Ottoman fez gets face-lift in Beirut

Two Lebanese designers are collaborating to reinvent the traditional tarboosh and give it a 21st-century look.

Lebanon

Saudi Arabia’s call for international coalition against Hezbollah faces obstacles

A Saudi politician called for the establishment of an international coalition to confront Lebanon’s Hezbollah, a suggestion that did not garner much support, namely in Europe.

Saudi Arabia

Israel should practice what it preaches to the Palestinians

Instead of risking a three-front war with its current policy of settlement expansion, Israel would do better if its leaders followed through on previous peace initiatives and the commitments it has made in negotiations with the Palestinians.

Palestine

All eyes are on Hezbollah in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor

As the war is heating up in eastern Syria, specifically in Deir ez-Zor, the Lebanese Hezbollah movement and allied fighters are vying with US-backed Syrian democratic forces for control of areas liberated from the Islamic State.

Iraq

Turkish telecom giant may end up in government hands again

The 2005 privatization of Turkish telecommunication company Turk Telekom, the largest in Turkey’s history, may go to waste as the majority stakeholders are struggling to repay loans.

Saudi Arabia

Israel, Hezbollah exchange threats of imminent war

As Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Israeli government continue to warn each other of a coming cataclysm, both sides predict it would take place in Syria as well as Lebanon this time.

Israel

Tax increase puts spotlight on Lebanon's miserable finances

As Lebanon approves a tax hike to fund employee raises, experts warn the government to implement financial reforms or face default.

Lebanon

Lebanon’s new wines step on stage

Old and new vineyards show off their wines and present them to local and international buyers at Beirut's Vinifest.

Lebanon

'The Insult' tops box office in Lebanon

Ziad Doueiri’s latest film has been out three weeks and it’s at the top of the box office ever since, taking almost 50% of total film admissions.

Lebanon

Congress takes aim at Lebanese politicians with Hezbollah bill

The US House of Representatives is expected to vote this month on legislation requiring the president to publicly report on Hezbollah allies’ net worth.

Lebanon

Beirut's international film festival turns 20

The celebrated Beirut International Film Festival provides a platform for filmmakers in the region to speak out on subjects that are taboo in their own countries.

Lebanon

Culture Alert: October dominated by film festivals in Middle East

A number of film festivals, from short films to documentaries, take place in Beirut, Tehran, Haifa and Istanbul throughout October — where many of the regional countries’ nominees for Oscars will be screened.

Israel