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

Palestinians react to opening of first US military base in Israel

The Sept. 18 announcement of the establishment of the first permanent US-Israeli military base in the Negev desert, in southern Israel, is evidence of the strategic military cooperation between the Americans and Israelis.

Palestine

Arab identity at heart of Beirut Art Fair

At the eighth annual Beirut Art Fair, contemporary artists were given free rein to create works that explore sensitive topics such as Arab identity, politics and conflict.

Lebanon

Aoun calls for 'Levantine common market,' safe return of Syrian refugees

Lebanon's president outlines a regional approach to combating poverty and extremism; Mahmoud Abbas nears moment of truth regarding Dahlan’s role in Fatah-Hamas talks.

Palestine

Poor Beirut neighborhood's facelift only skin deep

An art project in Beirut’s Ouzai neighborhood is bringing color to the area, but urban planners are not impressed with what they see as a simplistic approach to its complex legal and economic problems.

Lebanon

Aoun sees role for Hezbollah until threats to Lebanon cease

Speaking to Al-Monitor ahead of his address to the UN General Assembly in New York, Lebanese President Michel Aoun spoke about the refugee crisis facing his country, Hezbollah's role amid the ongoing regional crisis and Beirut's expanding ties with Moscow.

Lebanon

Lebanon explores potential roles with Russia

As Russia works to put the finishing touches on Syrian civil war negotiations, representatives from many Mideast countries are showing up at Putin's door, including Lebanon, which has much to give and gain in the situation.

Saudi Arabia