LEBANON

BEIRUT — As Lebanon’s municipal elections continue, the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) announced its endorsement of medical doctor and civic activist Jad Murad for a seat on the Beirut Municipal Council. Notably, the USUP’s support is directed solely at Murad as an individual candidate, rather than the entire electoral…

ACHRAFIEH, BEIRUT – In a pointed statement reflective of Lebanon’s deep sectarian and political fissures, the Christian Front in Lebanon welcomed the government’s recent expulsion of several Hezbollah-linked employees from Rafic Hariri International Airport, following their conviction on corruption-related charges. The Front, which convened at its headquarters in Beirut’s Achrafieh district…

BEIRUT — In a demonstration of political strength, the Lebanese Forces (LF) party secured major victories across municipalities in Lebanon’s northern governorates, including North Lebanon and Akkar, during the second phase of the municipal elections over the weekend. Preliminary results released Sunday evening revealed LF-backed slates dominating key districts, reflecting…

BEIRUT — The question of Lebanon’s national identity has long fueled debate among political and intellectual circles. While some assert that Lebanon holds a unique cultural and civilizational character distinct from its Arab surroundings, others argue that its Arab identity was firmly established with the signing of the 1989 Taif…

SED EL-BOUCHRIEH, Lebanon — Following the victory in the municipal elections of Jdeideh–Bouchrieh–El-Sed, the leader of the ‘Sar Waqta’ (‘It’s Time’) coalition list, Auguste Bakhos, visited the party office of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) on Tuesday evening. Bakhos was received by USUP President Ibrahim Mrad who warmly congratulated…

BEKAA, Lebanon — Israeli forces launched airstrikes on a strategic Hezbollah facility in the Bekaa region, targeting infrastructure used for weapons production and storage. “The operation was initiated after detecting Hezbollah’s efforts to reestablish its operational foothold within the facility,” the Israeli military stated. The statement underscored that the presence…

BAABDA, Lebanon — After nearly a decade of delays, Lebanon’s municipal elections finally took place, unfolding amid an atmosphere charged with anticipation and cautious hope. Voters in Tur Levnon (Mount Lebanon), a renowned Christian and Syriac Maronite stronghold, headed to the polls to redefine local governance. With voter turnout exceeding…

BEIRUT — In a significant development for local politics in Lebanon, the ‘Sar Waqta’ (“It’s Time”) electoral list claimed victory in the municipal elections for Jdeideh-Bouchrieh-El-Sedd Municipality. The polls, held in Tur Levnon Governate (Mount Lebanon), marked a resounding win for a coalition that many view as a milestone in…

By Hicham Bou Nassif | Weinberg Associate Professor of International Relations and the Middle East and George R. Roberts Fellow at Claremont McKenna College-California A central contradiction permeates our national life. Since the establishment of the Lebanese Republic, no force has been more determined to thwart its evolution into a true…

MOUNT LEBANON — The initial phase of Lebanon’s Municipal and Mayorship Elections, the first in nine years, concluded smoothly in the Mount Lebanon Governorate, with authorities reporting moderate voter turnout and an orderly process overall. In Harat Hreik, the Family Gathering Coalition, backed by MP Alain Aoun, secured a victory…