Lebanon: A State in Collapse? | People and Power

On August 4, 2020, Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, was devastated by a huge blast.
Some 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, stored - somewhat inexplicably - in a harbourside warehouse with a cache of fireworks, caught fire and then exploded with the force of a magnitude 3.5 earthquake.
More than 200 people were killed, 6,500 were injured and homes, offices and public buildings were shattered across the city. The cost in damaged infrastructure alone was subsequently estimated at billions of dollars. And of course, the blast took place amidst a coronavirus pandemic that was already stretching the country's hard-pressed medical services to breaking point.
A disaster on such a scale would knock any nation to its knees, but it could hardly have come at a worse time for Lebanon, which in recent years has been trapped in spiralling political and economic problems.
Understandably, many of its citizens believe those problems and the August 4 blast stem from the same underlying cause: the woefully ineffectual government and financial management provided by a ruling elite that is entrenched in power along sectarian lines, but which habitually spends more time squabbling about how to divide the spoils than it does on running the country.
So what are the consequences of this seemingly interminable crisis for the people of Lebanon and will the country be able to recover? We sent filmmaker Nada Issa to find out.
- Subscribe to our channel: aje.io/AJSubscribe
- Follow us on Twitter: / ajenglish
- Find us on Facebook: / aljazeera
- Check our website: www.aljazeera.com/

[@clem2874]

Any Zimbabwean here? Same thing happened in my country Zimbabwe in 2007 and we haven't recovered more than a decade later. It's really sad. My prayers are with the Lebanese people.

[@heavent883]

@Pendulous Testicularis what

[@tindotings7892]

Long live Zimbabwe 💪💪💪

[@chriswatson3464]

What happened in 2007?

[@priortokaraew7569]

@Billy Billy sounds pretty much the same to me.

[@alischmaz0037]

@Billy Billy the Regime change in iran is coming soon and with that the middle east will be much better place!

[@Iridescence7770]

"In the absence of a state, the unthinkable becomes necessary" gonna hang that quote on my wall

[@gilgameschvonuruk4982]

ancaps won't like this

[@stupoc6715]

Murry Rothbard.

[@SirPhoenixofSoCal]

Gilgamesch von Uruk no, no i do not like this at all

[@greektrump5227]

The fact that such a beautiful country with such amazing people like Lebanon has to go through all this really sucks man, I hope things change for the better in the near future.

[@pearsonchibehe6743]

yeah...lebanon is the best country in the middle east for me, as far as people and culture go..that and jordan

[@Thegrumpycoach]

Greece is much better hey.......

[@vegitoblue137]

Once the Mahdi Comes Then There will be Peace and no more Suffering

[@rimshot6444]

Grump...

[@nikolaosmark5812]

Yeah, I feel like the white Cristian ones look alike us and have much in common as it seems. As if they're old residue from Pontic Greeks, Alexander the Great or later Greek Ptolemaic dynasties. Yet I might be completely wrong 'cause as it shows our DNA is clean and unique in Greece only. Unless these white ones weren't tested and compared at all. Anyway, about Lebanon, I don't see a way out with Islam and Christianity being so much incompatible. Always fuses could arise.

[@mhmdkhalil576]

Lebanese youth are well-educated, but this oligarchy doesn't want them to stay in Lebanon so they would have more control over the people.

[@fathergascoigne4609]

Like my country, Eritrea. The dictator chased us, the young educated people out of our homes.

[@jonathanfrancisco2092]

what well educated?and old people are morons.he he he.hezbollah eat your system.

[@bayyakhraiki960]

You're giving our oligarchy too much credit. I'd compare them to greedy gluttons more than smart people who can think for their own long term self interest. They'd just eat up the whole pie and forget to keep some for tomorrow then get shocked when people revolt. The educated people leaving is just a bi-product of their dumbasses

[@jonathanfrancisco2092]

@@bayyakhraiki960 its your problem,then what do poor people do?just to complain period.

[@dragon237]

@@jonathanfrancisco2092 what else do we do lmao

[@suhaibts7278]

I have been there in 2019. What a beautiful country and people. I really wanted to visit again. Pls survive this tough time Lebanon.

