Iran seeks to benefit from Gaza war
As Israel pushed forward with its offensive in Gaza, militants fired rockets into northern Israel from Lebanon, raising worries of a widening war. Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which supports Hamas, denied it...
View ArticleForeign workers leave Dubai en masse as economy spirals
The biggest city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, is known for real estate, finance and trade. But now, with the slumping economy, many foreigners who worked in Dubai are being laid off and...
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From bloodshed to bustle, scenes from a Beirut street
Hamra Street. Photo: Kristen Gillespie Kristen Gillespie is currently reporting from Beirut on an upcoming signature series about life in Lebanon. She recounts life on Hamra Street in Beirut, where...
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Scenes of Hezbollah play out on south Beirut streets
Worldfocus correspondent Kristen Gillespie reported from Beirut for the signature story “Hezbollah heads into mainstream Lebanese life and politics.” One out of four Lebanese citizens lives in the...
View ArticleHezbollah heads into mainstream Lebanese life and politics
Lebanon is preparing for elections that could dramatically alter the leadership of the moderate country. One of the expected big winners is Hezbollah, which commands a huge and growing influence in...
View ArticleBeirut’s American University preaches tolerance, democracy
The American University of Beirut is an oasis in the Middle East, a place where diversity of opinion and freedom of thought is not only tolerated, but encouraged. Worldfocus correspondent Kristen...
View ArticleLebanese youth debate secularism and sectarianism
Worldfocus correspondent Kristen Gillespie reported on the signature story “Beirut’s American University preaches tolerance, democracy” — featuring a college campus that promotes a radical idea in the...
View ArticleWinemakers thrive in the hills of eastern Lebanon
The mountainous region of eastern Lebanon has a rich history spanning thousands of years — and equally rich land that makes it a fertile location for some of the country’s top vineyards. Lebanon...
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Beirut’s underground gay community congregates discreetly
Gemayze has a vibrant night life. Photo: Kristen Gillespie Worldfocus special correspondent Kristen Gillespie reported on the signature story “From streets to clubs, sexual attitudes shift in...
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Egyptian businessman sentenced to death in singer’s slaying
Lebanese pop singer Suzanne Tamim was found murdered in July 2008. Photo: Official Web Site In a case that has captivated the Arab world, multimillionaire Egyptian businessman Hisham Talaat Moustafa...
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Controversy stirs ahead of major election in Lebanon
A memorial for former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005. Recently, Der Spiegel came out with a report linking Hezbollah to the assassination. Lebanon will head to the...
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Tune in: Online radio show on Lebanon’s election
Lebanon will head to the polls on June 7 in an election that could alter the political fabric of the country, with Hezbollah and its allies poised to make significant gains. Hezbollah is pitted...
View ArticleIsrael simulates war in nationwide “doomsday” drill
On Tuesday, sirens blared as Israel conducted a nationwide drill aimed at preparing citizens in the event of missile attacks, suicide bombings and natural disasters. Although cities in the north and...
View ArticleU.S.-backed alliance beats Hezbollah in Lebanon’s election
The official results of Lebanon’s parliamentary elections were announced on Monday, confirming that Lebanon has voted to maintain its pro-western government majority. That coalition beat out another...
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Lebanon reels from unexpected election results
Melani Cammett spoke with Worldfocus from Beirut during our online radio show on Lebanon’s election. She writes about election day and looks at how the results — an unexpected victory for the ruling...
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A view from the East
Mohammad Al-Kassim is an associate producer at Worldfocus. He blogs here about the significance of the visit of Saudi Arabia’s king to Syria. Since ascending to the throne in 2005, Saudi Arabia’s King...
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Daily News Brief: Iran, Afghanistan and the Chinese military
Stories compiled by Mohammad al-Kassim, Channtal Fleischfresser, Connie Kargbo, Ivette Feliciano, Christine Kiernan and Gizem Yarbil and edited by Rebecca Haggerty. SOUTH KOREA: U.S. Defense Secretary...
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Worldfocus Extended Coverage Pages
Explore our Worldfocus.org extended coverage pages on key international issues and themes: TURKEY BETWEEN EAST AND WEST Worldfocus reports on the evolution of modern Turkish identity, which has...
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U.S. government implements tougher airport security rules
Following an attempt by alleged al-Qaeda operative Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab to blow up a flight into Detroit on Christmas morning, President Obama requested that governments heighten security for...
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Talk about war ripples through the Middle East
Israeli soldiers on leave in the city of Jaffa. Photo: Mohammad Al-Kassim Talk about war is getting louder in the Middle Eastern press, with many speculating about a possible outbreak of hostilities...
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