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The B

The billion-dollar health question

As Lebanon’s healthcare costs continue rising, growing pressure is mounting for universal healthcare reform amid widening gaps in medical access and insurance coverage.

The fall of Byzantium: A timeless warning for Lebanese Christians

The fall of the Byzantine Empire stands as a stark warning of how internal division and external abandonment can endanger Lebanon’s Christian community and its long-term future.

Lebanon’s rising dependence on psychiatric medication

Lebanon spent $17.49 million on psychiatric drugs in 2025, with 2.81 million boxes sold amid deepening war, economic collapse, and a widening mental health crisis.

New nicotine products reshape smoking habits in Lebanon

E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are gaining ground in Lebanon despite growing health concerns.

Editors' pick

New tobacco and nicotine products reshape smoking habits in Lebanon New tobacco and nicotine products reshape smoking habits in Lebanon

New tobacco and nicotine products reshape smoking habits in Lebanon

E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are gaining ground in Lebanon despite growing health concerns.
By Nada Merhi
The fall of Byzantium: A timeless warning for Lebanese Christians The fall of Byzantium: A timeless warning for Lebanese Christians

The fall of Byzantium: A timeless warning for Lebanese Christians

The fall of the Byzantine Empire stands as a stark warning of how internal division and external abandonment can endanger Lebanon’s Christian community and its long-term future.
By Anthony Chamoun
Ten years of the Lebanese Canadian Film Festival Ten years of the Lebanese Canadian Film Festival

Ten years of the Lebanese Canadian Film Festival

The Lebanese Canadian Film Festival marks its 10th edition, celebrating a decade of bringing Lebanese cinema and stories to audiences across Canada.
By Jenna Geagea
Bellamy to The Beiruter: France and Lebanon’s enduring partnership Bellamy to The Beiruter: France and Lebanon’s enduring partnership

Bellamy to The Beiruter: France and Lebanon’s enduring partnership

Exclusive interview to The Beiruter with François-Xavier Bellamy, Vice President of the European Parliament, on Lebanon’s sovereignty crisis, Hezbollah, France’s role, and the future of the Lebanese state.
By Josiane Hajj Moussa
For Americans, a distant war arrives through prices For Americans, a distant war arrives through prices

For Americans, a distant war arrives through prices

For many Americans, the Iran war registers not through casualties but through prices, an economic pressure that history shows can rapidly become political backlash.
By Katharine Sorensen
Why Lebanon needs a National Sorry Day Why Lebanon needs a National Sorry Day

Why Lebanon needs a National Sorry Day

Australia’s National Sorry Day raises questions of memory, accountability, and unresolved trauma that echo deeply within Lebanon’s own unhealed history of war and disappearance.
By Jenna Geagea
Lebanon is quietly running out of nurses Lebanon is quietly running out of nurses

Lebanon is quietly running out of nurses

Drawing on exclusive figures and insights from the Lebanese Order of Nurses, The Beiruter investigates the growing strain inside Lebanon’s hospitals as understaffing, burnout, and migration push the country’s healthcare workforce closer to its breaking point.
By Michella Rizk
Lebanon's golden cinema archive of the 1960s Lebanon's golden cinema archive of the 1960s

Lebanon's golden cinema archive of the 1960s

A look at Lebanon’s golden cinema archive of the 1960s, when Beirut’s film industry and landmark works turned the country into a regional cultural and cinematic hub.
By The Beiruter
The Strait of Hormuz and modern maritime coercion The Strait of Hormuz and modern maritime coercion

The Strait of Hormuz and modern maritime coercion

The crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz is exposing a widening gap between the rules governing global maritime trade and the technology now being used to undermine them.
By Katharine Sorensen
Table 3: A show putting humanity at the forefront Table 3: A show putting humanity at the forefront

Table 3: A show putting humanity at the forefront

Table 3 is raising awareness and giving a voice to marginalized Lebanese people.
By Grace Massoud
The E-shaped economy and the rise of three-tiered inequality The E-shaped economy and the rise of three-tiered inequality

