The Daily Star Lebanon Breaking News, Lebanon News, Middle East News & World News

DARAA, Syria — On the tenth day of the Daraa offensive, significant progress and intense clashes marked the continuation of this critical battle in southern Syria. The offensive, launched by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies against rebel positions in Daraa city, has been characterized by heavy fighting and strategic territorial gains. Key Developments: Ground Advances: On the …

BEIRUT — Japan has announced a significant financial aid package for Lebanon, amounting to $17.9 million. This aid is aimed at supporting Lebanon in its ongoing efforts to host and assist Syrian refugees, as well as to address the broader humanitarian needs in the country. The announcement was made during the visit of Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kentaro …

In March 2016, a tragic incident of “honor killing” occurred in the village of Noorshah, located in Sahiwal district, Punjab, Pakistan. Mohammad Asif, a man in his late twenties, shot dead his two sisters due to suspicions regarding their character and lifestyle. This heinous act was reportedly driven by his perception of protecting family honor. Asif, who had previously murdered …

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s Foreign Minister recently clarified that the country is not a member of the Saudi-led Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC). This statement came amid widespread regional and international discussions about the coalition’s role and membership. The Saudi-led coalition, which was announced in December 2015, comprises 34 Muslim-majority countries, including some from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, …

In 2015, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai played a pivotal role in attempting to resolve Lebanon’s prolonged presidential vacancy, which had lasted for 18 months. Patriarch Rai intervened to mediate between conflicting Christian political parties to pave the way for the election of Sleiman Frangieh as Lebanon’s president. Frangieh, a leader of the Marada Movement and an ally of Syrian President …

In 2015, Gebran Bassil, a prominent Lebanese politician and leader of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), indicated his intention to continue supporting his father-in-law, then-President Michel Aoun. This period was marked by significant political maneuvering within Lebanon, as Aoun sought to consolidate his influence and prepare for future political challenges. Bassil’s leadership of the FPM, a position he assumed in …

In October 2015, Agriculture Minister Akram Chehayeb expressed optimism about the progress being made in addressing Lebanon’s severe trash crisis. Following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tammam Salam and attended by key officials, including Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouq, Chehayeb described the efforts as positive and serious. He highlighted the development of the Srar landfill site, noting that work on …

In 2015, French President François Hollande made a significant phone call to Sleiman Frangieh, a prominent Lebanese political figure and leader of the Marada Movement, to discuss his potential candidacy for the Lebanese presidency. This conversation marked an important development in efforts to resolve Lebanon’s prolonged presidential vacancy, which had persisted for 18 months. During their 15-minute conversation, Hollande and …