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Two Lebanese athletes in the Winter Olympics

Lebanon heads to the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics led by Samer Tawk in cross-country and rising talent Andrea al-Hayek in slalom a two-athlete delegation shaped by recovery, youth, and national perseverance on Italian snow.

The Death Penalty: When the verdict becomes irreversible

In Lebanon, Parliament is reconsidering abolishing the death penalty, with analysis from Amnesty International and the Lebanese Center for Civil and Human Rights on reform and the human cost of life sentences.

Kibbeh and the question of origins

Tracing the origins of Kibbeh and Kibbeh Nayeh, from ancient Mesopotamia to the modern Levant, and why the dish still matters.

Gold and silver in Lebanon: Between scarcity and record prices

Global shocks, shifting U.S. policy under Donald Trump, and Federal Reserve changes involving Kevin Warsh fueled extreme swings in gold and silver during 2025–2026, alongside forecasts from JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup.

The Kurdish question in Syria

How Kurdish autonomy in Syria, once led by the Syrian Democratic Forces, is being reshaped after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
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The B

Editors' pick

The Kurdish question in Syria The Kurdish question in Syria

The Kurdish question in Syria

How Kurdish autonomy in Syria, once led by the Syrian Democratic Forces, is being reshaped after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
By Anthony Chamoun
Charles Malik’s legacy: From Lebanon to the world Charles Malik’s legacy: From Lebanon to the world

Charles Malik’s legacy: From Lebanon to the world

Born in 1906, Charles Habib Malik shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and helped project Lebanon’s pluralistic voice onto the global stage.
By The Beiruter
Gold and silver in Lebanon: Between scarcity and record prices Gold and silver in Lebanon: Between scarcity and record prices

Gold and silver in Lebanon: Between scarcity and record prices

Global shocks, shifting U.S. policy under Donald Trump, and Federal Reserve changes involving Kevin Warsh fueled extreme swings in gold and silver during 2025–2026, alongside forecasts from JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup.
By Omar Ayoub
The Death Penalty: When the verdict becomes irreversible The Death Penalty: When the verdict becomes irreversible

The Death Penalty: When the verdict becomes irreversible

In Lebanon, Parliament is reconsidering abolishing the death penalty, with analysis from Amnesty International and the Lebanese Center for Civil and Human Rights on reform and the human cost of life sentences.
By Michella Rizk
Two Lebanese athletes in the Winter Olympics Two Lebanese athletes in the Winter Olympics

Two Lebanese athletes in the Winter Olympics

Lebanon heads to the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics led by Samer Tawk in cross-country and rising talent Andrea al-Hayek in slalom a two-athlete delegation shaped by recovery, youth, and national perseverance on Italian snow.
By The Beiruter
Yasmina Sabbah: conducting from the sky, salvaging classical music Yasmina Sabbah: conducting from the sky, salvaging classical music

Yasmina Sabbah: conducting from the sky, salvaging classical music

USJ choir conductor for the past ten years, Yasmina Sabbah talks about her love for music and heartfelt desire to put on joy-inducing performances.
By Grace Massoud
St Maron’s feast unites Australia’s Maronites St Maron’s feast unites Australia’s Maronites

St Maron’s feast unites Australia’s Maronites

Thousands of Maronite Catholics in Australia celebrated the Feast of St Maron in Redfern, launching a Year of Prayer for Peace inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Annaya, Lebanon.
By Adella Beaini
St. Maron: The spiritual father behind a living heritage St. Maron: The spiritual father behind a living heritage

St. Maron: The spiritual father behind a living heritage

How the Feast of Saint Maron reflects the origins of the Maronite Church and its lasting role in shaping faith, identity, and diaspora life in Lebanon and beyond.
By The Beiruter
Cynthia Merhej: a fashionable journey of constant rebirth Cynthia Merhej: a fashionable journey of constant rebirth

