The Latest Breaking News from Beirut

Lebanon's 'Zombie Banks' Downsize to Weather Crisis

Once the economy's crown jewel, Lebanon's banks are shutting branches and laying off employees in droves, resizing to the bleak reality of a crisis they are widely blamed for. Before the onset in 2019 of a financial collapse deemed one of the world's worst since the 1850s by the World…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 20, 2022

Hezbollah Slammed by Lebanese Officials after it Flies Drone over Israel

The Iran-backed Hezbollah party's flying of a drone from Lebanon over to Israel this week was widely condemned by officials. The party said on Friday that it flew the aircraft over northern Israel, where it hovered for 40 minutes, crossing 70 kilometers before returning to Lebanon. The move triggered Israel's…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 20, 2022

‘Listen to our pleas’: Beirut blast victims demand global support

Relatives call for international inquiry to help push forward a floundering local investigation into the explosion.

Al Jazeera · Feb 18, 2022

Clash Erupts in Beirut over Hezbollah Posters

A clash erupted Wednesday over Hezbollah slogans and party leaders outside the campus of the Lebanese American University (LAU) in Beirut’s Qureitem area, leaving several people wounded. LAU’s administration clarified in a statement that the clash occurred outside and not inside the university and that all political events are banned…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 17, 2022

Lebanon's Interior Minister Slams Hezbollah for Hosting Event Offensive to Bahrain

Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi indirectly criticized on Tuesday Hezbollah for hosting a Bahraini group that Manama has designated as a sponsor of terrorism. The Iran-backed party's move defied the Lebanese authorities' order to ban the event, which was initially going to be held at a hotel, because it harms…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 16, 2022

Lebanon Holds Muted Hariri Assassination Commemoration

In contrast to previous years, Lebanon held a muted commemoration of the anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri. His son and former PM Saad Hariri, several political figures, officials and Mustaqbal supporters converged on the late premier's grave in downtown Beirut to commemorate him. Commemorations in…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 15, 2022

In praise of Anissa Helou, one of my culinary heroes

LOS ANGELES — I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the life and career of Anissa Helou, the cookbook author (among many titles) who is one of my favorite people on the planet. She turned 70 on Feb. 1.

Los Angeles Times · Feb 14, 2022

Lebanon: Politicians mobilise in Sunni districts after Hariri

Analysts say there is a ‘political void’ in the country’s Sunni community after former PM Saad Hariri suspended career.

Al Jazeera · Feb 13, 2022

Once Lebanon’s Center of Glamor, Hamra Street Goes Dark

From his small music shop on Beirut’s Hamra Street, Michel Eid witnessed the rise and fall of Lebanon through the changing fortunes of this famed boulevard for more than 60 years. Hamra Street was the center of Beirut’s glamor in the 1960s and 1970s, home to Lebanon’s top movie houses…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 13, 2022

Lebanon's crash snuffs out Beirut's fabled Hamra Street

Hamra Street at one time represented everything that was glamorous about Beirut

The Independent UK · Feb 13, 2022