The Takeaway: October 9, 2019

Saudi Arabia

Protesters rise up as Lebanon’s leaders grapple with multiple economic crises

Hundreds of Lebanese took to the streets to protest deteriorating economic conditions and the high cost of living, which prompted the Central Bank to issue a new measure aimed at easing the currency crisis.

Lebanon

It's off to the races in Lebanon, in drag

The popularity of 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' has injected new life into Lebanon’s drag scene, whose performers bring unique cultural elements to the drag tradition.

Lebanon

Will Lebanese wait hours in gas lines as fuel crisis bites?

Lebanese citizens are living day by day the repercussions of the dollar scarcity crisis, as the fuel sector threatens an open strike next week if the government fails to find a proper solution.

Lebanon

The shows go on amid tensions this festival season in Lebanon

Music, art, and religious festivals, large and small, have become summertime staples in Lebanon, providing entertainment and generating tourist dollars.

Lebanon

US faces uneasy choice between Lebanese Christians and Syrian refugees

Lebanese Christians are making a religious case for the Trump administration to back the repatriation of refugees to Syria

Lebanon

A closer look into Lebanon’s fixed currency

Lebanon's fixed exchange rate has been a pillar of stability for two decades. However, poor economic conditions threaten its sustainability.

Lebanon

Artists take a look at lost history and bright future in Beirut

Beirut's annual art and design fairs focus this year on past and future through the eyes of modern artists.

Lebanon

Beirut municipality fails, again, to preserve green spaces

The destruction of one of Beirut’s last green spaces, as well as the eviction of several startups, points to the government's disregard of the public sector.

Lebanon

‘I just want to be me’: Being transgender in Lebanon

Despite the negativity surrounding the transgender community in Lebanon, social media influencer Gigi tries to use her online fame as a means to help other transgender individuals to express themselves.

Lebanon

Intel: How Syria is driving a wedge between Russia and Israel

The show of unity during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Russia on Sept. 12 can’t paper over the sharp differences between the two countries over Syria.

Israel

Beirut photo festival offers analogue experience in digital age

The Beirut Image Festival, in its first year, is providing a forum for young photographers raised on the digital imagery of social media to get a taste of the art of photography by exhibiting their works in venues alongside veteran photographers.

Lebanon