Cynthia Merhej: a fashionable journey of constant rebirth

The Lebanese designer dressed the First Lady of New York in a career solidifying move, and is laying her tracks in Lebanon.
By Grace Massoud
Crypto, Lebanese youth lifeline Crypto, Lebanese youth lifeline

Crypto, Lebanese youth lifeline

Locked out by their own banks and abandoned by the state, the Lebanese youth built a parallel financial reality that the state could not: financial freedom.
By Anna Kachouh
Our country is killing us Our country is killing us

Our country is killing us

An investigation examines Lebanon’s rising cancer burden and counterfeit drug market, citing The Lancet, and the impact of political interference on patient care in Lebanon.
By Jenna Geagea
Malikat al Dabke: The all women troupe keeping Dabke alive in America Malikat al Dabke: The all women troupe keeping Dabke alive in America

Malikat al Dabke: The all women troupe keeping Dabke alive in America

Lebanese sisters Mae and Sonia Abdulbaki contribute to Malikat al Dabke to spread joy and culture, bring communities together through art, and to represent resistance through existence.
By Romy Abu Fadel
A pioneer in the spotlight: Remembering Sabah’s lasting influence A pioneer in the spotlight: Remembering Sabah’s lasting influence

A pioneer in the spotlight: Remembering Sabah’s lasting influence

A portrait of Lebanese icon Sabah, exploring her legendary career, artistic collaborations, generosity, controversies and the personal struggles behind one of the Arab world’s most fearless cultural figures.
By Patricia Khoder
The Middle East in the Epstein files The Middle East in the Epstein files

The Middle East in the Epstein files

New US Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein detail Middle East links, intelligence claims, Israel ties, Libya’s frozen assets and emails referencing Lebanon reviving scrutiny of his global network.
By The Beiruter
A sad and beautiful world: butterflies in your stomach and an aching heart A sad and beautiful world: butterflies in your stomach and an aching heart

A sad and beautiful world: butterflies in your stomach and an aching heart

Lebanon's submission to the Oscars with the director/screenwriter, producer and main actors weighing in.
By Grace Massoud
The paradox of hidden wealth: Lebanon’s Gold between salvation and sacrilege The paradox of hidden wealth: Lebanon’s Gold between salvation and sacrilege

The paradox of hidden wealth: Lebanon’s Gold between salvation and sacrilege

Lebanon’s vast gold reserves have become the focus of a fierce national debate over whether they should remain untouchable or be partially used to aid recovery amid financial collapse, legal barriers, and a deep crisis of trust.
By Josiane Hajj Moussa
Lebanon’s economy between “fragile recovery” and IMF pressure Lebanon’s economy between “fragile recovery” and IMF pressure

Lebanon’s economy between “fragile recovery” and IMF pressure

Lebanon’s modest economic rebound in 2025 masks deep structural weaknesses, as stalled banking reforms and IMF conditions keep recovery fragile and politically fraught.
By Omar Ayoub
Blessed with passion: Micheline Nohra proves there’s no age limit on dreams Blessed with passion: Micheline Nohra proves there’s no age limit on dreams

Blessed with passion: Micheline Nohra proves there’s no age limit on dreams

Lebanese artist Micheline Nohra blends humor, instinct, and social commentary, creating soulful paintings rooted in everyday life and emotion.
By Grace Massoud
Crypto beyond the hype: Global momentum, local impact, and Lebanon at the center Crypto beyond the hype: Global momentum, local impact, and Lebanon at the center

Crypto beyond the hype: Global momentum, local impact, and Lebanon at the center

Crypto has shifted from speculation to survival tool, reshaping global finance and everyday life in crisis-hit Lebanon.
By Anna Kachouh
The Australian “dabikehs” The Australian “dabikehs”

The Australian “dabikehs”

From weddings to global stages, Dabke AUS redefines Lebanese identity through discipline, performance, and digital reach.
By Adella Beaini
Forbes 30 Under 30: SmartGov’s digital push for Lebanon Forbes 30 Under 30: SmartGov’s digital push for Lebanon

