Lebanon

Explosion at Baabda Gas Station Leaves One Dead, Several Injured
Explosion at Baabda Gas Station Leaves One Dead, Several Injured

A fire followed by a powerful explosion rocked a gas station in the Hadath-Baabda area on Wednesday morning, killing one person, injuring several others and causing widespread panic. The incident occurred near a local supermarket and was heard throughout nearby neighborhoods. The blast, which was heard from several hundred meters away, triggered ...

Kulluna “Hood”: Breaking the Rules, But Defending Whom?
SpotlightKulluna “Hood”: Breaking the Rules, But Defending Whom?

Once upon a time, there was a man named Robin Hood. A popular hero of English folklore, he stole from the rich to give to the poor… only to end up betrayed by his own. Since then, many have dreamed of becoming justice warriors. But between legend and reality, the myth quickly crumbles. In Lebanon, amidst economic and social collapse, Kulluna ...

Trials Are Launched Inside Roumieh Prison
Trials Are Launched Inside Roumieh Prison

Lebanon launched its first court sessions inside Roumieh Prison on Tuesday. This marks a significant move aimed at accelerating legal proceedings and addressing severe prison overcrowding. Minister of Justice Adel Nassar confirmed the launching in a statement, following a joint visit with Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ahmad al-Hajjar to ...

President Aoun Stresses Sovereign Ties with Iran Based on Mutual Respect
President Aoun Stresses Sovereign Ties with Iran Based on Mutual Respect

During a meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday, President Joseph Aoun stressed that Lebanon seeks to strengthen formal state-to-state relations with Iran based on mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs – marking a departure from decades of Tehran’s exclusive backing of Hezbollah. Aoun also ...

In Search of Lebanon’s Financial and Economic Taif Agreement
In Search of Lebanon’s Financial and Economic Taif Agreement

Lebanon’s economic crisis cannot be measured solely by the six years since its visible eruption in September 2019. Its roots extend much further back—to 1992 and the first government formed after the Taif Agreement. This period marked the beginning of Lebanon’s modern economic policies, shaped by the country’s financial establishment with ...

Aoun Urges Israeli Withdrawal Before French Parliamentary Delegation
Aoun Urges Israeli Withdrawal Before French Parliamentary Delegation

President Joseph Aoun said on Tuesday that the deployment of the Lebanese Army in South Lebanon remains hindered by the continued Israeli occupation of five strategic border hills, the detention of Lebanese prisoners and ongoing Israeli attacks. During a meeting at Baabda Palace with a delegation from the French Parliament, attended by French ...

Three Paths for Lebanon: Hostility, Armistice or Peace
Three Paths for Lebanon: Hostility, Armistice or Peace

Lebanon today stands at a crossroads in its relationship with Israel, facing three distinct options: to maintain a state of war and hostility, to return to the 1949 armistice agreement, or to pursue peace and normalization. The Path of Hostility If Lebanon chooses to remain in a state of active hostility, the cost will be borne heavily by its ...

Potential Mass Resignation of Tripoli's Municipal Council
Potential Mass Resignation of Tripoli's Municipal Council

Following reports of the mass resignation of 11 members of Tripoli’s newly elected municipal council, the group is reportedly debating the possibility of retracting its resignation. Informed sources told This is Beirut that a meeting is currently being held at the office of North Lebanon’s Governor and that the council members may reconsider ...

As Iran Retreats, Islamist Turkey and Qatar Surge in Lebanon
Op-edAs Iran Retreats, Islamist Turkey and Qatar Surge in Lebanon

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, a Sunni, entered the stadium of Beirut’s Sports City to watch the classic football game between the two rival teams Nijmeh and Ansar. When the Shia supporters of Nijmeh saw Salam, they started shouting slogans in support of Hezbollah and its late chief Hassan Nasrallah. The Sunni fans of Ansar fired back, ...

Aoun Calls for Digital Leap: “Let’s Build the Digital Republic”
Aoun Calls for Digital Leap: “Let’s Build the Digital Republic”

President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday delivered a powerful message in favor of full-scale digital transformation of Lebanon’s public administration, framing it as a strategic tool to curb corruption and restore trust in state institutions. Speaking at the “Smart Government: Diaspora Experts for Lebanon” conference at the Phoenicia Hotel in ...