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The Beiruter

Lebanon grapples with widespread fires

Devastating wildfires sweep across Lebanon, with Civil Defense and army helicopters battling flames in multiple regions.

Lebanon’s Central Bank under IMF pressure

IMF-Lebanon talks scrutinize central bank practices, depositors’ risks, and government responsibility in addressing financial gaps.

Beirut’s cinemas… from “great enchantress” to fading glow

Beirut’s cinemas reflect the city’s cultural rise, war scars, and enduring passion for cinema.

Israel’s prisoner execution bill: Security solution or moral misstep?

Israel’s controversial prisoner execution bill seeks to deter terrorism but risks perpetuating injustice and conflict.

Lebanon ranks 4th worldwide in anxiety

Lebanon’s anxiety crisis reflects the weight of accumulated trauma passed through generations.

Hezbollah’s open letter: A message of authority aimed at Berri

Hezbollah’s open letter publicly challenges Berri, revealing a rift within the Shiite political alliance.

Lebanon and US combating illicit finance

The U.S. intensifies efforts to disrupt Hezbollah's finances, targeting key operatives and Iranian links.
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The B

Editors' pick

Fly Beirut: MEA’s bid to make Beirut affordable again Fly Beirut: MEA’s bid to make Beirut affordable again

Fly Beirut: MEA’s bid to make Beirut affordable again

MEA launches Fly Beirut to modernize Lebanon’s aviation, expand routes, and provide budget-friendly flight options.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon grapples with widespread fires Lebanon grapples with widespread fires

Lebanon grapples with widespread fires

Devastating wildfires sweep across Lebanon, with Civil Defense and army helicopters battling flames in multiple regions.
By The Beiruter
Beirut’s cinemas… from “great enchantress” to fading glow Beirut’s cinemas… from “great enchantress” to fading glow

Beirut’s cinemas… from “great enchantress” to fading glow

Beirut’s cinemas reflect the city’s cultural rise, war scars, and enduring passion for cinema.
By Omar Harkous
Lebanon’s food industry on the rise Lebanon’s food industry on the rise

Lebanon’s food industry on the rise

Lebanon’s food industry thrives despite crises, driving exports, quality production, and economic resilience.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon’s Central Bank under IMF pressure Lebanon’s Central Bank under IMF pressure

Lebanon’s Central Bank under IMF pressure

IMF-Lebanon talks scrutinize central bank practices, depositors’ risks, and government responsibility in addressing financial gaps.
By The Beiruter
From Feudal Lords to Zaiims: The continuity of clientelism in Lebanon From Feudal Lords to Zaiims: The continuity of clientelism in Lebanon

From Feudal Lords to Zaiims: The continuity of clientelism in Lebanon

Despite democratic rituals, Lebanon’s politics remain trapped in feudal clientelism, sustaining dependence and obstructing true reform
By Nami El Khazen
Unsafe imports: AIA sounds the alarm Unsafe imports: AIA sounds the alarm

Unsafe imports: AIA sounds the alarm

Lebanon’s booming parallel car market poses serious safety risks as vehicles imported outside official channels miss manufacturer recalls, warranties, and maintenance, leaving drivers vulnerable on the road.
By The Beiruter
In search of reform, World Bank’s eyes turn to Lebanon’s South In search of reform, World Bank’s eyes turn to Lebanon’s South

In search of reform, World Bank’s eyes turn to Lebanon’s South

Lebanon hosts World Bank officials discussing fiscal reforms, reconstruction loans, and sustainable investment in southern regions.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon: The most expensive country to live in, yet among the lowest in income Lebanon: The most expensive country to live in, yet among the lowest in income

Lebanon: The most expensive country to live in, yet among the lowest in income

Lebanon faces soaring living costs, collapsing incomes, and worsening inequality amid economic crisis and weak reforms.
By The Beiruter
The law of the jungle The law of the jungle

The law of the jungle

Hezbollah’s actions and rhetoric expose Lebanon’s deepening crisis between democracy, intimidation, and political domination.
By Josiane Hajj Moussa
Lebanon’s oil gamble: Can block 8 revive a failing dream? Lebanon’s oil gamble: Can block 8 revive a failing dream?

