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The Beiruter

Arbitrary detention of Christians in Houthi prisons

Yemen’s minorities: Repression, accusations, and the war’s expanding toll.

Restored Melkite icons shine again in Palais Debbané

An exhibition at Palais Debbané brings together rare restored Melkite icons from Saida’s Church of St. Nicholas, revealing layered Orthodox and Greek Catholic identities and centuries of Lebanon’s religious and artistic heritage.

The cost of digital comfort

As millions seek emotional support from AI chatbots, experts warn that reliance on tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini raises serious ethical, psychological, and data privacy concerns.

Islam and Christianity: A shared encounter in fasting

An exploration of fasting in Islam and Christianity, tracing shared spiritual roots, historical encounters, and the deeper meaning of fasting beyond hunger toward discipline, silence, and closeness to God.
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Editors' pick

Restored Melkite icons shine again in Palais Debbané Restored Melkite icons shine again in Palais Debbané

Restored Melkite icons shine again in Palais Debbané

An exhibition at Palais Debbané brings together rare restored Melkite icons from Saida’s Church of St. Nicholas, revealing layered Orthodox and Greek Catholic identities and centuries of Lebanon’s religious and artistic heritage.
By Patricia Khoder
Night to shine: Where every guest is royal Night to shine: Where every guest is royal

Night to shine: Where every guest is royal

At SKILD Center’s Night to Shine, people with disabilities stepped onto the red carpet’s spotlight and into a celebration that reimagines inclusion as joy, dignity and public belonging.
By Rayanne Tawil
Fuel and VAT hikes in Lebanon spark protests across the country Fuel and VAT hikes in Lebanon spark protests across the country

Fuel and VAT hikes in Lebanon spark protests across the country

Public anger flared across Lebanon after the Cabinet approved new VAT and fuel taxes, with protesters warning the hikes shift the cost of reform onto citizens already strained by inflation and the financial collapse.
By Angie Mrad
Islam and Christianity: A shared encounter in fasting Islam and Christianity: A shared encounter in fasting

Islam and Christianity: A shared encounter in fasting

An exploration of fasting in Islam and Christianity, tracing shared spiritual roots, historical encounters, and the deeper meaning of fasting beyond hunger toward discipline, silence, and closeness to God.
By Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Nokkari
Trump’s peace deal in the Caucasus tightens pressure on Iran Trump’s peace deal in the Caucasus tightens pressure on Iran

Trump’s peace deal in the Caucasus tightens pressure on Iran

U.S. military cargo flights to Armenia and Azerbaijan underscore rising regional tensions as Washington advances a Caucasus transit plan that has alarmed Iran.
By Peter Chouayfati
Are we closer or farther away from elections? Are we closer or farther away from elections?

Are we closer or farther away from elections?

As momentum builds to hold Lebanon’s parliamentary elections on time, disputes over expatriate voting, shifting political calculations, and regional tensions threaten to reshape the electoral path.
By Marwan El Amine
Lebanon’s Ash Monday: A sacred start to Lent Lebanon’s Ash Monday: A sacred start to Lent

Lebanon’s Ash Monday: A sacred start to Lent

Ash Monday marks the quiet beginning of Lent for Maronite and Eastern Catholic communities in Lebanon, blending everyday routine with a call to repentance, fasting, and spiritual renewal.
By The Beiruter
When Lebanon danced together When Lebanon danced together

When Lebanon danced together

MTV’s Let’s Dabke finale transformed dance into a powerful expression of national unity, bringing together teams from across Lebanon in a celebration of heritage, identity, and shared cultural memory.
By The Beiruter
A turning point in Lebanese Christian politics A turning point in Lebanese Christian politics

A turning point in Lebanese Christian politics

 

The 1967 Tripartite Alliance united major Christian parties around sovereignty and constitutional politics, marking a rare moment of institutional unity before Lebanon’s civil war.
By Dr. Elie Elias
More than just hummus and shawarma More than just hummus and shawarma

More than just hummus and shawarma

How Lebanese food has emerged from the ethnic ghetto to global domination.
By Michael Karam
Echoes of violence: Lebanon’s post 2005 political assassinations Echoes of violence: Lebanon’s post 2005 political assassinations

Echoes of violence: Lebanon’s post 2005 political assassinations

Since 2005, political assassinations in Lebanon have reshaped power, weakened institutions, and entrenched a culture of impunity amid deeper struggles over sovereignty and accountability.
By Anthony Chamoun - Katharine Sorensen
Friday 13th and the end of the Knights Templar Friday 13th and the end of the Knights Templar

Friday 13th and the end of the Knights Templar

Friday the 13th’s dark reputation dates back to October 13, 1307, when King Philip IV ordered the mass arrest of the Knights Templar, turning the date into a symbol of betrayal and doom.
By Tony McMahon
Dental care in a new veneer: AI and the new patient experience Dental care in a new veneer: AI and the new patient experience

Dental care in a new veneer: AI and the new patient experience

Ai and technology breakthroughs have made their way into dentistry and the individuals who are falling in line.
By Grace Massoud
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
The priest who became the face of love The priest who became the face of love

The priest who became the face of love

Behind Valentine’s Day’s commercial image lies Saint Valentine of Rome, a third-century martyr whose story of faith and legend evolved from secret marriages into a global symbol of love.
By The Beiruter
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
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
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
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

Politics

Economy

Lebanon’s religious tourism: A billion-dollar opportunity in waiting Lebanon’s religious tourism: A billion-dollar opportunity in waiting

Lebanon’s religious tourism: A billion-dollar opportunity in waiting

 

Lebanon’s religious tourism draws over 2 million visits a year but remains underdeveloped. With proper strategy, it could generate up to $1 billion annually and boost foreign currency inflows.
By Christiane Tager
The global rise of e-payments The global rise of e-payments

The global rise of e-payments

Lebanon’s Ministry of Finance launches a new E-Payment Gateway to digitize taxes and public transactions, aligning the country with global shifts toward digital, secure, and transparent payment systems.
By The Beiruter
The price of love: Between hearts and dollars The price of love: Between hearts and dollars

The price of love: Between hearts and dollars

Valentine’s Day has become a global economic season, where spending defines romance from record outlays in the US and Europe to modest, calculated celebrations in crisis-hit Lebanon.
By Jessica Habchy
The IMF inquires but does not decide The IMF inquires but does not decide

The IMF inquires but does not decide

An IMF delegation in Lebanon is reviewing financial and banking reform laws, seeking clarifications on state obligations and sector viability without issuing a final stance.
By The Beiruter
An economy outside its borders An economy outside its borders

An economy outside its borders

As state institutions falter, diaspora remittances have become a pillar of survival in Lebanon, funding healthcare, education and daily needs while deepening reliance on a dollarized, cash-based economy vulnerable to shocks.
By Christiane Tager
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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