I am not a Roman Catholic. Nevertheless, this wonderful man gives one hope in a world filled with conflict, troubles, and tribulations. This pope is most impressive. In my opinion; the Catholic Church is truly blessed to have such a marvellous and inspiring leader. — © Mark Alexander
Showing posts with label Lebanon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lebanon. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 02, 2025
Pope Leo Departs Lebanon after Historic Visit Marked by Masses and Messages
I am not a Roman Catholic. Nevertheless, this wonderful man gives one hope in a world filled with conflict, troubles, and tribulations. This pope is most impressive. In my opinion; the Catholic Church is truly blessed to have such a marvellous and inspiring leader. — © Mark Alexander
Labels:
Lebanon,
Pope Leo XIV
Monday, December 01, 2025
Pope Leo Affirms Support for Two-State Solution during Trip to Lebanon | DW News
Labels:
Lebanon,
Pope Leo XIV
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Pope Leo Visits Turkey on His First Trip Abroad: What Can We Expect? | DW News
Labels:
Lebanon,
Pope Leo XIV,
Turkey
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Life in Lebanon as the Country Falls
Oct 23, 2025 | Lebanon, the former “Switzerland of the Middle East”, stands on the brink of becoming a failed state. Years of civil war, border conflicts and corrupt government has left the country bankrupt and spiralling into chaos. The Beirut port explosion reduced the capital to tatters and exposed the utter failure of sectarianism politics. Lebanon now finds itself more vulnerable than ever to foreign influence, once again a key stake for international powers playing out their broader ambitions across the Mideast. But in this deeply divided country, a young generation is ready to battle for reform.
At the supermarkets in Beirut, hyperinflation has led to the food changing price every day. Lilian, 24, hoped to become a diplomat but the economic crisis forced her to quit her studies. Now she is has joined the protest movement and pawns her clothes to buy food. The man most people blame for this desperate situation is Riad Salameh, head of the central bank for the past three decades and accused of embezzling close to a billion dollars. The IMF and World Bank has offered to bail out Lebanon if the central bank opens up its account books. Something that Salameh – with the support of the whole political class – absolutely refuses to do.
Yet economic collapse isn’t the only cause of the country’s woes. In southern Lebanon, safety risks along the border with Israel are a main source of instability. This is a stronghold for Hezbollah, which operates as a state within a state, providing for every aspect of daily life in exchange for absolute loyalty. Further north, the Bekaa valley is the other Hezbollah stronghold. But it is also home to one of Lebanon’s most serious problems the Syrian refugee crisis. The mass arrival of 1.5 million Syrian refugees has further destabilised a nation long distrustful of Syria. Everything is done to hide the Syrian problem. Large international NGO are prevented from working here and the refugees themselves, like 12-year-old Abdelfateh, are forced to slave long hours to survive.
No population census has been held for decades in Lebanon to avoid threatening the fragile balance of sectarian powers. But the sunnis are convinced they form the largest section of the population.They feel oppressed and increasingly look towards Saudi Arabia or Turkey’s Muslim brotherhood for help. But despite everything, people like Lilian are determined to confront these endemic problems. “My destiny is to stay here and engage in political action…. The proverb “Lebanese love life” is very true, we love life despite everything!”
This documentary was produced by Kaliste Productions and directed by Alfred de Montesquiou. It was first released in 2021.
At the supermarkets in Beirut, hyperinflation has led to the food changing price every day. Lilian, 24, hoped to become a diplomat but the economic crisis forced her to quit her studies. Now she is has joined the protest movement and pawns her clothes to buy food. The man most people blame for this desperate situation is Riad Salameh, head of the central bank for the past three decades and accused of embezzling close to a billion dollars. The IMF and World Bank has offered to bail out Lebanon if the central bank opens up its account books. Something that Salameh – with the support of the whole political class – absolutely refuses to do.
Yet economic collapse isn’t the only cause of the country’s woes. In southern Lebanon, safety risks along the border with Israel are a main source of instability. This is a stronghold for Hezbollah, which operates as a state within a state, providing for every aspect of daily life in exchange for absolute loyalty. Further north, the Bekaa valley is the other Hezbollah stronghold. But it is also home to one of Lebanon’s most serious problems the Syrian refugee crisis. The mass arrival of 1.5 million Syrian refugees has further destabilised a nation long distrustful of Syria. Everything is done to hide the Syrian problem. Large international NGO are prevented from working here and the refugees themselves, like 12-year-old Abdelfateh, are forced to slave long hours to survive.
