Lebanon Unwrapped – A year In Review: 2021
What did happen in Lebanon this year? Brain drain, one year after the Beirut blast, Kafala exploitation, Beirut clashes, talks with IMF, and much more.
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I am Dario Sabaghi, ready to handpick for you the most newsworthy stories of the week. Subscribe to be up to date about the latest development in the Middle East. It is free.
This newsletter is the last of the year, so I want to share with you my work in 2021.
As my coverage focuses on Lebanon, here you find a list of the most interesting articles I have written for several news media outlets, exploring the Lebanese economic crisis and reporting stories of human interest.
A new wave of emigration from Lebanon can have a brutal impact on the country. The country's lack of perspectives left many people without any choices but to find solutions abroad. Lebanese have spendable knowledge and skills to use in other countries. Many emigrated to the Gulf countries or Western countries, where higher salaries and their expertise is valued. Read the full article on Politics Today.
Lebanese farmers struggle amid toughening economic crisis. As the dollar exchange rate against the Lebanese lira continues to rise, farmers are struggling to survive the country's dire economic crisis. A Saudi ban on agricultural products could worsen the situation. Read my reporting on Deutsche Welle.
Beirut port explosion. One year later. One year on, families still search for answers. The relatives of those killed in Lebanon's capital feel stuck in a cycle of anger and grief, with accountability for the blast a distant prospect. Read the stories of the families who continue to mourn their loved ones on Middle East Eye.
Lebanon resumes forensic central bank audit amid obstructionism. The Lebanese government has resumed a long-awaited forensic audit meant to shed light on why the nation is on life support. But the political establishment is trying to hamper the scrutiny. The full story on Deutsche Welle.
Beirut clashes. Lebanese Shiite group, Hezbollah and the right-wing Lebanese Forces Party, have accused each other of inciting violence during protests over investigations into last year's massive blast at Beirut's port. Gunfire killed seven people and wounded about 30 others in the Lebanese capital as tensions flared during a protest against the lead judge investigating last year's massive blast at Beirut's port. Banks, schools, and government offices were closed the following day, and Lebanese Army armored personnel carriers patrolled the streets. Read the full reporting on Deutsche Welle and my account on Politics Today.
Kafala exploitation. A domestic worker sued her employer in the first lawsuit against kafala exploitation. The story of MH is one of many cases of exploitation suffered by foreign domestic workers under the hiring system in Lebanon. Read more on Middle East Eye.
Talks with IMF. The new Lebanese government resumed negotiations with the IMF after talks stalled 13 months ago. Success, however, is not guaranteed, warn some experts. Read the complete analysis on Deutsche Welle.
Gulf-Lebanon row. Lebanon was once again caught in a regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. A diplomatic row with the Gulf states could add to the country's political instability and economic crisis. Read my analysis on Deutsche Welle.
Lebanon’s ration card program. Lebanon's government is launching a ration card program to support vulnerable families amid an uncontrolled economic crisis. But how is the program financed? Find it out by reading my article on Deutsche Welle.
That's all for this week. These are only a part of the stories I covered from Lebanon this year.
If you want to read all my articles on this topic, check out my portfolio at dariosabaghi.com.
I will come back with Inshallah in the first week of January 2022.
The main goal of this newsletter is to host the best of journalism to give you the sharpest information about what is happening in the Middle East and not let you behind.
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About me
My name is Dario Sabaghi, a freelance journalist. I am interested in human rights and international news focusing on the MENA region.
Check out my work at dariosabaghi.com.
You can follow me on Twitter: @DarioSabaghi
Did I miss any important news from the Middle East? DM me on Twitter.
Cover photo: mei.edu