Lebanon
Gaza War
US Aid for Egypt Goes to Lebanon
The Biden administration redirects $95 million in aid from Egypt to Lebanon, signalling Israel's security as a key decision driver.
Gaza War
Shattered Ceasefire: Lebanon Reports Hundreds of Israeli Breaches
Despite a ceasefire brokered by the U.S. in November 2024, Israeli forces have repeatedly violated the truce with Hezbollah through shelling, airstrikes, and demolitions, while Hezbollah grapples with regional shifts, the collapse of Assad’s regime, and diminishing influence, exacerbating Lebanon's diplomatic and cultural challenges.
LIFESTYLE
Fairouz at 90: Cultural Touchstone Hits a New Milestone
Fairouz, the "Jewel of Lebanon," has captivated the Arab world for over seven decades with her timeless music that blends traditional Arabic melodies with modern elements, addressing themes of love, nostalgia, and patriotism, while uniting listeners across the Levant, Palestine, and the broader MENA region.
EUROPE
France Lauds Assad’s Downfall, Calls for Orderly Transition
France applauded a stunning military operation by rebel groups that swiftly toppled the Assad regime, marking a dramatic shift in Syria’s political scene.
Popular
Addiction by Design Enters the Courtroom
Social media addiction trial targets Meta, Google as regulators crack down on infinite scroll and addictive design harms to children.
Bad Bunny’s Zara Shirt Becomes €30,000 Commodity
One performance. One jersey. Thirty thousand euros on resale sites by Tuesday.
Lithuania: Small States and the Price of Acting Alone
Some small states tried to champion democratic values on the world stage but found that moral stands are often too hard to maintain without an economic shield.
Ronaldo Boycott Exposes Saudi Football’s Fault Lines
One player refused to play. An entire model began to crack.
Trade, Not Tribes: Phoenician Culture Spread by Contact, Not Conquest
As a study published in Nature on 23 April 2025 analysed DNA from 210 individuals across 14 Mediterranean sites, researchers discovered that Phoenician ideas travelled further than Phoenician bodies, challenging centuries of assumptions about ancient expansion.
