Washington

BDL Governor Holds Key Talks with IMF Officials in Washington

The Governor of Lebanon’s Central Bank (BDL), Karim Souhaid, held a series of high-level meetings in Washington with officials from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to a statement issued by his press office on Thursday. Souhaid was accompanied by Deputy Governors Salim Shahine and Gaby Shnouzian, along with the Chairman of the ...

Between Moscow and Washington, India Charts Its Energy Course

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to “cease purchasing Russian oil” within a “short timeframe,” while imposing 50% tariffs on Indian exports to the United States, with additional penalties for transactions involving Moscow. However, New Delhi stressed that its “top ...

US Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, Readies for Diplomatic Mission

Michel Issa has officially been sworn in as the new United States Ambassador to Lebanon, marking the imminent start of his diplomatic mission in the country. Speaking during a ceremony held Tuesday evening at the Lebanese Embassy in Washington, Issa said: “I am preparing to depart soon for Lebanon to begin my mission as US Ambassador.” He ...

US Gas: Washington Secures Its Place in Europe’s Energy Market

For more than two years, Europe has sought to reduce its reliance on Russian gas, an effort accelerated by the war in Ukraine and rising geopolitical tensions. According to RFI, European firms, long hesitant to commit to long-term deals, are now turning to US liquefied natural gas (LNG) to secure reliable supplies. This shift represents a ...

María Corina Machado Wins the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

At 58, María Corina Machado became the first Venezuelan woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The announcement from Oslo recognizes her steadfast and nonviolent fight for democracy in a country where opposing the government carries great risk. Born in Caracas in 1967, she is an industrial engineer and a graduate of the Andrés Bello Catholic ...

Iran: The Fall of the Mullahs?

This is the central theme of this 20-minute visual investigation produced by Ici Beyrouth and This Is Beirut. The film combines archival footage, expert analysis and excerpts from speeches to explore the rise, power and fragility of a regime built on faith, weapons and fear. Three Voices to Understand Iran The documentary features three ...

Trump Administration Brands US Cities War Zones

The Trump administration branded Chicago a "war zone" Sunday as a justification for deploying soldiers against the will of local Democratic officials, while a judge blocked the White House from sending troops to another Democrat-run city. An escalating political crisis across the country pits President Donald Trump's anti-crime and ...

Lebanon's Half Measures Lead to Growing US Skepticism

As Lebanese leaders continue to implement half measures that fail to address pressing issues decisively, voices in Washington are increasingly questioning the US's support for Beirut. The context is troubling. From across the Atlantic, it is clear that Lebanese officials have yet to confront their fear of a "weak and defeated" Hezbollah, while the ...

US Faces Annual Budget Deadline as Another Government Shutdown Looms

Every year, as September draws to a close, Washington is confronted with a critical deadline: passing the federal budget for the next fiscal year. When the White House and Congress fail to reach an agreement, the dreaded “government shutdown” can occur. Now a familiar term in American politics, a shutdown refers to the partial closure of ...

Another Record High: Gold Shines Brighter Than Ever

Gold continues to break records. The price per ounce (31.1 g) rose 1.3% on Monday, reaching $3,809, its highest level ever. The precious metal has surged 45% since the start of the year and nearly 130% over three years, outperforming most other investments. Several factors drive this gold rush: geopolitical uncertainties, from Russia’s invasion ...

Trade War Redraws the Map: China Shifts Course

Since Donald Trump took office, Sino-American trade has sometimes resembled a high-stakes ping-pong match. Containers once destined for US ports now appear to have lost their way. In August 2025, exports to the United States fell 12% in a single month, representing around $5 billion worth of goods no longer crossing the Pacific, at least not ...