The Intelligence from The Economist A broken system, a broken city: Beirut
Aug 6, 2020
Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East correspondent for The Economist, discusses the devastation in Beirut following a catastrophic explosion linked to systemic negligence. The city's shattered infrastructure leaves 300,000 homeless as the government grapples with its failures. James Tozer, a data journalist, shares insights from the updated excess-death tracker, illustrating the true toll of COVID-19 and the complexities of accurate reporting. They also explore shifts in workplace dynamics post-pandemic, revealing changing attitudes toward office life.
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Piano Amidst Ruins
- A woman played piano amidst the Beirut explosion's devastation.
- This poignant scene captured the city's resilience and heartbreak.
Negligence and the Blast
- The Beirut explosion stemmed from negligent governance.
- 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate sat in a port warehouse for years despite warnings.
Governmental Negligence
- Lebanon's government has a history of negligence.
- Examples include inaction on budget, a Ponzi scheme, and neglecting basic services like electricity and trash collection.