The Beiruter

A cautious diplomatic opening between Iran and the United States is emerging as Oman prepares to host talks on nuclear tensions and regional security.

How conspiratorial thinking in Lebanon acts as a coping mechanism, replacing self-reflection with comforting external blame.

Lebanese Army commander Rodolphe Haikal heads to the United States for high-level talks with CENTCOM and US officials as military aid, the North Litani security plan, and international support for the LAF dominate the agenda.

A century-old constitution struggles to govern Lebanon, as sectarian power-sharing undermines sovereignty and accountability.

Iran’s military is highly centralized under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, combining conventional forces, the IRGC, and a broad military-industrial base.

An analysis based on a Chatham House panel, January 2026

Trump’s Davos remarks on Greenland briefly rattled Europe, but a pause on tariffs and a clear rejection of military force helped defuse a potential trade and security crisis.

An international “Board of Peace,” reportedly led by Donald Trump, is preparing an ultimatum that would require Hamas to fully disarm or face the prospect of enforced military action in Gaza.

The planned return of student elections to the Lebanese University after 18 years marks a rare reopening of democratic life on campus, raising questions about political influence, youth representation, and whether long-promised education reforms can finally move from rhetoric to reality.

The Lebanese Red Cross receives 23 new ambulances from UNHCR to strengthen emergency medical services nationwide, as humanitarian and economic pressures continue to strain Lebanon’s frontline responders.

Microshifting is reshaping the workday by replacing rigid nine-to-five schedules with flexible, human-centered rhythms built around energy, focus, and real life.

A new genetic study reveals that the protein NPM1 fuels the growth of bowel and some liver cancers, pointing to a promising target for more precise and less harmful cancer treatments.

Lebanon ranks as the world’s fifth most depressed country in 2026, as economic collapse, political paralysis, and prolonged instability fuel a nationwide mental health crisis.

More than a hotel, Le Commodore was Beirut’s refuge, newsroom, and social anchor, its closure raises urgent questions about memory, heritage, and urban survival.

Lebanese folk superstitions live between belief and instinct, from salt over the shoulder to symbols guarding newborns. More than habits, they reveal how culture copes with fear, memory, and survival.

From bridal gowns to contemporary fashion, dawah embroidery carries Lebanon’s history forward through gold threads and meticulous handwork.

Lebanese men ranked the most handsome in the Arab world and 25th globally, reflecting not just looks but confidence, style, and cultural influence.

In a country marked by layered trauma, Lebanese artists and cultural spaces are increasingly using art therapy to help people express, share, and heal experiences that are often too painful to put into words.

A veteran Lebanese actor returns to Hamlet as a solo performance, using Shakespeare to reflect on power, justice, and Lebanon’s unresolved crises.

A landmark redevelopment in Prague is reviving the historic Savarin Palace into a public cultural quarter, led by Czech-Lebanese developer Crestyl Group and set to open by 2029.

Small changes can improve health in 2026. Focus on realistic goals rather than overly ambitious resolutions.

A new material from RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science breaks down in saltwater without leaving microplastics behind.

As AI spreads across sectors, jobs are changing through task-level augmentation, not mass replacement.

As AI grows more powerful, empathy and cultural sensitivity become critical to safe, human-centered technology.

Facebook’s refreshed layout and simplified posting aim to boost engagement and restore its cultural influence.

Lebanon ranks 90th in innovation, excelling in research despite weak institutions and infrastructure.

A WhatsApp flaw exposed metadata of 3.5 billion users, though private messages remained secure.

Elon Musk predicts AI and robotics could make work optional, reshaping economy and human life.

AI is making AAC devices faster, smarter, and more personalized for people with communication disabilities.

Accelerated video playback enhances productivity and engagement while potentially altering attention spans and mental processing habits.

AI may feel instantaneous and effortless, but every prompt comes with a hidden environmental cost: massive energy use, billions of liters of water for cooling and hardware, and significant fossil-fuel emissions.

Velents.ai raises $1.5M to launch Agent.sa, the first Arabic-speaking AI employee in the Middle East.

Elon Musk warns AI will surpass humans, making its impact depend on how responsibly it is developed and controlled.

Ray Kurzweil predicts human immortality by 2030, driven by AI, nanotechnology, and genetic advances.

Lebanon launches National Digital Transformation Strategy to modernize governance, boost AI, empower talent, and drive innovation

Dubai’s “Scan Smart” campaign highlights the importance of safe scanning practices and digital vigilance to protect personal data.

AI technologies like Google’s Project Green Light could ease Beirut’s traffic congestion and enhance road safety.

China’s Shenzhou-21 mission advances its space ambitions with human and biological research in orbit.