Lebanon’s oil gamble: Can block 8 revive a failing dream?

Lebanon renews hopes for offshore energy success as Total and Qatar Energy take on Block 8.
By Rimah Hashem
Protecting Lebanon’s roads through AI innovations Protecting Lebanon’s roads through AI innovations

Protecting Lebanon’s roads through AI innovations

AI technologies like Google’s Project Green Light could ease Beirut’s traffic congestion and enhance road safety.
By Adnan Nasser
Antifragile: Lebanon’s lessons, and warnings, for living with uncertainty Antifragile: Lebanon’s lessons, and warnings, for living with uncertainty

Antifragile: Lebanon’s lessons, and warnings, for living with uncertainty

Lebanon embodies Taleb’s concept of “antifragility,” revealing both the strength and strain of thriving amid chronic uncertainty
By Katharine Sorensen
Safeguarding Lebanon’s heritage: Inside the National Museum’s enduring Legacy Safeguarding Lebanon’s heritage: Inside the National Museum’s enduring Legacy

Safeguarding Lebanon’s heritage: Inside the National Museum’s enduring Legacy

A symbol of renewal, the museum preserves artifacts, telling Lebanon’s stories and protecting cultural legacy.
By Patricia Khoder
Exclusive to The Beiruter: From Montreal to Ottawa, Lebanese diaspora rises for the right to vote Exclusive to The Beiruter: From Montreal to Ottawa, Lebanese diaspora rises for the right to vote

Exclusive to The Beiruter: From Montreal to Ottawa, Lebanese diaspora rises for the right to vote

The Lebanese diaspora in Canada rallies for voting rights, demanding representation for all 128 MPs, not just six.
By Anthony Chamoun
The green revolution: Lebanon’s bid to legalize what it long outlawed The green revolution: Lebanon’s bid to legalize what it long outlawed

The green revolution: Lebanon’s bid to legalize what it long outlawed

The Cannabis Regulatory Authority marks a new era, offering farmers legitimacy and potential economic revival.
By The Beiruter
Exclusive to The Beiruter: Minister Nizar Hanna on the Agricultural Prescription System Exclusive to The Beiruter: Minister Nizar Hanna on the Agricultural Prescription System

Exclusive to The Beiruter: Minister Nizar Hanna on the Agricultural Prescription System

Minister Hanna introduces a phased plan to document pesticide use, protecting farmers, consumers, and the environment.
By The Beiruter
Your leftovers could soon fuel a fight across the Atlantic Your leftovers could soon fuel a fight across the Atlantic

Your leftovers could soon fuel a fight across the Atlantic

Sustainable aviation Fuel: Food waste is converted into jet fuel, reducing emissions and promoting circular bioeconomy solutions.
By The Beiruter
$1.1 million to power Lebanon’s women-led businesses $1.1 million to power Lebanon’s women-led businesses

$1.1 million to power Lebanon’s women-led businesses

Over $1.1 million supports 51 women-led Lebanese businesses to boost economic recovery.
By The Beiruter
Malaria in Lebanon emerging cases, transmission, and prevention Malaria in Lebanon emerging cases, transmission, and prevention

Malaria in Lebanon emerging cases, transmission, and prevention

Lebanon maintains its malaria-free status through strong surveillance and prevention measures, with experts urging continued vigilance to prevent reintroduction of the disease.
By Jenna Geagea
Mass layoffs amid economic uncertainty and the rise of AI Mass layoffs amid economic uncertainty and the rise of AI

Mass layoffs amid economic uncertainty and the rise of AI

Global companies are facing a surge in mass layoffs as AI reshapes workforce dynamics, fueling concerns over job security and the future of employment.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon’s buses finally go digital Lebanon’s buses finally go digital

Lebanon’s buses finally go digital

ACTC’s new app modernizes Lebanon’s public transport with real-time tracking, safety features, and digital tickets.
By Rayanne Tawil
China’s “hard pure gold” could soon reach Lebanon China’s “hard pure gold” could soon reach Lebanon

