Lebanon, once known as the Switzerland of the Middle East, has now transformed into a modern-day nightmare characterized by violence and devastation. Despite the current state of the country, there are remnants of its former glory, especially in the capital city of Beirut, which was previously referred to as the ‘Paris of the Middle East’. The city was a popular destination for affluent tourists, boasting beach clubs and a vibrant nightlife scene.
The transformation of Lebanon can be traced back to the Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 1990 and claimed the lives of 150,000 people. The war was fueled by deep-seated sectarian divisions and the presence of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Lebanon. The conflict saw the involvement of various internal and external actors, with Israel intervening in 1982 to remove PLO forces.
Following the civil war, Lebanon’s economic crisis worsened due to the mismanagement of funds by the sectarian elite. The country’s financial system operated as a Ponzi scheme, relying on tourism, foreign aid, and remittances from Lebanese expatriates. However, political corruption and unsustainable borrowing practices led to a collapse of the banking sector and a surge in government debt.
The rise of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed terrorist group, further exacerbated Lebanon’s woes, causing Sunni Gulf states to withdraw their support. The country’s foreign reserves increased briefly due to financial engineering tactics, but the central bank’s debts outweighed its assets, resulting in significant losses. The government’s failure to implement reforms and the outbreak of protests in 2019 over proposed taxes on messaging apps further destabilized the economy.
Lebanon’s political landscape has also been marred by strife, with the presidency remaining vacant since 2022 following Michel Aoun’s departure. The country has become a proxy battleground for regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia, with Hezbollah backed by Iran and Sunni politicians supported by Saudi Arabia. This power struggle has hindered the appointment of a new president, leaving the country’s affairs in the hands of a council of ministers.
Despite the ongoing crisis, Beirut’s nightlife continues to thrive, with bars and clubs operating normally and serving as a refuge from sectarian tensions. However, the social impact of the crisis is evident in the poverty and desperation faced by many Lebanese citizens, prompting some to seek refuge in Europe.
In conclusion, Lebanon’s transformation from a luxurious tourist destination to a war-torn state reflects a tragic decline rooted in sectarian divisions, political instability, and economic mismanagement. The country’s resilience is showcased in Beirut’s nightlife, but the challenges it faces are deeply entrenched and will require significant reforms and international support to overcome.