Forbes 30 Under 30: SmartGov’s digital push for Lebanon

 After being listed on the Forbes 30 under 30, Ihab Hallab has renewed enthusiasm towards his reform and digitization pioneer NGO.
By Grace Massoud
The Lebanese designers who defined Paris Fashion Week The Lebanese designers who defined Paris Fashion Week

The Lebanese designers who defined Paris Fashion Week

Lebanese designers Elie Saab, Georges Hobeika, and Zuhair Murad led Paris Fashion Week SS26 couture with collections celebrating freedom, love, and renewal.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon's Volleyball back on the regional stage Lebanon's Volleyball back on the regional stage

Lebanon's Volleyball back on the regional stage

Chabeb Batroun represent Lebanon at the West Asia Volleyball Championship, signaling a long-awaited regional comeback.
By The Beiruter
Journalists’ park in Beirut: Honoring the free word Journalists’ park in Beirut: Honoring the free word

Journalists’ park in Beirut: Honoring the free word

Beirut is preparing to open a new Journalists’ Park to honor Lebanese media professionals, promote press freedom and commemorate those who paid a heavy price for their work.
By The Beiruter
Mkalles: How economic collapse redrew Lebanon’s communal map Mkalles: How economic collapse redrew Lebanon’s communal map

Mkalles: How economic collapse redrew Lebanon’s communal map

Mkalles’ transformation reflects Lebanon’s industrial collapse, where factory closures, capital flight, and state neglect dismantled a once-thriving manufacturing hub.
By Christiane Tager
First AI-created drug approved for clinical trials First AI-created drug approved for clinical trials

First AI-created drug approved for clinical trials

An AI-designed drug targeting Parkinson’s has won FDA clearance for human trials, signaling a major shift in how neurological medicines are developed.
By The Beiruter
Hezbollah’s déjà vu: dragging Lebanon into the fire, again Hezbollah’s déjà vu: dragging Lebanon into the fire, again

Hezbollah’s déjà vu: dragging Lebanon into the fire, again

Hezbollah’s Iran rhetoric revives fears in Lebanon after the 2024 war, raising questions over sovereignty, escalation risks, and the country’s fragile recovery.
By The Beiruter
An overview of the United States and regime change in Iran An overview of the United States and regime change in Iran

An overview of the United States and regime change in Iran

As US-Iran tensions rise, this analysis revisits Washington’s history of regime change in Iran from the 1953 CIA-backed coup to the 1979 revolution and examines why renewed calls for intervention risk repeating destabilizing mistakes.
By Peter Chouayfati
The 15 percent standoff between hospitals and insurers The 15 percent standoff between hospitals and insurers

The 15 percent standoff between hospitals and insurers

Lebanon’s hospitals and insurers are again clashing over a proposed 15% tariff hike for 2026, as regulators warn of rising costs and mounting pressure on citizens.
By The Beiruter
Six Lebanese billionaires made Forbes’ 2025 list Six Lebanese billionaires made Forbes’ 2025 list

Six Lebanese billionaires made Forbes’ 2025 list

Lebanon’s six billionaires added $500 million in 2025, reaching $12.3 billion. As poverty and unemployment soar, the gap between private wealth and national crisis widens.
By The Beiruter
Is Lebanon at risk of a major earthquake? Is Lebanon at risk of a major earthquake?

Is Lebanon at risk of a major earthquake?

Exclusive to The Beiruter: Geology expert Tony Nemer says the recent earthquakes felt across Lebanon and the region are part of the area’s natural seismic activity and do not signal an imminent major quake.
By The Beiruter
A new facility for managing healthcare waste A new facility for managing healthcare waste

A new facility for managing healthcare waste

Exclusive to The Beiruter: Hisham Fawaz, Head of Hospitals and Medical Facilities warns that unsafe medical waste disposal remains a major public health and environmental risk in Lebanon.
By The Beiruter
The Beirut job The Beirut job

