Ministry of Finance Announces Adjustment of Official Rate to 15,000 LL According to AP News, “The Lebanese Finance Ministry said Wednesday the crisis-hit country will hike its fixed exchange rate against the dollar to 15,000 Lebanese pounds starting in November, calling it a “necessary corrective action.” [AP News]
Most Parliamentary Blocs Expected to Participate in Tomorrow’s Session on the Election of the New President According to Naharnet, “Most of the country’s parliamentary blocs and independent MPs will take part in Thursday’s presidential election session, several blocs and TV networks said on Wednesday.” [Naharnet]
Mayyas Dance Troupe Honored with Lebanon’s Gold Medal of Merit In the aftermath of their international success as the champions of the America’s Got Talent (AGT) competition, Lebanon’s Mayyas dance troupe was officially handed the Lebanese Gold Medal of Merit by President Michel Aoun, acknowledging the ‘image of harmony’ that their strength and performance created, achieving this global success in the name of Lebanon. [The961]
Entry Into Sites of Culture and Antiquity Free Through End of Week According to L’Orient Today, “Entry to archaeological and cultural sites will be free until the end of September, caretaker Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada announced via the state-run National News Agency.” [L’Orient Today]
OPINION & ANALYSIS
For The Sake Of The Children Jean AbiNader
AbiNader writes, “It is saddening to assess the situation related to children in Lebanon. Two recent studies from UNICEF (UN International Children’s Emergency Fund) and the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies (LCPS) detail how a veritable lost generation has resulted from the pandemic and the Beirut Post blast which exacerbated the dislocation caused by the economic demise of the country. Twice a year, UNICEF carries out an in-depth analysis of both Lebanese and refugee children. Called the Child-Focused Rapid Assessment (CFRA), its most recent finding from this summer found that 84% of households could not cover the basic necessities and that one in four children had recently gone to bed hungry. With jobs evaporating and the value of the currency barely recognizable, household debt was on the rise.”
Chehayeb writes, “Jihad Michlawi struggled to make ends meet as a chef in crisis-hit Beirut. The Palestinian had never considered taking a perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe until friends who did so persuaded him to try. Now, he’s one of dozens of survivors from a capsized migrant boat that left Tripoli, Lebanon, last week heading toward Italy carrying some 150 Lebanese, Syrians and Palestinians.”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.
