Lebanon

To Those Betting on the International Monetary Fund

An official Lebanese delegation is heading to Washington, DC to participate in the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, carrying with it new promises and commitments aimed at pleasing these two international institutions. It seeks to convince them that Lebanon has indeed embarked on the path of reform and seeks to go even further by fulfilling all ...

Georges Khabbaz Shoots Global Series in Canary Islands, Spain

After starring in the acclaimed film Yunan by Ameer Fakher Eldin – which was selected for the official competition at the Berlin International Film Festival and won awards at the Bari and Milan film festivals in Italy – and after shooting Mille Secrets Mille Dangers last summer with Oscar-nominated director Philippe Falardeau, Georges Khabbaz ...

Joseph Aoun Files Two Appeals Before the Constitutional Council

In a notable move, President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, submitted two appeals before the Constitutional Council. The first concerns Law No. 1, which came into force by default and relates to the rental of non-residential spaces. The second concerns Law No. 2, also effective by default, aimed at amending certain provisions regulating the ...

Council of Ministers Approves UNIFIL’s Mandate Extension

Lebanon’s Cabinet approved the annual extension of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Thursday. The decision, made during a meeting at Baabda Palace chaired by President Joseph Aoun, sets the stage for the upcoming UN Security Council vote on renewing the peacekeeping mission for another year at Lebanon’s ...

NSSF Expands Coverage, Adds 1,067 Medications for Reimbursement

Lebanon’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has expanded its drug coverage in a major healthcare move, adding 1,067 previously excluded medications back to its reimbursement list. The update, announced Thursday by NSSF Director General Mohammad Karake, restores up to 80% reimbursement for these drugs—returning to pre-crisis coverage ...

President Aoun Files Appeals Over New Laws

President Joseph Aoun has filed two appeals Thursday before the Constitutional Council challenging recently enacted laws that came into effect automatically. The first appeal concerns the law on the liberalization of non-residential rent contracts, while the second targets amendments to legislation regulating the organization of private schools ...

Hezbollah Reportedly Relocates Senior Figures to Latin America and Africa

In what may signal a significant shift in strategy, Hezbollah has reportedly orchestrated the quiet relocation of hundreds of its commanders and their families from Lebanon to countries in Latin America and Africa. According to Saudi television channel Al-Hadath, which cited a well-informed diplomatic source, approximately 400 officials have left ...

Is Jordan’s Stability at Stake?

Long regarded as a rare bastion of stability in a turbulent region, Jordan now finds itself at a critical crossroads. Confronted with rising security threats and significant political shifts, the Hashemite Kingdom faces mounting challenges that could place its future on an uncertain path. Foiled Cross-Border Plot On Tuesday, Jordanian ...

Saudi Arabia: Reform and Disarmament a Priority in Lebanon

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is closely observing Lebanon’s progress on two critical fronts: comprehensive reform and the disarmament of Hezbollah. The recent visit of Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan to Beirut underscored Riyadh’s insistence on meaningful developments in both areas. According to Lebanese officials who met with the envoy, bin ...

Qatar Renews Military and Financial Support to LAF Following Aoun’s Visit

The State of Qatar and the Republic of Lebanon issued a joint statement on Wednesday outlining the outcomes of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s official visit to Doha. The statement emphasized that during talks between Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President Aoun, both sides reaffirmed the vital role of the Lebanese Armed ...

Lebanon’s Increased IMF Subscription: A Prerequisite for Future Funding?

The Finance and Budget Committee, chaired by MP Ibrahim Kanaan, has tentatively approved an increase in Lebanon's contribution to the International Monetary Fund, requesting Minister of Finance Yassine Jaber to provide a study on the feasibility of raising Lebanon’s contribution by $423 million. According to Kanaan, the increase in ...

Hala Schoukair on her Mother’s Legacy and Her New Solo Show, Nadey Hakim’s Sculpture Praised by Donald Trump

Artist Hala Schoukair opens up about growing up as the daughter of legendary modernist Saloua Raouda Choucair, and how she continues to honor her mother’s legacy through the foundation in Ras El Matn. She also unveils her own creative path with her solo exhibition, “The Affirmative Happiness of a Green Dot,” at Saleh Barakat Gallery. Also ...