Latest news with #KarineKeuchkerian
LBCI
3 days ago
- LBCI
‘Where is the state?': Fear grips Maameltein amid rising crime
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian It's a situation any girl or woman walking along the coastal road in Maameltein might face. Simply passing through this notorious street can expose her to harassment — a growing burden on local residents and families living in the area. According to residents and local municipalities, criminal networks have turned what was once a tourist strip into a hotspot for illicit activity, including prostitution, drug trafficking and the spread of illegal weapons. Inside an abandoned hotel, illegal activities are reportedly taking place, confirmed by local community leaders who say municipal authorities alone are unable to raid the premises. Around the area, groups of women involved in sex work can be seen along the road day and night — a trade that thrives alongside drug sales. Just weeks ago, the municipality caught a drug dealer using cocaine along the stretch of the road that falls under Jounieh's jurisdiction. But that's not all. If you're simply passing through Maameltein, you could be struck by a bullet fired in a moment of rage by someone intoxicated or armed and outside the law — like individuals captured in a video, filmed early Sunday morning. The stabbing of two locals, George and Liliane, has added to this grim reality. In response, a group called the Guards of Ghadir has called for a protest this coming Wednesday. One of the core problems is that the Ghazir municipality lacks sufficient police personnel. It is currently relying on local volunteers to secure night patrols, while the Keserwan Ftouh Federation is working to establish a new security committee. But even when municipalities notify security forces about illegal activity, arrests are often not made — either due to overcrowded detention centers or, if a suspect is detained, they are quickly released. This pattern suggests that these gangs enjoy both political and security protection. As for Maameltein and its residents, it is the state's duty to provide them with safety and peace of mind.
LBCI
20-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Behind the quiet: Israel eyes Druze unrest, renews Syria deterrence
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian In a move that reinforces its presence in Syria, the Israeli army redeployed across various Syrian areas starting Sunday morning, while simultaneously continuing drills to prepare for a possible mass infiltration from the border area. At the same time, a group of Israeli Druze who have served in the military and work in various security agencies released a statement announcing that 2,000 of them are ready to enter Syria to support the Druze community in Sweida. Despite the announced ceasefire, Israeli military reports claimed that tensions and clashes continue. Israel's decision to allow Syrian regime forces into Sweida to ensure local security has sparked internal disagreement. Some military and security officials viewed it as a step backward in protecting the Druze, while others called for expanding the security buffer zone to better protect the border. During a security meeting focused on developments along the Syrian front, Israel took several steps to reinforce its deterrence. It was revealed that behind-the-scenes talks are underway with Druze groups near the Syrian border—both at the operational level and among senior leadership—aimed at calming tensions. However, officials have not ruled out the possibility of reviving talks between Syria and Israel, which were suspended in Azerbaijan following the outbreak of unrest in Sweida. While the border and the ceasefire zone remain calm for now, the Israeli military announced that all Israeli Druze have been evacuated from Syria and that it is intensifying efforts to prevent cross-border infiltration. Reinforced troops have been deployed to the area, along with newly erected barriers and concrete obstacles along the border fence as part of defensive preparations in case of a sudden escalation on either side.
LBCI
12-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon-Syria tensions rise as Damascus steps up pressure over detainee issue
Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Syria is considering escalating measures against Lebanon, starting with the suspension of certain security and economic channels and potentially leading to the closure of border crossings, according to sources cited by "Syria TV." However, Syria's Ministry of Information has denied any intention to take such steps against Lebanon, according to media reports. Regardless of whether the reports are accurate, they point to one clear issue: the Syrian presidency is reportedly displeased with what it views as the Lebanese authorities' delay in addressing the situation of Syrian detainees in Lebanese prisons. Justice Minister Adel Nassar told LBCI that Lebanon is open to establishing a treaty with Syria concerning Syrian detainees. However, he clarified that such an agreement would not include individuals convicted of terrorism, the killing of Lebanese soldiers or civilians, or rape. Nassar also expressed support for expediting trials—whether for Lebanese or Syrians—provided that legal procedures are followed. If Damascus does proceed with escalation, including closing the Lebanese-Syrian border, it will cut off land shipping routes between the two countries. Sources at the Economy Ministry said this would force Lebanon to rely on air freight to Iraq, Jordan, and Gulf countries at significantly higher costs that vary by destination. While Syria has not yet made an official decision to escalate, the messages conveyed—whether through the media or behind the scenes—reflect a tense atmosphere that could lead to concrete measures at any time.
LBCI
08-07-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Billions needed, but no plan: Lebanon's social spending crisis deepens
Report by Lea Fayad, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian After everything Lebanon has been through, poverty has tripled over the past five years, unemployment stands at 45%, and the cost of reconstruction exceeds $11 billion. Yet, instead of expanding social programs, Lebanon has slashed the social and health protection budget — from $6.1 billion in 2017 to just $1.3 billion in 2024. What is worse, most of that money goes to public sector pensions and end-of-service benefits — covering just 2.5% of the population. Even the social programs funded by international donors, which are helping people stay on their feet, face constant threats of suspension. This reality — now in urgent need of change — was outlined in a report by the Institut des Finances Basil Fuleihan. However, the question remains: where can the government obtain the necessary funding? This comes at a time when establishing a social safety net is a key condition set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for any agreement with Lebanon — based on the need for a clear mechanism to protect the most vulnerable.
LBCI
09-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
As threats grow on border, Israel questions value of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Israeli officials have described the international forces operating in southern Lebanon as ineffective, as the Israeli lobby, in coordination with Washington, pushes within the United Nations not to renew the mandate of these forces, according to security officials. According to a security report, Israel's view of the international forces has shifted. It no longer believes their presence in southern Lebanon is preferable to their absence, especially since, in Israel's view, these forces have failed to deter Hezbollah's strength. Reports also note that indirect coordination — conducted through countries allied with Tel Aviv — with the army has proven effective. The actions of the Lebanese army on the ground have become more significant than what the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) can deliver. Israeli officials concluded in internal discussions and security assessments that the combination of security concerns and political interests now leans toward joining the U.S. position, which opposes renewing the mandate — or at least calls for expanding UNIFIL's powers. More importantly, according to a senior security official, current deliberations are focusing on how to restore full freedom of action for Israel to protect its northern border. The official warned that even if UNIFIL's mission is terminated, Israel will not abandon the northern front, and the Israeli military is prepared for any scenario. Through indirect cooperation with the Lebanese army and with intelligence and technological capabilities, Israel will be able to effectively respond to growing threats along the border. This evolving Israeli stance toward both UNIFIL and the Lebanese army raises questions about the credibility of Israel's earlier claims that the Lebanese army was incapable of fulfilling its duties — a position that now appears inconsistent unless Tel Aviv seeks to drive a wedge between the army and Hezbollah supporters in Lebanon.
