🌳 Parliament debates
Marhaba. While your teta's probably asking if you watched the parliament session on TV (because apparently budget debates are prime entertainment now), Lebanon's lawmakers are deep in day two of the 2026 budget discussions. Meanwhile, gold hit another record high—because nothing says economic uncertainty like precious metals acting like they're on Red Bull. Here's what's happening.
TOP STORIES
Parliament Enters Second Day of Budget Debates Amid Political Tensions
- Speaker Nabih Berri announced the start of the second day of discussions on the 2026 budget in parliament
- Iranian tensions sparked heated debates between sovereignty and resistance blocs during budget sessions
- The three-day budget discussions are happening amid ongoing regional conflicts and domestic political divisions over Hezbollah's recent military statements
Why it matters: The budget debates aren't just about numbers—they're becoming a proxy battleground for Lebanon's deeper political divisions. With MPs arguing about Iran while trying to balance the books, it's democracy at its most Lebanese.
Five MPs Demand Closure of Gas Storage Facilities in Densely Populated Areas
- Five parliamentarians are demanding the closure of gas storage tanks in Dora due to safety concerns for densely populated neighborhoods
- The area houses poor communities in overcrowded conditions, with the gas tanks posing fire and explosion risks that have persisted since 1989
- Previous incidents during Syrian-Lebanese conflicts highlighted the danger of storing hazardous materials near residential areas in Beirut's suburbs
Why it matters: When your neighborhood could become "Lebanese Chernobyl" because someone thought storing gas tanks next to apartment buildings was a good idea, maybe it's time for a safety check. Better late than never.
Gold Reaches Record High Above $5,247 Per Ounce
- Gold prices soared to over $5,247 per ounce in early Wednesday trading, marking an all-time high
- The surge reflects increased global demand for safe haven assets amid economic uncertainty and escalating geopolitical tensions
- Investors are flocking to precious metals as traditional markets face volatility from regional conflicts and policy uncertainties
Why it matters: Your teta's gold jewelry collection is looking like a better investment strategy than most hedge funds right now. Sometimes the old ways really are the best ways.
QUICK HITS
- Water treatment crackdown: Two water purification centers in Tyre were closed for failing health safety standards after laboratory tests revealed contaminated water that could cause health problems.
- Syrian refugee update: National Campaign coordinator Maron Khouli thanked Qatar for its initiative to support the return of 100,000 Syrian refugees from Lebanon through cooperation with the International Organization for Migration.
- Weather alert: A fast-moving low pressure system from the Greek islands will bring sudden weather changes to Lebanon through Thursday, with rain and snow expected at 2,000 meters elevation.
- Cable innovation: Lebanon Cables launched a new generation of low-smoke cables designed to enhance fire safety in buildings by reducing toxic smoke emissions during fires.
- Airport updates: President Aoun received briefings from Director General Rasamny on operations at Beirut Airport and preparations for activating Qlayaat Airport.
INTERNATIONAL
Trump Warns Iraq Over Potential Maliki Government
- US President Donald Trump declared America will "no longer help Iraq" if the country selects Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister
- Trump stated Iraq would have "zero" chance of success without American support, marking a significant shift in US-Iraq relations
- The warning comes as Iraq's parliament considers leadership options amid ongoing political negotiations following recent elections
Why it matters: Trump's ultimatum represents a dramatic escalation in American pressure tactics in the Middle East, potentially reshaping regional alliances and Iraq's political future.
Syrian Leader Sharaa to Meet Putin in Moscow Over Military Bases
- Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will meet Vladimir Putin on Wednesday as Russia seeks to secure its military installations in Syria
- The Kremlin is pushing for agreements to maintain its bases following the fall of Moscow-allied Bashar al-Assad in 2024
- Sharaa continues demanding Russia extradite Assad and his wife, who remain sheltered in Moscow since their ouster
Why it matters: This meeting could determine Russia's military footprint in the Middle East for years to come, with Syria's new leadership holding more cards than Moscow might have expected.
Turkey Urges Step-by-Step Approach to US-Iran Disputes
- Turkey's foreign minister advised the US to resolve disputes with Iran "one by one" rather than through comprehensive deals
- Ankara suggested this approach would avoid humiliating Iranian officials while achieving diplomatic progress on nuclear issues
- Turkey confirmed Iran's readiness for nuclear talks as Trump deploys an "armada" toward the region while hoping to avoid military action
Why it matters: Turkey is positioning itself as the regional diplomatic broker, offering a middle path between Trump's pressure tactics and Iran's resistance to sweeping concessions.
GHER HEK
- Mouloukiyieh hunt: Reddit users are seeking recommendations for restaurants serving quality mouloukiyieh with good portions and fair prices—because sometimes you need that perfect green comfort food.
- Business security: A shop owner in Jbeil is looking for security camera installation services, showing Lebanese entrepreneurs are investing in protecting their businesses.
- Viral Chinese horse: A defective stuffed horse toy with an upside-down smile became a symbol of workplace fatigue in China after the manufacturing error gave it a grimace instead of a grin—sometimes the best products are the happy accidents.
- Australian heat wave: Parts of Australia are experiencing record-breaking temperatures reaching the high 40s Celsius, with some alpine areas exceeding 30°C for the first time—making Lebanese summers seem almost pleasant by comparison.