China’s “hard pure gold” could soon reach Lebanon

China’s hard pure gold combines purity and durability, revolutionizing jewellery with stronger, longer-lasting 24-karat designs.
By The Beiruter
Stuck in traffic, losing millions Stuck in traffic, losing millions

Stuck in traffic, losing millions

Lebanon’s severe traffic congestion drains billions from the economy, cripples productivity, and worsens public health.
By Jessica Habchy
Seeking partners in a trade war Seeking partners in a trade war

Seeking partners in a trade war

Amid escalating tariffs and REE controls, Washington and Beijing secure regional deals to counter economic strain.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon tops Arab region in average tourist spending Lebanon tops Arab region in average tourist spending

Lebanon tops Arab region in average tourist spending

Record tourist spending masks Lebanon’s economic crisis, where high prices reflect hardship, not prosperity.
By Jenna Geagea
Banks, diaspora, and crypto: Lebanon’s financial balancing act Banks, diaspora, and crypto: Lebanon’s financial balancing act

Banks, diaspora, and crypto: Lebanon’s financial balancing act

Frozen accounts, capital flight, and crypto define Lebanon’s economy, relying on diaspora ingenuity.
By The Beiruter
Smuggling and border trade: Lebanon’s invisible economy Smuggling and border trade: Lebanon’s invisible economy

Smuggling and border trade: Lebanon’s invisible economy

Smuggling across Lebanon’s borders drains state revenue and weakens sovereignty, turning survival networks into a national challenge.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon between thirst and reform Lebanon between thirst and reform

Lebanon between thirst and reform

Lebanon tackles its severe water crisis with a 2024–2035 reform strategy focused on dams, sanitation, and transparent, science-driven management.
By Josiane Hajj Moussa
"Davos in the Desert": Saudi Arabia's shift from total oil dependence to diversified economies "Davos in the Desert": Saudi Arabia's shift from total oil dependence to diversified economies

"Davos in the Desert": Saudi Arabia's shift from total oil dependence to diversified economies

Saudi Arabia hosts the ninth Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, gathering global leaders and investors to unveil $60B+ in deals under the theme “The Key to Prosperity.”
By Omar Harkous
Lebanon seeks to undermine the “cash economy” Lebanon seeks to undermine the “cash economy”

Lebanon seeks to undermine the “cash economy”

New directives limit cash transactions, provoking Hezbollah criticism.
By The Beiruter
How have rare earth elements become the backbone of modern technology? How have rare earth elements become the backbone of modern technology?

How have rare earth elements become the backbone of modern technology?

Rare Earth Elements are vital to modern tech, with China dominating their supply, sparking Western efforts to reduce dependence.
By The Beiruter
The Arab aviation sector takes off: soaring toward $730 billion by 2043 The Arab aviation sector takes off: soaring toward $730 billion by 2043

The Arab aviation sector takes off: soaring toward $730 billion by 2043

By 2043, MENA’s aviation sector will double its economic impact to $730 billion, led by Gulf hubs with Lebanon showing growth potential.
By The Beiruter
Now is a critical time to revive Lebanon’s train transport service Now is a critical time to revive Lebanon’s train transport service

Now is a critical time to revive Lebanon’s train transport service

Lebanon’s Train Train NGO is pushing to revive the country’s abandoned railway network to boost trade, ease traffic, and restore its role as a regional transit hub.
By Alia Fawaz
Public sector strikes: when the Lebanese state comes to a standstill Public sector strikes: when the Lebanese state comes to a standstill

Public sector strikes: when the Lebanese state comes to a standstill

Lebanon faces deepening economic paralysis as public sector strikes escalate due to collapsing wages and stalled reforms.
By The Beiruter
Gold prices surge: a Lebanese rush to buy and warnings of fraud Gold prices surge: a Lebanese rush to buy and warnings of fraud

Gold prices surge: a Lebanese rush to buy and warnings of fraud

Gold hits a record high, sparking a buying frenzy in Lebanon amid economic turmoil and rising global demand.
By Jessica Habchy
Women, work, and growth: the Middle East’s untapped engine Women, work, and growth: the Middle East’s untapped engine

