Pakistan Hosts Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt for Talks on Mideast War

This is Beirut 29/03 19:10 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey on Sunday held talks about trying to end the war in the Middle East, as Islamabad acts as a go-between between the United States and Iran. The four-way meeting between the top diplomats of the Muslim nations lasted several hours in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. Pakistan has emerged as a key facilitator ...

Stifle Music Too, Why Don’t You!

Alain E. Andrea 2024-02-20 18:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

In this critical period where art in Lebanon, and particularly music, is sinking into a worrying decline, a methodical campaign of marginalization and discrimination has been persisting against seasoned artists for some time now. Recently, the sudden cancellation, without a convincing explanation, of concerts organized on a pro bono basis for ...

Mikati to MPs: Elect a President and Let's Get It Over With!

This Is Beirut 2024-01-26 17:43 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati insisted on Friday that his government had inherited the problems and crises of previous cabinets, attempting to absolve himself of the failings and incompetence of most of his ministers. "For two days, I listened to the MPs' statements and their opinions, most of which were constructive and pointed out the ...

Hasbani to TIB: The Budget Is Not Ideal

Chelsea Al Arif 2024-01-26 20:34 - Reading : less than a minute

Lebanese Forces

Lebanese Forces MP Ghassan Hasbani said on Friday that even if the budget in its current state is nowhere close to being perfect, some points are still being discussed within Parliament before proceeding with the vote. “We are halfway through the discussions, and the vote might happen later tonight or might require another half a day," he added.

‘Unmasked’ or The Gallery of Portraits by Georges Meouchy

2024-01-28 13:49 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

At Rebirth Beirut, in an exhibition titled "Unmasked," which runs from January 25 to February 3, 2024, gallerist Aïda Cherfan introduces us to a new talent: Georges Meouchy, an artist known for his original and unique style. A self-taught painter who also works as a notary, Meouchy acknowledges being inspired by his varied social and ...

Venice Carnival 2024 Celebrates Marco Polo

Béatrice Moreau 2024-01-29 10:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

The Carnival of Venice, one of the most emblematic and photographed festivities in the world, began its celebrations with a bang this Saturday. For the 2024 edition, Venice pays homage to one of its most famous sons, Marco Polo, by celebrating the 700th anniversary of his death with the theme "Towards the Orient. The Incredible Journey of Marco ...

The Situation of Migratory Species Worsens Worldwide

2024-02-12 19:36 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Albatrosses, turtles, or sturgeons: the plight of migratory species, vital for nature’s balance, is deteriorating, warns a groundbreaking report published on Monday under the auspices of the UN and reported by AFP. "Migratory species are being severely impacted," denounced the head of UN Environment, Inger Andersen. Among the species listed by ...

Seiji Ozawa, Requiem for Life

Alain E. Andrea 2024-02-13 16:00 - Reading : 6 minute(s)

Seiji Ozawa, who conducted his symphony of life with unwavering passion until his last breath, gifts the world a musical legacy ripe with boldness, genius and profound artistic commitment. With Eric Tanguy, we go behind the scenes of one specific work, embellished by the tour-de-force interpretation of Mstislav Rostropovich, and masterfully ...

A Look Back at The First Round Of 16 in The Champions League

Abbass Attara 2024-02-15 19:00 - Reading : 8 minute(s)

On Tuesday and Wednesday evening, the Cup with the Big Ears was back in action, much to the delight of football fans, and there was plenty to look forward to. With fixtures that lived up to expectations and Valentine's Day parties postponed, the Champions League delivers every time. Here's a look back at the highlights, from the Red Bull Arena to ...

‘Mother Valley’ by Carlos Chahine: A Cinematic Gem

Bélinda Ibrahim 2024-02-18 10:56 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

  In Mother Valley, Carlos Chahine delivers a nuanced portrait of Lebanon in 1958, capturing with finesse a woman’s quest for freedom in a changing world. This Franco-Lebanese film skillfully blends historical drama with intimate exploration, establishing itself as a major work in the cinematic landscape of 2023. Carlos Chahine’s ...

