The Latest Breaking News from Beirut

Nadine Bakhos Releases New Series of Children Books

All Prints Distributors & Publishers, Beirut, released a new series of children books by Author Nadine Bakhos, and Artist Doha al-Khatib.

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 26, 2022

Concrete Wall Surrounding Lebanese Parliament Removed after 2 Years

Lebanese authorities removed on Monday the concrete wall and barbed wire surrounding the parliament building in downtown Beirut. The presidency of the parliament said Speaker Nabih Berri had ordered their removal before the newly elected parliament convenes for the first time. They were originally placed in wake of the 2019…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 24, 2022

Young Lebanese Voters Shake Grip of Traditional Parties

Lebanese law student Charbel Chaaya spent the election campaign distributing flyers in Beirut and trying to convince his parents to vote for independents to shake the grip of established parties. The 21-year-old activist is one of many young voters who went against their parents' political views, and helped propel at…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 24, 2022

Lebanon's emboldened opposition goes from protest to parliament

When Halime El Kaakour enters Lebanon's parliament as a newly elected lawmaker next week, she will step past the same concrete barriers that security forces erected to keep her and other protesters out during massive anti-government rallies in 2019.

Reuters · May 19, 2022

The ‘untouchable’ parliamentary speaker at the heart of Lebanon’s next political storm

At 84, Nabih Berry is a seasoned Lebanese political player who has been the country’s parliamentary speaker for 30 years. Following Sunday’s legislative elections, the octogenarian stalwart is running for another term. But a record number of newcomers and political opponents are against his reelection – and in Lebanon, that…

France 24 · May 19, 2022

Analysis-For Riyadh, Hezbollah setback is rare good news from Lebanon

For Saudi Arabia, losses for Iran's allies in a Lebanese general election mark a rare piece of good news from a country where Tehran has long been ascendant, and could play to Riyadh's advantage in a regional tussle for influence.

Reuters · May 18, 2022

MPs charged over Beirut blast re-elected, troubling families of victims

Two Lebanese lawmakers charged in connection with the 2020 Beirut port blast have been re-elected in the first poll since the catastrophe, leaving some families of victims fearing further delays in a stalled investigation into the explosion.

Reuters · May 17, 2022

A dozen independent newcomers elected to Lebanon parliament - Reuters tally of official results

A dozen independent freshmen MPs won seats in Lebanon's parliament, official results showed on Tuesday, in a breakthrough reflecting public anger at the country's financial collapse and lack of accountability for the Beirut port blast of 2020.

Reuters · May 17, 2022

To parents of toddler killed in Beirut blast, Lebanon's vote 'means everything'

Their index fingers stained with purple ink, Paul and Tracy Naggear emerged solemnly on Sunday from a polling station in the Lebanese capital – less than 2 km (1 mile) from where their daughter was killed in a chemical blast less than two years ago.

Reuters · May 15, 2022

Lebanon votes in first election since Beirut blast, economic crisis

Polls opened on Sunday in Lebanon's first election since the deadly Beirut port blast and the country's economic collapse, making it a test of whether Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies can preserve their parliamentary majority amid soaring poverty and public anger.

France 24 · May 15, 2022