Women, work, and growth: the Middle East’s untapped engine

The World Bank warns that MENAAP’s growth will remain limited without greater female workforce participation.
By The Beiruter
Revolution or Rebellion? October 17 still a day to remember Revolution or Rebellion? October 17 still a day to remember

Revolution or Rebellion? October 17 still a day to remember

Six years after October 17, Lebanon’s streets erupted against corruption and decay, but the uprising faltered, leaving unanswered questions about why it rose and why it failed.
By Jenna Geagea
Lebanon’s economy: surviving and striving Lebanon’s economy: surviving and striving

Lebanon’s economy: surviving and striving

Five years after its collapse, Lebanon’s economy runs on resilience, not reform. Fueled by remittances, tourism, and cash, it survives through creativity and grit.
By The Beiruter
Washington 2025: Lebanon under pressure to accelerate reforms Washington 2025: Lebanon under pressure to accelerate reforms

Washington 2025: Lebanon under pressure to accelerate reforms

Lebanon seeks support at IMF and World Bank meetings, facing pressure to speed up reforms amid ongoing instability.
By The Beiruter
Southern Lebanon: Agriculture gasping for breath after the war Southern Lebanon: Agriculture gasping for breath after the war

Southern Lebanon: Agriculture gasping for breath after the war

Two years after the bombings, southern Lebanon’s agriculture remains devastated by destruction and toxic contamination, threatening its future.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon revives its Telecom Regulator after 13 years of silence Lebanon revives its Telecom Regulator after 13 years of silence

Lebanon revives its Telecom Regulator after 13 years of silence

After over a decade of dysfunction, Lebanon has relaunched its Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to restore order, boost competitiveness, and lead the country’s long-delayed digital transformation.
By The Beiruter
Why is Lebanon so expensive? The paradox of a country in crisis Why is Lebanon so expensive? The paradox of a country in crisis

Why is Lebanon so expensive? The paradox of a country in crisis

Lebanon’s deep crisis hasn’t stopped it from being one of the Arab world’s most expensive countries, driven by imports, monopolies, and failing services.
By The Beiruter
China tightens rare earth export controls to protect national security China tightens rare earth export controls to protect national security

China tightens rare earth export controls to protect national security

China's new rare earth export controls escalate tensions with the U.S., leveraging its mineral dominance amid a growing tech rivalry.
By The Beiruter
Gulf states investing for a Lebanon without Hezbollah’s guns Gulf states investing for a Lebanon without Hezbollah’s guns

Gulf states investing for a Lebanon without Hezbollah’s guns

Amid Israel’s war with Hezbollah and Lebanon’s collapse, Gulf states are leveraging reconstruction aid to push for Hezbollah’s disarmament, balancing regional diplomacy with strategic economic influence.
By Peter Chouayfati
Gen Z rising: Youth-led protests sweep across continents Gen Z rising: Youth-led protests sweep across continents

Gen Z rising: Youth-led protests sweep across continents

From Lebanon’s 2019 Revolution to protests across the globe, Gen Z is turning frustration into action, proving that silence is no longer an option.
By Michella Rizk
Silver hits 14-year high: causes, consequences, and what comes next Silver hits 14-year high: causes, consequences, and what comes next

Silver hits 14-year high: causes, consequences, and what comes next

After 14 years of stagnation, silver is surging toward record highs driven by booming industrial demand, safe-haven buying, and a deepening supply deficit.
By The Beiruter
The world drowning in debt: Lebanon at the frontline The world drowning in debt: Lebanon at the frontline

The world drowning in debt: Lebanon at the frontline

While major economies manage their liabilities through scale and financial influence, Lebanon stands out for its unsustainable debt-to-GDP ratio of over 280%.
By The Beiruter
“Snapback” revives sanctions.. diplomatic roads to Tehran blocked “Snapback” revives sanctions.. diplomatic roads to Tehran blocked