No population census has been held for decades in Lebanon to avoid threatening the fragile balance of sectarian powers. But the sunnis are convinced they form the largest section of the population.They feel oppressed and increasingly look towards Saudi Arabia or Turkey’s Muslim brotherhood for help. But despite everything, people like Lilian are determined to confront these endemic problems. “My destiny is to stay here and engage in political action…. The proverb “Lebanese love life” is very true, we love life despite everything!”
This documentary was produced by Kaliste Productions and directed by Alfred de Montesquiou. It was first released in 2021.
Labels:
documentary,
Lebanon
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Lebanon: A People in Crisis (Re-upload) | ARTE.tv Documentary
Oct 6, 2025 | Undermined by the corruption of its leaders, the country is going through one of the worst economic crises in its history. Since the collapse of the banking system, Lebanese people have seen their living standards plunge.
The local currency has lost up to 90% of its value, and inflation is soaring. There are also shortages of fuel, electricity, and medicines. Some citizens even say Lebanon is on the brink of becoming a failed state.
Lebanon: A People in Crisis (Re-upload) | ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until 30/09/2028
The local currency has lost up to 90% of its value, and inflation is soaring. There are also shortages of fuel, electricity, and medicines. Some citizens even say Lebanon is on the brink of becoming a failed state.
Lebanon: A People in Crisis (Re-upload) | ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until 30/09/2028
Labels:
ARTE.tv documentary,
Lebanon
Thursday, July 03, 2025
Lebanon’s Crisis: The Last Hope | The Country That Lost Everything
Labels:
Lebanon
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Uncovering Lebanon’s Rich History and Culture - Breath-taking Views - Travel Documentary
Labels:
Lebanon,
travel documentary
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
On the Verge of Collapse: Lebanon’s Battle for a Future | Dispatch | HD Documentary| Reupload
Oct 15, 2024 | Long considered the Switzerland of the Middle East, Lebanon is now going through the worst economic crisis in its history. 80% of the population lives below the poverty line. In one year, food prices have jumped 500% due to galloping inflation.
For Riad, who runs a grocery store in the suburbs of Beirut, business has become hellish. Every morning, calculator in hand, he changes the labels of his products according to the day’s exchange rate. An operation all the more complex as his store is plunged into darkness, due to lack of electricity. The Lebanese government no longer provides more than two hours of electricity per day in the country. It is impossible for the population to heat, light or use their refrigerator. Taking advantage of the situation, a network of private generators has emerged.
The Lebanese pound, the local currency, has lost 90% of its value. The only ones to get away with it are those who are paid in dollars. The greenback, which is exchanged for a fortune against the local currency, has given birth to a new privileged social class in the country. A salesman in an international pharmaceutical company, Joseph lives like a king in a ruined Lebanon. Thanks to his new purchasing power, he repaid his house loan in two months, instead of… twenty years!
In a bankrupt state, plagued by corruption, six out of ten Lebanese citizens now dream of leaving the country. In Tripoli, in northern Lebanon, Mohammed and his son left by sea to reach Germany. Although their trip was cut short off the Turkish coast, the young father is still ready to take all the risks to reach the European El Dorado.
For Riad, who runs a grocery store in the suburbs of Beirut, business has become hellish. Every morning, calculator in hand, he changes the labels of his products according to the day’s exchange rate. An operation all the more complex as his store is plunged into darkness, due to lack of electricity. The Lebanese government no longer provides more than two hours of electricity per day in the country. It is impossible for the population to heat, light or use their refrigerator. Taking advantage of the situation, a network of private generators has emerged.
The Lebanese pound, the local currency, has lost 90% of its value. The only ones to get away with it are those who are paid in dollars. The greenback, which is exchanged for a fortune against the local currency, has given birth to a new privileged social class in the country. A salesman in an international pharmaceutical company, Joseph lives like a king in a ruined Lebanon. Thanks to his new purchasing power, he repaid his house loan in two months, instead of… twenty years!
In a bankrupt state, plagued by corruption, six out of ten Lebanese citizens now dream of leaving the country. In Tripoli, in northern Lebanon, Mohammed and his son left by sea to reach Germany. Although their trip was cut short off the Turkish coast, the young father is still ready to take all the risks to reach the European El Dorado.
Labels:
documentary,
Lebanon
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Netanyahu Urges UN Forces Leave Lebanon Combat Zones | REUTERS
Labels:
Benjamin Netanyahu,
Lebanon,
UN
Wednesday, October 09, 2024
PM Netanyahu's Message to the People of Lebanon
Labels:
Benjamin Netanyahu,
Israel,
Lebanon
Monday, September 30, 2024
Israel Tells US It Plans to Launch Limited Ground Incursion into Lebanon - US Official | BBC News
Sep 30, 2024 | Israel has told the US it plans to launch a limited ground incursion into Lebanon as soon as Monday, a US official has said.
