As Syria awaits reconstruction and education reform, efforts are focused on imposing modesty standards on art and imagination. This censorship risks teaching a generation to fear art and obey restrictions instead of thinking critically.

With these priorities in mind, we offer the authorities a few suggestions to help them cover up history, mythology, and imagination.

In a country lacking basic public transport, the modest project became an occasion for ministerial appearances and applause. It seems Lebanon has mastered launching projects far more than managing them.

The ruling stems from allegations that the outlet operated without a license, despite having repeatedly applied for one since 2018. After years of delays in processing those applications, the lack of a license has become the legal basis for shutting down one of Egypt’s most prominent independent news organizations and confiscating its equipment.

Under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the prosecution of journalists, blocking of news websites, and restrictions on media organizations have become instruments of control over public discourse. Laws and security agencies are increasingly used to suppress critical voices, while pro-government media outlets enjoy broad latitude to promote the authorities’ narrative.

The ruling against Mada Masr adds another chapter to Egypt’s record of repression, where journalists face consequences for exposing abuses and holding officials accountable, and freedom of expression is confined to boundaries set by the regime. Every independent news outlet silenced further erodes public scrutiny and accountability, depriving society of its fundamental right to information.

The case began with a raid on a warehouse in Galerie Semaan, where authorities seized expired medicines and others lacking registration documents. Some products were reportedly found to be counterfeit.

Prosecutors have requested records of medicines imported since 2018, along with health ministers’ decisions, technical approvals and test results, to determine who allowed the products into the country.

The case raises concerns about oversight of medicines used to treat serious illnesses, including cancer and immune disorders. The investigation must establish why exemptions were granted, verify the safety of medicines on the market and hold anyone found responsible for violations accountable.

Since 1998, Lebanon has changed its clocks twice a year to make better use of daylight and save energy. Twenty-eight years later, we still follow this routine, despite doubts over the savings and little serious review.

Setting our lives to business hour

Flight schedules and international markets are used to justify changing the clocks. Business interests take priority, while people’s needs receive little attention—as though an entire country must adjust its life to corporate schedules.

Darkness gets home before us

We spend most of the day working, hoping to catch some sunlight afterwards. With winter time, darkness falls an hour earlier, leaving less daylight to lift our mood and ease seasonal depression. In Lebanon, our mental health is already under enough strain.

Hezbollah and the “Wa Ta’awanu” association have turned Ghazieh’s vehicle inspection center into a shelter for around 65 displaced families, building rooms inside and holding an opening ceremony.

After its military decisions helped displace thousands and destroy their villages, the party now presents temporary shelter in a public facility as an achievement worthy of applause.

The move raises questions about authorization, families’ safety, and the center’s future, as continued Israeli attacks bring further risks.

With their homes destroyed and no serious reconstruction plan, displaced families have little choice. Hezbollah continues to dictate their future, while they bear the cost of its decisions.

On October 23, Washington renewed its Lebanon travel warning, urging Americans in high-risk areas to leave immediately.
It warned that missile and drone strikes could hit Beirut and disrupt airport operations.

Southern Lebanon under Israeli military pressure

Israel continues its attacks and occupation of sites in southern Lebanon, linking withdrawal to Hezbollah’s disarmament.
Talks over withdrawal and security arrangements remain stalled, as Israel uses its military presence to press its demands.

Netanyahu heads into elections amid war

Netanyahu faces Knesset elections on October 27 amid criticism of his handling of October 7 and the wars that followed.
Security dominates his campaign, with operations continuing in Lebanon and Gaza and tensions with Iran raising fears of escalation for electoral gain.

US elections add to regional tensions

The November 3 midterms will determine control of Congress.
Rising US–Iran tensions and warnings of Houthi attacks heighten fears of a wider conflict.

Lebanon between escalation and stalled talks

Scenarios range from limited Israeli strikes to expanded operations or a broader conflict.
With talks stalled and occupation continuing, Lebanon remains exposed to decisions beyond its borders.

The decision sparked protests outside Beddawi’s municipal building. Residents and the municipality oppose the project in Saqi al-Beddawi, saying the land is zoned for housing and lies near homes and schools. The municipality has pledged legal action to stop it.

Residents warn of health and environmental risks, including groundwater, soil and air pollution, particularly for children and older people.

The dispute exposes the state’s continued reliance on burying waste instead of investing in sorting, treatment and recycling. Tripoli deserves a solution, and Beddawi deserves to protect its land and residents’ health. Neither community should bear the cost of decades of mismanagement.

Lower fees are encouraging card use for everyday purchases. While this supports transparency, financial recovery still depends on banking reform, protecting depositors’ rights and restoring trust.

Hengaw documented death sentences against 106 people arrested during January’s protests: 35 have been executed, while 63 remain at risk.

Rights groups reported rushed trials, confessions obtained under torture, and denial of fair trial guarantees. Those executed also included people accused of spying and collaborating with foreign states.

Sources: IHRNGO, Hengaw, and Human Rights Watch. Figures based on reports published through October 9–10, 2026.