Beirut

Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is currently at the center of several interconnected crises. The city is grappling with the aftermath of the devastating 2020 port explosion, for which no senior figure has been held accountable, as highlighted by a Bulgarian court rejecting Lebanon's extradition request. Economically, Lebanon is struggling with a severe financial crisis since 2019, prompting the government to propose a 'gap law' to address depositors' losses. Politically, the country is attempting to disarm non-state groups, particularly Hezbollah, a mission complicated by regional tensions and Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese army claims progress in disarming these groups, but Hezbollah has stated it will not relinquish its weapons. Furthermore, Beirut has recently been a location for diplomatic activity, with Iranian officials using it as a venue to issue warnings to the US amid heightened tensions and crackdowns on protests in Iran. The city also serves as a point of refuge, as evidenced by stories of individuals escaping conflict and seeking safety there.