Hezbollah's deputy leader said it's ready for an Israeli ground offensive, as Israel continues air strikes across Lebanon.
It's the first speech by a high-ranking official since Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Naim Qassem said the battle "may be long".
n Lebanon, officials said more than 1,000 have been killed in the past two weeks, while up to a million people may now be displaced.
That was a very powerful, short speech by Benjamin Netanyahu. True words! – © Mark Alexander
Hezbollah's deputy leader said it's ready for an Israeli ground offensive, as Israel continues air strikes across Lebanon.
It's the first speech by a high-ranking official since Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Naim Qassem said the battle "may be long".
n Lebanon, officials said more than 1,000 have been killed in the past two weeks, while up to a million people may now be displaced.
That was a very powerful, short speech by Benjamin Netanyahu. True words! – © Mark Alexander
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
'Lebanon Will Pay a Big Price If War Escalates' - Minister Tells Sky News
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Walkie-talkies Explode in Lebanon, Day after Pager Blasts - Reports | BBC News
Sep 18, 2024 | More blasts have been reported in Beirut, a day after exploding pagers killed 12 and injured thousands across Lebanon.
A BBC reporter says one blast happened at a funeral, other sources say "communication devices" seem to have exploded.
Multiple sources say Mossad, the Israeli spy agency, was behind the attack on Tuesday - Israel has not commented.
A BBC reporter says one blast happened at a funeral, other sources say "communication devices" seem to have exploded.
Multiple sources say Mossad, the Israeli spy agency, was behind the attack on Tuesday - Israel has not commented.
Labels:
Lebanon
Sunday, August 04, 2024
Expert Explains How Israel Could Face 'Extraordinarily Dangerous' Moment
Labels:
Iran,
Israel,
Lebanon,
Middle East
Countries Urge Nationals to Leave Lebanon as Middle East War Fears Grow | BBC News
Aug 4, 2024 | The US has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon on “any ticket available”, as fears grow that war in the Middle East may spread. The UK, Sweden, France, Canada and Jordan have issued a similar warning.
Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets at the town of Beit Hillel in northern Israel at around 00:25 local time on Sunday (21:25 GMT Saturday). Footage posted on social media showed Israel's Iron Dome air defence system intercepting the rockets. There have been no reports of casualties. Israel’s air force responded by striking targets in southern Lebanon.
Iran has vowed “severe” retaliation against Israel, which it blames for the death of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday.
Israel is yet to comment on his death.
Crainte d'une escalade militaire au Moyen-Orient : après le Liban, la France recommande à ses ressortissants de quitter l’Iran : Les inquiétudes s'amplifient après la multiplication des menaces de l'Iran et de ses alliés contre Israël. »
Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets at the town of Beit Hillel in northern Israel at around 00:25 local time on Sunday (21:25 GMT Saturday). Footage posted on social media showed Israel's Iron Dome air defence system intercepting the rockets. There have been no reports of casualties. Israel’s air force responded by striking targets in southern Lebanon.
Iran has vowed “severe” retaliation against Israel, which it blames for the death of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday.
Israel is yet to comment on his death.
Crainte d'une escalade militaire au Moyen-Orient : après le Liban, la France recommande à ses ressortissants de quitter l’Iran : Les inquiétudes s'amplifient après la multiplication des menaces de l'Iran et de ses alliés contre Israël. »
Labels:
Iran,
Israel,
Lebanon,
Middle East
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Israel Strikes Beirut Suburb, Targeting Hezbollah Commander
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Tensions have soared between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah since a strike on Saturday in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights killed children and teenagers playing soccer.
Israel carried out a strike in Beirut on Tuesday night, retaliating for an assault that killed 12 children and teenagers in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights over the weekend. The Israeli military said it had targeted a commander whom it blamed for the attack, fueling Western concerns that Israel’s long-running conflict with the powerful Lebanese militia Hezbollah could escalate further.
The Israeli strike was the second time during the war that the Israeli military has targeted Lebanon’s capital, after the killing of a senior Hamas leader there in January.
The explosion in Beirut came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that there would be a “severe” response for the Golan Heights attack, which hit a field where young people were playing soccer. Israel blamed Hezbollah, and the group denied responsibility for the assault, which landed in the Druse Arab village of Majdal Shams. Western officials had urged Israel to exercise restraint in its response. » | Ronen Bergman, Adam Rasgon and Euan Ward | Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Israel carried out a strike in Beirut on Tuesday night, retaliating for an assault that killed 12 children and teenagers in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights over the weekend. The Israeli military said it had targeted a commander whom it blamed for the attack, fueling Western concerns that Israel’s long-running conflict with the powerful Lebanese militia Hezbollah could escalate further.
