The Federal Reserve Raises Interest Rates for the First Time Since 2023
The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, increasing its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.75% to 4.00%.
Beirut Wire
Two Years Ago Today, the Pager Attack Changed Hezbollah’s War With Israel
Two years ago today, thousands of Hezbollah pagers exploded simultaneously across Lebanon in one of the most sophisticated intelligence operations ever carried out against the group.
Joseph Aoun Says Hezbollah Must Disarm, But Is Unwilling To Do What Is Necessary
President Joseph Aoun says Lebanon remains determined to disarm Hezbollah, but has now made clear that the state will not pursue the process if it leads to internal confrontation.
Why Do Lebanese Homes Have a Salon Reserved Almost Entirely for Guests?
Why did so many Lebanese families keep one of the nicest rooms in their home almost completely unused?
Israeli and Seven Arab Military Chiefs Reportedly Held Secret Meeting in Germany
The military chiefs of Israel and seven Arab states reportedly met secretly in Germany last week for U.S.-organized talks on Iran and the escalating regional conflict. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt were reportedly represented alongside Israel’s military chief.
Former President Michel Aoun Could Be Indicted in the Beirut Port Explosion Case
Prosecutors have asked Judge Tarek Bitar to charge former President Michel Aoun with criminal negligence over the Beirut port explosion, arguing that he knew about the dangerous ammonium nitrate stored at the port but failed to take sufficient action.
Trump Rejects New AI Guardrails, Saying America Cannot Afford to Slow Down Against China
Donald Trump has rejected calls for additional AI guardrails, saying the technology needs little more than a “strong and smart” president and arguing that America already has enough regulatory power to intervene when necessary.