This is Beirut - Lebanon

The Great Realignment: Navigating the Chaos of Modern Politics

Salam El Zaatari, 16/01 09:00 - Reading : 6 minute(s)

USA Lebanon Donald Trump Nawaf Salam Joseph Aoun

Politics in the 21st century feels like a pendulum that has lost its rhythm. The ideological battle between the left and right has become less about substance and more about spectacle, leaving liberals—once the pragmatic bridge between these two camps—searching for relevance. The world has entered an era where media-savvy personalities ...

'We Are Committed to the Reconstruction of Southern Lebanon'

Marc Saikali, 16/01 08:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Lebanon Parliament Nawaf Salam Joseph Aoun Hezbollah

The brief statement by the new Prime Minister on the day of his appointment raises questions. While it is unthinkable for the South to remain neglected, using the “we” pronoun may prompt further scrutiny. Who exactly does “we” refer to? The utterly bankrupt state? Surely not—it doesn’t have the means. The savings of depositors? ...

WB: $257 Million for Water Supply Services

This is Beirut, 15/01 21:20 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Economy Lebanon Water

The World Bank (WB) announced on Wednesday that “the World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved financing of $257.8 million to improve water supply services in Greater Beirut and Mount Lebanon.” In a statement, it was indicated that “the second Greater Beirut Water Supply Project aims to complete vital water infrastructure, ...

If Lebanon Were to Buy Back Its Debt...

Christiane Tager, 15/01 19:20 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Lebanon Economy Debt

In 2023, Lebanon’s public debt reached around $100 billion, representing approximately 200% of its GDP. This makes Lebanon one of the most indebted countries in the world in relation to its economy. It ranks second behind Japan (260% of GDP) and ahead of Greece (180% of GDP), Italy (150% of GDP) and Sudan (176% of GDP). This debt results from ...

Salam Awaits a Meeting with Berri to Form His Government

This is Beirut, 15/01 18:40 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Lebanon Parliament Government Nawaf Salam Nabih Berry

The second round of non-binding parliamentary consultations concluded after the first round during which a significant majority of MPs called for national unity and inclusiveness. Consultations will resume tomorrow, on Thursday. According to sources reported by our colleague Houna Loubnan, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam confirmed that he ...

Futsal – Asian Cup: Lebanon Defeated, Qualification at Risk

Roudi Abou Nader, 15/01 18:40 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Futsal Asian Cup Lebanon

The Lebanese women's futsal team suffered a 3-0 defeat against Palestine on Wednesday at the Nonthaburi Hall (Thailand) during the third round of the 2025 Asian Futsal Cup qualifiers, which will take place in China. This loss seriously complicates the Lebanese team's chances of qualification. Early Advantage for Palestine In the third minute, ...

Nawaf Salam Begins Consultations with Former Prime Ministers

This is Beirut, 14/01 18:47 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Joseph Aoun Nawaf Salam Najib Mikati Fouad Siniora Lebanon Tammam Salam

Newly appointed Prime Minister Nawaf Salam made protocol visits to former Lebanese prime ministers on Tuesday, starting with caretaker PM Najib Mikati. Following their brief meeting, Mikati remarked, “We discussed current issues, but due to his protocol tour, the meeting was concise. We agreed to reconvene later, and I wish him success in ...

When Hezbollah Takes a Backseat...

Johnny Kortbawi, 14/01 12:46 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Hezbollah Lebanon Government Cabinet Parliament

Hezbollah has been a central player in the political arena since 2005. It effectively replaced Syrian tutelage with its own presence in the Cabinet, starting with its participation in Najib Mikati's first government in April 2005. This marked the beginning of the party’s active and uninterrupted role in governance. More than once, Hezbollah ...

Australian Open: Hady Habib vs. Ugo Humbert, a High Stakes Duel for Lebanon

Makram Haddad, 14/01 11:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Australian Open Hady Habib Historic Victory Lebanon

After a historic victory in the first round of the Australian Open, Hady Habib is gearing up to take on a major challenge. Against Ugo Humbert, the no. 14 seed and a pillar of world tennis, Habib will be playing more than just a match on Wednesday, he will carry the hopes of a country in search of inspiring stories. Despite the huge gap in ranking ...

UAE Embassy Reopens in Lebanon: A Diplomatic Milestone

Natasha Metni Torbey, 13/01 22:40 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

United Arab Emirates Joseph Aoun Gulf lebanon

The reopening of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Beirut, following a two-year closure, marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic ties between the two nations. This symbolic and strategic move, welcomed by the Lebanese government, heralds a new phase of cooperation and dialogue. What led to this decision, and what are its ...

Lebanese and International Leaders Congratulate Nawaf Salam’s Appointment as PM

This is Beirut, 13/01 19:55 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Lebanon Prime Minister Nawaf Salam European Union

The nomination of Judge Nawaf Salam, President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as Prime Minister on Monday, with a majority of 84 votes, drew widespread messages of congratulations and optimism among Lebanese and international leaders. The European Union Ambassador to Lebanon, Sandra De Waele, expressed optimism about Salam’s ...

'Diaries from Lebanon' Premieres at the Institut Français, Beirut

Marie-Christine Tayah, 13/01 14:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Film Documentary Cinema Lebanon Beirut Culture

Produced by Abbout Productions and featured in Metropolis Art Cinema's Écrans du réel 2024 lineup, the Diaries from Lebanon documentary delves into personal stories intertwined with Lebanon's sociopolitical upheavals. Through a poignant and deeply personal exploration, the film blends individual narratives with the collective memory of a ...

Lebanon