Source: News Agencies
Security & Justice
Beirut Port Blast Probe Nears Indictment as Bitar Prepares to Wrap Up Investigation
The investigation into Lebanon’s devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion has entered what could be its most consequential phase, with investigating judge Tarek Bitar expected to issue his indictment within weeks after nearly six years of political and legal battles.
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Lebanon Judiciary Faces Legal Test Over Implementation of General Amnesty Law
Lebanon’s judiciary has begun preparing to implement a new general amnesty law even as a challenge to the legislation remains before the Constitutional Council, setting the stage for a potentially complex legal process involving thousands of prisoners and detainees.
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Opinion
Hezbollah’s Surrender of Ali Al Taher Has Cost It Legitimacy in Lebanon
On September 4, Israel announced that it had gained effective control of Ali Al Taher ridge, which overlooks the southern Lebanese town of Nabatiyeh. This came as a surprise, since many observers had expected a major battle for control of the heights, which housed an extensive tunnel network and allegedly an operational command centre for Hezbollah.
Monday, September 21, 2026
Countering Hezbollah’s Reconstruction Politics and the Council for South Lebanon
In recent weeks, U.S. policy toward Lebanon has been narrowly focused on the process of disarming Iran-backed Hezbollah, as called for in the June trilateral framework agreement. Less attention has been paid to postwar reconstruction, another critical element of the agreement. Early indications suggest that Beirut’s current approach to this undertaking could wind up strengthening rather than marginalizing Hezbollah, since the government is apparently relying on the Council for South Lebanon (CSL)—an institution closely associated with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, the head of the Amal Party and Hezbollah’s chief political ally—to manage much of the process.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Sports
Sagesse Reaches FIBA WASL FINAL 8 to Face Al Riyadi
Hekmeh Beirut secured a spot in the final of the West Asia Super League "WASL" Final 8 after defeating Kuwait SC 87-74 in the semifinals, setting up a purely Lebanese showdown with Al Riyadi Beirut for the title.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
FIFA Not 'Selling Football', Will Proceed with Consultation Process Over Stake Sale
FIFA said on Friday it would push ahead with consultations on a plan to bring private investment into the World Cup despite European football threatening a boycott and other regional confederations rebuking the global soccer body's plans.
Friday, July 31, 2026
Monday 5 October 2026 19:10:36
A Book Collecting Notes Written by Pope Francis to Be Released in November
Starting November 24, a book containing personal notes written by the late Pope Francis over more than 30 years will be released in 94 countries, as announced today by the publishing houses issuing it.
The Argentine Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, who was close to Pope Francis, was tasked with collecting the texts written by Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the late pontiff's original name, between December 20, 1992, and August 18, 2024. The book, which includes comments and explanations from the author, is titled "The Spiritual Diaries of Pope Francis."
The Vatican considers this book to have "exceptional value and importance" in understanding the personality of the Argentine pope, who was the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church from March 13, 2013, until his death on April 21, 2025.
The book will be published simultaneously in five languages and in 94 countries starting November 24.
It will be published in Italian by "Libreria Editrice Vaticana," in Spanish, English, and Portuguese by "Penguin Random House," and in French by "Albin Michel."
The president of "Albin Michel," Gilles Haeri, stated: "These highly personal pages are an extension of the biography of Pope Francis that was published weeks before his passing."
