Broken signals, potted roads and dysfunctional system: Beirut struggles to survive

Beirut was supposed to be an economic, cultural and political hub of West Asia. But, the city is struggling to rise from its bloody past.

The city of Beirut hides its charm for the night. That is when the nightlife hotspots of the city come to life. The party never stopped in Beirut. Even when the city was torn apart by a bloody civil war in the last century.

The old holiday inn, with bullet holes and battered walls,&nbsp;still stands in the center of the city.

Beirut, once known as the jewel of the Mediterranean, has become a city of baffling contradictions.

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From 1952 to 1975, Beirut was a hub of economic, social, intellectual and cultural life in West Asia. Most of the Arab wealth flowed through this city due to country's free economic and foreign exchange system, including a banking-secrecy law.

Beirut is well connected via a seaport and airport. Something that made the city a paradise for businessmen. Also for politicians escaping upheavals and military coups.

It is still seen as one of the most liberal cities in the Arab world.

In the 1970s, the city’s french architecture, cuisine and equal rights for women often sparked comparisons with Paris.

Palestinian resistance organizations took refuge in Beirut. After the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, the city served as the headquarters of the Palestinian movement.

This was after the Palestine Liberation Organization was crushed in Jordan.

Beirut was torn apart by a devastating civil war. For 15 years, two groups fought for control.

The Lebanese right-wing parties backed by the United States and the left-wing parties, who allied with Yasser Arafat and the Soviet Union.

The civil war ended years ago. But, Beirut is still struggling to bounce back. Flawed policies and sudden shocks have pushed Lebanon to its worst economic crisis.

There were major protests last year. In 2019, Lebanon’s poverty rate stood at 33 per cent.

The World Bank predicted that one out of two Lebanese citizens may soon live below the poverty line. The people are angry with the political elite.

Unlike several countries in the Arab world, Lebanon is not dominated by one strong ruler. Leading to a fractured political landscape.

Made worse by a system of quotas. There are 18 officially recognized sects. The Lebanese parliament is half Christian and half Muslim. According to the rules, the prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim and the president a Maronite Christian, while the speaker must be a Shi'ite.&nbsp;

The sudden shock of the Wuhan virus pandemic has hit Beirut hard.

The people of Lebanon have enjoyed the finer pleasures of life. Even during political upheavals and civil violence. &nbsp;But -- the prevailing crisis threatens the very existence of the Lebanese way of life.

Beirut was supposed to be an economic, cultural and political hub of West Asia. But, the city is struggling to rise from its bloody past. The city of Beirut hides its charm for the night.

Beirut was supposed to be an economic, cultural and political hub of West Asia. But, the city is struggling to rise from its bloody past. The city of Beirut hides its charm for the night. That is when the nightlife hotspots of the city come to life. The party never stopped in Beirut. Even when the city was torn apart by a bloody civil war in the last century. The old holiday inn, with bullet holes and battered walls, still stands in the center of the city. Beirut, once known as the jewel of the Mediterranean, has become a city of baffling contradictions. From 1952 to 1975, Beirut was a hub of economic, social, intellectual and cultural life in West Asia. Most of the Arab wealth flowed through this city due to country's free economic and foreign exchange system, including a banking-secrecy law. Beirut is well connected via a seaport and airport. Something that made the city a paradise for businessmen. Also for politicians escaping upheavals and military coups. It is still seen as one of the most liberal cities in the Arab world. In the 1970s, the city’s french architecture, cuisine and equal rights for women often sparked comparisons with Paris. Palestinian resistance organizations took refuge in Beirut. After the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, the city served as the headquarters of the Palestinian movement. This was after the Palestine Liberation Organization was crushed in Jordan. Beirut was torn apart by a devastating civil war. For 15 years, two groups fought for control. The Lebanese right-wing parties backed by the United States and the left-wing parties, who allied with Yasser Arafat and the Soviet Union. The civil war ended years ago. But, Beirut is still struggling to bounce back. Flawed policies and sudden shocks have pushed Lebanon to its worst economic crisis. There were major protests last year. In 2019, Lebanon’s poverty rate stood at 33 per cent. The World Bank predicted that one out of two Lebanese citizens may soon live below the poverty line. The people are angry with the political elite. Unlike several countries in the Arab world, Lebanon is not dominated by one strong ruler. Leading to a fractured political landscape. Made worse by a system of quotas. There are 18 officially recognized sects. The Lebanese parliament is half Christian and half Muslim. According to the rules, the prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim and the president a Maronite Christian, while the speaker must be a Shi'ite. The sudden shock of the Wuhan virus pandemic has hit Beirut hard. The people of Lebanon have enjoyed the finer pleasures of life. Even during political upheavals and civil violence. But -- the prevailing crisis threatens the very existence of the Lebanese way of life.

Beirut, once jewel of Mediterranean, now a city of baffling contradictions

Twenty-four hours ago, a pair of explosions shook entire Beirut. Many know the cause of the blast, however, several questions remained unanswered.

Was the blast in Beirut a terrorist attack? Who is to blame? And what does it mean for a volatile West Asia?

