The Intelligence from The Economist No port, still a storm: Lebanon a year after the blast
Aug 4, 2021
Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, details Lebanon's ongoing political and economic crises while Margaret Kadifa shares personal stories rooted in her grandmother's experiences of Beirut's tumultuous history. They discuss the catastrophic Beirut port explosion, revealing it as a symptom of deeper systemic issues. The conversation dives into the economic turmoil highlighted by Lebanon's surprisingly affordable Big Mac, and the interview paints a vivid picture of resilience amidst chaos, showcasing the struggle for accountability in a beleaguered nation.
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Beirut Blast Experience
- Beirut resident describes the blast's impact, from shattered glass to the chaos that ensued.
- They compare it to a nightmare and express the unprecedented fear they experienced.
Worsening Crisis
- The economic crisis, already severe during the blast, has worsened significantly.
- Lebanon lacks a functioning government to address the situation due to political instability.
Unanswered Questions
- Despite an ongoing investigation, no one is held accountable for the blast, leaving basic facts unclear.
- Even the death toll and the amount of ammonium nitrate that exploded remain uncertain.