Israel accused the army of failing to dismantle a Hezbollah military site in Kafra. The army said Israeli threats delayed its work, which it completed on October 16.

Doubts at a sensitive time

The accusations raise doubts about the army’s ability to control weapons. They could also give Israel an excuse to continue its attacks and pressure Lebanon in security talks.

Rodolphe Haykal under pressure again

The army chief has faced US and local criticism over delays in disarming Hezbollah. These accusations could push him to act faster, raising fears of conflict within Lebanon.

Trust in the army at risk

Israel’s campaign could weaken international trust in the army, affecting military aid and Lebanon’s position in talks. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks continue to disrupt the army’s work in the south.

The case stems from the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which exposed the collection of data from around 87 million users without their consent for political advertising during the 2016 US election.

A jury found Meta responsible for roughly 43.9 million consumer protection violations. The judge reduced the potential penalty from over $219 billion to $25 billion, with funds collected set to support education in New Mexico.

Meta plans to appeal, so the penalty is not yet final.

The bitter irony: Lebanon postponed its own parliamentary elections by two years amid war and security concerns, while Israeli soldiers elect their representatives on land their army occupies.

Denied their vote, Lebanese citizens watch foreign troops exercise that same right on their soil—a stark blow to their country’s sovereignty and dignity.

MEA Chairman Mohammad El Hout made the announcement at a meeting hosted by Labour Minister Mohammad Haidar, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to supporting staff and maintaining operations amid regional instability.

The bonuses follow salary increases and improvements to medical benefits, social support and education grants.

It alleges the deal lacked a specific law, a tender and clear payments to the state, and that contract documents are missing from official records.

Signed during a caretaker government, the agreement also raises questions about ministerial authority. Abi Khalil previously said the tender and approval process preceded caretaker status.

The allegations remain subject to investigation.

It also includes a 20-year gas deal, 800 megawatts of solar power, 440 megawatts of wind power, energy storage and an initial 300 megawatts imported from Syria.

At full capacity, the plants could theoretically provide around 13 hours of electricity daily against constant demand of 3,000 megawatts. Actual supply would depend on consumption and grid losses.

Financing remains under negotiation, pending both governments’ approval. Success depends on securing gas, upgrading the grid and implementing reforms.

Lebanese teenager Mathias Habib died by suicide after ChatGPT conversations about philosophy turned to ending his life. His family accuses OpenAI of missing warning signs and alleges the chatbot helped prepare a post for publication after his death.

When an App Feels Closer Than People

People share fears, relationships and mental health struggles with AI. Always available and seemingly understanding, it can foster intimacy that develops into emotional attachment and growing dependence.

It Tells Us What We Want to Hear

Some AI models affirm users’ beliefs, potentially reinforcing distorted views during psychological distress. Professional support combines empathy with questioning thoughts and testing their accuracy.

Psychological Knowledge Is Not Enough

AI can offer mental health information yet miss crucial details. Therapy involves professional assessment, personal context and ongoing observation, guided by ethical standards and accountability.

Existential Questions Deserve Deeper Reading

AI can introduce ideas about life, death and meaning, but may oversimplify them or remove their context. Original works offer room for reflection, comparison and critical thinking.

A Response Can Put a Life at Stake

Mathias’s case raises questions about AI’s ability to detect warning signs, especially among minors. Harmful responses can have grave consequences, making stronger safeguards and clear access to human support essential.

In August 2025, Attalah was questioned over a report on alleged prison abuses and accused of spreading false news and running an unlicensed website. She was released on bail of 30,000 Egyptian pounds. She was also summoned in 2024 over reporting on talks concerning the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. Mada Masr’s website has been blocked in Egypt since 2017.

The Matsada2sh journalists, arrested on September 28 and 29, face terrorism-related and false-news charges. Amnesty International documented accounts of torture, ill-treatment and forced video confessions, allegations Egypt’s Interior Ministry denied. On October 13, their detention was extended by 15 days.

These cases reflect wider pressure on press freedom and access to information. Egypt ranks 169th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index.

Journalists have the right to investigate abuses, question officials and publish their findings responsibly. The public has the right to read and discuss their work.

Journalism is not a crime. Holding power accountable is not a threat to state security.

First, wars to support its allies: they start with promises of victory and end with death, displacement and destroyed villages. The victories survive only in speeches.

Second, explosives. After roughly half a tonne was seized on the Dahr al-Baydar road, MP Hassan Fadlallah acknowledged its link to the “resistance” and demanded its return. Its destination and purpose remain under investigation.

Third, unsafe medicines. Party members were accused of protecting a controversial warehouse, apparently putting its safety before patients’ lives.

This is democracy, Hezbollah-style: different dangers, with speeches ready to justify the results.

First, wars to support its allies: they start with promises of victory and end with death, displacement and destroyed villages. The victories survive only in speeches.

Second, explosives. After roughly half a tonne was seized on the Dahr al-Baydar road, MP Hassan Fadlallah acknowledged its link to the “resistance” and demanded its return. Its destination and purpose remain under investigation.

Third, unsafe medicines. Party members were accused of protecting a controversial warehouse, apparently putting its safety before patients’ lives.

This is democracy, Hezbollah-style: different dangers, with speeches ready to justify the results.