This is Beirut

05/09/2025

’s modern history has been a cycle of guardianships – , , , as well as indirect forms of foreign control. Today, the pattern continues, even the debate on arms regulation requiring external mediation.
By Johnny Kortbawi

The Guardianship Syndrome

05/09/2025

The empty chair is not a strategy, it is a disguised escape. While the vast majority of Lebanese want a functioning state, Hezb maintains its destructive blocking tactics. But this approach can no longer succeed.
By Elie Ziadé

The Empty Chair Policy That No Longer Works

05/09/2025

Ahead of Friday’s Cabinet meeting, the Lebanese Army has increased its readiness to 75%. The session will discuss plans to disarm militias and reinforce state control over weapons.

Lebanese Army Raises Readiness Level to 75% Ahead of Cabinet Meeting

05/09/2025

The Council of Ministers will meet today to examine the ’s historic plan to disarm militias.

For decades, Hezb’s arsenal has shaped politics, fueled wars and blocked state authority. The plan aims to make all visible weapons illegal, phase disarmament region by region and revoke most gun permits, with a deadline of December 31, 2025.

But politics could derail it. The Shia duo ( and ) is attending without endorsing, possibly blocking a vote or walking out.

The stakes are high: success could restore ’s sovereignty, while failure may lead to deeper paralysis and greater instability.

https://thisisbeirut.com.lb/articles/1324549/council-of-ministers-a-moment-of-truth-on-disarmament

05/09/2025

As Lebanon slowly recovers from the war between Hezbollah and Israel, the Lebanese Army finds itself at the center of a critical and unprecedented mission: overseeing the disarmament of Hezbollah.

By Paul Guillot

Disarming Hezbollah: The Lebanese Army Challenge

05/09/2025

Expired are piling up in , posing serious risks to health and the environment.

Some lose effectiveness, while others become harmful, and improper disposal contaminates soil and water.

Without a national system, , patients and are all at risk.

It’s time for urgent action!

https://thisisbeirut.com.lb/articles/1324414/expired-medications-lebanon-sitting-on-a-health-and-environmental-time-bomb

05/09/2025

September 5 marks the International , a day that celebrates the spirit of generosity and reminds us of the power of collective action.
This date commemorates the passing of Mother Teresa in 1997, whose life’s work with the poor made her a global symbol of compassion and service.

Charity isn’t only about giving money. It’s about giving what you can: your time, your skills, your voice, or even a simple act of kindness.

Whether you volunteer, donate, or raise awareness online, every action makes a difference.

04/09/2025

- As Lebanon slowly recovers from the war between Hezb and Israel, the Lebanese Army finds itself at the center of a critical and unprecedented mission: overseeing the disarmament of Hezb

By Paul Guillot

Disarming Hezbollah: The Lebanese Army Challenge

04/09/2025

A drone strike hit a car near Aleppo airport, killing two people, according to Syrian officials. The attackers remain unidentified.

Drone Strike Near Syria's Aleppo Airport Kills Two: Security Official

04/09/2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs Youssef Raggi described Lebanon’s recent decision to confine all weapons to state authority as “historic."

Raggi Reaffirms Commitment to Tackling Illegal Arms

04/09/2025

During a summit on Ukraine, Zelensky said Trump expressed dissatisfaction that some EU countries, including Hungary and Slovakia, continue buying Russian oil.

Zelensky: Trump ‘Very Dissatisfied’ with EU’s Russian Oil Purchases

04/09/2025

in mourning: 17 dead and 21 injured after the derailment of 's iconic .