The Beirut job

Fifty years ago this week, a Beirut bank wrote itself into the record books.
By Michael Karam
Forbes 30 under 30: Toufiluk, The Lebanese brain who leveraged comedy into beauty Forbes 30 under 30: Toufiluk, The Lebanese brain who leveraged comedy into beauty

Forbes 30 under 30: Toufiluk, The Lebanese brain who leveraged comedy into beauty

Toufic Braidi garnered massive success as a comedian despite the backlash.
By Grace Massoud
World Bank: Lebanon’s economy witnessed a “fragile rebound” World Bank: Lebanon’s economy witnessed a “fragile rebound”

World Bank: Lebanon’s economy witnessed a “fragile rebound”

Lebanon recorded modest economic growth in 2025 for the first time in years, but the recovery remains fragile and dependent on reforms and external support.
By The Beiruter
The Gap Law: A legal black hole in Lebanon The Gap Law: A legal black hole in Lebanon

The Gap Law: A legal black hole in Lebanon

Lebanon’s proposed Financial Gap Law seeks to formalize banking losses and unlock recovery, but critics warn it risks legalizing depositor losses while sidestepping accountability and reform.
By The Beiruter
Sydney unveils world’s largest St Charbel sculpture Sydney unveils world’s largest St Charbel sculpture

Sydney unveils world’s largest St Charbel sculpture

A monumental bronze face of St Charbel rises over Sydney, symbolizing silent devotion, Eucharistic centrality, and the global reach of Maronite spirituality.
By Adella Beaini
Women’s Lebanon Cup returns Women’s Lebanon Cup returns

Women’s Lebanon Cup returns

After four seasons of disruption, the Women’s Lebanon Cup returns in February, signaling a cautious revival for women’s football as clubs, players, and officials work to rebuild competition and stability.
By The Beiruter
Illustrious jewelry designer Viviane Debbas coming to the rescue of defenseless children Illustrious jewelry designer Viviane Debbas coming to the rescue of defenseless children

Illustrious jewelry designer Viviane Debbas coming to the rescue of defenseless children

From timeless jewelry crafted between Beirut and Paris to leading Himaya, one of Lebanon’s most vital child protection organizations, Viviane’s journey weaves design, compassion, and social impact into a lasting legacy.
By Grace Massoud
Exclusive to The Beiruter, Iranian activist Lily Moo: This is the end! Exclusive to The Beiruter, Iranian activist Lily Moo: This is the end!

Exclusive to The Beiruter, Iranian activist Lily Moo: This is the end!

As Iran faces its largest protests since 1979, activists argue the uprising marks an irreversible break with the Islamic Republic, driven by economic collapse, repression, and public exhaustion with clerical rule.
By Tony McMahon

Politics

Economy

Hezbollah gold exchange under US sanctions Hezbollah gold exchange under US sanctions

Hezbollah gold exchange under US sanctions

The United States Department of the Treasury and Office of Foreign Assets Control announced new sanctions targeting alleged Hezbollah-linked networks, including Jood SARL and the Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association.
By The Beiruter
When Lebanon exports the unexpected When Lebanon exports the unexpected

When Lebanon exports the unexpected

 Lebanon’s unexpected export niches natural casings, snails, and copper scrap driving foreign-currency earnings through demand from the European Union.
By Christiane Tager
Gulf set to invest in Lebanon’s digital future Gulf set to invest in Lebanon’s digital future

Gulf set to invest in Lebanon’s digital future

Lebanon plans to launch a Gulf-backed digital investment drive, says Kamal Shehadi, while courting Qatar, the Digital Cooperation Organization, and expanding partnerships with Microsoft and Oracle.
By The Beiruter
BDL mapping of Lebanon’s debts: 40 to 50 billion dollars? BDL mapping of Lebanon’s debts: 40 to 50 billion dollars?

BDL mapping of Lebanon’s debts: 40 to 50 billion dollars?