‘Ephemeral Lands:’ Salah Missi’s Solo Exhibition

Béatrice Moreau 2024-03-03 13:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

In the heart of Beirut, an art event poised to challenge perceptions and invite introspection is set to open its doors. "Ephemeral Lands," the latest solo exhibition by Lebanese visual artist Salah Missi, promises an evening of artistic exploration and cultural reflection at the no/mad utopia gallery on Thursday, March 7, from 6 PM to 9 PM. This ...

Budget Debate: MPs Criticize Lack of Economic Vision

2024-01-24 23:23 - Reading : 6 minute(s)

Judged by some MPs as contrary to the Constitution because it lacks an account closure, the 2024 budget proposal has not garnered unanimous support in Parliament even though it has been significantly modified by the parliamentary Finance and Budget committee. MPs took turns to express their views in Parliament on Wednesday, the first day of a ...

"Art of Living": The Crossroads of Innovation in Interior Decoration

This Is Beirut 2024-03-05 10:35 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

The annual “Art of Living” exhibition returns in 2024 to present the latest trends in design, furnishing, and interior decoration under the banner of creativity, authenticity, and innovation. This prestigious event, a true showcase of the sector, takes place annually to unveil all the novelties in the world of furniture and design. Over five ...

Chanel Celebrates Its Love Story With Deauville

Bélinda Ibrahim 2024-03-10 17:55 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Chanel and Deauville share a love story that lasted for over a century. When Gabrielle Chanel opened her first store in the Norman seaside resort in 1912, she could not have imagined that she was sealing the fate of her brand with that of this town. Since then, the two names have been inseparable, united by a common passion for casual elegance and ...

Camille Cottin All the Way to Hosting Cannes Film Festival

2024-03-15 11:22 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

In a recent announcement that has sparked considerable excitement within the cinematic community, renowned French actress Camille Cottin, celebrated for her leading role in the Netflix sensation Call My Agent, has been appointed as the host of the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. This year, the grand event is scheduled to take place ...

Vodafone Sells Italian Unit to Swisscom

This Is Beirut 2024-03-15 15:29 - Reading : less than a minute

British telecoms giant Vodafone said on Friday that it agreed to sell its Italian unit to Swisscom for eight billion euros in cash, completing efforts to overhaul the UK group's European operations. "Swisscom's purchase of Vodafone Italy and to merge it with its Italian subsidiary, Fastweb, creates a strong contender in the most challenging telco ...

47th Commemoration of the Assassination of Kamal Joumblatt

This Is Beirut 2024-03-16 13:59 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

A symbolic procession was held in Moukhtara on Saturday to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the assassination of Kamal Joumblatt, the founder of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP). Crowds gathered in the Chouf town to lay roses on his grave to recall his memory. Teymour Joumblatt, Kamal Joumblatt's grandson and current leader of the PSP, ...

Conspiracy Theories, a Lebanese’s Daily Bread

Johnny Kortbawi 2024-03-19 15:46 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Beirut Port

No people in the world believe in conspiracy theories like the Lebanese do. In Lebanon, there is an absolute passion for analyzing and painting scenarios, no matter how farfetched or utterly unrealistic they might be. Adherence to conspiracy theories is nothing new for the Lebanese people, who believe that all that occurs is the result of a ...

Generative AI: Ultimate Threat or Future of Journalism?

2024-03-19 18:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

The emergence of generative intelligence is disrupting numerous sectors, and journalism is no exception. This technology, capable of producing text, images, and videos of impressive quality, raises crucial questions about the evolution of the profession. While generative AI poses an evident threat to certain traditional aspects of journalism, it ...

Is It Still Allowed to Dream in Lebanon?

Riad Obégi 2024-03-22 18:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

  Can we still see the repeated caress of passing time in the disjointed slabs of the sidewalks? Can we still smell the stubborn scents of orange blossoms among the port’s odors? Can we still grasp the benevolent smile and gesture of the truck driver within the chaotic traffic? Can we still find hope and energy in the lofty brow of our ...

