While there are plenty of instances of zombie banks around the world, Lebanon stands out as the most extreme example of deliberate negligence and procrastination in banking reform
Lebanon's cash economy and money laundering have come under increased scrutiny. The banking sector is under intense pressure to comply or face serious consequences.
Ageing structures, war, the port explosion, and severe weather are all factors that contributed to building decay in Lebanon. But there is no plan for alternative housing should a perfect storm hit.
A new draft law designed to help reform banking in Lebanon and address distrust in the sector is full of loopholes—handy for those who might benefit. Meanwhile, the conflicts of interest remain.
When France set up a meeting to boost Lebanon's state military, it seemed so easy and clear. If only. Alas, very few things are easy and clear in Lebanon and the Middle East.
The long-term damage to hundreds of hectares in recent weeks equates to 'environmental genocide' for some. For the people of south Lebanon, it is about much more than just soil and trees.
Non-state actors play an outsized role in the region's conflicts and wars. Hezbollah is a prime example of how these actors have blurred the lines between militancy and national governance.
When Israel considers its next move after Iran's retaliatory attack, it is not simply calculating the cost and benefits of a response but will also be creating a new equation for future exchanges.
From the Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus to Iran's retaliation on Israel, the Syrian leader has been acting strangely normal. Al Majalla gives a breakdown of the past two weeks.
The unprecedented Iranian retaliation was an attempt to reestablish its deterrence and remind the region of its capabilities, which were seemingly eroded over the years.
The world remains distracted by other conflicts and crisis, but with this large African country on the brink of famine and no end in sight to the fighting, there are warnings that Sudan could splinter
Its direct military action on Israel showed how the strategic calculus in a turbulent region has changed. Will the US try to use Iran's strike on Israel to hit back at Tehran and weaken it regionally?