Lebanon’s Financial Gap Law clash involving Yassine Jaber, Amer Bisat, banks, French mediators, and pressure from the International Monetary Fund.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon’s 2026 budget: Managing crisis Lebanon’s 2026 budget: Managing crisis

Lebanon’s 2026 budget: Managing crisis

Lebanon’s 2026 state budget, showing how years of crisis have shrunk government spending and GDP, according to data from the Lebanon Ministry of Finance.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon advances new grain silo plan to boost food security Lebanon advances new grain silo plan to boost food security

Lebanon advances new grain silo plan to boost food security

Lebanon has approved a $250 million plan to build new grain silos at Beirut, Tripoli, and the Bekaa to restore food reserves, with Economy Minister Amer Bisat outlining concessional financing and international support.
By The Beiruter
Welcome rains, but Lebanon’s agriculture remains on alert Welcome rains, but Lebanon’s agriculture remains on alert

Welcome rains, but Lebanon’s agriculture remains on alert

Lebanon’s latest rains bring cautious relief after years of drought, but stark regional disparities, climate volatility and economic strain continue to leave farmers and policymakers grappling with an increasingly fragile agricultural sector.
By Christiane Tager
Electronic payment... a gateway to exit the gray list Electronic payment... a gateway to exit the gray list

Electronic payment... a gateway to exit the gray list

Banque du Liban’s new circulars aim to curb cash use, strengthen anti-money-laundering controls, and improve Lebanon’s chances of exiting the FATF grey list.
By The Beiruter
Inside the launch of the British-Lebanese chamber of commerce Inside the launch of the British-Lebanese chamber of commerce

Inside the launch of the British-Lebanese chamber of commerce

The British-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce has launched in Beirut under UK patronage to boost trade, economic cooperation, and business links between Lebanon and Britain.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon’s exports to the European Union: unexpected resilience amid the storm Lebanon’s exports to the European Union: unexpected resilience amid the storm

Lebanon’s exports to the European Union: unexpected resilience amid the storm

Lebanon’s exports to the European Union rose nearly 8% in 2025, signaling rare resilience amid economic crisis as industrial goods, food products, agriculture, and trademark registrations drive efforts to narrow the country’s trade deficit.
By Christiane Tager
How attention became the new currency How attention became the new currency

How attention became the new currency

How attention became a new form of economic power from viral moments to Lebanese startups and why visibility now shapes markets, brands, and value.
By Jessica Habchy
World Bank backs Lebanon with $350M boost World Bank backs Lebanon with $350M boost

World Bank backs Lebanon with $350M boost

The World Bank approved $350M for Lebanon to expand social protection and digitize public services, backing recovery amid economic crisis.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon’s Gap Law faces IMF resistance Lebanon’s Gap Law faces IMF resistance

Lebanon’s Gap Law faces IMF resistance

Lebanon’s draft Financial Gap Law has drawn IMF objections and sparked a clash with Banque du Liban over state losses, bank recapitalization, deposit repayments, and financial responsibility.
By The Beiruter
Qlayaat Airport set to reopen ahead of summer season Qlayaat Airport set to reopen ahead of summer season

Qlayaat Airport set to reopen ahead of summer season

Qlayaat (René Moawad) Airport is set to reopen within months, potentially before summer 2026, easing pressure on Beirut Airport and reshaping Lebanon’s aviation sector.
By The Beiruter
The disappearance of Lebanon’s middle class The disappearance of Lebanon’s middle class

The disappearance of Lebanon’s middle class

As financial engineering unraveled and inflation surged, Lebanon’s middle class shrank dramatically, exposing how policy failures hollowed out the country’s social and economic core.
By The Beiruter
Central Bank sets new rules for Lebanon’s digital payments sector Central Bank sets new rules for Lebanon’s digital payments sector

Central Bank sets new rules for Lebanon’s digital payments sector

Banque du Liban has issued a new circular regulating electronic payment providers, introducing licensing categories, capital requirements, and oversight rules for Lebanon’s fast-growing digital payments sector.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon’s Eurobonds soar amid waning Iranian influence Lebanon’s Eurobonds soar amid waning Iranian influence