The E-shaped economy and the rise of three-tiered inequality

As wealth concentration accelerates, the divide between rich and poor has evolved into a three-tiered system where economic scarcity literally narrows how the poorest can think about the future.
By The Beiruter
The Lebanese Constitution: A century of endurance and crisis The Lebanese Constitution: A century of endurance and crisis

The Lebanese Constitution: A century of endurance and crisis

Lebanon’s Constitution marks 100 years of endurance amid deliberate implementation, recurring crises, institutional fragility, and ongoing struggles over statehood and reform.
By Anthony Chamoun
Feminist icons on the wall, male directors on the screen Feminist icons on the wall, male directors on the screen

Feminist icons on the wall, male directors on the screen

Cannes 2026 honors Thelma & Louise while women behind the camera remain underrepresented in competition.
By The Beiruter
The ship that wouldn't stop The ship that wouldn't stop

The ship that wouldn't stop

How Russia's ghost fleet delivered 27,400 tons of stolen Ukrainian grain to Syria and why the world's diplomatic architecture failed to stop it.
By Josiane Hajj Moussa
Lebanon’s youth step into politics Lebanon’s youth step into politics

Lebanon’s youth step into politics

An exploration of how Lebanese youth are re-engaging with politics through democratic participation, debate, and a new generation’s attempt to rebuild trust in public life.
By The Beiruter
The new economy emerging from Lebanon’s beehives The new economy emerging from Lebanon’s beehives

The new economy emerging from Lebanon’s beehives

Built on Lebanon’s rich biodiversity and centuries-old beekeeping traditions, the country’s honey sector is evolving into a broader economy tied to tourism, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and rural livelihoods despite mounting environmental and economic pressures.
By The Beiruter
Europe's divorce from Israel Europe's divorce from Israel

Europe's divorce from Israel

The division and fracturements within the EU are visible in its relationship with Israel.
By Peter Chouayfati
How Lebanon leads the Arab World in PhD holders How Lebanon leads the Arab World in PhD holders

How Lebanon leads the Arab World in PhD holders

Lebanon holds the highest percentage of PhD holders per capita in the Arab world, reflecting a deep-rooted national culture of education and intellectual achievement. 

 
By The Beiruter
Lebanon’s greatest writers stripped of their identity Lebanon’s greatest writers stripped of their identity

Lebanon’s greatest writers stripped of their identity

The labeling of Pen League pioneers including Gibran Khalil Gibran as “Syrian poets” on a New York monument has sparked outrage and renewed debates over Lebanese cultural identity and historical memory. 

 
By Jenna Geagea
The Vatican’s AI awakening: Defending human dignity The Vatican’s AI awakening: Defending human dignity

The Vatican’s AI awakening: Defending human dignity

Pope Leo XIV positions the Vatican as a leading moral voice advocating human dignity, ethical safeguards, and accountability in artificial intelligence.
By The Beiruter
Why women are winning the protein wars Why women are winning the protein wars

Why women are winning the protein wars

Women are now driving global protein demand as wellness culture shifts away from performance-driven fitness and toward longevity, preventive health, and everyday well-being.
By The Beiruter
UFOs in Lebanon UFOs in Lebanon

UFOs in Lebanon

From glowing orbs over Beirut to decades-old eyewitness accounts, Lebanon has become the setting for some of the region’s most unusual UFO sightings and extraterrestrial claims. 

 
By Tony McMahon
What if Lebanese fashion became a lifeline? What if Lebanese fashion became a lifeline?

What if Lebanese fashion became a lifeline?

With a social media call that quickly rallied designers, students and collectors, Aya Safieddine, founder of Archif.Co is aiming to raise $100,000 through fashion to support Lebanese families displaced by war.
By Rayanne Tawil
The true scale of Lebanon's labor collapse The true scale of Lebanon's labor collapse

The true scale of Lebanon's labor collapse

Lebanon’s labor market collapse since 2019 has deepened unemployment, informality, youth exclusion, and brain drain across an economy struggling to recover from overlapping crises. 