[@anonymousboy8802]

Mallu aano

[@mohammadalwazzan3937]

We will try our best!

[@rknine7998]

I visited in March 2013, exactly 8 years ago. Are you originally from Lebanon?

[@Anything13265]

Don't worry, we will always survive Maybe this time the fire is bigger than ever, but the firemen are also more than ever.

[@suhaibts7278]

@@rknine7998 Nop. I was there only for 5 days. It was an admirable experience. I never felt any other country beautiful like this. I don't know why. May be because of the diversity it had. I went to grotto caves, beautiful farayah. Really wanted to comeback with my family.

[@jackblack1332]

As a syrian who visited Beirut many times I can say the problem will never be solved as long as Iranian,syrian and western governments don't leave them alone.... every denomination has a foreign affiliation and that's a recipe for destruction. I'm praying for my lebanese brothers because If the war in Syria gets transferred into Lebanon by iran....the consequences will be tragic

[@dragon237]

too bad we will all die

[@jackblack1332]

@@dragon237 i hope some expats from lebanon come together and fix this situation because there's no government left. I keep praying..

[@yazzbazzs3602]

I cry for Syria everyday, hope is on the way stay strong🙏🏾 and might Lebanon be saved! Sending prayers to you!🤍

[@Ak-ue2yq]

Is Islam the problem in Lebanon. Give me objective answer…

[@rdflower7025]

@@Ak-ue2yq the Ottoman period was more stable. Near the end it started to change and collapased. Lebanon didn't use to exist

[@mohsins.3851]

There is an translation error at 3:49, she is saying " I am earning less than 40% of my income" which means her salary lost 60% of its value.

[@Marxman1917]

Thanks

[@cazzaki9554]

Did she say she she only gets 40% as in the currency depreciated or the banks only let people take out a portion of money from their account because they might not have enough to give to everyone?

[@mohsins.3851]

@Michael Antonio Oh Gon~~~~~!!

[@mohsins.3851]

@@cazzaki9554 I don't have a bank account here, but I am highly positive she is talking about the value of her work is being devalued by the inflation of the currency.

[@rajdialnandram5676]

Lebanon was doing well before the islamists took over. And by the way the territory of Lebanon wes part of the promised land which was never taken. Maybe the solution for Lebanon is to seek peace with Israel and its fortune may change. Who knows.

[@internaltissues5648]

al jazeera been pumping out some great documentaries lately, i've watched quite a bit of them. great work! Perhaps one about China-Taiwan next?

[@ibvghgfvbnbc]

you're not the only one, I can see their documentaries on par with our local GMA news documentaries, high calibre!

[@questworldmatrix]

Are people expecting some China mainland treating Taiwan like it's some US trade embargo on Cuba? I don't get this China demonization. Especially how quickly they look away when it's their own government. Instead people would either act like they're the lesser evil or call it even.

[@mrberzerk8411]

@@questworldmatrix Cuba is a dictatorship in crumbles we just need to keep it like that until the people fight the government

[@mrberzerk8411]

I know it sounds bad but still politically correct

[@onlineshoppingjakarta7338]

@@mrberzerk8411 a tough cookie

[@RPE1993]

I'm from US but my great grandfather came from Lebanon... My heart goes out to these types of videos... Wish i could do something about it and find my family there too

[@waitingforwonderland6036]

same here

[@ItsAbdoVlogs]

I'm so sad what happened to great Lebanon & lovely Lebanese people Much love guys you are not Alone

[@snekula5353]

You know it's bad when Syria is seen as a better place to live.

[@Ahmad-up9og]

It's not

[@mxkinist]

nah syria is still a war torn dictatorship ruled by an oppressive nepotistic regime. in syria when people complain publicly about the politicians you never hear from them again. i would much rather stay in lebanon

[@suleyman8696]

@@mxkinist In term of dictatorship Saudi has the worst

[@suleyman8696]

What do u mean ? Syria was good before 2011 you idi*t

[@mxkinist]

@@suleyman8696 true

The guy with the rpg “we use them against isis, burglars and Israel” lol

[@tjmarx]

Theives, ISIL and israel*

[@iam250]

its no lol matter ya ahbal.

@@iam250 Sure I do, I am "the enemy".

[@hueyfreeman1983]

Based

[@salhistory8169]

Burglar: *enters* Hermel resident: "I'm about to end this man's whole career"

[@smuirhead3107]

Oh goodness, my heart aches for the father of three kids. I know it is hard my friend. I understand your sense of hopelessness but please don't hurt yourself. Please don't. I'm so very sorry for your struggle but keep going. We will find a way to rise above the oppression. We have to, for our children

[@MARSBELLA1]

We need to pray to end the cynicism that started since 9.11 - and pray that God in whatever name you call it - will show us a sign ***

[@sonofagun00]

This was such an eye opening investigative episode. Well done. Please produce more of these, they’re very informative and open our eyes. Also, Nada Issa is an awesome presenter.

[@wym5311]

I had the honour of visiting Lebanon back in 2018....it saddens me to see this great country fall. I hope this is temporary..this hurts

[@ayubtube5513]

I was in Lebanon 2021 summer and winter the situation was no joke

[@lesroquel]

I get better news from foreign networks that I get from networks here in the US, keep it up.

[@davidslattery6750]

Fantastic journalism. No words can describe the hellish trials the people of this nation have endured, the only way forward is a fit for purpose political system that had been cleansed of the disastrous current office holders who make a sick mockery of what it is to be the peoples representatives.

[@rknine7998]

I remember at one time, Lebanon used to have one of the best economy in the world. Now the elites are breaking it down through finances. In addition, it's unfortunate that the government is very greedy and selfish, instead of supporting their own people.

[@loiscarrillo4058]

The same thing is going on in America. Biden & the Dems are destroying us.

[@luishernandezblonde]

Lebanon, yeah, the tragedy of Mid-East. Rich and yet so poor.

[@endribardhyli1340]

Rich in what? No natural resources, no industry, no intellectual property, no geopolitical significance. It is rich in coffeeshops but that is about it.

[@luishernandezblonde]

@@endribardhyli1340 It used to be the Switzerland of Middle East.

[@mikeab2871]

@@rhutwijtulankar1326 actually Lebanon would be really well off and doing well if the politicians didn't rob the country.

[@johnl.7754]

Being Natural resources rich means it does not need to evolve and keep up with the world competitively so women don’t work and most money is handed out by governments.

[@h.b.7104]

@@luishernandezblonde It was never like Switzerland. This is a lie Lebanese tell themselves to make themselves feel important (yes, I'm Lebanese).

[@comnixx1]

May God have mercy on the Lebanese poor.

[@ordi5497]

Not only on Lebanese: the foreigners over there have a though time as well (syrian refugees, immigrant employees, etc.). We need to pray for all the people who live in this country.

[@johnl.7754]

Lebanese are poor because people (religious groups) are using the name of GOD to control the people/country.

[@kent4200]

@@johnl.7754 Hizbullah and the current government are the reason

[@makeachange3455]

@@kent4200 Hizbullah was founded in the 80's but the problem in Lebanon started in the 70's. There should be other reasons too

[@kent4200]

@TBY_ Lucas true!

[@Ditka-89]

My dads from Lebanon. Makes me thankful to be born in the US

[@politicalflashback.880]

Get ready for war in Lebanon, see it turning into another Syria now.. You voted Biden , you are going to be part of problem.

[@Ditka-89]

@@politicalflashback.880 I voted for Trump for the sole reason that he had no interest in bombing arab countries indiscriminately

[@dragon237]

trump is better than biden tbh, Biden's administration looks like a joke

[@MrFrenchteacher1]

How many dads do you have? Is it something to do with a cult?

[@kafon6368]

@@MrFrenchteacher1 "It takes a village to raise a child"

[@goldroger6151]

8:06 boy 😭😭😭😢🥺 hang on tight , just make it through , and all the people ✨

[@bjcbjc6133]

Everyday I realized how blessed I am, my heart goes out to these people. Praying for the world.

[@danieldd1804]

I haven’t been in Lebanon in almost 9 years... I wish I could do something to help the country...

[@jackherer8430]

send money to your relatives! even if it's inflated, it'll go a long way

[@i.am.ghost.]

