Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri gives a speech in front of a portrait of his father, former prime minister Rafik Hariri, was killed in a truck bomb attack 16 years ago. EPA
Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri gives a speech in front of a portrait of his father, former prime minister Rafik Hariri, was killed in a truck bomb attack 16 years ago. EPA
Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri gives a speech in front of a portrait of his father, former prime minister Rafik Hariri, was killed in a truck bomb attack 16 years ago. EPA
On Sunday, Lebanon's prime minister-designate, Saad Hariri, solemnly commemorated the 16th anniversary of the assassination of his father and former prime minister Rafik Hariri.
Many credit the elder Hariri with rebuilding the nation after its brutal civil war ended in the 1990s. His murder also marked the moment Lebanese society demanded and successfully rid their country of the Syrian military's decades-long occupation.
What the anniversary should not have reminded Lebanon of, but unfortunately did, was that Hariri’s death marked an early episode in the rise of impunity for political murder in the country.
The lack of accountability for the assassination has cast a long shadow over the nation. The UN ruled last year that the attack was carried out by the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group and political party Hezbollah. Salim Ayyash, a supporter of the group and organiser of the blast, which left a further 21 people dead and 230 injured, remains at large. Hezbollah refuses to hand him over.
Hezbollah is one of Lebanon's most powerful political factions. AFP
Slim's murder raises the prospect that death could become the fate for those who speak up
If the killer of a former prime minister cannot be brought to justice, then everyday citizens who criticise corruption have good reason to fear for their own safety. Last week, Lokman Slim, a critic of Hezbollah, was gunned down in the south of the country. A pitifully small number of Lebanese politicians have worked in earnest to seek justice for his family. More notable is the strong solidarity of a number of prominent ambassadors. Washington's envoy to Beirut addressed the crowd at Slim's funeral, remembering him as a great man and decrying his barbaric killing. Throughout Lebanon's recent troubles, the international community has consistently been a more constructive force in supporting the plight of Lebanese citizens than the country's own politicians.
The murder of Slim raises the ugly prospect that death could, again, become the fate for those who speak up.
Despite the danger, there are many who want to do so. An economic crisis, almost entirely of the government's making, continues to blight all aspects of life in the country, whether through inflation, unemployment or a struggling health sector. Corruption is pervasive and persistent. Even the supply of electricity is unreliable. Daily life only seems to grow more difficult.
As the state unravels, unimaginably catastrophic events, such as last year's Beirut blast, defy the belief of those who used to view Lebanon as a prosperous centre of culture, finance and tourism. The belligerent corruption of much of the nation's dysfunctional political class continues to baffle citizens and foreign observers alike. The World Bank's vice president for the Middle East and North Africa, Ferid Belhaj, marked the arrival of a shipment of Covid-19 vaccines to Lebanon yesterday with a tweet that signed off with the hashtag #NoWasta. "Wasta" is the Arabic term for nepotism.
The story of Lebanon in recent years shows that a nation’s decline, unchecked, can be a bottomless cycle. Sixteen years on from Hariri’s assassination, and with the worrying prospect of politically motivated killings returning, Lebanon's people deserve the world’s help more than ever.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Winner Al Suhooj, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)
2pm Handicap (TB) 68,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner Miracle Maker, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer
2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Mazagran, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
3pm Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Alla Mahlak, Adrie de Vries, Rashed Bouresly
4pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Hurry Up, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m
Essentials
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Geneva from Dh2,845 return, including taxes. The flight takes 6 hours.
The package
Clinique La Prairie offers a variety of programmes. A six-night Master Detox costs from 14,900 Swiss francs (Dh57,655), including all food, accommodation and a set schedule of medical consultations and spa treatments.