 
By Jenna Geagea
From the Bekaa to Marrakesh: Arab films shine at Cannes From the Bekaa to Marrakesh: Arab films shine at Cannes

From the Bekaa to Marrakesh: Arab films shine at Cannes

Arab filmmakers are making a powerful impact at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival with stories shaped by war, displacement, identity, and social transformation across the region. 

 
By The Beiruter
French consular elections 2026: A vote shaped by history French consular elections 2026: A vote shaped by history

French consular elections 2026: A vote shaped by history

France’s 2026 consular elections in Lebanon and Syria are unfolding amid major regional changes, with candidates focusing on crisis management, education, healthcare, and French-Lebanese community representation. 

 
By Josiane Hajj Moussa
Diplomacy and tension collide in Washington Diplomacy and tension collide in Washington

Diplomacy and tension collide in Washington

Washington’s Lebanese-Israeli third round of direct talks test whether fragile diplomacy can contain escalating border tensions, Hezbollah disputes, and risks of wider regional conflict.
By The Beiruter
The fight to preserve Lebanon’s identity The fight to preserve Lebanon’s identity

The fight to preserve Lebanon’s identity

How Lebanon’s heritage has survived centuries of war, empire, collapse, and destruction, becoming a story of national survival itself.
By The Beiruter
Italy and Lebanon: A persistent partnership amidst war Italy and Lebanon: A persistent partnership amidst war

Italy and Lebanon: A persistent partnership amidst war

Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Marcelli exclusively discusses with The Beiruter Italy’s support for Lebanon, UNIFIL security, reconstruction efforts, Israeli operations, and regional diplomacy amid conflict.
By Josiane Hajj Moussa
Lebanon brings its cinema back home Lebanon brings its cinema back home

Lebanon brings its cinema back home

Lebanon is reviving its cinematic heritage through the relaunch of the Cinémathèque Libanaise, dedicated to preserving and restoring the country’s film history.

 
By The Beiruter
The sea is no longer transparent The sea is no longer transparent

The sea is no longer transparent

Traditional vessel tracking systems are becoming less reliable in a maritime environment increasingly shaped by electronic interference, dark fleet activity, and contested trade corridors.
By Katharine Sorensen
Lebanon’s young women are redefining chess Lebanon’s young women are redefining chess

Lebanon’s young women are redefining chess

A new generation of young Lebanese chess players is making history on the international stage through record-breaking performances and rising global rankings. 

 
By The Beiruter
Europe’s colonial legacy and the new Middle East Europe’s colonial legacy and the new Middle East

Europe’s colonial legacy and the new Middle East

As the Middle East rises economically and strategically, Europe is increasingly confronting the unresolved political and moral consequences of its own colonial and historical legacy. 

 
By Christiane Gemayel
Darb Mar Charbel: A Lebanese Camino rooted in faith Darb Mar Charbel: A Lebanese Camino rooted in faith

Darb Mar Charbel: A Lebanese Camino rooted in faith

Stretching across 130 kilometers of monasteries, valleys, and mountain villages, Darb Mar Charbel is redefining pilgrimage tourism in Lebanon through a spiritual journey inspired by the life of Saint Charbel.

 
By The Beiruter
The long shadow of February 6, 1984 over Lebanon The long shadow of February 6, 1984 over Lebanon

The long shadow of February 6, 1984 over Lebanon

How the legacy of February 6, 1984 continues to shape Lebanon’s political system, deep state structures, and relationship with Hezbollah and Israel.
By Marwan El Amine
War empties hotels and disrupts the summer season War empties hotels and disrupts the summer season

War empties hotels and disrupts the summer season

Lebanon’s war-hit hotel sector faces collapsing bookings, soaring unemployment, and a bleak summer tourism season amid persistent insecurity and displacement.
By Patricia Jallad
The fields that fed Lebanon are falling silent The fields that fed Lebanon are falling silent

The fields that fed Lebanon are falling silent

War and displacement are devastating southern Lebanon’s agricultural sector, threatening farmers’ livelihoods and the country’s food security.

