From July 20 to July 30, I visited Lebanon and immersed myself in the daily lives of its people. Despite the economic and political crisis that has gripped the country since 2019, the Lebanese remain sociable and possess a remarkable sense of humor. My stay was in a flat located in Al-Ouzai, part of Beirut’s southern suburbs known collectively as Dahiyeh. This area is characterized by demolished buildings—scars from past conflicts—that stand as a stark reminder of the region’s tumultuous history.
Hezbollah, wielding significant military and political influence, maintains a strong presence in Dahiyeh. The absence of government-enacted rule of law has led to Hezbollah actively ensuring the area’s security. Close to a million people of diverse backgrounds—including Lebanese, Syrians, and Palestinians—call Dahiyeh home, living under challenging circumstances. Despite warnings about potential dangers, I found the community to be safe, largely due to the vigilant security maintained by Hezbollah and the strong sense of community among residents.
Residents of predominantly Shiite Dahiyeh face numerous challenges, from poverty to maintaining daily security. Hezbollah has established educational, health, and media institutions in the area, contributing to the community’s resilience. However, the contrast between Dahiyeh and downtown Beirut is stark. Just a few minutes’ drive away, the city center boasts high-rises and luxury vehicles, giving the impression of a wealthy European city. This glaring social divide places a significant burden on Lebanon’s already strained economy.
On July 30, tensions escalated when Israel struck Dahiyeh, killing senior Hezbollah military commander Fouad Shokor—a man it accused of orchestrating a rocket attack that killed 12 people in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights three days prior. The incident is expected to provoke retaliation from Hezbollah, potentially leading to further tit-for-tat exchanges. Since last October, the Israeli-Lebanese border has witnessed near-daily attacks, heightening concerns about stability in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
