This is Beirut

Municipal Elections Set Stage for Legislative Showdown

Johnny Kortbawi, 02/05 15:40 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Free Patriotic Movement Amal Hezbollah Lebanese Forces

The municipal elections, even indirectly, will have a significant impact on the upcoming parliamentary elections. Many of these coalitions may not endure, but they reveal how political actors are positioning themselves—not just in relation to their allies, but more tellingly, to their rivals. In Metn, the alliance between the Free Patriotic ...

Mega-Voting Centers: A Comprehensive Guide

Sana Richa Choucair, 30/04 18:30 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Amal Hezbollah Israel South Lebanon

Tens of thousands of displaced voters, devastated towns and an approaching election deadline. As South Lebanon continues to bear the heavy toll of the war with Israel, a pressing question looms: How can citizens, forced to flee their homes, still exercise their right to vote? For many observers and reform advocates, mega-centers offer a pragmatic ...

All Eyes Turned on the Municipal Elections in Dahyeh

Hala Abdallah, 29/04 11:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Lebanon Southern suburbs Hezbollah Amal Municipal elections

As Lebanon prepares for its first municipal elections since the October 2023 war with Israel, attention is turning to the southern suburbs of Beirut, or Dahyeh—a bastion of Hezbollah. The Shiite-majority area has long been under the political influence of Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement. But this year’s vote carries significance far ...

Shia Clans in the Upcoming Municipal Elections

Kaline Antoun, 24/04 12:30 - Reading : 7 minute(s)

Amal Baalbeck Hezbollah Israel

After nine years of waiting, municipal elections will be held starting early next month. This vote carries strategic importance, as it precedes the parliamentary elections by a year and serves as a political barometer, particularly in the Shia regions of Lebanon, which have been affected by the repercussions of the war between Hezbollah and ...

Municipal Elections: How Will Amal and Hezbollah Adjust?

Natasha Metni Torbey, 22/04 13:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Lebanon Hezbollah Amal Municipal Elections

May appears to be a pivotal moment for Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, as Lebanon heads toward municipal elections that could serve as a litmus test for broader political shifts leading up to the 2026 parliamentary vote. These elections will take place against the backdrop of a deeply altered national climate, marked by a major war that has ...

What Lies Behind Nawaf Salam's Visit to Saudi Arabia?

Mario Chartouni, 31/03 18:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Saudi Arabia Amal Gulf Hezbollah Joseph Aoun

The lavish reception for Nawaf Salam during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia has raised many questions. This high-profile welcome, marked by exceptional hospitality, is more than a simple protocol gesture and reflects significant political stakes. To shed light on the real motives behind this meeting, This is Beirut spoke with political analyst ...

Qassem Warns That Hezb May React if Israeli Attacks Continue

This is Beirut, 29/03 22:05 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah Amal Israel Palestine

Hezbollah’s Secretary General Naim Qassem delivered a speech on Saturday to mark International Jerusalem Day, reaffirming his pro-Iranian formation's commitment to Iranian leadership and the Palestinian cause. “This day is a day of solidarity with occupied Jerusalem and with all vulnerable people around the world,” said Naim Qassem. He ...

Political Gains Over Military Might

Johnny Kortbawi, 25/03 16:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Hezbollah Amal Ali Hassan Khalil Elections

Lebanon has long been accustomed to generating contentious — and at times existential — debates. At any given time, discussions can emerge over a particular issue, starting as a legislative matter but quickly evolving into a national, constitutional, or even structural controversy. The latest example is the proposal to adopt a single electoral ...

Shiite Clans in Lebanon: Alliances, Autonomy, and Current Issues

Kaline Antoun, 24/03 18:00 - Reading : 6 minute(s)

Amal Baalbeck Hezbollah United Nations

Recent armed clashes on the Lebanese-Syrian border have once again brought attention to the situation of Shiite clans in this region. These events have also highlighted the key role these clans play in the local social and political fabric. Who are they? How do they interact with Hezbollah and the Lebanese state? The Shiite clans of northern ...

Amal and Hezbollah Oppose Mega Voting Center in Municipal Polls

This is Beirut, 15/03 18:00 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Amal Hezbollah Israel megacenter municipal elections

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri’s Amal Movement opposes the idea of setting up a megacenter where eligible voters can cast their ballot in the municipal elections, regardless of where they hail from, particularly in the war-devastated southern region. Thanks to megacenters, residents of southern villages can vote in the areas where they live, ...

Independent Arabiya Unveils US Congressional Bill Targeting Hezbollah and LAF

This is Beirut, 05/03 22:40 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Lebanese Army Hezbollah Amal US Congress Lebanon

Independent Arabiya has published details of a draft bill introduced to the US Congress by Republican Representative Greg Steube, aimed at pressuring the Lebanese government and military to curb Hezbollah’s influence. The proposed legislation, titled "Preventing Armed Groups from Engaging in Extremism Act," calls for stringent measures against ...

Amal MP’s Nephew Found Dead in Syria

This is Beirut, 11/02 15:35 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Amal Lebanese Army Lebanese Red Cross HTS Hermel

The body of Khodr Karam Zeaiter, nephew of Amal movement MP Ghazi Zeaiter, was discovered on Tuesday in Hanna Valley, inside Syrian territory near the eastern Lebanese caza of Hermel. Zeaiter’s body bore multiple bullet wounds. Zeaiter was kidnapped two days ago along with three other young men from his village, Blouza, on the outskirts of Homs ...

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