 
By The Beiruter
Iran’s frozen fortune Iran’s frozen fortune

Iran’s frozen fortune

Iran’s frozen assets remain trapped between sanctions, nuclear diplomacy, and geopolitical rivalry, shaping Tehran’s economy and global negotiations for decades.
By The Beiruter
Mohamed Karim El-Khatib: A Lebanese entrepreneur’s daring dream come true Mohamed Karim El-Khatib: A Lebanese entrepreneur’s daring dream come true

Mohamed Karim El-Khatib: A Lebanese entrepreneur’s daring dream come true

A journey of defying the odds and establishing a successful construction and development company in Lebanon.
By Grace Massoud
Girls walk: Rewriting the rules of showing up Girls walk: Rewriting the rules of showing up

Girls walk: Rewriting the rules of showing up

From a spontaneous idea to a waterfront gathering of nearly 100 women, LYORA World’s first “Girls Walk” in Lebanon turned movement into connection and strangers into something closer.
By Rayanne Tawil

Politics

Economy

The economics of impulse The economics of impulse

The economics of impulse

From one-click checkout to buy-now-pay-later services, modern digital systems are being designed to make spending faster, easier, and harder to resist.
By The Beiruter
The billion-dollar health question The billion-dollar health question

The billion-dollar health question

As Lebanon’s healthcare costs continue rising, growing pressure is mounting for universal healthcare reform amid widening gaps in medical access and insurance coverage.
By Jessica Habchy
Could Lebanon follow Greece’s recovery model? Could Lebanon follow Greece’s recovery model?

Could Lebanon follow Greece’s recovery model?

Greece’s recovery offers a case study in how stronger tax administration and institutional independence can help rebuild fiscal credibility after a financial crisis.
By The Beiruter
New maritime routes to link Jounieh with Cyprus, Syria, and Turkey New maritime routes to link Jounieh with Cyprus, Syria, and Turkey

New maritime routes to link Jounieh with Cyprus, Syria, and Turkey

Lebanon is preparing to reconnect with the Eastern Mediterranean through a new ferry network linking Jounieh to Cyprus, Syria, and Turkey, marking the country’s first major regional maritime transport revival in nearly two decades.
By The Beiruter
A widening gap between global economies A widening gap between global economies

A widening gap between global economies

The Institute of International Finance warns that the U.S.–Iran conflict and energy shock are accelerating global economic divergence, slowing growth, destabilizing supply chains, and reshaping monetary policy across major economies.
By The Beiruter
Can governments tax their way to better health? Can governments tax their way to better health?

Can governments tax their way to better health?

A growing global debate is emerging over whether health taxes can simultaneously reduce preventable disease, encourage healthier consumption, and provide sustainable government revenue.
By The Beiruter
The long fight for mothers’ financial rights in Lebanon The long fight for mothers’ financial rights in Lebanon

The long fight for mothers’ financial rights in Lebanon

Lebanese mothers can now officially open accounts for their minor children under renewed enforcement of a long-overlooked financial rights directive.
By The Beiruter
War deepens contraction to 10 percent War deepens contraction to 10 percent

War deepens contraction to 10 percent

Lebanon’s economy faces severe contraction as war disrupts growth, deepens recession, weakens key sectors, intensifies unemployment and instability in 2026.
By Patricia Jallad
The more energy a product needs, the higher its price The more energy a product needs, the higher its price

The more energy a product needs, the higher its price

Lebanon’s inflation rate has surged to 17.3% as rising oil prices, import costs, and regional instability push food, transport, and housing expenses sharply higher. 

 
By Patricia Jallad
Captagon: The drug empire fueling the Middle East Captagon: The drug empire fueling the Middle East

Captagon: The drug empire fueling the Middle East

Captagon has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar shadow industry linking Syria, Lebanon, and the Gulf through war, smuggling networks, and organized crime, turning the drug trade into one of the Middle East’s most powerful parallel economies.
By Christiane Tager
Can AI power the clean energy revolution? Can AI power the clean energy revolution?

Can AI power the clean energy revolution?

