It is rare for the Lebanese to be on time for anything, but give them an election and they will arrive before deadline. The presidential election may be nearly six months away, but already the different political forces are getting into position, their aim to ensure that whoever succeeds President Michel Suleiman will advance, or […]

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi called on politicians on Sunday to form an all-embracing government, hold the presidential elections on time and agree on a vote law as Catholic Patriarchs headed to Rome to meet with the pope. “Lebanon’s cause is our cause,” al-Rahi told reporters at Rafik Hariri International Airport before boarding his plane. Politicians […]

BEIRUT: Beirut Mayor Bilal Hamad denied any intention or decision to demolish the old stairs in Mar Mikhael. The proposed destruction of a public staircase in the Ashrafieh neighborhood drew sharp criticism from the local community. The Massaad stairs, better known as the Mar Mikhael stairs, serve as a public gathering space, a performing arts […]

A meeting will be held on Friday between President Michel Suleiman and Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi in Bkirki on the sidelines of issuing the memorial book on the official visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Lebanon. According to al-Joumhouria newspaper published on Thursday the behind-closed doors meeting will address Suleiman’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia […]

The young man, who called himself Raïd, wasn’t doing well. He climbed into the backseat of the car, in pain, careful not to touch any corners. He was exhausted and dizzy. A large bandage looped around his stomach, caked with blood. Despite that, the 19-year-old Syrian wanted to tell his story.   Seven months ago, […]

St Therese Church in Qolayaat Between the 19th and 20th century, Cheikh Boutros Youhana el Khazen, from the house of Cheikh Abi Nassif Nawfal el Khazen from Qolayaat, built a church in his town to honor St. Therese and build a family cemetery. When his grandchild Cheikh Hanna Rayij el Khazen died in 1964 he […]

BEIRUT: Lebanese director Charbel Khalil told The Daily Star Sunday that he would not apologize for impersonating Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and Prophet Jonah in an episode of his comedy show. “I will not apologize,” Khalil said. “We are continuing with our work, and this issue is behind us now.” After tuning in to […]

President Michel Suleiman kicked off on Monday his one-day official visit to Saudi Arabia. He started his visit by holding talks with Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz, which was followed by a meeting with King Abdullah. The talks with the Saudi monarch in Riyadh were reportedly attended by former Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Sources […]