Latest news with #WissamNasrallah
LBCI
14-07-2025
- General
- LBCI
The tale of the Levant: Bilad al-Sham reawakens as history echoes in Barrack's warning
Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi From Damascus to Beirut, from Jerusalem to Amman, and stretching into parts of southern Turkey and northern Iraq—this expanse of land once shared a unified past but today stands fragmented. Historically known as the Levant or "Bilad al-Sham," the region was once the heart of the Arab world, a name that may sound unfamiliar to younger generations but carries a centuries-old, layered history. The term "Bilad al-Sham" is widely believed to have emerged in the 7th century following the Islamic conquests, particularly after the pivotal Battle of Yarmuk in 636 CE. After that victory, Damascus became the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate, which would eventually extend from the borders of India to the Iberian Peninsula in Spain. The origins of the name "al-Sham" are varied and subject to debate. One common explanation is rooted in pre-Islamic Arab geography: from the vantage point of Mecca, "Sham" referred to the north, while "Yemen" referred to the south. Another theory ties the name to Shem (or "Sam"), the son of Noah, suggests that after the flood, when the ark rested on Mount Cudi, Noah's children dispersed. Sam settled in this region, and it became known as the Land of Sam, eventually transforming over time into Bilad al-Sham. Other hypotheses trace the term even further back to Aramaic or Assyrian origins, with "Shamu" or "Shamim" meaning "sky" or "heaven." In some ancient religious beliefs, the area was known as the land of "Baalshamim," the god of the sky. Regardless of the theory, one truth remains: Bilad al-Sham is a region layered with civilizations. Prophets, kings, invaders, merchants, philosophers, and diverse peoples have all left their mark—physically and culturally. From the Roman columns of Baalbek to the walls of Jerusalem, from Nabatieh ruins buried in sand to the old houses of Damascus, the region is a living museum and an open historical archive. Yet despite its richness, the modern Levant is far removed from its storied past. Following the Sykes-Picot Agreement, the region was divided, giving rise to new borders, flags, armies, and national identities. The separations often feel deeper than the connections. Now, U.S. envoy Thomas Barak has stirred debate again, warning that if Lebanon fails to act decisively, it risks becoming, once more, a part of "Bilad al-Sham," not out of nostalgia but as a reality shaped by regional inertia.
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
09-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Israel tests boundaries in Lebanon with new ground incursions and offenses
Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Laetithia Harb The Israeli military has acknowledged conducting a recent ground incursion into southern Lebanon, citing the need for "targeted operations" to destroy weapons and prevent Hezbollah from regrouping in the area. According to Israel's army, the operation focused on a site in the Jabal Blat region that allegedly housed weapons depots and Hezbollah firing posts, as well as hidden arms in the area of Labbouneh. These were the objectives Israeli forces claimed to have destroyed during the raid. However, both Jabal Blat and Labbouneh are among five Lebanese locations Israel has occupied ahead of the current ceasefire agreement took effect. The weapons seen in the published photos are the kind more commonly associated with family disputes in Lebanon. The Israeli army's deployment of two separate brigades to seize a Kalashnikov and a B7 in a territory it has already occupied for months is being seen less as a military achievement and more as a calculated show of force — a message that it can operate whenever and however, it chooses. This is not the first time Israel has violated Lebanese territory since the ceasefire. Previously, the Israeli army entered the town of Meiss El Jabal, where it dug trenches and set up barriers. In Houla, they demolished a home and posted a sign warning residents not to allow Hezbollah to use their properties. Through repeated incursions and violations, Israel is attempting to establish a new reality on the ground, testing the limits of its freedom to maneuver inside Lebanese territory — and Hezbollah's patience along with it.
LBCI
18-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Fifth day of war: How Iran and Israel are testing each other's limits
Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi On the fifth day of open warfare between Tehran and Tel Aviv, Israel claims to have destroyed nearly 40% of Iran's missile launch platforms. Yet, Iranian rockets continue to rain down on Tel Aviv and other cities, raising questions over who holds the upper hand in this increasingly complex military confrontation. An imbalance in equipment, strategy, and geography shapes the military landscape. Israel operates a fleet of over 600 aircraft, with 45% classified as advanced fighter jets—among them the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the stealth-capable F-35 Lightning II. In contrast, Iran fields 551 aircraft, many of which are outdated models inherited from the Shah's era. Despite Russian and Chinese upgrades, Iranian aircraft remain largely incapable of matching Israel's airpower, especially given their limited range and vulnerability to Israeli air defenses. Israel's layered missile defense system—developed over decades—offers multi-tiered protection, yet it has struggled to withstand Iran's saturation tactics. Tehran has launched waves of ballistic missiles, interspersed with drones and cruise missiles, in a deliberate effort to overwhelm and confuse Israeli radar systems. The sheer volume has made intercepting every threat nearly impossible. On the Iranian side, air defenses remain largely obsolete. Systems such as the Russian-made S-200 and S-300PMU-2, as well as the domestically produced Khordad-15, have shown limited effectiveness. This was evident in recent days as Israeli warplanes penetrated deep into Iranian airspace, following significant damage inflicted on Iran's air defense grid during Israeli strikes in October 2024. Despite these vulnerabilities, Iran wields considerable asymmetric capabilities. It relies heavily on mobile missile launchers hidden underground or nestled in mountainous regions, posing a significant challenge for precision targeting. Many of these sites are shielded within fortified tunnel networks designed to evade both radar detection and thermal imaging. Additionally, Iran's extensive use of drones has played a critical role in this conflict. Models such as the Shahed-136 and Mohajer-6 have been deployed in large numbers, exploiting low-altitude flight paths and pre-programmed routes to avoid detection.
LBCI
22-05-2025
- LBCI
Child protection concerns: Investigation launched after reported sexual assault during school trip
Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi What was meant to be a joyful school outing for children turned into a distressing experience. A 16-year-old boy who was working at an amusement park admitted to inappropriate behavior involving at least 15 children, according to his own statement. The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 20, during a field trip organized by Saint Coeur Ain Najm School for first-grade students, all between the ages of 6 and 7. The visit took place at VeréBleu Park and specifically at the zip line section, where children were supposed to enjoy a fun and exciting activity. One of the staff members assigned to help secure children for the ride—a minor himself—allegedly acted inappropriately by touching several of them while assisting them with the equipment. One child, only six years old, found the courage to tell his teacher what had happened. As school staff looked into the situation, more students reported similar experiences involving the same individual. The school administration took swift action, informing authorities who quickly intervened. The suspect was taken into custody and admitted to the actions. The school also began working closely with parents and professionals to offer psychological and educational support to the affected children. Though this is not the first such incident, it has once again raised questions about the need for stronger child protection measures and more rigorous screening and training of staff at places catering to young children.
