This is Beirut - English Media Platform in Lebanon

White House Hosts Second Round of Direct Lebanon-Israel Talks

This is Beirut 24/04 02:20 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

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On Thursday afternoon, Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened with Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh Moawad and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter in the second round of talks in the first series of direct Lebanon-Israel dialogue since 1993. The talks were planned to take place at the State Department, but prior to the ...

Iran Activates Air Defenses as Trump Faces Congressional Deadline

This is Beirut 07:55 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

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Tehran's air defences were activated to counter small aircraft and drones late Thursday, as the White House signalled that it will not be reined in by a congressional deadline on the Iran war. The Tasnim and Fars news agencies reported that air defence systems, heard in some parts of the Iranian capital, were activated "to counter small aircraft ...

U.S. Urges Meeting Between Lebanese President, Israeli PM

This is Beirut 00:20 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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The U.S. embassy in Lebanon on Thursday urged a meeting between Lebanese and Israeli leaders as the health ministry said Israeli strikes on the country's south killed at least 15 people despite an ongoing ceasefire. Israeli and Lebanese representatives this month have met twice in Washington -- the first such meetings in decades -- after ...

Trump Weighs Military Options on Iran as U.S. Drafts Strike Plans and Hormuz Strategy

This is Beirut 30/04 21:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

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Senior U.S. military commanders will brief President Donald Trump on Thursday on potential military action against Iran, including strike scenarios and options related to the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official told Reuters. The briefing, expected at the White House, will include Central Command chief Brad Cooper, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, ...

Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei Claims Gulf Future Requires U.S. Exit

This is Beirut 30/04 14:05 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

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Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a statement on Thursday asserting that the future of the Gulf would be “bright” only in the absence of the United States. He said Iran would take responsibility for securing the Gulf region and “eliminating enemy violations” of the strategic maritime corridor, ...

Israeli Defense Minister Says Lebanese President is 'Gambling' Country's Future

This is Beirut 27/04 18:20 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz met with UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, on Monday, telling her that "if the Lebanese government continues to shelter under the shadow of the Hezbollah terror organization, fire will burn the cedars of Lebanon." Earlier in the day, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon ...

Gulf States in Limbo as US-Iran Crisis Drags On

This is Beirut 24/04 21:35 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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After weathering unprecedented attacks from Iran, the wealthy Gulf states are now stuck between war and peace as talks stall and the vital Strait of Hormuz remains all but closed—threatening economic recovery. Iran has hit Gulf energy exports with its Strait of Hormuz blockade, while its attacks have caused damage to energy infrastructure ...

Beyond Mediation: How Washington Is Recasting Lebanon–Israel Negotiations

Jeremy Brecher 22/04 21:00 - Reading : 6 minute(s)

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The U.S. is set to mediate a second round of direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials on Thursday as part of the first such series of direct negotiations between the two sides since 1993. These diplomatic engagements come nearly a year and a half after the previous Lebanon-Israel ceasefire framework. In November 2024 under the Biden ...

Jovic Rescues Serbia Draw Against Slovenia at Euro-2024

This Is Beirut 2024-06-20 18:59 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Luka Jovic scored with a last-gasp header to snatch an equalizer for Serbia in a 1-1 draw with Slovenia on Thursday, keeping both teams in contention for a place in the last 16 of Euro 2024. Slovenia looked on course for their first ever win at the tournament after Zan Karnicnik put them ahead in the second half, but Jovic glanced in a corner in ...

Israel President Says He Dreams of ‘Driving Straight to Beirut’

This is Beirut 22/04 14:50 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Wednesday he hopes Israelis will one day be able to travel freely to Beirut, speaking to foreign diplomats in Jerusalem ahead of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon. Speaking to a gathering that included envoys from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, Herzog said Israel was “eager” to help shape a ...

Israel FM Calls on Lebanon to 'Work Together' with Israel Against Hezbollah

This is Beirut 22/04 12:55 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

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Israel's foreign minister on Wednesday urged Beirut to make joint efforts with Israel to counter Hezbollah on the eve of talks between the two countries set to resume in Washington. It will be the second preparatory meeting paving the way for direct negotiations. "Tomorrow the direct talks between Israel and Lebanon will resume in Washington, DC. ...

Lebanon Has Another Opportunity of a Lifetime

David Hale 20/04 10:35 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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As Lebanese, Israeli, and American teams prepare for their first-ever trilateral leaders summit, it is time to reflect on this opportunity and lessons from the past. Most Lebanese have yearned for decades for a restoration of state sovereignty and peace. There are a host of reasons why they have been deprived of what most people around the ...

From War To Business Suits: What Peace with Israel Could Mean for Lebanon's Economy

Ralph Atrach 17/04 23:30 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

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As Lebanese and Israeli officials met face to face in Washington for the first time in decades, the war with Hezbollah dominated headlines, but the prospect of future economic ties between Jerusalem and Beirut came into view. Following the meeting, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter brought up the potential windfalls of peace. “The ...

Leaders Signal Next Phase for Lebanon

This is Beirut 17/04 21:05 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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A tentative shift began to take shape today as Presidents Donald Trump, Joseph Aoun, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed their visions for what comes next in Lebanon following the announcement of a ceasefire and the launch of direct talks. While the pause in fighting has created space for diplomacy, each leader made clear that the ...

Trump Says Israel and Lebanon 'Leaders' Will Hold Direct Talks Today

This is Beirut 16/04 11:50 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

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U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that Israeli and Lebanese ‘leaders’ will hold direct talks later today. “Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon… It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen later today,” Trump said, without ...

