Race Against Time: How luxury developers are wiping out ancient Beirut
A version of this story was published in Monocle Magazine, August 2018 By Habib Battah Just across the…
Amid constant blackouts, Energy minister awarded prize
If you live in Lebanon, you would probably fall out of your chair if I told you government…
Grand Sofar Hotel: A case for preservation
At a time when so many historic sites are being demolished in Lebanon, it’s refreshing to see that…
Roman city wall removed from Beirut site
A rare and well-preserved ancient Roman wall that once surrounded Beirut has been dismantled. Photography of the site…
Will Renzo Piano’s new tower demolish an ancient city buried under Beirut?
“We will find where you live,” a watchman yelled at me after taking a picture of ruins on…
The changing culture of election campaigns in Lebanon
Even if independent candidates don’t win big on election day, they are already having an impact on Lebanese…
Lebanon’s first expatriate voters show true colors
There is a fantasy among many in Lebanon- liberals in particular– that a silent majority of Lebanese do…
The ugly face of the kafala system
When I exited the plane in Beirut last night, I noticed an Ethiopia Airlines plane parked next to…
New excavations across downtown Beirut, Saifi and Martyr’s Square
Archaeological excavations have been mushrooming across downtown Beirut over recent months, providing a glimpse at how the city…
Hacking the Saudi narrative, Lebanese style
Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer. I’m not a fan of quoting cliches, but in…