“Barbie” might be banned in Lebanon for ‘promoting homosexuality’

The Ministry of Culture in Lebanon may decide to ban the film “Barbie” after it accused the film of “promoting homosexuality” on Wednesday. Lebanon, normally perceived as relatively open and free in the Middle East, has seen its ruling elites gather around hardcore conservative values.  Anyone who has seen Greta…

Lebanon adopts ‘dollarization’ as currency, economy crumble

When Moheidein Bazazo opened his Beirut mini-market in 1986, during some of the fiercest fighting in Lebanon’s civil war, he didn’t expect it to thrive. But several years later, he had shelves full of food and needed 12 employees to help him manage a bustling business. Those days are over.…

Families of Beirut blast victims slam infighting over investigation

The relaunching this week of the investigation into the August 2020 Beirut port blast triggered an unprecedented impasse with the lead judicial investigator and top prosecutor slapping charges against each other. Critics called it a “farce”, but for families of the victims still seeking justice, the parody is wrenching and…

First ship carrying Ukrainian grain leaves Odesa port

A ship carrying Ukrainian grains has departed from the port of Odesa on Monday for the first time since February, Turkey’s defense ministry said in a statement. Sierra Leone-flagged cargo ship Razoni finally set sail after weeks of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, carrying 26,000 tons of Ukrainian corn according…