Lebanon

Syria’s Economy Reportedly Rebuilt in Shadows by President’s Brother

This is Beirut 24/07 16:00 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

A Reuters investigation uncovered a covert campaign to restructure Syria’s shattered economy, led by the new president’s brother, Hazem al-Sharaa, and an Australian of Lebanese descent, Abraham Succarieh, who is under international sanctions for alleged terrorism financing. Operating through an unannounced “shadow committee,” the pair has ...

VideosLebanon’s Offshore Energy Revival Stalls Amid Political and Regional Deadlock

Lyne Sammouri 24/07 15:50 - Reading : less than a minute

lebanon maritime borders oil and gas

Despite vast undersea potential, Lebanon’s oil and gas progress has stalled amid political paralysis and regional tension. With licensing rounds faltering and seismic surveys proposed, hopes now hinge on maritime deals with Cyprus and an awaited decision from Syria.

Lebanese Army Raids in Bekaa and Baabda Lead to Clashes and Arrests

This is Beirut 24/07 15:05 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Baalbeck Lebanese Army

The Lebanese Army carried out a series of targeted operations on Thursday in different parts of the Bekaa region, resulting in clashes with wanted individuals. In a morning statement, the army command reported that a unit, supported by an intelligence patrol, raided several homes in Bir el-Abed, Baabda. During the operation, four individuals (A. ...

UN Report Calls for Urgent, Coordinated Recovery Plan to Avert Lebanon’s Collapse

This is Beirut 24/07 13:45 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Lebanon United Nations Cesao Development Cooperation

The United Nations issued a stark warning Thursday, urging immediate and coordinated efforts to steer Lebanon away from a deepening crisis. In a newly released joint report, UN agencies outlined the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict and proposed key recovery pathways to help the country regain its footing. The report, titled “The ...

Sami Abi el-Mona Calls for Urgent Humanitarian Mobilization in Sweida

This is Beirut 24/07 13:00 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Sweida Druze Syria Sami Abi al-Mona

Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Sami Abi al-Mona called on Thursday for urgent humanitarian action to support the people of Sweida, who have been deeply affected by recent violent clashes. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Abi al-Mona described a dire situation in the Syrian governorate, pointing to significant civilian casualties and ...

Germs, Pollution, Junk Food: Lebanon’s Summer of All Dangers

Makram Haddad 24/07 12:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Lebanon Pollution Germs

A Feverish Country, Citizens Out of Breath A morning like any other in Beirut. Unusual lines at the pharmacy, overwhelmed medical offices, worried parents in pediatric waiting rooms. Fever, cough, diarrhea, vomiting… For several weeks, Lebanese citizens have been falling ill. Gastroenteritis, rotavirus, summer flu, COVID and lung infections are ...

President Aoun, Mufti Derian Pledge Unity and Coordination

This is Beirut 24/07 10:55 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Lebanon Baabda Derian Joseph Aoun Politics

President Joseph Aoun welcomed Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian and a delegation of regional muftis to the Presidential Palace in Baabda on Thursday, stressing that Lebanon has reached a “pivotal and possibly fateful crossroads.” In an atmosphere he described as both critical and sensitive, Aoun underscored that the ...

Op-edThe Middle East: Recalibrations, Fractures and a Coming Storm

Salam El Zaatari 24/07 10:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

United States Lebanon Syria Hezbollah Israel

By now, we should know that when the Middle East falls silent, it’s rarely a good sign. As if history itself were pausing for breath, the region today is locked in what I call a “violent pause”—not peace, not war, but something infinitely more dangerous: indecision. The past six months have redrawn the map of alliances and threats, but ...

Former Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib Dies at 84

This is Beirut 24/07 09:50 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Lebanon Abdallah Bou Habib Foreign Minister

Former Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib passed away at the age of 84 following a heart attack on Wednesday evening. He was rushed to the hospital but died shortly after his admission. A seasoned diplomat, trained economist, professor, and author, Bou Habib left a lasting mark on Lebanese public life through his intellectual rigor and ...

EditorialCaught Between the Hot Potato and the Pressure Cooker

Marc Saikali 24/07 08:05 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Lebanon United States Tom Barrack Hezbollah

Tom Barrack left exactly as he came, with the same uncertainties and delays. The American envoy must have been tearing his hair out (figuratively speaking) at the careless attitude he observed. The hot potato of disarmament has officially been passed on. “It’s an internal matter. The United States does not negotiate with an organization they ...

Geagea and Joumblatt Deliberate Syria, Ceasefire and Electoral Reform

This is Beirut 23/07 20:05 - Reading : less than a minute

Stability Peace Sovereignty Samir Geagea Lebanon Walid Joumblatt

Samir Geagea and Walid Joumblatt met for a candid discussion on Wednesday, united by a mutual commitment to Lebanon’s future. The discussion opened with an assessment of developments in neighboring Syria. Both leaders concurred that events in Damascus carry significant implications for Lebanon, and they affirmed that preserving the ...

VideosExplainer: What Shifted Between Tom Barrack’s First and Second Visits to Lebanon?

Chelsea Al Arif 23/07 19:40 - Reading : less than a minute

Washington Tom Barrack Lebanon

In the span of two weeks, Barrack first arrived promoting dialogue, then returned with warnings. This explainer breaks down what changed and why it matters for Lebanon.