Stories about Lebanon
Why Syrian refugees in Lebanon fear going back to an Assad-controlled Syria
Syrian refugees in Lebanon fear reprisals by the Assad regime in the form of homelessness, forced conscription, torture, or worse.
Lebanese journalist sentenced to prison in absentia, for ‘defaming’ foreign minister on Facebook
From exile in the UK, Fidaa Itani says the sentence marks the end of an era for free expression in Lebanon.
Lebanon's historic Anfeh salt marshes threatened by yet another resort
"This is the last clean place where we can take our kids to swim"
Following pressure by security forces, Beirut Pride 2018 is “suspended for the time being”
"Lebanon has always been known for respecting diversity and claims to be an inclusive country for ALL its citizens, despite their differences."
Riddled with violations, Lebanon's first election in nine years yields underwhelming results for independents
Thousands of election violations recorded and a Ministry late at publishing the results. These were the first Lebanese elections in nine years.
Forced Onto Live TV With Her Employer, a Migrant Domestic Worker in Lebanon Recants Claims of Abuse
One group for migrant domestic workers demanded after the episode that Lensa be removed from her employer’s house "to a place where she is no longer in fear of retribution."
‘They Beat Me Everyday With an Electric Cable…They Smashed My Head Into the Walls’
Lensa, who is from Ethiopia, is one of many migrant domestic workers in Lebanon forced to work and live in difficult conditions under Lebanon's notorious "kafala" (meaning sponsorship) system.
The 2018 Lebanese Elections: What Led to Them?
Many are now wondering whether independent parties have a chance in the upcoming Lebanese elections, but nothing can be certain when it comes to politics in Lebanon.
Lebanon's Scapegoating of Refugees Did Not Start With Syrians, but With Palestinians
"The deplorable living conditions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon after 1990 are a direct consequence of their use as scapegoats for the country's civil war."
In Lebanon, Civil Society Groups Are Launching a New Waste Management Coalition
"The government should listen to what this coalition and the Lebanese people are saying"
Graphic Journalists and Illustrators Draw Alternative Narratives in Syria
"Contrary to a common prejudice, comics can help address serious, difficult issues. This form allows, if not requires, the reporter to be part of the story he tells."
Refugees in Lebanon Are Still Being Scapegoated in the Media and in Academia
"How can one claim that these people are here to receive aid from international organizations, when many are, in fact, not receiving any?"
Audrey Azoulay, the Second Woman at the Head of the UNESCO
She won the title after five voting rounds, with 30 votes in her favor against 28 votes for her opponent Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, from Qatar
Syrian and Lebanese: On the Conflict of Identities
"Being half-Lebanese, half-Syrian is like being a child whose parents are separated and both hate you because each half of you reminds them of the other...."
Animal Carcasses, Tires, and Medical Waste: A New Report Highlights Health Risks of Lebanon's Trash Crisis
"When they burn we can’t breathe […] We’ve had to go to the hospital because of this."
Lebanese Government Bans All Protests Right Before a Syrian Refugee Solidarity Sit-In
Activists called for a protest after four Syrian refugees died while in the custody of the Lebanese army.
Violence in Arsal Is a Reminder of How Vulnerable Syrian Refugees Are in Lebanon
"Whatever happened, we have to recognize that the response towards these attacks where refugees/Syrians are all assumed guilty is inhumane"
Lebanese Dancers See Growing Public Appreciation of Their Work
With the growing popularity of dance shows in Lebanon, dancers describe witnessing a sort of "bodily liberation" that is giving the art form a second chance.
Lebanese Activists Disturb Talk by Politicians and Call for Better Political Representation
"We wanted to tell them: You Stink, your expiry date has passed...you stole people's rights by not allowing them to vote."
Beirut's Municipality Deals Another Blow to the City's Green Space
The municipality's recent policies are threatening the capital's last remaining major green space
To Take a Stand for Love, Beirut Pride Had to Overcome Hate
A hotel where the first event was scheduled canceled on organizers after facing pressure from religious groups. But that hasn't stopped Beirut Pride from going forward.