AI is emerging as a powerful tool for accelerating the clean energy transition, but its own growing electricity demand puts its climate credentials under scrutiny.
By The Beiruter
When the economy falls ill… health does not survive When the economy falls ill… health does not survive

When the economy falls ill… health does not survive

Lebanese people are increasingly sacrificing social life, healthcare, and everyday comforts as the economic crisis forces survival to take priority over everything else.
By Rimah Hashem
Surveillance pricing: The invisible tax on your data Surveillance pricing: The invisible tax on your data

Surveillance pricing: The invisible tax on your data

From grocery apps to airline tickets, surveillance pricing is transforming digital commerce by tailoring prices to individual consumers based on their data, browsing behavior, and predicted purchasing patterns.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon returns to Arab financial leadership Lebanon returns to Arab financial leadership

Lebanon returns to Arab financial leadership

Lebanon regains regional financial prominence after BDL Governor Karim Saeed’s election to lead the Arab Monetary Fund’s Board of Governors.
By The Beiruter
The hidden water debt in every import The hidden water debt in every import

The hidden water debt in every import

The growing trade in “virtual water” is exposing how international supply chains increasingly rely on the depletion of already water-stressed regions.
By The Beiruter
Where childhood fails in the Arab world’s poorest countries Where childhood fails in the Arab world’s poorest countries

Where childhood fails in the Arab world’s poorest countries

Millions of children across the Arab world’s poorest countries remain excluded not only from education, but from the very systems meant to measure and protect their futures. 

 
By Jenna Geagea
Who wins and loses in the global energy shock Who wins and loses in the global energy shock

Who wins and loses in the global energy shock

The Iran war is accelerating a new global divide between countries insulated from fossil fuel volatility and those still deeply reliant on vulnerable energy imports and shipping routes.
By The Beiruter
The new economics of leisure The new economics of leisure

The new economics of leisure

Consumers are cutting back across much of the economy, but leisure spending has remained resilient as people grow more selective about how, and how much, they spend on enjoyment.
By The Beiruter
Paralysis strikes the used car sector Paralysis strikes the used car sector

Paralysis strikes the used car sector

Lebanon’s used car sector faces near-total paralysis amid economic collapse, security instability, declining demand, mounting losses, and collapsing liquidity nationwide.
By Rimah Hashem
The new geography of exit The new geography of exit

The new geography of exit

Rising living costs, remote work, and growing political fatigue are contributing to a new wave of outward migration from Western countries once defined primarily by immigration.
By The Beiruter
Lebanon's women farmers are still fighting for equality Lebanon's women farmers are still fighting for equality

Lebanon's women farmers are still fighting for equality

Despite making up nearly half of the agricultural workforce in Lebanon and the MENA region, women farmers continue to face deep inequalities in land ownership, wages, and decision-making power. 

 
By Jenna Geagea
$1 million market 26 years in the making $1 million market 26 years in the making

$1 million market 26 years in the making

After standing unused for 26 years, Beirut’s Central Market may finally reopen or be reinvented as part of a broader commercial and agri-food hub project.

 
By The Beiruter
How regional conflict pushed Lebanon back into recession How regional conflict pushed Lebanon back into recession

How regional conflict pushed Lebanon back into recession

Lebanon’s economy grew modestly in 2025 amid fragile reforms, recovering tourism, and persistent structural, financial, and regional challenges nationwide overall.
By Patricia Jallad
Lebanon’s public sector wages: A fiscal burden Lebanon’s public sector wages: A fiscal burden

Lebanon’s public sector wages: A fiscal burden

How Lebanon’s public sector wage system driven by pensions, hiring, and policy choices has become a major strain on state finances.
By Christiane Tager
Lebanon’s olive oil sector pays the price of war Lebanon’s olive oil sector pays the price of war

Lebanon’s olive oil sector pays the price of war

How war and destruction are pushing southern Lebanon’s olive oil sector into crisis, threatening both livelihoods and heritage.

