The recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has devastated Lebanon’s economy, pushing individuals like Hasan Raad into unemployment and homelessness. Following a catastrophic series of crises, including a financial collapse and the pandemic, the country now faces a challenging path to recovery as it struggles to rebuild.
The ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have left profound scars on the Lebanese economy, which is grappling with the aftermath of a sustained conflict. Hasan Raad, a 28-year-old content creator from Beirut, narrates his heart-wrenching experience of suddenly losing his job and home due to the war. After establishing his production business, he now finds himself struggling, as airstrikes devastated his family’s apartment. As he reflects on the turmoil, he states, “We came out of this war with nothing. We are starting from zero.”
Lebanon has been caught in a cycle of hardship since the conclusion of its civil war in 1990, facing numerous crises leading to its current dire economic state. The financial collapse initiated in 2019 was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, drastically devaluing the currency. Furthermore, a catastrophic explosion at the Beirut port in 2020 not only claimed over 200 lives but also inflicted severe financial damage, compounding the nation’s troubles. Now, the fresh wounds from the latest conflict add to Lebanon’s long history of suffering and struggle.
Lebanon is a small Mediterranean country grappling with the repercussions of a lengthy civil war that ended in 1990. The nation has been in a state of economic turmoil for several years, with significant crises, including a devastating financial collapse that began in 2019. The pandemic has exacerbated the economic situation, displacing many and devaluing the currency. Additionally, a catastrophic explosion in 2020 at the Beirut port resulted in significant damage and loss of life. The recent conflicts with Israel further complicate an already precarious economic landscape.
In conclusion, Lebanon’s economy is severely impacted by the latest hostilities, with individuals like Hasan Raad exemplifying the extensive personal losses endured. Years of crises—ranging from civil unrest to economic collapse—have created an environment of uncertainty. The compounded effects of war, a faltering economy, and a fragile social fabric suggest that recovery will be a daunting challenge for this resilient country.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