MCF Honors Trailblazers in Journalism and Media in Dubai

This Is Beirut 2024-06-19 16:32 - Reading : 7 minute(s)

Seven awards were bestowed to honor global and Arab trailblazers in journalism and media during the MCF Media Awards Ceremony, held for the second time in Dubai. The MCF Foundation hosted its 12th annual event to recognize journalists and media professionals from both the region and around the globe. This event has become a notable occasion ...

Copa America: Argentina Begins Title Defense With 2-0 Win Over Canada

This Is Beirut 2024-06-21 12:24 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

World champions Argentina opened their bid for back-to-back Copa America titles with a 2-0 win over Canada in front of a crowd of 70,564 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday. Julian Alvarez put Argentina ahead in the 49th minute, but a combination of inspired goalkeeping from Canada's Max Crepeau and Lionel Messi's surprising lack of precision in ...

Trapped, Starved, and Abused: The Uncertain Fate of Lebanon’s Zoo Animals

Vanessa Kallas 2024-07-06 12:00 - Reading : 8 minute(s)

As a child, you probably visited a zoo with your family or school. You remember looking at photos of beautiful wild animals, but the idea of seeing them up close piques your interest. With a pounding heart, you walk through the gate for your first closeup encounter with these majestic animals. However, your heart sinks with disappointment at what ...

Resisting Fascism

2024-07-01 09:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

The ostentatious takeover of the government of Lebanon by fascist Shiite militancy is no more a secret; it is an established fact. The whole constitutional process is fraudulent and systematically rigged to serve and cover the politics of subversion conducted by Hezbollah and its acolytes. It’s worth mentioning that this policy, far from being a ...

French Far-Right Ahead but Far from Majority

This Is Beirut 2024-07-05 19:06 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Emmanuel Macron

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen's party held onto its lead in opinion polls published Friday ahead of legislative elections, but its chance of wielding an absolute majority was receding. The anti-immigrant, eurosceptic National Rally (RN) remains on course to be the biggest party in parliament after Sunday's second-round vote but is not ...

Code of Money and Credit: Progress on Certain Aspects of Its Reform

Liliane Mokbel 2024-07-03 19:09 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

The commission tasked with drafting proposals to amend the Monetary and Credit Code (CMC) presented its project to Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Monday after eleven months of rigorous effort. However, there is still a lengthy process ahead before the amendments become effective. The proposed text must first be examined by parliamentary ...

Hollywood Bids Farewell to Screenwriting Legend Robert Towne

Béatrice Moreau 2024-07-03 19:01 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

The film world mourns the loss of Robert Towne, who passed away at 89. Oscar-winning writer of Chinatown, this genius screenwriter left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his incisive dialogue and complex plots, shaping the art of cinema. Robert Towne, one of the greatest screenwriters in American cinema history, passed away peacefully at the ...

US Port in Gaza: Between Aid and Strategic Challenges

2024-07-02 16:25 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

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In early March, US President Joe Biden made an announcement regarding the construction of a floating dock off the coast of Gaza. The project has been a hot topic ever since. The aim is to deliver humanitarian aid to the enclave following the closure of land crossing points by the Israeli army. Beyond the humanitarian issue, what strategic ...

Doping: Global Perspectives and Lebanese Realities (2/2)

2024-07-01 18:56 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Doping Tests and Prevention Measures in Lebanese Sports: What’s the Situation? Doping in Lebanon, although less publicized than in other countries, remains a concern for sports authorities. Questions persist about the regularity and effectiveness of anti-doping tests, as well as the follow-up provided by sports federations. It is crucial to ...

Rain Doesn't Stop David Guetta's Chambord Show

2024-07-01 14:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Nearly 30,000 people gathered at Château de Chambord for David Guetta's concert at the “Chambord Live” Festival on June 29, 2024. The DJ's performance featured visual and pyrotechnic effects. Nearly 30,000 people gathered on Saturday evening at Château de Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, to see star DJ David Guetta's show, as part of the third ...

Copa America: Panama Stun USA in Upset Game

2024-06-28 09:46 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Panama left the USA's hopes of qualifying for the Copa America knockout rounds hanging by a thread on Thursday after scoring a shock 2-1 victory over the host nation. A stormy Group C battle in Atlanta saw both sides finish with 10 men as Panama came from behind to snatch a victory which reignites their Copa campaign after an opening loss to ...

Donald Sutherland, the Aristocrat of Actors, Bids Farewell

Sophia Novalis 2024-06-22 14:19 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, known for his memorable roles in The Dirty Dozen, The Hunger Games, and many other films, has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind an invaluable cinematic legacy. Donald Sutherland, an eclectic and legendary actor, passed away at the age of 88, his son Kiefer announced on Thursday. With a career spanning ...

Real Estate: Series of Issues and Promising Solutions

Liliane Mokbel 2024-06-26 18:21 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

In a country where state institutions are almost paralyzed and the specter of war is looming, recommendations for breaking out of the stagnation in the real estate sector are nothing short of hypothetical. Panelists at the second Annual Real Estate Forum in Lebanon, that took place on Tuesday, highlighted the plethora of challenges facing the ...

Julian Assange Lands in US Territory to Stand Trial

This Is Beirut 2024-06-25 10:29 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

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WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange landed on US soil on Wednesday to face a final court hearing under a plea deal expected to end years of legal drama and allow him to return to his native Australia as a free man. AFP reporters saw a private jet carrying the 52-year-old touch down in Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, the Pacific US territory ...

Macron Warns Far-Right, Hard-Left Policies Could Lead to ‘Civil War'

This Is Beirut 2024-06-24 22:02 - Reading : 2 minute(s)