Lebanon

Drought: When the Sky Turns Its Back on the Earth

Beirut recorded less than 350 mm of rainfall between November and March—well below the annual average of 800 mm—making the winter of 2024-2025 one of the driest in the last 20 years, according to official data. In the Beqaa, a vital agricultural hub, precipitation fell by over 45% compared to the seasonal average. This severe drop disrupted ...

MEA Resumes Flights, Rasamny Rules Out Airport Closure Unless Unforeseen Events Occur

The Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rasamny, stated from Beirut’s International Airport on Saturday that "no decision to close Beirut Airport is being considered," except in the case of a "major and/or unforeseen event.” When asked about the congestion observed at the airport, he explained that "chaos is normal after the ...

Israel Mobilizes Troops on Its Northern Border and Strikes Beit Lif in South Lebanon

Tensions rose in southern Lebanon on Saturday afternoon after a drone strike targeted the town of Beit-Lif. This comes as the Israeli army strengthens its presence on the border with Syria and Lebanon. Injuries in Israeli Strike on Beit-Lif In southern Lebanon, the Israeli strike targeted a “Rapid” type car in the border town of Beit ...

LBP 44.2 Million for a Basic Food Basket

According to the World Food Program, the survival food basket has reached LBP 44.2 million, or around $492, an increase of $42 since January. That's how much it now costs for a family of five to cover its basic food needs for a month in Lebanon. This basket, which includes rice, wheat, pulses, oil, sugar, salt and sardines, represents the bare ...

Clash Erupts Between Lebanese Army, Syrian Border Forces

A gunfight broke out on Friday between the Lebanese Army and armed members of the newly formed Syrian General Security forces in the northern Bekaa border area of Hosh al-Sayyed Ali, resulting in the injury of a Lebanese soldier. According to An-Nahar, the incident occurred when a member of the Syrian General Security attempted to cross from ...

From the Sursock Palace to the J. Paul Getty Museum: The Resurrection of Artemisia Gentileschi’s Lost Masterpiece

On August 4, 2020, at 6:07 PM, a devastating blast tore through the skies of Beirut. The shockwave obliterated the port, destroyed entire neighborhoods, claimed over 230 lives and left a haunting scene of ruin and disbelief. Among the many cultural treasures affected was Sursock Palace, a 19th-century Ottoman villa and historic family residence in ...

A Berlin Wall in the Middle East

Israel’s strike on Iran marked a decisive rupture in modern Middle Eastern history—closing the chapter that began in 1979 and launching a new era in real time. October 7, 2023, was a pivotal moment for Israel, prompting a campaign of unrelenting confrontation against armed factions across the region—from Hamas to Hezbollah to the Houthis. ...

Vatican: President Aoun Received by Pope Leo XIV

As part of an official and family visit to Rome, President Joseph Aoun was received on Friday morning by Pope Leo XIV in his office at the Vatican. Following the meeting, President Aoun emphasized the relationship between Lebanon and the Holy See, which is rooted in shared human and spiritual values. Staying true to his message of unity in ...

Israeli Strikes on Iran Disrupt Middle East Airspace, Triggering Widespread Flight Cancellations

Israeli strikes targeting nuclear and military installations in Iran sent shockwaves through Middle Eastern airspace on Friday, prompting several countries, including Jordan and Iraq, to immediately close their airspace. The closures led to widespread flight cancellations and rerouting, including flights bound for Lebanon. In Abu Dhabi, airport ...

After the Strikes on Iran, Lebanon Holds Its Breath

Lebanon remains on quiet alert after Israel claimed responsibility early on Friday for a series of large-scale strikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. While the thunder of missiles rumbled in the distance, the political, logistical and emotional aftershocks are already reverberating across Lebanese society. A Subtle ...

Jezzine Rally: The Roar of Engines, the Breath of the Mountains

This weekend, the Mecca of Lebanese rallying shifts to Jezzine, a perched gem in the south, where hairpin turns, steep descents and abrasive tarmac will form the battleground for a high-intensity motorsport showdown. The Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL) has confirmed the closing of registrations: 24 teams will take off on Saturday ...