Life is war

Dear readers,

This week, Israel’s strikes on Lebanon went way beyond the previous rules of engagement.

There were strikes in Baalbeck and in Sour, and an Israeli missile landed, apparently by mistake, in the Lebanese village of Hrajel, near the popular skiing resort of Faraya-Mzaar.

Analysts and experts are now saying that Israel is getting ready for a full-scale war in Lebanon in spring or early summer.

Meanwhile, Lebanese people are still trying to go with their lives. Families are gathering for Ramadan iftars, the Al Bustan classical music festival took place for its 30th edition against all odds, there are concerts, plays and exhibitions all over the areas that are not directly being bombed by Israel.

At L’Orient Today, we’ve been trying, for the past months, to still focus on the life that goes on. That means the local initiatives to light up streets, festivals to celebrate the holy month and more. It means we turn our focus to the stories still lurking beneath the surface, including our special series this week on the growing black market for diabetes-turned-weight-loss drug Ozempic in Lebanon.

We hope, dear readers, that as you read this week’s coverage, you and your loved ones are safe and sound, wherever you are.

L’Orient Today

*In reference to a song called « Life is War » by G-Eazy

In case you missed them, here are our must-read stories of the week: