Middle East Research and Information Project

Critical Coverage of the Middle East Since 1971

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Habib Battah

Habib Battah is an independent journalist and founder of BeirutReport.com. He teaches Global Studies at St. Lawrence University in New York. Find him on X @habib_b.

The MERIP Podcast

The MERIP Podcast Episode 21: Susann Kassem, Lara Deeb and Habib Battah

Today on the podcast three MERIP contributors discuss Lebanon’s tenuous, one-sided ceasefire with Israel. Even as officials in the Lebanese government have entered into negotiations with Israel, an unprecedented diplomatic move with questionable legal status under Lebanese law, Israel has violated the ceasefire numerous times and has continued its
James Ryan, Lara Deeb, Susann Kassem, Habib Battah • 2 min read
Beirut and the Birth of the Fortress Embassy
The new US embassy under construction in Awkar with a view of Beirut in the distance. Photo courtesy of the US Embassy in Beirut’s X feed, May 5, 2023.US embassy officials meeting with Lebanese President Camille Chamoun (in a dark suit with cigarette) at his residence in Jiyyeh, 1959. Photo courtesy of Hanna Farha.The new US embassy complex under construction in Awkar. Photo courtesy of the US Embassy in Beirut’s X feed, May 5, 2023.
Current Analysis

Beirut and the Birth of the Fortress Embassy

A deep dive into the local, regional and global politics behind the sprawling new US embassy complex in Beirut.
Habib Battah • 16 min read