Politics
Aoun reassures the victims' families: Justice will come and the blood will not be shed in vain
On the fifth anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, we reveal the profound economic impacts locally and globally, with promises of justice for the victims' families.
Fifth anniversary of the Beirut port explosion: Economic analysis and local and global impacts
Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, which killed more than 157 people and injured more than 5,000 others. This catastrophic event was not only a human tragedy, but also had profound repercussions for the Lebanese economy and the global economic landscape.
Local economic impacts
The Beirut port explosion devastated a large part of the Lebanese capital's vital infrastructure, directly impacting economic activity. The port was a crucial artery for trade, imports, and exports, handling approximately 70% of Lebanon's imports. Its disruption led to increased import costs and shortages of essential goods, resulting in price inflation and increased economic hardship for citizens.
According to World Bank estimates, the economic losses from the explosion exceeded $8 billion. These losses dealt a devastating blow to an economy already suffering from a severe financial crisis and record-high inflation exceeding 150 percent annually.
global repercussions
Globally, the Beirut port explosion raised questions about port safety and the procedures for storing and transporting hazardous materials. It also prompted numerous countries and international organizations to provide humanitarian and financial assistance to Lebanon in an effort to support relief and reconstruction efforts.
This international support has had a limited positive impact on the Lebanese economy, helping to temporarily alleviate some financial pressures. However, reliance on foreign aid cannot be a sustainable solution to the structural economic crisis facing Lebanon.
Required reforms and future expectations
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun affirmed the state's commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible for the explosion accountable. This commitment reflects the urgent need to reform the judicial system and enhance transparency and accountability as essential components of any successful economic strategy.
Despite efforts to achieve justice and restore public confidence, the economic situation remains fragile and requires radical structural reforms that include improving public financial management, strengthening the private sector, and stimulating sustainable economic growth.
Future outlook : If the Lebanese government succeeds in implementing the necessary reforms and restoring domestic and international confidence, the economy could see gradual improvement over the coming years. However, the continuation of the political and economic crises without effective solutions could exacerbate the situation and delay the desired recovery.
Summary
The Beirut port explosion was a major turning point in modern Lebanese history. Its economic, social, and political repercussions continue to reverberate throughout the country and the world. Justice and accountability remain crucial for achieving stability and sustainable development in the near and distant future.
Politics
Israeli restrictions on Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan: conditions and permits
Israel will limit entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque to only 10,000 worshippers from the West Bank during Ramadan, imposing age restrictions, security permits, and digital documentation, amid Palestinian warnings.
Israeli authorities announced on Wednesday new and stricter restrictions on the access of Palestinian worshippers from the West Bank to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan. Under the new decision, the number of worshippers allowed entry will be capped at 10,000 Palestinians, and only after obtaining prior security permits. This move has drawn widespread criticism and raised concerns about escalating tensions in the holy city.
According to a statement issued by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), these measures followed a "security assessment of the situation," which resulted in the approval of daily permits exclusively for Fridays throughout the holy month. The age restrictions stipulate that entry is permitted for men aged 55 and over, women aged 50 and over, and children up to the age of 12, provided they are accompanied by a first-degree relative. All permits are subject to security approval.
In a procedural precedent, the statement indicated that worshippers are required to undergo "digital documentation" at crossings and military checkpoints, in order to guarantee and confirm their return to their places of residence in the West Bank at the end of the prayer day, adding a new procedural burden to the movement of people.
A huge gap between capacity and the allowed number
These restrictions create a massive gap between the capacity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the permitted number of worshippers. Estimates indicate that the Al-Aqsa compound can accommodate between 350,000 and 400,000 worshippers when all its courtyards and prayer areas are full, a scene familiar in previous years when hundreds of thousands of worshippers would flock to the site. Limiting the number to only 10,000 constitutes an unprecedented reduction that prevents the vast majority of Palestinians from practicing their religious rites during one of the holiest months for Muslims.
tense historical and political context
These measures are particularly sensitive given the spiritual significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the first of the two Qiblas and the third holiest site in Islam. While Israel imposes security measures annually around East Jerusalem, the current restrictions come amidst complex regional circumstances. Palestinians and religious institutions in Jerusalem consistently warn that the intensification of these measures aims to alter the historical and legal status quo in the city and attempt to erase its Arab and Islamic identity.