 
By Christiane Tager
Lebanon’s summer has been cancelled Lebanon’s summer has been cancelled

Lebanon’s summer has been cancelled

As Lebanon’s summer festivals are called off, an entire seasonal economy tied to tourism, nightlife, and local livelihoods is being shaken. The Beiruter spoke with festival organizers and tourism officials about the country’s fragile economic cycle.
By Michella Rizk
Lebanon’s Real Estate: When safety replaces profit Lebanon’s Real Estate: When safety replaces profit

Lebanon’s Real Estate: When safety replaces profit

How war and economic pressure are reshaping Lebanon’s real estate market, shifting demand from investment to basic security and shelter.
By Rimah Hashem
1.4 million Lebanese under economic siege 1.4 million Lebanese under economic siege

1.4 million Lebanese under economic siege

War, inflation, unemployment, and institutional collapse are driving 1.4 million Lebanese workers toward deeper poverty and social despair nationwide hardship.
By Zizi Stephan
Lebanon faces zero GDP growth despite ceasefire Lebanon faces zero GDP growth despite ceasefire

Lebanon faces zero GDP growth despite ceasefire

Lebanon’s economy stalls in 2026 as conflict, inflation, and collapsing investment push the country toward stagflation and deep uncertainty.
By The Beiruter
Can advanced economies avoid debt distress? Can advanced economies avoid debt distress?

Can advanced economies avoid debt distress?

Rising debt in major advanced economies is increasing pressure for fiscal reform as markets grow less tolerant of deficits.
By The Beiruter
Electricity collection losses reach $42.8 Million per month Electricity collection losses reach $42.8 Million per month

Electricity collection losses reach $42.8 Million per month

Lebanon’s electricity sector faces mounting financial losses exceeding $42.8 million monthly amid war damage, disrupted collections, and infrastructure destruction.
By The Beiruter
32 million face risk of poverty as middle east tensions escalate 32 million face risk of poverty as middle east tensions escalate

32 million face risk of poverty as middle east tensions escalate

United Nations Development Program warns that Middle East conflict fallout could push 32 million more people into poverty worldwide.
By The Beiruter
Why blockchain is a treasure Lebanon has overlooked Why blockchain is a treasure Lebanon has overlooked

Why blockchain is a treasure Lebanon has overlooked

How blockchain-powered digitization could help rebuild Lebanon through transparency, accountability, and modern governance systems.
By Anna Kachouh
Lebanon left off the new Middle East map Lebanon left off the new Middle East map

Lebanon left off the new Middle East map

Lebanon risks missing a historic regional energy and trade shift as new Middle East corridors are built around it, not through it.
By The Beiruter
Stablecoins are becoming too stable Stablecoins are becoming too stable

Stablecoins are becoming too stable

Stablecoins have grown rapidly, but their role within digital finance remains narrow, raising questions about whether stability now signals limits rather than progress.
By The Beiruter
Renewables just became strategic Renewables just became strategic

Renewables just became strategic

New data shows renewables are shifting from a climate solution to a strategic asset in an increasingly uncertain energy landscape.
By The Beiruter
Middle East aviation: A war-torn sky costing billions Middle East aviation: A war-torn sky costing billions

Middle East aviation: A war-torn sky costing billions

How war-driven airspace closures, rerouted flights, fuel spikes, and insurance costs are pushing the global airline industry into a new crisis.
By Christiane Tager
Lebanon’s firms kept operating as war crushed demand Lebanon’s firms kept operating as war crushed demand

Lebanon’s firms kept operating as war crushed demand

Data from Lebanon Opportunities shows most firms continued operating through the war, but with sharply reduced activity and mounting pressure.
By The Beiruter
Has the war hampered FATF compliance procedures? Has the war hampered FATF compliance procedures?

Has the war hampered FATF compliance procedures?

War in Lebanon has strained FATF compliance efforts amid ongoing reforms, weakened oversight, cash economy expansion, and continued regulatory enforcement challenges.
By The Beiruter
Energy still blocks Lebanon’s growth Energy still blocks Lebanon’s growth

Energy still blocks Lebanon’s growth

Lebanon’s private sector is being held back by crippling energy costs, deepening the “missing middle” and limiting firms’ ability to grow and compete.

 
By The Beiruter

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