lebanon

UK’s Defense Senior Advisor Reaffirms Lebanese Armed Forces as the Sole Legitimate Defender of Lebanon

The British Embassy announced in a statement on Thursday that Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, Senior Advisor for the UK Ministry of Defense for the Middle East and North Africa, met with senior Lebanese and UN officials. During these discussions, he reiterated the UK's urgent call for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the necessity of a political ...

Renewed Bombardment on Beirut's Southern Suburb

The brief pause in airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, prompted by the presence of US envoy Amos Hochstein in Lebanon, was short-lived. The Israeli army spokesperson issued evacuation warnings on Thursday morning to the Haret Hreik and Al-Hadath residents, announcing they will be targeting Hezbollah strongholds there. An hour later, ...

State Terrorism and the State of Terror

When I was questioned by State Security (SS), I couldn’t help but recall the methods of Nazi Germany’s political police, particularly Heinrich Himmler’s infamous Gestapo. Yet, unlike the Nazi regime’s political police, the one manipulated by Shiite fascism is a bunch of hired killers and mafiosos, exploiting honorable soldiers—men who ...

Independence Day: Joseph Aoun Pays Tribute to the Lebanese Armed Forces

As Lebanon commemorates its eighty-first Independence Day in the face of ongoing conflicts and external threats, the Lebanese military forces stand as a pillar of strength, defending the nation's sovereignty and protecting its citizens. Despite facing immense odds, the military remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding peace and stability ...

The US Proposal for a Ceasefire: A “Take It or Leave It” Deal

US envoy Amos Hochstein traveled to Tel Aviv late Wednesday afternoon to convey the outcomes of his Beirut discussions to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—on Thursday, according to Reuters—regarding the American proposal for a ceasefire agreement. Hochstein declined to elaborate on the progress of his talks with Parliament Speaker ...

Shock and Survival: A Testimony of War and Trauma in Lebanon

Testimony
 "I live in a neighborhood not far from areas that are frequently bombarded. Every day, I am immersed in constant terror. The incessant shelling, the persistent drone hum in the sky, and the whistling of missiles create an exhausting state of hyper-vigilance, fraying our nerves. At the slightest noise, I jump violently, my heart ...

Israel Says Any Lebanese Deal Must Grant it 'Freedom to Act' Against Hezbollah

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Wednesday that any ceasefire deal with Lebanon must ensure Israel has the "freedom to act" against Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. "In any agreement we will reach, we will need to keep the freedom to act if there will be violations," he told foreign ambassadors ahead of US envoy Amos Hochstein's ...

The IMF Raises Its 2023 Growth Forecast for Lebanon's GDP

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its 2023 GDP forecast for Lebanon, now estimating it at $24 billion, up from $16.2 billion in its June 2023 report. This upward revision reflects the adoption of a new methodology for calculating national accounts, leading to a 50% increase in the estimated GDP value. The update is part of the ...

Freight Insurance: The Impact of War on Prices

Due to the ongoing war between Hezbollah and Israel, freight insurance premiums have surged, adding further pressure on Lebanese trade and, consequently, on consumers. Armed conflicts significantly increase the risks associated with maritime and land transport. Ships and cargo can be targeted or suffer collateral damage from hostilities. ...

Battling for Survival: Lebanon’s Tourism Sector Amid War and Crisis

Before the war, 60 airlines flew to Beirut; only Middle East Airlines remains today. Flights that once operated at 80-90% capacity now barely reach 20%, especially during peak seasons like Christmas and New Year. Travel to Lebanon has decreased by 80% compared to previous years, largely due to the ongoing conflict. The tourism sector, one of the ...

Charles Chartouni Victim of Intimidation Attempt

Our contributor at This is Beirut and Ici Beyrouth, Dr. Charles Chartouni, was the victim of an intimidation attempt by state security services at his home on Tuesday evening. They intended to summon him for remarks he allegedly made against the “axis of resistance” during his latest media appearances. Chartouni told This is Beirut that these ...