🌳 Contract clash

TOP STORIES

Contract Teachers Issue Final Ultimatum to Government

• Lebanon's contract teachers coordinator Hamza Mansour gave the government until February 18th to address the wage gap between contract and permanent teachers
• The ultimatum called for "comprehensive confrontation" if promises aren't translated into concrete action by the Education and Finance ministries
• Mansour appealed to all teachers—permanent and contract—plus official education unions to remain patient during this final deadline

Why it matters: With Lebanon's education sector already on life support, another teacher strike could cripple what's left of public schooling. The government's broke, but ignoring educators much longer risks a complete system collapse.

President Aoun Departs for Official Visit to Spain

• President Joseph Aoun left Beirut Sunday for a two-day official visit to Madrid at the invitation of King Felipe VI
• The delegation includes Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji and several political advisors and diplomats
• Talks will focus on bilateral cooperation agreements and regional developments, particularly Middle Eastern security issues

Why it matters: Lebanon desperately needs international allies who aren't asking for political favors in return. Spain's a solid EU partner that could help with everything from trade deals to refugee support—exactly what Lebanon needs right now.

Israeli Forces Conduct Raid in Southern Lebanon

• Israeli forces infiltrated the town of Rab Thalatheen in Marjaayoun district early Sunday morning and demolished two houses
• The explosions caused damage to neighboring properties in the border town
• The incident marks another violation of the ceasefire agreement that's supposed to be holding in southern Lebanon

Why it matters: These violations chip away at the fragile calm that southern Lebanon desperately needs. Every raid makes residents more skeptical that any ceasefire will actually stick long-term.

QUICK HITS

• Mufti Qabalan calls for wisdom: The Shiite Mufti Ahmad Qabalan said Lebanon's current moment requires "rational patriots" to navigate the crisis. Couldn't agree more.
• Karantina massacre remembered: Lebanese outlets are marking 50 years since the Karantina massacre, examining how Beirut's sectarian divisions became embedded in the city's geography.
• Lebanese University struggles continue: Daraj examines how Lebanon's premier public university went from "the beautiful era" to political paralysis.
• Gold hits historic highs: Global gold prices soared to record levels amid inflation fears and geopolitical risks—good news for Lebanese families who've been hoarding it for generations.
• Ahmad Hariri makes waves: The son of former PM Saad Hariri praised two historical opponents while criticizing allies who "abandoned" the cause, stirring up political commentary in Lebanese social media circles.

INTERNATIONAL

Epstein Files Release Mentions Trump Over 3,000 Times

• The Justice Department released 3 million documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, mentioning Donald Trump over 3,000 times
• The files include correspondence showing Epstein discussing the Jamal Khashoggi killing, suggesting the UAE ruler "set up" Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
• New photos appear to show Prince Andrew in compromising positions, adding pressure on Buckingham Palace

Why it matters: The massive document dump could reshape understanding of high-profile connections to Epstein's network, potentially affecting ongoing political and legal proceedings involving major world figures.

Israel Partially Reopens Gaza's Rafah Crossing

• Israel opened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to limited foot traffic for the first time in over 18 months, though vehicle access remains restricted
• The reopening comes amid continued violence despite the ceasefire, with Palestinian officials reporting 32 killed in Israeli airstrikes Saturday
• Israel has not specified how many people will be allowed to cross or whether Gaza residents seeking to return will be permitted entry

Why it matters: The Rafah crossing was Gaza's only direct link to the outside world before the war. Even limited reopening offers hope for humanitarian aid and family reunifications, though the restrictions show how fragile the ceasefire remains.

Iran Threatens Regional War Over Potential US Strike

• Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that any US military attack would trigger a "comprehensive regional conflict" rather than remain contained to Iranian territory
• The warning comes as President Trump said Iran is "talking to us" amid a significant US military buildup in the Persian Gulf
• Iran announced plans for naval drills in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil passes

Why it matters: With both sides posturing but also talking, the Gulf region sits on a knife's edge. Any miscalculation could trigger the kind of regional war that would send oil prices through the roof and destabilize global markets.

GHER HEK

• Lamine Yamal keeps shining: The 17-year-old Barcelona star opened scoring after just six minutes in their La Liga win over Elche, extending the Catalan club's league lead. Kid's unstoppable.
• Volkanovski retains UFC title: Alexander Volkanovski successfully defended his featherweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Diego Lopes at UFC 325 in Australia.
• Nvidia CEO announces massive OpenAI investment: Jensen Huang said Nvidia plans its largest-ever investment in the ChatGPT maker, calling it "huge" during a tech dinner in Taipei.
• Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards announced: Music legends Chaka Khan, Cher, Whitney Houston (posthumously), and Fela Kuti will receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards, celebrating their groundbreaking contributions to music.

Thanks for reading—go make some Sunday magic happen.