@@jackherer8430, people are sending money to families, families are buying stuff made in other countries , sell by foreign companies who does not pay taxes in Lebanon so money are going out of the country. Any money sent from outside to Lebanon families are not countable in the country's budget, do those money are very easy to steal, because they know how much money got in to the country but nobody counts those money. If they are caught in the country's anual budget , then they can not steal it, but they cannot add those money in the budget because they don't know how much money they will be. Same thing in Romania, 6 million people left the country to find jobs and better life, 4 billion dollars every year sent by them to their families in Romania, nobody counts their money, the country is poor and corrupted. Just imagine, Romania has borrowed 100 billion dollars from international banks but the money sent by Romanians working and living outside Romania to their families are at least 60 billion dollars in the last 15 years. If someone can explain where those 60 billion went, then he is a smart guy. So don't worry, you're not alone.

[@bssb8537]

$$$

[@songoffools4319]

The only help for us all is in the Gospel. 🙏🏼

[@friedshrimp4472]

There isn't much you can do besides helping the small communities survive. Their governments are all corrupts and money hungry.

[@angryagain3801]

Crazy sad. I have no other words. Pray for the people of Lebanon.

[@aregmartirosyan2076]

I hope labonon recovers From Armenia we understand your pain 🇦🇲❤🇱🇧

[@nurieln]

It is now official. Lebanon id dead. The reserves of foreign currency had expired. The stores are empty of consumable products. R.I.P Lebanon.

[@therealcool1144]

Simple solution - get off the dollar peg. It's pointless. What benefit does a dollar peg bring to Lebanon? Nothing.

[@nurieln]

@@therealcool1144 Not thatI care but what can benefit lebanon in your opinion? What can bring it back to life?? Incidentally. Lebanon is officially bankrupt. No one will lend her a penny let alone a dollar

[@therealcool1144]

@@nurieln You don't understand financial economics enough. If the lebanese government get off the peg, they can issue the Lebanese pound they need and then use it to kick start the economy again without needing to get dollar or foreign reserve currencies (because they're off the peg). It's impossible to become bankrupt if they get off the dollar peg. If it's still pegged, they would need to export more than it imports (which is negligible because Lebanon imports most of its stuff) If they run out of foreign currency reserves (which they're heading towards) they will go bankrupt. Because government spending will need to be matched with foreign reserve currency. But under free floating exchange rate (no peg) they will have the fiscal capacity to spend without anyone lending to them or needing the foreign currency reserves.

[@parallaxnators1363]

@@therealcool1144 true but the governemnt is using the crisis for their benefits basically Lebanese people have dollars in their banks but if they are to withdraw the money they would get 10%of the money and lose 90 % to the government

[@hismajestyericcartmanthese5755]

After seeing this video I thank God I live in Australia. My prayers go out to the people of Lebenon.

[@larsstougaard7097]

Yes we must pray, you only got pandemic, lockdown, wildfires to worry about in Australia. Poor people in Lebanon.

[@milesinnz]

if you saw the video to the end, you would have seen how religion plays it's part in destabilizing a country.. so the last thing that is needed is some God.. and what did prayers ever solve.. just false hope for the delusional..

[@kent4200]

@@milesinnz religion has nothing to do with this, Lebanese people are united may it be Muslim or Christian the only problem is the government

[@larsstougaard7097]

@@kent4200 agree but the government systems is based exactly on the sectarian groups and a certain power balance between them. Thats why I support that they drop that system for a neutral secular one.

[@kent4200]

@@larsstougaard7097 in Lebanon's case (54% muslim and 45% Christians) it should 100% be secular in order to fulfill the rights of all citizens there. where are you from?

[@reanbarazi6615]

It's all the government doing Lebanon is a beautiful country very nice people they derisive much better life

[@mads89k90]

Hi Al Jazeera, is there some way I can contact the gentleman from the camp who spoke about eating the sandwich on the ground?

[@LukeIamYourFather94]

انتى اقوى من الكل .... لكى الله يا حبيبتى لبنان

[@MihaiRUdeRO]

Imagine breaking into the house of the guy with the rocket launcher lmao

[@schadabm.d.9913]

Thanks for the documentary in-between the ads XD

[@quantumthinker3248]

I liked this al Jazeera! 👍 May God have mercy on us

[@atomicstyle7344]

Love the intro! So creative!

[@jadsalem2723]

Very will informative documentary about the situation in Lebanon. Thanks

[@hamidnorouzi3676]

I can understand rich countries can recover when something goes wrong but for poor countries it’s very very hard to recover.

[@chriskatra2073]

Lebanon is rich country but the difference no one need to recover it you have more than 100 billion dollars its gone like this

[@_j.s_prd]

It can recover but no one from the elite wants it like that, it is not in their interest because if Lebanon goes up they know that they will be down and the can't accept the fact that they will be not taped to their chairs anymore, it's like the chair is more important than any human soul, and the saddest part is that there's still cheeps who pray for their leaders and make them gods and are ready to kill just so they can have their beloved thief on his position

[@hamidnorouzi3676]

@@_j.s_prd I understand bring changes can go wrong maybe but we should know human lived for more than 20 sentry so if they government gives an opportunity we should not use it as tools to go against them and trust me running a country in this big world is not an easy task.

[@well4788]

@@_j.s_prd They're selling us out to Iran

[@smuirhead3107]

All the suffering people are in my heart and prayers

[@martajomaa]

I am married to a Lebanese and I love this country to the core, with all its flaws. However, it hurts so badly to see it like that. We came this year after nearly 2 years, last time we left the protests started a week later. We came because my husband's dad got very sick, we are fortunate enough to have our salaries in foreign currency so we can help. It is not easy to exchange money at all, even on the black market - they accept only the newest 100$ bill so if your bank gave you cash in old bills, you end up without any money here because you can't transfer the money through bank as well. The prices are getting higher every week, there is no petrol and they even cut water in households from time to time. It is true what the man said about COVID, you don't worry about the pandemic when you can't afford next meal for your family. I just wish to see the country rise as it deserves. This land is so beautiful with the nicest people, it doesn't deserve this situation.

[@andrewgnys6285]

Lebanon should elect a new and young leadership. Instead of just rotating the old ones or there family members. We have many young, educated Lebanese living in Australia. I'm sure they could help, I know they would be sending assistance to Lebanon anyway.

[@yurichtube1162]

Only a coup or revolution can accomplish that

[@researchdesignz]

This used to be a Christian-majority country , all people groups enjoyed their freedoms /rights... economically thriving, was called the mini europe in middleeast! What a mess it is today, all downhill from here ... feels bad for its people , but it was their decisions decades ago that got them here ... the leaders/system u pick has consequences!

[@ivanbozic750]

Quo vadis Lebanon? I lived in Lebanon... Beautiful country, girls, great food an excellent night life... But when you go outside of bourgeoisie manTaa... You see reality... Hoping that Lebanon in the future will be secular country. Inshallah.

[@med.beautyacross.1933]

Lebanon is my favourite arabic country that I'm looking forward to visit , unfortunately , the country is torn apart by filthy corrupted government and civil war . Wish Lebanese people will be more waken up to all the malicious attempts to keep it backward and peace prevails , I love you Lebanon

[@donkeykong6919]

Great reporting!

[@scorpiothe13th5]

Imagine this Oligarchs and Mafia joined hands in depleting the money of Lebanon. How much share did the government officials managing the country?

[@loloybaloloy4402]

May the rest of the world (except Vachina) help you with your speedy recovery Lebanon. As the Beatles used to say, give peace a chance.

[@fathergascoigne4609]

"Beirut Beirut Beirut Never Sleeps" there was a song that went like that. I hope everything goes well for them.

[@dragon237]

thank you

[@UserwowbeautifulsiteLogin]

They has to get rid of hizzbola

[@MrFrenchteacher1]

@@UserwowbeautifulsiteLogin it looks like hizbola is the only institution that is organised. Here is your problem, infighting , killing each other: you have not understood your lesson

[@_j.s_prd]

@@MrFrenchteacher1 you said it: "looks like" but sadly it isn't..

[@MrFrenchteacher1]

@@_j.s_prd ok, so let’s say: hizbola is the most organised group in Lebanon. Let hizbola and your army run the country: Hizbola ïn charge of the south and external defence and the army in charge of the rest: economics, security, foreign affairs.

[@audhildbenjaminsen665]

How was the small fire and firework like explotions able to ignite the ammonium nitrate stored in the building?

[@WELSHDESI]

Welcome to club Lebanon 🇱🇧! Love from Pakistan 🇵🇰.

[@josemon5719]

Religion is a common factor. Haha

[@ottomanempire3725]

@@josemon5719 yeah cuz Lebanon is 40% Christian

[@mustafa8988]

Hahahahahah i hope you guys are enjoying democracy as much as we are🇵🇰. Just wait till your politicians hear about Modern Moneterist Theory, thats when the real party starts 🤣😂

[@brianmoreno870]

@@mustafa8988 what’s that supposed to mean

[@WELSHDESI]

Guys Let me clarify what I meant by join the ‘Club’ it’s toward countries which are Financially in a Mess, such Pakistan 🇵🇰, Greece 🇬🇷 Argentina 🇦🇷, Egypt 🇪🇬, Venezuela 🇻🇪 etc.

[@jyll.7132]

I feel so sorry for these people. Times have been difficult and getting worse for a long time.

[@berniealmario7698]

There's still hope for Lebanon. I'm praying for Lebanon. Watching from Philippines.

[@antoineyssard5992]

Good work Nada, nice format, congrats !

[@peteprovvedi2074]

I pray for the people. Evil will not stand!!!

[@larsstougaard7097]

Well evil still runs the country, the elite refuse any reforms or make promises. They don't care about the people.

[@gfhrb39qq]

It's all about MONEY my friend !!! MONEY destroys all nations, social structures, hope, EVERYTHINGS. You need to change LIFE STYLE... From money-oriented to self-sufficient. Just lower your EXPECTATION.

[@StephenfromChch]

Very interesting production. Hopefully the overwhelming majority of the Lebanese people can support a fundamental change.

[@Justisinus65]

People keep electing the same corrupt politicians for decades, Lebanese people have to take power back and get rid of corrupt political parties. God bless Lebanon and it people.

[@bkul44]

Way to go people of lebanon !!!! is there no shame on the government for not even helping the people after the explosion !!! this government must go !!

[@MYT1FL]

It’s a dysfunctional “government” to put it mildly...

[@mishapurser4439]

It's really sad to see this happening anywhere, but to see the land of the Phoenicians in this state is especially disturbing.

[@treasuretrails]

So grateful to live in New Zealand!

[@JuniorJuni070]

@K Andreis do they die ? No.. new zeeland is peaceful.

[@JuniorJuni070]

@K Andreis im half frisian. Thats were the germanic language English comes from.. origins.

[@JuniorJuni070]

@K Andreis its one of my languages. Yes. INCLUDING spanish and french. You see im From europa..

[@JuniorJuni070]

@K Andreis we know our own languages unlike you.. who needs to speak english in order for us to understand you.. because you got no language

[@JuniorJuni070]

@K Andreis so unless you got european roots of more then a 1000 years.. stfu. We even gave you a religion lmao.

[@bilalaslamaslam91]

May Allah have mercy on labenese people and their country its a sad and devastating situation in Lebanon .

[@eprofessio]

Isn’t that the city where the port officials and city officials stored a warehouse full of ammoniumnitrate and it blew a crater in the port district...

[@user-th4ch4ky3g]

Yep

[@priortokaraew7569]

How is it possible that a country and it's systems can fail this miserably?

[@thecoolestkidinkalkallo9621]

Because of the people maybe…???

[@xonganichauke3011]

I hope things are better at Lebanon... May God bless this country....

[@Soma-7662]

God shall give Lebanon people twice what they wish for others

[@omar403o7]

This is so sad because we see many doctors, nurses and many others wanting to escape lebanon.

[@yazzbazzs3602]

Very sad 😢😞🥺

[@thesarcasticliberal]

The first step towards actually fixing this is eliminating Hezbollah and the various Iranian proxies who have essentially been colonizing the government since 2005. Their focus has been maintaining sectarian control and directing resources towards fighting Israel, rather than actually caring about what happens within Lebanese borders, while providing just enough in well-publicized public works to prevent revolt. It's an incredibly sad situation that I don't see resolving any time soon.

[@Fahad-mo1tq]

How to remove a terrorist militia who have more power than the military and supported by Iran?

[@thesarcasticliberal]

@@Fahad-mo1tq It's really hard. An invasion from any outside force (namely the US or Israel) would only solidify their hold, and likely kill a lot of innocent people. I hope that, eventually, the Lebanese just decide that they've had enough and revolt. Pretty much the only external thing that can help this though is the US cutting the economic ties from Iran that support Hezbollah as best it can, so as to weaken them enough that they are vulnerable to a revolt.

[@saiadithya1279]

Hope situation improves...

[@Kali9030]

Good documentary for sure. But one thing quite noticeable is that some of their problems are not going to be solved by just the better economy, I guess. Really sad to see that they have reached this state and with less natural resources no 'Big brother' will watch out for sure, I hope their communities living across the world would step in. Hope to see positive updates soon.

[@dpfrnqz671]

With the way America is becoming divided, these atrocities may become realities. Scary thought.

[@jeffreyschwarz3699]

There is a country right next door that is advanced and filled with scholars, teachers and scientists who could possivly help them, but sadly they are at war. It makes no sense.

[@judymckee5992]

Hezbollah is firing missiles towards them, what do they expect? Why don't they just be neighborly and get rid of hatred.

[@jeffreyschwarz3699]

@@judymckee5992 You do not understand the Shia religion that demands conquest and conversion of their enemies. If you dont understand their religion you cannot understand their motivations.

[@judymckee5992]

@@jeffreyschwarz3699 , I understand their religion, my point is evil begets evil.

[@jeffreyschwarz3699]

@Toad64 Nonsense. Israel's got the brains. The US money is spent in the US buying weapons because Israel is a target for every two bit Jew hating country.

[@jeffreyschwarz3699]

@Toad64 Think what you want, seriously dont care.

[@panubun5312]

America will be like this some day , if it keeps on incline this angel

[@Venusrival]

stay strong Lebanon

[@asimayub2156]

Lebanon has exported one of their corrupts to Afghanistan, her name is Rola Ghani the wife of the president. Under his wise leadership we are heading to the same place where Lebanon is now.

[@asimayub2156]

@@MYT1FL first know the facts. The wife interferes in every decision and wasting public funds, picks fights with the parliament, and still shouldn't be blamed.

[@asimayub2156]

@@MYT1FL I didn't blame anyone in Lebanon. You have surely misunderstood me. My sympathies are with Lebanese people and I feel their pain when they see that their country was looted by a few families. We have the same problem in Afghanistan. My aim was to highlight the similarity between the plight of the two countries and their people.

[@MYT1FL]

@@asimayub2156 I misunderstood. Sorry about that. Inshallah things will get better in Afghanistan and Lebanon.

[@alexgoslar4057]

An opportunity for neighboring countries to step in with economic support in exchange for establishing future markets.

[@judymckee5992]

Hezbollah would rather fire missiles, they sabotage their people and push them to starvation.

[@TheMagnificentGman]

Thanks Iran

[@VemiX1000]

As a Bosnian I fully understand the political and economic stagnation.

[@arabakoleman1132]

All these challenges worldwide remind of the song , "Just stop your crying it's the sign of the times, I hope you're wearing your best clothes " Harry Styles . I hope we are wearing our best clothes because it's going to get tougher with all the greed and corruption becoming the norm.

[@aatayyab]

What a wonderfully deep comment. Stopping to crying and actually doing something about it like the volunteers here in this documentary about Lebanon totally inspired me.

[@arabakoleman1132]

Yes, they were really inspiring and that is the little beacon of hope we need to hold onto and not let go ,because the worst is yet to come and we will need such people and also need to become like such people .

[@stoneluv8940]

The wealthy will see how money spends in the afterlife.

[@Tammissa]

I agree, what will all that money do for them when they stand before Allah on their judgment day?