“Snapback” revives sanctions.. diplomatic roads to Tehran blocked

The reactivation of UN sanctions on Iran through the “snapback” mechanism has ended prospects of reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, deepened rifts between Tehran and Europe, and heightened regional tensions as Washington and its allies press for new concessions.
By Omar Harkous
Port of Beirut: from crisis to competitiveness, a regional hub on the rise Port of Beirut: from crisis to competitiveness, a regional hub on the rise

Port of Beirut: from crisis to competitiveness, a regional hub on the rise

Once a symbol of collapse, the Port of Beirut is now driving Lebanon’s recovery, climbing global rankings through modernization, customs reforms, and higher-value operations.
By The Beiruter
Is hiking Lebanon’s best therapy? Is hiking Lebanon’s best therapy?

Is hiking Lebanon’s best therapy?

Hiking in Lebanon offers more than exercise, it’s a therapeutic escape, a cultural adventure, and a way to connect with nature and local communities.
By Alia Fawaz
IMF–Lebanon: between reform promises and the long road to a final agreement IMF–Lebanon: between reform promises and the long road to a final agreement

IMF–Lebanon: between reform promises and the long road to a final agreement

Lebanon’s negotiations with the IMF continue amid progress on reforms, but a final rescue deal remains elusive as banking, tax, and fiscal measures are still pending, leaving the country’s economic future uncertain.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon’s 2026 budget approved: no salary adjustments Lebanon’s 2026 budget approved: no salary adjustments

Lebanon’s 2026 budget approved: no salary adjustments

Lebanon’s Cabinet has approved the 2026 budget, avoiding public sector salary hikes and new general taxes, but a controversial 3% import levy sparks fear of rising prices and inflation, raising concerns for households and businesses.
By The Beiruter
Hezbollah prepares for a new war under Iran’s orders Hezbollah prepares for a new war under Iran’s orders

Hezbollah prepares for a new war under Iran’s orders

Lebanon stands at a crossroads, facing Hezbollah’s growing power, U.S. pressure, and the looming threat of renewed conflict.
By Omar Harkous
ARADINA: Lebanon’s green leap toward sustainable agriculture ARADINA: Lebanon’s green leap toward sustainable agriculture

ARADINA: Lebanon’s green leap toward sustainable agriculture

Lebanon launches ARADINA, a €7M, four-year project helping farmers adopt sustainable agriculture and strengthen resilience and market access.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon’s 2026 budget: cabinet session tackles tax reforms and social demands Lebanon’s 2026 budget: cabinet session tackles tax reforms and social demands

Lebanon’s 2026 budget: cabinet session tackles tax reforms and social demands

Lebanon’s 2026 budget sparks tension as the government tries to balance fiscal discipline, social demands, and private sector concerns under growing economic pressures.
By The Beiruter
Pope Leo XIV to make historic pilgrimage to Lebanon Pope Leo XIV to make historic pilgrimage to Lebanon

Pope Leo XIV to make historic pilgrimage to Lebanon

Pope Leo XIV’s first trip abroad takes him to Lebanon, delivering a message of peace, unity, and hope.
By The Beiruter
Bissat to The Beiruter: “No economic recovery is possible unless the state restores its authority” Bissat to The Beiruter: “No economic recovery is possible unless the state restores its authority”

Bissat to The Beiruter: “No economic recovery is possible unless the state restores its authority”

Lebanon’s path to economic recovery depends on restoring state authority, reforming key sectors, strengthening institutions, and tackling security and financial crises simultaneously.
By Josiane Hajj Moussa
Lebanon’s 2026 budget: promises of discipline but the same old recipes Lebanon’s 2026 budget: promises of discipline but the same old recipes

Lebanon’s 2026 budget: promises of discipline but the same old recipes

Despite its size and promises of fiscal discipline, Lebanon’s 2026 draft budget mirrors past versions with rising expenditures, indirect taxes, and little real reform.
By The Beiruter
How a secret agreement destabilised the Middle East How a secret agreement destabilised the Middle East

How a secret agreement destabilised the Middle East

The 1916 Sykes-Picot Agreement, dividing the Middle East between Britain and France, set the stage for a century of regional conflict and instability.
By Tony McMahon
Repaying deposits: a way out of crisis or another impossible equation? Repaying deposits: a way out of crisis or another impossible equation?