It is worth noting that the international community does not recognize Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem in 1980 and considers it occupied territory since 1967, in accordance with international law. Palestinians maintain their claim to East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, asserting that freedom of worship and access to holy sites are fundamental rights guaranteed by international law and should not be subject to Israeli security considerations or used as a political bargaining chip.
Politics
An armed man in military uniform was arrested near the Capitol before the State of the Union address
Capitol Police arrested a young man armed with a rifle and military gear who attempted to approach the Capitol building, a week before President Trump's State of the Union address. Details of the incident are available here.
In a security incident that triggered a state of alert in the US capital, Washington, the Capitol Police announced the thwarting of a possible attempt to threaten security near the Congress building, where security personnel were able to arrest an armed young man who was carrying a rifle and military equipment, at a very sensitive time in the American political arena.
In details of the incident revealed by Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan, authorities arrested an 18-year-old man after he suddenly ran toward the Capitol building carrying a loaded rifle. Sullivan explained that the suspect arrived at the scene in a white Mercedes, which he parked near the Capitol complex before getting out and rushing toward the building. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no injuries, as the young man immediately complied with police orders to drop the weapon and surrender.
Initial investigations revealed disturbing details regarding the suspect's equipment; he was wearing a military jacket and gloves at the time of his arrest. A search of his vehicle uncovered additional gear, including a helmet and a gas mask, suggesting a possible premeditated plan or intent to escalate the situation. The ongoing investigation will determine the true motives behind this act.
This incident is particularly significant given its timing, coming just one week before President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver his annual State of the Union address to Congress. This address is one of the most important political events in the United States, bringing together members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Supreme Court justices, and other high-ranking officials, which typically places the area around the Capitol under heightened security measures and exceptional protection protocols to ensure the safety of the nation's leaders.
This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in Washington, D.C., particularly around key federal buildings. For years, the Capitol Police have intensified their presence and defensive strategies to counter individual and organized threats, ensuring that security breaches that could jeopardize American democracy or the safety of lawmakers are not repeated. The swift response of security personnel in this incident highlights their high level of preparedness to address sudden threats.
Politics
The Crown Prince receives a message from the President of Kazakhstan to enhance bilateral cooperation
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a written message from the President of Kazakhstan concerning bilateral relations, which was received by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received an important written message from His Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The message focused on ways to strengthen and develop the close bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and to propel them towards broader horizons in various fields.
His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received the message during his official meeting today at the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with His Excellency Yermek Kosherbayev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of joint cooperation and ways to enhance them in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and their friendly peoples.
The depth of Saudi-Kazakh relations
This message comes amidst the active diplomatic efforts underway in relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Kazakhstan, two countries bound by deep-rooted historical ties based on shared values and mutual respect. These relations are gaining increasing importance in light of global geopolitical and economic shifts, as Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and a key strategic partner for the Kingdom in this vital region.
Prospects for economic and investment cooperation
Economically, the two countries possess tremendous potential for cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. Both Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan are major global oil producers and active members of the OPEC+ alliance, which strengthens their joint coordination to ensure the stability of global energy markets. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 opens up vast opportunities for mutual investments in mining, infrastructure, food security, and renewable energy, aligning with Kazakhstan's development goals.
The importance of political coordination
On the political front, the exchange of messages between the two leaderships reflects a mutual commitment to continued consultation and coordination on regional and international issues of common interest. The Kingdom plays a pivotal role in promoting stability in the Middle East, while Kazakhstan serves as a vital bridge between Asia and Europe, making the strengthening of their partnership a cornerstone of security and stability in both regions.
The reception was attended on the Saudi side by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Dr. Saud Al-Sati, and the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Faisal Al-Qahtani, reflecting the high-level diplomatic interest in the outcomes of this meeting and the future steps that will result from it to strengthen the strategic partnership.
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