[@hoopstv3691]

@John K allah means god in arabic

[@dragon237]

@John K Allah literally means God in arabic

[@dragon237]

@John K it's a translation bro

[@hoopstv3691]

@John K i’m christian but the direct translation of allah to english is god

[@cambo6911]

It appears as though the United States of America has done their work well.... May God keep His hand on these people and deliver them from this ongoing despair. In the Holy Name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. God bless 🙏

[@user-pn2nm2gv2m]

Everytimes When a country is almost collapsing why do you have to accuse USA its like "Your mom Died because of Cancer and then you blame US"

[@dsm5d723]

I learned how to compute reality with the work of Nassim Taleb. This is disconcerting. I wish his land well; it has a real leader in him, if it can appreciate him. The West is too far gone.

[@joesheppard8831]

This filmed in July 2020, what is the current story?

[@billaldaye6496]

an absolute cluster fudge........basically we're counting down to total destruction.

[@machaa5979]

You don’t even wanna know

[@jmus6494]

The documentary looks hopeful compared to the present. Lebanon is facing an inability to import food due to.foreign exchange shortages

[@willamdafoe9300]

Come to Greece we love Lebanese 🇬🇷❤🇱🇧

[@horizon-one]

Though you mean well. Please do not use the Name of the Lord as an ID. Our Lord said "do not place that which is Holy before dogs". The Lord's Name is the most Holy of all. Please change your ID. The Israelites never reveal the pronunciation of God's Name (the Tetragrammaton) as given to Moses to guard it from irreverence and profanity. This is not a place for the Lord's Holy Name.

[@bryanmower2703]

could you please play an advert more frequently than every other minute I really love watching endless adverts

[@jhawtala7069]

Keeping a clean balance sheet against USD as mostly dependent on imports can become tricky any time.

[@mikedem755]

I'm sure Iran 🇮🇷 and Hizbulah well come to the rescue and bail them out!

[@usausa2390]

One word Iran

[@usausa2390]

@Papa Stalin we will see how much Iran has do do with it when they run Lebanon stupid or are defeted by Israeli forces and lebonon run by iseral

[@subsahara1858]

Some people do not like change and go the way they know and understand That's the problem

[@larsstougaard7097]

And the major problems in Lebanon has been know for many many years. The needed reforms of banks, the wild curruption, the electricity problems, trash problem, a heavily armed Hizbollah ( very bad to have 2 separate armies in a country), and on and on

[@irishpicker7295]

Sorry but when a currency is based on air this is what happens. This is coming for us all, best thing you can ever do is begin to grow your own food.

[@martins3885]

Yes

[@ETS186]

Al jazeera, as you're supported by the Qatari government. You don't need my money. I'll skip the ads. But thank you for the content for real.

[@btbingo]

Iran will not permit Lebanon to recover.

[@jay_is_on_youtube3433]

as a Lebanese this has been an insane ride, our country needs lots of help.

[@i.am.ghost.]

That ammonium has to be stored in an controlled air and temperature storage. That ammonium didn't got wet and hot in 5 min before explosion. If anything changes in the climate , they will know and if they cannot fix it, for sure they had to warn authorities. That thing doesn't explode in minutes, it takes hours to get wet, then hot and explodes.

[@eliejabbour8827]

As long as the iranian militia hezbollah is present on the lebanese soil, the situation will only get worse.

[@eliejabbour8827]

@Papa Stalin the government is controlled by hezbollah lol. I can tell you're not Lebanese.

[@therealmac1044]

God bless Lebanon 🇱🇧 most beautiful country and most beautiful people . 🙏🙏🙏

[@horizon-one]

Hezbollah has ruined it

[@hudsons3184]

States collapse when the people in charge of the state don't care about the state. It's plain and simple. There are more Lebanese people living outside Lebanon than inside. Massive corruption, low level of exports, massive debt and terrible governance have contributed to this collapse.

[@smuirhead3107]

"resource based economy" Jaques fresco. Solve every problem facing humans

[@suuunshine27]

Can someone explain to me why they intentionally made the talks with Israel about the maritime border fail? Don't they need those billions desperately now?

[@jmus6494]

Lebanon excels at self harm

[@divinegaming8184]

Remember it's always the poor who suffer the rich will find their way of comfort and money

[@mirak3050]

heartbreaking.

[@appukuttanj]

Al Jazeera, would love to see you do a documentary on the Qatar World Cup preparations in light of the Guardian reports. Those who live in glass houses.....!