At least 100 people have died in this twin explosion so far. More than 4,000 are injured. This is now a humanitarian crisis. Up to 300,000 people have been left homeless.

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The damage could range from 3 to 5 billion dollars.

The cause of the explosion? Ammonium nitrate. There were two blasts in the port area of Beirut. There were 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored there.

This chemical is used as a fertiliser in agriculture. It can be used in explosives too.

But, for now, officials in Lebanon haven’t been able to ascertain the exact cause of the blast.

Lebanon’s prime minister has declared the guilty will be punished.

The biggest question right now is this.

Was this accidental? Or was it a terrorist attack?

No one knows for sure. A local media report rules out the terrorism angle. Reportedly, a defence official has said this wasn’t a terrorist act.

What were the circumstances that led to this catastrophe?

There are no clear answers yet. Reports say the first blast may have happened at a fireworks warehouse in the port.

The fire then could have spread to the stockpile of ammonium nitrate. Something, that had been stored in a depot for six years now.

But, this calamity only makes the situation worse for Lebanon.

Before the explosion, Lebanon was suffering as the value of its currency had plunged.

The Lebanese economy is on life support. There was an influx of refugees from neighbouring Syria and the outbreak of Wuhan virus. This pandemic had pushed Lebanon to its knees.

This explosion will seriously cripple Lebanon. The implications are many.

First, the explosion is a big blow for Lebanon’s economy.

It has destroyed its biggest port. Lebanon is an import-dependent country.

Local authorities are now worried. How are they going to bring in food, medical and other badly needed supplies?

While there is an alternative, a port in tripoli could handle the imports. But, there could be serious shortages.

The country imports 90% of its wheat consumption. Nearly half of Lebanon's population lives below the poverty line. 35% of the people are reportedly out of work.

Already, the central bank had to dip into its reserves. Just to subsidize wheat, fuel and medicine.

This is Lebanon’s worst crisis in decades and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Last year, Lebanon witnessed massive protests against the political establishment.

These were nationwide protests against corruption, economic mismanagement and sectarian politics. There could be another wave of protests. 
This is a crisis of gigantic proportions.

Earlier today, Beirut's governor broke down in tears during a tv interview at the blast site. Several countries have now come forward with help. The European nations have rushed aid to Lebanon with some nations even offering relief.

Twenty-four hours ago, a pair of explosions shook entire Beirut. Many know the cause of the blast, however, several questions remained unanswered. Was the blast in Beirut a terrorist attack?

Twenty-four hours ago, a pair of explosions shook entire Beirut. Many know the cause of the blast, however, several questions remained unanswered. Was the blast in Beirut a terrorist attack? Who is to blame? And what does it mean for a volatile West Asia? At least 100 people have died in this twin explosion so far. More than 4,000 are injured. This is now a humanitarian crisis. Up to 300,000 people have been left homeless. The damage could range from 3 to 5 billion dollars. The cause of the explosion? Ammonium nitrate. There were two blasts in the port area of Beirut. There were 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored there. This chemical is used as a fertiliser in agriculture. It can be used in explosives too. But, for now, officials in Lebanon haven’t been able to ascertain the exact cause of the blast. Lebanon’s prime minister has declared the guilty will be punished. The biggest question right now is this. Was this accidental? Or was it a terrorist attack? No one knows for sure. A local media report rules out the terrorism angle. Reportedly, a defence official has said this wasn’t a terrorist act. What were the circumstances that led to this catastrophe? There are no clear answers yet. Reports say the first blast may have happened at a fireworks warehouse in the port. The fire then could have spread to the stockpile of ammonium nitrate. Something, that had been stored in a depot for six years now. But, this calamity only makes the situation worse for Lebanon. Before the explosion, Lebanon was suffering as the value of its currency had plunged. The Lebanese economy is on life support. There was an influx of refugees from neighbouring Syria and the outbreak of Wuhan virus. This pandemic had pushed Lebanon to its knees. This explosion will seriously cripple Lebanon. The implications are many. First, the explosion is a big blow for Lebanon’s economy. It has destroyed its biggest port. Lebanon is an import-dependent country. Local authorities are now worried. How are they going to bring in food, medical and other badly needed supplies? While there is an alternative, a port in tripoli could handle the imports. But, there could be serious shortages. The country imports 90% of its wheat consumption. Nearly half of Lebanon's population lives below the poverty line. 35% of the people are reportedly out of work. Already, the central bank had to dip into its reserves. Just to subsidize wheat, fuel and medicine. This is Lebanon’s worst crisis in decades and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. Last year, Lebanon witnessed massive protests against the political establishment. These were nationwide protests against corruption, economic mismanagement and sectarian politics. There could be another wave of protests. This is a crisis of gigantic proportions. Earlier today, Beirut's governor broke down in tears during a tv interview at the blast site. Several countries have now come forward with help. The European nations have rushed aid to Lebanon with some nations even offering relief.

First economy, then protests and now explosions: How Lebanon situation turned from bad to worse?

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Broken signals, potted roads and dysfunctional system: Beirut struggles to survive

Beirut, once jewel of Mediterranean, now a city of baffling contradictions

First economy, then protests and now explosions: How Lebanon situation turned from bad to worse?