Author: Naharnet Newsdesk

Ambassador Lisa A. Johnson recently visited the Zgharta district in North Lebanon, where she engaged with government officials, civil society leaders, and community members involved in various USAID development projects and an U.S. Embassy funded program supporting local women’s advocacy for equal rights and access to public services. During her visit, Ambassador Johnson attended the opening of a new solar-powered water pumping station in Mazraat El Teffah. This station, built in partnership with the local Municipal Council and the North Lebanon Water establishment, provides potable water to 2,000 local residents using clean, renewable energy. She also met with project leaders…

by Naharnet Newsdesk 10 May 2024, 11:45 Supporters of the Free Patriotic Movement protested outside the U.N headquarters against Syrian refugees and the EU-Lebanon deal. They displayed a symbolic bank cheque demanding one billion euros for the Lebanese state. Last week, the European Union pledged 1 billion euros in aid to Lebanon, mainly aimed at strengthening border control to stem the migration of asylum seekers to Cyprus and Italy through the Mediterranean. \ Source link

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains defiant in the face of a U.S. threat to withhold arms, stating that Israel will continue its offensive in Gaza, potentially moving forward with an invasion of the densely populated city of Rafah against the wishes of its closest ally. President Joe Biden has urged Israel to avoid such an operation to prevent exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave. Despite Biden’s warning, Netanyahu asserted that Israel will stand alone if necessary, indicating a willingness to fight for their objectives. Israel’s military also expressed confidence in their capabilities, downplaying the impact of any arms…

Parliament is set to convene this Wednesday to discuss a proposed deal with the EU that includes a $1 billion financial package for Lebanon. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen recently announced this aid during a visit to Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of addressing illegal migration to the EU. Despite the offer, there has been pushback from some groups in Lebanon, including supporters of the Free Patriotic Movement who protested against the deal. Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea expressed concerns about linking the donation to keeping Syrian refugees in Lebanon, highlighting the complexity of the issue. The country is currently…

In Argentina, skyrocketing inflation has led to the introduction of a new 10,000 peso note, worth about $10, to ease the burden of carrying piles of cash for everyday transactions. With an annual inflation rate of 287%, the country is facing one of the highest inflation rates globally. Despite efforts by President Javier Milei to stabilize the currency and tame inflation, prices have continued to rise, causing economic woes for ordinary Argentines. The new banknote features portraits of Manuel Belgrano and María Remedios del Valle, reflecting the country’s history and diversity. As vendors prefer cash payments amidst economic uncertainty, the…

by Naharnet Newsdesk 10 May 2024, 11:35 Iranians participated in a runoff election to fill the remaining seats in the country’s parliament, following a previous round dominated by hard-line politicians. Voters across 22 constituencies cast their ballots to elect 45 representatives from a pool of 90 candidates, including 15 moderates. In Tehran, all 32 candidates were hard-liners competing for the 16 seats available. The final results are expected by Monday. The parliament in Iran holds a limited governance role, with the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei having ultimate authority. The previous election saw hard-liners secure 200 seats out of 245, with…

by Naharnet Newsdesk 10 May 2024, 13:32 Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has expressed determination that Israel will achieve its goals in the north and south, sending a strong message to enemies and allies alike. This statement follows U.S. President Joe Biden’s warning that arms shipments to Israel could be halted if a large-scale offensive in southern Gaza’s Rafah is launched. Gallant emphasized the unyielding spirit of the State of Israel and its defense forces, declaring a firm stance against threats and a commitment to ensuring security. He reaffirmed Israel’s resolve to combat Hamas and Hezbollah, asserting the nation’s unwavering…

China is actively seeking foreign investment to boost its slowing growth, but the sluggish economy is dampening the plans of companies to expand in the country, according to a survey of European businesses. The annual survey by the European Chamber of Commerce in China revealed that concerns about the slowing economy have become the primary worry for respondents. Despite China’s attractiveness as an investment destination, only 42% of companies are considering expanding their operations in the country this year, the lowest ever recorded. The business outlook is pessimistic, with expectations for growth and profitability declining. Long-standing complaints about regulations and…

The Biden administration recently expressed concern that Israel’s use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza may have violated international humanitarian law. While unable to definitively link specific U.S. weapons to individual attacks by Israeli forces, the administration acknowledged “reasonable” evidence of breaches in civilian protection laws during the conflict with Hamas. This assessment, prompted by President Biden’s fellow Democrats in Congress, follows months of fighting that resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties. Despite Israel’s claims of adherence to U.S. and international law, reports suggest civilian targets such as aid convoys, hospitals, and schools were hit with disproportionate force. While some lawmakers…

A shocking case has unfolded in Lebanon, where a drug and child molestation gang, led by a prominent TikToker, has been dismantled by Lebanese security forces. The barber-turned-TikToker, Georges Moubayed, lured children with promises of social media fame, only to subject them to sexual assault and drug consumption in a seaside chalet. The gang, comprised of 30 members, targeted vulnerable minors on social networking websites, using gifts and promises to manipulate and exploit them. The victims, including Lebanese and Syrian children, were later blackmailed into promoting drugs after being filmed during the assaults. Reports indicate that at least eight suspects,…