Lebanon
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French President in Beirut
Can Macron save Lebanon?
In the aftermath of the devastating explosions in Beirut, French President Emmanuel Macron is styling himself as Lebanon's saviour. Ultimately, however, the success of his efforts will depend on the goodwill of the regional powers in the Middle East. An analysis by Karim El-Gawhary
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Overcoming fear and mistrust
Processing Lebanon's long legacy of collective trauma
In Lebanon, collective trauma is obvious. The explosions in Beirut on 4 August will have triggered memories of the civil war in many people. By understanding how individual and social identities are influenced by the past, peace work can help contribute to the healing process. By Miriam Modalal and Dalilah Reuben-Shemia
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The iniquity of the kafala system
Lebanon's migrant workers – exploited, then abandoned
Foreign employees in Lebanon have been working for months without pay. Many have been cast out into the streets by their employers, and others are in forced labour. Their embassies have refused to help them. Most of them want only one thing, to finally go home. By Sandra Wolf
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Interview with political scientist Tobias Zumbraegel
How are Middle East countries coping with climate change?
Climate change, water scarcity and declining oil revenues: the Middle East and North Africa face huge environmental challenges. Political scientist Tobias Zumbraegel has published a study on how the region is dealing with these pressing issues. Interview by Christopher Resch
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Lebanese protesters call for systemic change
What now for Beirut, once the Paris of the Middle East?
The destruction of the port of Beirut – and Lebanon's free-falling economy – has fuelled calls to end the country's sectarian political system, which allocates power among Christians, Shia, and Sunni Muslims according to a rigid formula. But might such a change merely deepen suspicion among an already deeply divided population? by John Andrews
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Aftermath of the Beirut explosion
"Revolution is born out of suffering"
Following the explosion in the port of Beirut, the Lebanese are united in their anger with the politicians. Volunteers are sweeping up broken glass and removing rubble and stones from houses. While the political scene is trying to sort itself out, it is the Lebanese people who are rebuilding the country. Julia Neumann reports from Beirut
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Interview with Lebanese political scientist Bassel Salloukh
Will a new Lebanon arise from the ashes of Beirut?
The explosions in Beirut killed more than 150 people, injured 6,000 and left 250,000 homeless. In interview with Julia Neumann, political scientist Bassel Salloukh talks about the consequences of this tragedy, the worsening political crisis – and the nature of political reality in Lebanon as the government slowly unravels
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Aftermath of the Beirut explosion
Lebanon, a state in freefall thanks to corrupt governance
The Beirut catastrophe has exposed the true extent of government failure in Lebanon. People are blaming the country’s corrupt and incompetent system for the explosion, says Karim El-Gawhary
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Beirut blast aftermath: destruction, chaos and rescue
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Lebanese author Elias Khoury in interview
Beirut's ruling class – "The stupidest mafia there is"
Fifty percent of Lebanese already live below the poverty line – and there is no end in sight. In interview with Lena Bopp, writer Elias Khoury talks about the crisis and about the state of culture in his home country
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Beirut in crisis
Can things get any worse for the people of Lebanon?
In Lebanon the economy is going downhill at an ever faster rate. The Lebanese are fighting the dramatic effects of the crisis with barter exchanges and joint projects. Apart from that, all they have left is black humour to endure the situation. Tom Allinson reports from Beirut
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Human rights and civil society in North Africa
Tunisia joins George Floyd protests to say 'no' to racism
Tunisians rallied on Saturday in support to the Black Lives Matter movement, decrying anti-black racism and raising awareness about racial discrimination in the North African country. Alessandra Bajec reports from Tunis