Budget 2024: Debate Continues for the Second Day

This Is Beirut 2024-01-25 11:17 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Budget 2024

For the second day running, the Lebanese parliament continues its debate on the 2024 state budget. The MPs, who are meeting for the plenary session at the Parliament on Thursday, are expected to discuss and then vote on the finance bill article by article. After a first day mainly devoted to speeches by the various parties, the second day will be ...

Education, Against All Odds (2/4) – The Sadr Family, in the School of Dignity

Maxime Pluvinet 2024-01-24 15:28 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Imam Moussa Sadr, the former spiritual leader of the Lebanese Shiite community, mysteriously disappeared during a visit to Libya in 1978. He remains in the memory of the Lebanese as the main figure who championed the cause of dignity for Lebanese Shiites. Born in 1928 in Qom, Iran, this Shiite religious leader, holding the title of Sayyed (borne ...

"Inside Us", An Exhibition by Philippe Farhat at Cheriff Tabet

Zeina Nader 2024-03-23 18:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Cheriff Tabet Gallery opens its elegant space in Achrafieh to showcase the art of Philippe Farhat in a solo exhibition titled Inside Us. Philippe Farhat, a painter and interior designer based in Beirut, also teaches art at several institutions. He probes the intimacy of the soul, revisiting neglected childhood dreams and often challenging ...

Judge Abboud Warns Against Complete Collapse of Judicial System

This Is Beirut 2023-12-08 12:24 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Abboud Judicial system

The President of the Higher Judiciary Council (HJC), Judge Souheil Abboud, highlighted numerous challenges confronting the Lebanese judiciary. During a conference organized by the Francophone Network of Judicial Councils (Réseau francophone des conseils de la magistrature judiciaire) (RFCMJ) at the French Court of Cassation in Paris, Judge ...

Hezbollah Chief's Secretary Assassinated In Beirut Strike

This is Beirut 09/04 11:40 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

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The IDF said it assassinated Ali Youssef Harshi in Beirut on Wednesday, the personal secretary of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem. In an official statement, the Israeli military confirmed the killing of Harshi, describing him as a key figure within Hezbollah and a close associate of its leadership.  Who Was the Target? According to ...

Vance Arrives in Pakistan for Iran Talks

This is Beirut 11/04 12:10 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad on Saturday for talks with Iran that the Pakistani premier hosting the warring sides called a "make or break" effort to permanently halt weeks of fighting in the Middle East. An Iranian delegation led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is also in the city, having arrived ...

Iran Sacrifices Lebanon on the Altar of Its Own Interests

Marwan El Amine 11/04 22:45 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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The U.S. and Israel have entered a two-week ceasefire, an arrangement that paves the way for negotiations aimed at resolving a wide range of complex and contentious issues. Yet Lebanon, despite Iran’s rhetoric, appears to remain a marginal concern in the talks for Tehran, which has shown little care for the suffering of Lebanese Shia. Despite ...

Proxy, Not Priority: Iran Leaves Hezbollah on the Sidelines

Ralph Atrach 11/04 23:05 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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As Iran and the U.S. begin negotiations in Islamabad while Israel continues its military campaign in Lebanon, analysts say Tehran is prioritizing its own interests over those of its proxy, Hezbollah. “Iran has its priorities as a state,” political analyst Ali al-Amine told This is Beirut. “Today, its main interest is to avoid a ...

U.S. Vice President JD Vance: ‘We Were Unable to Reach an Agreement’ With Iran

This is Beirut 06:55 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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On Sunday morning, U.S. Vice President JD Vance held a press conference following 21 hours of negotiations with Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan, announcing that “we were unable to reach an agreement.” He emphasized that “Iran decided not to accept our terms” as U.S. negotiators sought to adhere to the agenda and demands it set ...

Kuwait Says 24 Arrested Over 'Financing of Terror'

This is Beirut 13:35 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

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Kuwait has arrested 24 people as part of an investigation into the "financing of terrorist entities," authorities said late Saturday, without revealing who was involved. A security source told AFP that five former Kuwaiti lawmakers were among those detained. Since Iran began attacking Kuwait and other Gulf states last month as part of the Middle ...