Lebanon

Tuesday's blast in Beirut killed some 150 people, wounded thousands and caused destruction across half the city.

World News

Beirut Explosion Looks Like An Accident — And A Sign Of The Country's Collapse

5:51pm August 07, 2020

Tuesday's blast came against a backdrop of ongoing, unaddressed government dysfunction. Some of the country's chronic problems may help explain how 2,750 tons of explosives were neglected at the port.

Search and rescue workers sift through damaged buildings Thursday in Beirut after this week's huge explosion at the Lebanese capital's port caused widespread damage.

World News

Beirut Explosion Update: Lebanon Detains 16 People As Part Of Inquiry

5:24pm August 06, 2020

by Bill Chappell

The investigation into the massive blast continues, a Lebanese judge says. The explosion has been traced to an estimated 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse.

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Beruit's port before (left) and after Tuesday's explosion (right).

World News

Satellite Images Show Aftermath Of Beirut Blast

6:32pm August 05, 2020

by Geoff Brumfiel

The massive explosion leveled the city's port and scattered debris across a road thousands of feet away. The blast killed at least 100 people and injured thousands more.

An aerial view of Beirut's port one day after a massive explosion rocked the Lebanese capital. Tuesday's blast flattened much of the port and damaged buildings across the city.

World News

Beirut Death Toll Rises After Enormous Explosion

5:57pm August 05, 2020

In Lebanon's devastated capital, at least 135 people are dead and some 5,000 injured. A question looms over the stockpile of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate believed to have exploded: Why was it there?

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People walk and exercise at a promenade along the Mediterranean Sea during the coronavirus pandemic in Beirut, Lebanon, on May 3. The Lebanese government has decided to reimpose restrictions after a rise in cases.

After A Spike In Infections, Lebanon Reimposes Strict Orders To Stay At Home

4:04pm May 12, 2020

The Middle Eastern country had relatively few cases and had relaxed its shutdown.

A Syrian refugee camp in the town of Bar Elias, in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, in January 2019. Now, people fleeing war and calamity have an added worry with the coronavirus pandemic.

Syrian Refugees In Lebanon Fear Deportation For Seeking Coronavirus Test Or Care

5:06pm April 06, 2020

by Alice Fordham

Although people fleeing war or humanitarian crises know about the dangers of COVID-19, many are also worried about being persecuted if the disease spreads in their communities.

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The grave of St. Charbel has long been visited by people seeking comfort and healing.

In Lebanon, Some Turn To Beloved Local Saint For Solace And Protection From COVID-19

1:38pm March 31, 2020

by Alice Fordham

St. Charbel is revered for his healing miracles. "He gives us faith and strength, especially in this time of sickness," says a pilgrim visiting his tomb. "He is the only cure, in my opinion."

Lebanese anti-government protesters use the light on their mobile phones during a demonstration in downtown Beirut in November. Activists turned to social media platforms to get out their message, streaming protests live on Twitter and highlighting police

World News

Lebanon's Government Is Accused Of Swarming WhatsApp To Catch Protesters

9:05am March 09, 2020

by Deborah Amos

Protest organizers, lawyers and rights advocates tell NPR the authorities have adopted surveillance tactics, including allegedly invading chat groups to intimidate and investigate critics.

Lebanese doctors take part in anti-government demonstrations in Beirut in November.

Amid Lebanon's Economic Crisis, The Country's Health Care System Is Ailing

8:01am February 09, 2020

"We are collecting from every person of goodwill," says a Roman Catholic priest who started a low-cost clinic. "We are not expecting a miracle. We hope to create a place where people feel respected."

Former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn addresses a news conference Wednesday in Beirut, during which he explained his reasons for dodging trial in Japan. The 65-year-old former auto executive, who is accused of financial misconduc, vowed to clear his name in

World News

Ghosn Defends His Escape From Japan: 'No Way I Was Going To Be Treated Fairly'

2:14pm January 08, 2020

by Colin Dwyer

The ex-Nissan boss said he had a choice: "You're going to die in Japan, or you're going to have to get out." It was Ghosn's first public comment since fleeing financial misconduct charges for Beirut.