Dario Sabaghi - AL-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Dario Sabaghi

Dario Sabaghi is a freelance journalist interested in international news with a focus on human rights. On Twitter: @DarioSabaghi

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem delivers a statement during a ceremony to honor the Shiite cleric Abbas Ali Al-Moussawi, who passed away the week prior, Beirut, Aug. 25, 2025.

Analysis

Attack, concede, stall: Hezbollah’s options as Lebanon advances disarmament plan

Dario Sabaghi

Teargas fumes erupt during clashes between supporters of the Lebanese Shiite Islamist movement Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army amidst a Hezbollah-organised rally to block the road to Beirut International Airport over a decision to bar two Iranian flights from landing there, in Beirut on February 15, 2025. An AFP correspondent said tear gas was fired to disperse crowds on February 15 after again blocking amidst calls by the Iran-backed group for a sit-in. (Photo by IBRAHIM AMRO / AFP) (Photo by IBRAHIM AMRO/

Analysis

Under US pressure, can Lebanon disarm Hezbollah without Iran's green light?

Dario Sabaghi

A vehicle drives past buildings destroyed in Israeli strikes during the latest war, near the border wall in the southern Lebanese village of Ramia on March 5, 2025. Lebanese official media said two people were wounded on March 5 when Israeli drones attacked a vehicle in the south, a day after a deadly raid and despite a November 27 ceasefire. (Photo by Mahmoud ZAYYAT / AFP) (Photo by MAHMOUD ZAYYAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Despite hopes of Trump's envoy, Lebanon-Israel normalization deemed unrealistic

Dario Sabaghi

People place a picture of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah over the rubble of the shrine of Shamoun al-Safa, built within a castle in the village of Shamaa in southern Lebanon's Tyre governorate on January 31, 2025, that was heavily damaged by Israeli bombing. The hilltop castle houses the Muslim Shiite pilgrimage site over a tomb said by some to be that of Simon the Zealot, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, and by others of Simon, second son of the Biblical patriarch Jacob. (Photo by Mahmoud Z

Analysis

Why Hezbollah, Amal want to control Lebanon's Finance Ministry

Dario Sabaghi

Lebanese army forces deploy near the US Embassy after a Syrian man was arrested following a shooting near the embassy, Beirut, Lebanon, June 5, 2024.

Do Lebanon's US Embassy attack, border clashes signal rise in extremism?

Dario Sabaghi

Members of Lebanon's LGBTQ community attend a picnic the coastal city of Batroun, north of Beirut, on May 21, 2017, as part of the Beirut Pride week aimed at raising awarness about the rights of the community. / AFP PHOTO / IBRAHIM CHALHOUB (Photo credit should read IBRAHIM CHALHOUB/AFP via Getty Images)

Lebanon: Backlash as MPs introduce bill to decriminalize LGBTQ+ relationships

Dario Sabaghi

Retired servicemen remove razor wire barricade outside Lebanon's central bank during a demonstration demanding inflation-adjustments to their pensions, in Beirut on March 30, 2023. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH EID/AFP via Getty Images)

In Lebanon, journalists come under legal intimidation as press freedom declines

Dario Sabaghi

Activists from of the Lebaanon’s LGBTQ community take part in a protest outside police station in Beirut on May 15, 2016, demanding the release of four transsexual women and calling for the abolishment of article 534 of the Lebanese Penal code, which prohibits having sexual relations that "contradict the laws of nature". (ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images)

Lebanon's LGBTQ community faces digital exploitation, blackmail

Dario Sabaghi

Tarek Bitar

Meet judge Tarek Bitar, rattling Lebanon's political class in Beirut blast probe

Dario Sabaghi

Beirut gay

Lebanon's Shura Council suspends ban on LGBTQ event

Dario Sabaghi

AFP via Getty Images

Beirut blast families fight to keep ruined silos up until justice served

Dario Sabaghi

A picture taken in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on May 29, 2020, shows the food products that constitute a ration, part of a relief campaign to help families in need across Lebanon.

Lebanon implements ration card program as economic crisis worsens

Dario Sabaghi