Repaying deposits: a way out of crisis or another impossible equation?

Lebanon plans to partially repay frozen bank deposits through cash, bonds, and gold-backed financing, potentially returning $55 billion by 2026 amid political and legal uncertainties.
By The Beiruter
Syria’s first elections after Assad: a test of legitimacy Syria’s first elections after Assad: a test of legitimacy

Syria’s first elections after Assad: a test of legitimacy

Syria is preparing for its first elections since Assad’s fall, a contested process the transitional government hopes will establish legitimacy despite delays, exclusions, and deep skepticism.
By Hunter Williamson
Dollar down: a world on edge Dollar down: a world on edge

Dollar down: a world on edge

Trump’s trade policies and Fed clashes have driven a rare dollar slump, unsettling global markets and fueling fears of a currency war.
By The Beiruter
Jounieh highway expansion: hope, doubts, and a $40 million lifeline Jounieh highway expansion: hope, doubts, and a $40 million lifeline

Jounieh highway expansion: hope, doubts, and a $40 million lifeline

After years of delays, Lebanon has relaunched the $40 million Jounieh highway expansion, promising relief from crippling traffic and new economic growth, though questions remain over costs and timelines.
By The Beiruter
Exclusive to “The Beiruter”: Israeli Rhetoric on Forced Displacement Raises Alarm in the Region Exclusive to “The Beiruter”: Israeli Rhetoric on Forced Displacement Raises Alarm in the Region

Exclusive to “The Beiruter”: Israeli Rhetoric on Forced Displacement Raises Alarm in the Region

The Doha summit turned Qatar from mediator to target, exposing new risks for regional diplomacy and security.
By Omar Harkous
The Iranian nuclear file: dialogues on the edge of the abyss The Iranian nuclear file: dialogues on the edge of the abyss

The Iranian nuclear file: dialogues on the edge of the abyss

Tehran faces rising tension as Europe reinstates sanctions, while back-channel talks with the U.S. seek a fragile nuclear compromise.
By Omar Harkous
Ashraf Rifi: Hezbollah’s weapons will be surrendered within months Ashraf Rifi: Hezbollah’s weapons will be surrendered within months

Ashraf Rifi: Hezbollah’s weapons will be surrendered within months

Hezbollah's arsenal remains one of Lebanon's most pressing challenges. Far from being a purely internal affair, it has become a central component of the regional and international struggle for power.
By Josiane Hajj Moussa
Syrian Refugees: Returns and Displacement in Lebanon Syrian Refugees: Returns and Displacement in Lebanon

Syrian Refugees: Returns and Displacement in Lebanon

Thousands of Syrians return home after Assad’s fall, but many remain trapped between ruins in Syria and hardship in Lebanon.
By Hunter Williamson
Syria strikes oil again: is Damascus back on the energy map? Syria strikes oil again: is Damascus back on the energy map?

Syria strikes oil again: is Damascus back on the energy map?

Syria has resumed oil exports after 14 years with a symbolic 600,000-barrel shipment, putting it ahead of Lebanon in the regional oil race.
By The Beiruter
A bittersweet silk legacy A bittersweet silk legacy

A bittersweet silk legacy

Lebanon once thrived as a regional silk hub with nearly 200 factories, empowering women and transforming the economy. Though the industry collapsed, its legacy lives on in restored sites, museums, and repurposed factories.
By Alia Fawaz
Millionaires on the rise: global wealth skyrockets while inequality deepens Millionaires on the rise: global wealth skyrockets while inequality deepens

Millionaires on the rise: global wealth skyrockets while inequality deepens

Global millionaires now control over $90 trillion, while in Lebanon, a small elite prospers as the majority face crisis, revealing one of the world’s deepest wealth divides.
By The Beiruter
Faites vos jeux in the North Faites vos jeux in the North

Faites vos jeux in the North

Boosting Rene Mouawad Airfield could diversify Lebanon's aviation, enhance regional trade, and add security, making it a bet worth watching.
By Thomas Schellen

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