War in the south, fervor against Syrians and reinvigorating cinema in Lebanon

Dear readers,

I often start my week at L’Orient Today wondering what awaits us. As soon as the coffee is poured our newsroom is thrown into action, put to the test amid a busy news agenda. From death and destruction in southern Lebanon and Gaza to intensifying actions around the status of Syrians inside Lebanese borders, our journalists have been working all hours to keep you informed… that includes the « lighter, » happier news as well. And on this latter point I encourage you all to read to the bottom of this newsletter if you are, like me, a huge film fan to find out how Metropolis Cinema is returning to Beirut this summer.

Heavy Israeli bombardments in southern Lebanon

This morning we woke up to news of a heavy night of Israeli bombardments over southern Lebanon. According to a resident of Shebaa, Mohammad, the night was « terrifying » and he did not close his eyes until dawn. ». Meanwhile Hezbollah staged a nighttime ambush on Israeli troops along the border, reportedly killing one civilian. Follow the latest updates on our LIVE Blog.

Syrians in Lebanon

The presence of 1.5 million Syrian refugees (according to government figures) in Lebanon is a subject that has hit the headlines this week. Lebanese State Security patrols on Thursday began implementing a controversial decision by North Lebanon's governor to expel Syrians who do not meet the « legal » conditions for displacement, work, or residency in Lebanon.

It comes as Human Rights Watch has issued a new report calling on governments that fund Lebanese law enforcement and General Security to stop illegal expulsions and other violations of the rights of Syrians. A handful of other towns and villages in Lebanon have issued restrictions on Syrians following the killing of Lebanese Forces official Pascal Sleiman — allegedly at the hands of a Syrian gang. Our reporter, Wael Taleb has been looking into whether these « bans » and other regulations are legal.

Meanwhile Fabrice Balanche, a lecturer at Lyon II University and expert on Syria, spoke to L’Orient Today about why Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad may not want to welcome back displaced Syrians - for politico-sectarian and economic reasons.

Gaza

In Gaza we are nearly entering the seventh month of war. Our writer Noura Doukhi asks if Hamas’ gamble paid off, or if the Islamist movement has fallen short of its goals.

And finally, a return of two old favorites…

Set against the backdrop of Beirut’s Mar Mikhael neighborhood, a beacon of cultural revival is set to illuminate the cityscape this summer. Despite the odds, Metropolis Cinema is returning to Beirut after a four year absence, in a promise to invigorate the local and regional film industry.

And this weekend, our esteemed food critic Cordon Courtine is back to guide you through Lebanon’s best…and worst restaurants. Keep your eyes peeled for his first review tomorrow !

Very best,

Olivia Le Poidevin

Head of News - L’Orient Today

In case you missed them, here’s our coverage from this past week: