From homes to guesthouses: some Lebanese find ways to survive economic meltdown

Despite Lebanon's worst financial crisis since its civil war, guesthouse investment is growing as rural tourism soars, generating much-needed revenue for its cash-strapped citizens and empowering local communities and talents.

Lebanon

Lebanon to shift to new official lira-to-dollar exchange rate

Lebanon is shifting to a new official exchange rate to the US dollar, three years after an unprecedented financial and economic crisis that has plunged a large portion of its population under the poverty line.

Lebanon

Lebanese depositors irate over closed banks

Banks in Lebanon have been shut down for nearly a week amid fears of a bank run.

Lebanon

Culture

Lebanese band Mashrou’ Leila quits after years of harassment over sexual orientation

Mashrou’ Leila, whose main singer identifies as queer, announced it was disbanding, after facing accusations, harassment and threats over their songs.

Lebanon

Interview

Lebanese prime minister praises US mediation toward gas deal with Israel 

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Najib Mikati also says Lebanon should sign IMF agreement ‘as soon as possible.’

Najib Mitaki

Prime Minister of Lebanon

Lebanese fear more hardships after fuel subsidies are lifted

The Lebanese are expecting higher gasoline prices in light of the central bank’s decision to lift subsidies amid market chaos, dollar exchange fluctuations and devaluation of salaries in the Lebanese pound.

Lebanon

Two Lebanese banks held up in one day as customers demand own funds

Many Lebanese watchers praised the woman who held up the bank to get her own money as most Lebanese cannot access their funds due to systemic financial mismanagement and corruption.

Lebanon

Culture

Lebanese turn to logging in preparation for winter

Lebanon’s woodlands are at risk as the poor are cutting down trees as an alternative for fuel to heat their homes in the coming winter, and with such desperate measures experts fear the loss of precious and old trees.

Lebanon

Culture

Digital platform treats depression, anxiety in Lebanon

In crisis-riddled Lebanon where mental well-being is no longer a priority, the Step-By-Step mobile app provides free psychological and behavioral treatment of anxiety and depression.

Lebanon

Why Hezbollah won't torpedo Lebanon's maritime border talks with Israel

Israeli sources believe that Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah realizes how important it is for economically failing Lebanon to reach an agreement with Jerusalem on its maritime border and the extraction of natural gas.

Israel

Co-working draws Lebanese amid economic, power crises

Several businesses in Lebanon have started utilizing co-working spaces, allowing them to cope with crises by sharing ideas and skills as well as offices.

Lebanon

Is dollarization best option for Lebanon’s collapsing economy?

In light of the continued collapse of the Lebanese currency, some are suggesting that the dollarization of the economy may be the best option to revive the country’s financial system.

Lebanon