Lebanon's Descent into hell

Dear Readers,

Nothing and no one seem able to stop Lebanon's descent into hell; surely not this dysfunctional government nor the ruling political class. Raising the price of subsidized bread was not a smart move if not to say it crossed the most-feared red lines. That, along with severe power cuts and the dollar flirting with the LL10,000 rate on the black market, have sent angry protestors again to the streets, blocking roads and intersections across the country. A scene that we will see more and more in this country. Meanwhile, as rescue talks with the IMF "hit the rocks," a second Lebanese IMF negotiator quits his post. Is it time to jump off the sinking boat? Alain Bifani resigned as finance ministry director general. Just a few weeks ago, he told our sister economic publication, Le Commerce du Levant, that he could not see himself "leaving the ship in the middle of a storm." But he did. To know more about this controversial personality, it is important to read the lengthy report (written before his resignation) about Bifani, his views, achievements and critics.

No wonder Lebanon sank so deep, with all the financial, political, economic, cultural and ecological crises that it has been facing over long years. However, it is so hard to see the country, despite all its weaknesses and flaws, collapsing. Lebanese thought it is an unsinkable boat but it turned out to be a house of cards. Here a special analysis, detailing the causes and the "culprits."

The middle class was once the backbone of the Lebanese society, representing a model of good education, successful small and medium-sized businesses, and good living. Although it has been in decline since the 1975-90 civil war, this already disappearing middle class is agonizing with the recent unprecedented economic and political crises.

Trying to silence a religious scholar like Ali el-Amine, simply because he opposes Hezbollah, caused outrage among opposition political leaders and activists, who reject the "return in action of the security agencies." Intimidation and censorship are back in a more daring way!

"The sound of resilience" is simply another brave attempt to keep the cultural life sector alive in the country. It is a non-profit concert organized by Baalbeck International Festival which will take place at the Temple of Bacchus on July 5. Festival president Nayla de Freige speaks to OLJ.

Have a good read

L’Orient-Le Jour