Lebanon’s Eurobonds soar amid waning Iranian influence

Lebanon’s Eurobonds have surged despite ongoing economic distress, driven by political shifts, regional developments, and investor expectations rather than concrete financial recovery.
By The Beiruter
How online trade is rewriting Lebanon’s economy How online trade is rewriting Lebanon’s economy

How online trade is rewriting Lebanon’s economy

Iran is facing its most serious uprising in decades, as economic collapse, post-war weakness, and the unprecedented revolt of the bazaar strip the Islamic Republic of one of its last pillars of support.
By Rimah Hashem
Lebanon’s Eurobond boom, a depositor bust Lebanon’s Eurobond boom, a depositor bust

Lebanon’s Eurobond boom, a depositor bust

Lebanon’s Eurobonds have surged after the approval of the draft financial gap law, signaling investor optimism over debt restructuring while raising concerns that depositor losses are being cemented.
By The Beiruter
When habits predict the economy When habits predict the economy

When habits predict the economy

Unconventional indicators show how crises quietly reshape daily choices, exposing economic reality through habits, routines, and small comforts.
By Jessica Habchy
Lebanon's first Agricultural Investment Conference Lebanon's first Agricultural Investment Conference

Lebanon's first Agricultural Investment Conference

Lebanon prepares its first Agricultural Investment Conference, aiming to attract capital, remove bottlenecks, and reposition agriculture as a growth sector.
By The Beiruter
Fiscal gap law faces criticism from Lebanese-French advocacy group Fiscal gap law faces criticism from Lebanese-French advocacy group

Fiscal gap law faces criticism from Lebanese-French advocacy group

The Lebanese-French Coordination Committee warned that Lebanon’s draft fiscal gap law risks institutionalizing injustice by shifting losses onto depositors while avoiding accountability.
By The Beiruter
Exploration returns and Block 8 takes center stage Exploration returns and Block 8 takes center stage

Exploration returns and Block 8 takes center stage

A new Block 8 agreement highlights renewed momentum in Lebanon’s oil and gas sector despite delayed drilling timelines.
By The Beiruter
Syria’s new Lira arrives in Lebanon Syria’s new Lira arrives in Lebanon

Syria’s new Lira arrives in Lebanon

Low trading volumes and confusion over old and new banknotes mark the Syrian pound’s hesitant transition in Lebanon’s Chtoura market.
By The Beiruter
New scanners, rising traffic at Beirut Port New scanners, rising traffic at Beirut Port

New scanners, rising traffic at Beirut Port

New data shows Beirut Port rebounding, with higher imports and containers in 2025, supported by upcoming scanners to boost security and efficiency.
By The Beiruter
Youth unemployment: Lebanon’s silent emergency Youth unemployment: Lebanon’s silent emergency

Youth unemployment: Lebanon’s silent emergency

Lebanon’s labor market collapse, highlighting soaring youth unemployment, informal work, and the growing social costs of an economy that no longer absorbs its graduates.
By The Beiruter
When Lebanon’s real estate mirror speaks When Lebanon’s real estate mirror speaks

When Lebanon’s real estate mirror speaks

Lebanon’s real estate saw a brief 2025 rebound before stalling again amid war, financing paralysis, and weak purchasing power.
By Jessica Habchy
Lebanon 2025: Neither recovery nor collapse Lebanon 2025: Neither recovery nor collapse

Lebanon 2025: Neither recovery nor collapse

2025 was not a year of recovery for Lebanon, but a turning point marked by slowed inflation, fragile stability, and the formal recognition of massive financial losses.
By Christiane Tager
Dollar slides toward worst year since 2017 Dollar slides toward worst year since 2017

Dollar slides toward worst year since 2017

The dollar weakens sharply as markets price in further Fed rate cuts, sending gold and silver to record highs.
By The Beiruter
Opposition rises against the “Financial Gap Law” Opposition rises against the “Financial Gap Law”

Opposition rises against the “Financial Gap Law”

Lebanon’s Financial Gap Law is facing backlash from depositors and banks.
By The Beiruter

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