When you hear the name Lebanon, your mind may conjure up images of Hezbollah fighters and a war-torn country. But until a few decades ago, the West Asian nation, especially its capital Beirut, was a center of attraction for the world’s wealthiest tourists. Lebanon at that time was full of beaches, crowded streets and places where people moved freely. However, the political and economic crisis in Lebanon, known as the “Switzerland of the Middle East”, has pushed it into its current predicament.
Some remnants of Beirut, once known as the “Paris of the Middle East,” still exist today. Now, however, there are reports of violence and bloodshed. Yet the energy of the Lebanese people was so great that when the bombings stopped, the party started.
On September 23, an Israeli attack on Hezbollah positions killed 492 people. It was the deadliest day in terms of cross-border attacks. The Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah retaliated by firing 200 rockets into northern Israel. Earlier, cases in which Hezbollah members caused damage by detonating thousands of pagers made headlines. In the past 11 months, Hezbollah has fired 8,000 rockets into Israel.
After the massive destruction in Lebanon, people are recalling an era known as the “Switzerland of the Middle East.” Old photos and videos from that place are going viral, in which women can be seen relaxing on the beach in swimsuits and partying in the club.
Lebanon: The “Party Capital” of the Middle East
The first beach club opened in the Lebanese capital Beirut in the 1930s. St. George’s Club opens on the seaside. According to CNN, the St. George Hotel in Beirut has hosted some of the most famous and famous tourists in the world. The hotel became a symbol of Lebanon’s changing image.
In the 1950s, capital inflows increased, after which the Mediterranean’s own “dolce vita” began to take shape. Five-star hotels, nightclubs and fine-dining restaurants began opening to cater to wealthy tourists from around the world. Lebanon’s rich culture, French architecture, world-class cuisine and fashion, and luxurious lifestyle attract upper class tourists.
In the 1960s, Beirut became the center of political parties. Lonely Planet reported that French actress Brigitte Bardot and American star Marlon Brando spent time in a seaside hotel swimming pool with sheikhs and spies who controlled the oil business.
The party continued without interruption until the mid-1970s. Lebanon’s tragic journey begins here. Lebanon is in today’s crisis due to a civil war that lasted from 1975 to 1990, government instability, illegal financial activities and corruption.
Civil war engulfs Lebanon
The Lebanese Civil War was a complex, multifaceted conflict that lasted from 1975 to 1990 and involved various domestic and foreign forces. It claimed 150,000 lives. It began on April 13, 1975, when Maronite Christian militiamen attacked a bus carrying Palestinians to a refugee camp. The incident escalated an already tense situation into a wider conflict.
The war is based on deep religious divisions between Christians and Muslims, economic inequality and the presence of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Lebanon. The role of the PLO is very important. Lebanon’s Muslims and leftists support it, while Christians oppose it because they believe it will weaken their political standing.
In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon to overthrow the PLO, leading to the siege of Beirut and the eventual expulsion of the PLO under international supervision. At the same time, Shiite groups emerged, including the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Between 1976 and 1988, internal conflict and failed peace efforts further complicated the situation. In 1989, the Taif Agreement, brokered by the Arab League, marked the end of the war and led to the election of a new president, Elias Harawi. The militias were gradually eliminated, but Hezbollah remained a powerful force.
How the rich plunged Lebanon into economic crisis
After the civil war, the government continued to fall into debt troubles and Lebanon fell into a deep economic crisis. Banks failed and people lost their savings. According to Reuters, the reason is that Lebanese religious wealthy leaders are deeply in debt but continue to borrow money.
Experts say Lebanon’s financial system is a state-run Ponzi scheme that uses new money to pay off old debts. This continues until new money stops flowing in. At the same time, Lebanon drives its economy through tourism, foreign aid and the financial sector.
In 2011, the influence of the Shiite terrorist organization Hezbollah increased and Sunni countries alienated themselves from Lebanon. Lebanon’s economic collapse began when leaders approved salary increases for government employees ahead of 2018 elections, while foreign aid was cut off in the absence of necessary reforms.
political and social crisis
Syria’s influence on Lebanon has persisted since the civil war. Syrian forces arrived in 1976 and held control until 2005. After the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, Syrian troops withdrew from Lebanon. However, in 2006, war broke out again between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon had a presidential government from 2014 to 2016, and the presidential position will be vacant again from 2022.
Even in crisis, Beirut looks strong
This crisis has had a profound impact on society. Many Lebanese citizens are desperate to leave the country. Some try to reach Europe via dangerous routes. The once prosperous city now shows a hint of poverty. Children can be seen begging on the streets and families struggle to meet basic needs. When state aid is not available, food and health services are provided by civil society.
However, Beirut’s nightlife is still considered the best in the Middle East, according to many reports. In May, a Metro UK report said bars and clubs in Beirut were operating normally, with music playing until the early hours. Gabriel El Mur, owner of Beirut’s Clique club, told Metro, “The club is the only place where religious differences are not taken into account. We are like brothers and sisters there.” However, they have also had to face accusations of insensitivity.
How Lebanon, once known as the Paris of the Middle East, turned into a modern nightmare, is reflected in the architecture of Beirut’s St. George Hotel. The hotel has hosted Hollywood stars Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Marlon Brando, as well as royal guests including French actress Brigitte Bardot, King Hussein of Jordan and the Shah of Iran. The building now appears to have been damaged by bombing.
Rafik al-Hariri was assassinated in a massive car bomb blast outside this hotel on February 14, 2005. Hotel owner Fadi Khouri was slightly injured in the attack but said it cost him millions of dollars. Approximately 1,800 kilograms of TNT were used in the explosion, which damaged the iconic hotel and all surrounding buildings.
This is the breakdown of every level of Lebanese society, from the political to the economic. Once a symbol of art, culture and a luxurious lifestyle, Lebanon is now defined as a stronghold of Hezbollah.
