This is Beirut

Dutch are First to Buy US Arms for Ukraine Under NATO Scheme

This is Beirut, 05/08 11:10 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Ukraine Europe Netherlands Conflict Russia

The Netherlands will buy 500 million euros ($577 million) of US weapons for Ukraine, becoming the first NATO member to fund a full package under a new scheme to speed deliveries from American stockpiles, the defense ministry said. The purchase will be under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism launched by US President Donald ...

EU's Automated Border System to Launch in October

This is Beirut, 31/07 09:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Europe European Union USA Border Control

The European Union announced Wednesday that a delayed new border-check system for non-EU nationals, which will do away with passport stamps, will finally launch in October. The so-called Entry/Exit System (EES), was initially supposed to kick in last November but was pushed back at the last minute as several countries were not ready. The EES ...

Israeli FM Rejects International Pressure for Gaza Ceasefire

This is Beirut, 29/07 12:25 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Palestine Ceasefire Europe Hamas Israel

Israel's foreign minister rejected on Tuesday what he called a "distorted campaign" of international pressure for a ceasefire in the Gaza war and recognition of a Palestinian state. Gideon Saar told reporters that if Israel was to halt the conflict while Hamas is still in power in Gaza and still holding hostages it would be a "tragedy for both ...

From K-beauty to C-beauty: The Asian Wave Sweeping the Beauty Market

Christiane Tager, 29/07 12:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Europe United States Cosmetics Korea

What if the future of your makeup bag came from Seoul or Shanghai? This is no longer a passing craze, but a powerful wave sweeping through the industry. In just five years, Chinese beauty (C-beauty) and Korean beauty (K-beauty) products have won over the world, from TikTok influencers to pharmacy shelves. With natural ingredients, competitive ...

Expats in Lebanon: Celebrating Togetherness Amid Economic Strain

Marilyne Jallad, 28/07 17:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Europe USA lebanon tourism

“Expats, I adore you! I was so happy to see you again and spend time together, especially after the summer of 2024, when war was raging between Israel and Hezbollah and we were overwhelmed by bad news and constant bombardment,” says Kareen, whom we met in downtown Beirut. Still, she adds a note of frustration. “It was really ...

Europe Hopes for 'No Surprises' as US Weighs Force Withdrawals

This is Beirut, 28/07 09:45 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Europe USA Donald Trump European Union Military

After keeping Donald Trump happy with a pledge to up defense spending at NATO's summit, Europe is now bracing for a key decision from the US president on the future of American forces on the continent. Washington is currently conducting a review of its military deployments worldwide -- set to be unveiled in coming months -- and the expectation is ...

Turkey: A Global Power Broker

This is Beirut, 23/07 21:50 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Turkey Volodymyr Zelensky Damascus Europe Israel

From Ukraine to Syria, including Iran, Turkey has emerged in recent years as a pivotal diplomatic force, multiplying its mediation efforts across a spectrum of regional crises. This active, multi-front diplomacy serves both to safeguard its national security and to solidify its position as a key player on the global stage. Turkey’s strategic ...

Iran says Will not Halt Nuclear Enrichment Ahead of European Talks

This is Beirut, 22/07 09:05 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Donald Trump UN Security Council Europe Tehran Nuclear

Iran has no plans to abandon its nuclear program including uranium enrichment despite the "severe" damage caused by US strikes to its facilities, the country's foreign minister said ahead of renewed talks with European powers. Iran is scheduled to meet Britain, France and Germany in Istanbul on Friday, to discuss its nuclear program, with Tehran ...

Libya Commander Haftar Seeks to Force International Engagement

This is Beirut, 21/07 09:10 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Europe Libya Khalifa Haftar EU

Libya's eastern authorities recently expelled a senior European delegation in a move analysts say was meant to send a message: the unrecognized administration backed by military leader Khalifa Haftar cannot be ignored. On July 8, an EU commissioner and ministers from Greece, Italy and Malta were in Libya to discuss irregular migration from the ...

Iran Confirms Fresh Nuclear Talks with European Powers: State Media

This is Beirut, 21/07 08:50 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Israel Tehran Nuclear Istanbul Europe

Iran confirmed fresh talks with European powers to be held on Friday in Istanbul, the country's state media reported, the first since the United States attacked Iranian nuclear facilities a month ago. Iranian diplomats will meet counterparts from Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, after the trio warned that sanctions could be ...

UK Joins New EU Sanctions Targeting Russia Oil Exports

This is Beirut, 18/07 17:45 - Reading : less than a minute

United Kingdom Europe Russia Ukraine Energy

The UK on Friday joined the EU's sweeping new package of sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine war, targeting its energy sector by lowering a price cap for Moscow's oil exports. "We're striking at the heart of the Russian energy sector alongside the EU. Together we will continue to apply relentless pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, ...

Agriculture at a Crossroads: Rich Lands, Closed Borders

Christiane Tager, 15/07 21:15 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Europe European Union Gulf Saudi Arabia Turkey

Lebanon’s land still gives, but the market no longer answers. At a recent Cabinet meeting, Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani issued a stark warning: Lebanese agriculture is at a breaking point. With distribution in crisis, export routes to the Gulf shut down and a stifling economic climate, the sector is being pushed to the edge. “Maritime ...

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