The Latest Breaking News from Beirut

Lebanon Paper Dodges Hezbollah Role, Resolutions 1559, 1701

The proposals exchanged by Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib and his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Ahmad Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah, reveal Beirut’s disregard for the role played by Hezbollah and the items linked to the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701. Kuwait’s proposal includes 12-confidence building measures to…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 3, 2022

Lebanon's Taxi, Bus and Van Drivers Block Roads in Protest

Scores of Lebanon's taxi, bus and truck drivers started a three-day strike on Wednesday, blocking roads and demanding the government address surging prices and a broader economic crisis. It was the second time in three weeks unions held strike action, forcing schools, universities, and many shops to close. With public…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 2, 2022

Lebanon Power Cuts Turn Cafes into Co-working Spaces

The music is often hushed and the atmosphere studious -- for the patrons filling Beirut's cafes these days, the most important things are good lighting and stable wi-fi. That's because they now serve as substitute workplaces for people grappling with drastic electricity shortages and internet cuts stemming from Lebanon's unrelenting…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 1, 2022

Kuwait FM Says Studying Lebanese Response to Gulf Initiative

Kuwait Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah announced on Sunday that his country had received the Lebanese response to the Gulf initiative aimed at mending Beirut's ties with the Gulf. The minister had traveled to Beirut a week earlier to deliver the 12-point proposal that covers confidence-building measures to…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jan 31, 2022

Lebanon's president sees no reason to delay polls after Hariri exit

Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Saturday he saw no reason for a delay to parliamentary elections in May after three-times former prime minister Saad al-Hariri announced he was boycotting the vote and stepping away from politics.

Reuters · Jan 29, 2022

Lebanon will not ‘hand over’ Hezbollah weapons: Foreign minister

Abdallah Bou assures his country will not be used as a ‘launch pad’ to violate Arab countries’ interests.

Al Jazeera · Jan 29, 2022

Lebanon will not 'hand over' Hezbollah arms at Gulf meeting, minister says

Lebanon's foreign minister said he was not going "to hand over" Hezbollah's weapons during a meeting this weekend with Gulf Arab counterparts that want Beirut to rein in the Iran-backed Lebanese Shi'ite group in exchange for improved ties.

Reuters · Jan 28, 2022

Lebanon's Elie Saab Brings Vibrant Looks to Paris Catwalk on Return

Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab returned to the Paris catwalk after nearly two years, turning the page on a troubled period marked by the Beirut port blast and COVID-19, with a collection of vibrant, red carpet-ready looks. Saab sensed a need for release, he told Reuters in an interview ahead…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jan 26, 2022

Lebanon, Jordan agree to bring electricity through Syria

Lebanon signed a U.S.-backed deal with Jordan on Wednesday that aims to ease crippling power shortages by transmitting electricity across neighbouring Syria, after Washington assured Beirut it should not fear its sanctions on Damascus.

Reuters · Jan 26, 2022

Top Human Rights Watch investigator allegedly hacked with Pegasus spyware

Allegation marks latest example of how NSO clients have used powerful surveillance tool to target campaigners and journalists

The Guardian - US · Jan 26, 2022