent security measures, order and adherence to the law.  Furthermore, caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities Bassam Mawlawi and caretaker Minister of Transport and Public Works Ali Hamiye emphasized on Monday that ...

Al-Qard Al-Hassan: Is Hezbollah's \
InvestigationAl-Qard Al-Hassan: Is Hezbollah's "Bank" in Jeopardy? (1/2)

Intense daily Israeli airstrikes continue on the southern suburb of Beirut, southern villages, and the Beqaa Valley, while the Israeli side affirms that its war will persist until it eliminates Hezbollah's military and organizational targets. The aim is to inflict as much strategic damage as possible on Hezbollah, including its financial ...

Ministry of Energy Announces that Water Infrastructure Has Been Targeted
Ministry of Energy Announces that Water Infrastructure Has Been Targeted

The Ministry of Energy announced on Tuesday that Israeli air raids "targeted vital water infrastructure." The main watercourse of the Litani River, which supplies the Qasimiya irrigation project in the Arzi region, was directly hit. In a statement, the Ministry noted that this strategic project draws over 260,000 cubic meters of water per day to ...