The Israeli strike was the second time during the war that the Israeli military has targeted Lebanon’s capital, after the killing of a senior Hamas leader there in January.
The explosion in Beirut came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that there would be a “severe” response for the Golan Heights attack, which hit a field where young people were playing soccer. Israel blamed Hezbollah, and the group denied responsibility for the assault, which landed in the Druse Arab village of Majdal Shams. Western officials had urged Israel to exercise restraint in its response. » | Ronen Bergman, Adam Rasgon and Euan Ward | Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Lebanon: Robbery of the Century | ARTE.tv Documentary
Labels:
documentary,
Lebanon
Friday, June 07, 2024
How Islamists Overran My Country, Lebanon – Brigitte Gabriel
May 13, 2024 | Brigitte Gabriel tells the story of how Islamists overran her country, Lebanon , with the aid of Islamic countries in the 1970s.
It's important to note that religion and thus religious extremism is dangerous and needs to be checked especially in Africa so that what happened to the Middle East won't take place on the [African] continent.
This is the reason why the enlightenment and advocacy towards naturalism needs to be intensified in Africa and the world.
It's important to note that religion and thus religious extremism is dangerous and needs to be checked especially in Africa so that what happened to the Middle East won't take place on the [African] continent.
This is the reason why the enlightenment and advocacy towards naturalism needs to be intensified in Africa and the world.
Labels:
Africa,
Brigitte Gabriel,
Islam,
Islamism,
Lebanon
Friday, November 03, 2023
Al Jazeera English: Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah Gives Gaza Speech
Nov 3, 2023 | The Hezbollah chief says whoever wants to prevent a regional war, must quickly stop the war on the Gaza Strip. Nasrallah repeats that all options in the Lebanese front are open. He says that Hezbollah is ready for all possibilities.
Addressing the US deployment of warships in the region, Nasrallah says Hezbollah is not intimidated. As he continues to touch on familiar themes during his speech, the Hezbollah leader also says that further escalation on the Lebanese front is a real possibility.
He warns that such a development depends on Israeli actions in Gaza. Nasrallah continues, saying Hezbollah has been escalating its operations by the day and forcing Israel to keep its forces near the Lebanon border instead of Gaza or the occupied West Bank.
It appears that World War III has already begun! And it’s a holy war! Our politicians had better get with the story and repeal all those ridiculous laws passed in the name of political correctness, in the vain hope that Islam and the Christian, but increasingly secular, West can live in peace and harmony. In the long-run, these two diametrically-opposed world religions and ways of life cannot. Throughout history, Islam and Christianity have vied for pre-eminence and dominance. When two powerful forces collide, one is bound to win. We must ensure that we do. We in the West have some tough decisions ahead. The peaceful world we had come to know and love has been dealt a severe blow.
Some twenty plus years ago, I wrote a book referencing a "New Dark Age". It would appear that that new dark age has well and truly dawned. The forces of darkness have been trying hard to snuff out the light. We have reached a pivotal moment in the fight for supremacy. Benightedness is in battle with enlightened thought, and is trying very hard to triumph over it. Superstition is trying to triumph over and conquer science. Science must win! – © Mark Alexander
Addressing the US deployment of warships in the region, Nasrallah says Hezbollah is not intimidated. As he continues to touch on familiar themes during his speech, the Hezbollah leader also says that further escalation on the Lebanese front is a real possibility.
He warns that such a development depends on Israeli actions in Gaza. Nasrallah continues, saying Hezbollah has been escalating its operations by the day and forcing Israel to keep its forces near the Lebanon border instead of Gaza or the occupied West Bank.
It appears that World War III has already begun! And it’s a holy war! Our politicians had better get with the story and repeal all those ridiculous laws passed in the name of political correctness, in the vain hope that Islam and the Christian, but increasingly secular, West can live in peace and harmony. In the long-run, these two diametrically-opposed world religions and ways of life cannot. Throughout history, Islam and Christianity have vied for pre-eminence and dominance. When two powerful forces collide, one is bound to win. We must ensure that we do. We in the West have some tough decisions ahead. The peaceful world we had come to know and love has been dealt a severe blow.
Some twenty plus years ago, I wrote a book referencing a "New Dark Age". It would appear that that new dark age has well and truly dawned. The forces of darkness have been trying hard to snuff out the light. We have reached a pivotal moment in the fight for supremacy. Benightedness is in battle with enlightened thought, and is trying very hard to triumph over it. Superstition is trying to triumph over and conquer science. Science must win! – © Mark Alexander
Labels:
Gaza,
Hassan Nasrallah,
Hizbullah,
Lebanon
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