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U.S. urges citizens to ‘reconsider travel’ to Lebanon due to security

The U.S. government is urging its citizens to “reconsider travel” to Lebanon due to the risk of crime and terrorism in the country, according to a renewed travel advisory.

A renewal was issued Sept. 4 by the U.S. Department of State.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo leads the U.S. Department of State. (File photo)
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo leads the U.S. Department of State. (File photo)

READ THE FULL ADVISORY HERE:

Reconsider travel Lebanon due to crime,terrorism, and armed conflict.

Do not travel to:

  • the border with Syria due to terrorismandarmed conflict
  • the border with Israel due to the potential forarmed conflict
  • refugee settlements due to the potential forarmed conflict

U.S. citizens should reconsider or avoid travel to certain areas in Lebanon because of the threats of terrorism, armed clashes, kidnapping, and outbreaks of violence, especially near Lebanon’s borders with Syria and Israel. U.S. citizens living and working in Lebanon should be aware of the risks of remaining in the country and should carefully consider those risks.

U.S. citizens who choose to travel to Lebanon should be aware that consular officers from the U.S. Embassy are not always able to travel to assist them. The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under strict security restrictions. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon. The potential exists for death or injury in Lebanon because of the attacks and bombings perpetrated by terrorist groups. Terrorists may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.

The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the protection of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning. Armed clashes have occurred along the Lebanese borders, in Beirut, and in refugee settlements. The Lebanese Armed Forces have been brought in to quell the violence in these situations.

Public demonstrations can occur with little warning and could become violent. You should avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings. Protesters have blocked major roads to gain publicity for their causes, including the primary road to the U.S. Embassy, and the primary road between downtown Beirut and Rafiq Hariri International Airport. Access to the airport may be cut off if the security situation deteriorates.

Kidnapping, whether for ransom, political motives, or family disputes, has occurred in Lebanon. Suspects in kidnappings may have ties to terrorist or criminal organizations.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Lebanon:

Border with Syria

Since August 2014, deadly terror attacks have occurred in border towns along Lebanon’s border with Syria, as have episodic clashes between the Lebanese Army and Syrian-based violent extremist groups. A 2017 Lebanese Army offensive expelled ISIS militants from territory along Lebanon’s border with Syria. The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Lebanese-Syrian border region. The U.S. Department of State also warns U.S. citizens of the risk of traveling on flights that fly over Syria, which include some flights to Beirut.

Border with Israel

There have been sporadic rocket attacks from southern Lebanon into Israel in connection with the violence between Israel and Hizballah: the last reported incident was in 2014. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid this border area.

Refugee Settlements

The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to refugee settlements, where violence has resulted in shootings and explosions.

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Viral video shows wrong-way driver on Lebanese highway

A viral video circulating on social media appears to show a wrong-way driver attempting to navigate a Lebanese highway in broad daylight.

The video, posted Saturday, uses the hashtag #TMO, which stands for Lebanon’s Traffic Management Organization. It has been viewed more than 100,000 times.

“Only in Lebanon,” the post said.

Editor’s Note: This video contains explicit language. Viewer discretion is advised.

VIDEO: Wrong-way driver on Lebanese highway:

A location is not listed, but posted signage indicates the incident may have happened along the Matn Express Highway.

It is not clear if the driver was cited, or if there were any injuries.

A viral video circulating on social media appears to show a wrong-way driver in Lebanon. (Facebook/Screen grab)
A viral video circulating on social media appears to show a wrong-way driver in Lebanon. (Facebook/Screen grab)

Road safety in Lebanon has been an issue in Lebanon for decades with many road safety organizations advocating for stricter law enforcement and driver’s training.

Some manufacturing companies are working on products to prevent wrong-way driving with a warning for drivers ahead of any potential risk.

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Report: Lebanese cop questioned in prostitution ring investigation

A Lebanese police officer is being questioned in an investigation involving a prostitution ring in Lebanon, LBCI-TV reported.

The officer, a member of Lebanon’s “morality police force,” was allegedly involved in a prostitution operation which targeted women in the small Mediterranean nation.

Authorities did not release the officer’s name. He is said to be “a senior officer,” according to Al Bawaba.

A Lebanese police officer is being questioned as part of an investigation involving a prostitution ring, according to a LBCI-TV report.
A Lebanese police officer is being questioned as part of an investigation involving a prostitution ring, according to a LBCI-TV report.

LBCI-TV reported the arrest of the officer and the subsequent investigation.

“One of the most senior officers in the office of countering immoral crime has been arrested and is being questioned on suspicion of involvement in prostitution networks,” the TV station’s website reported.

RELATED: Prostitution ring busted by security officials in Lebanon

The officer is being referred to a disciplinary committee to evaluate the next steps, reported the newspaper Al Mustaqbal.

In a statement, the Lebanese Internal Security Forces denied the allegations, and called the reports inaccurate and fabricated.

The investigation is over suspected corruption, ISF officials added.

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Remembering McCain’s classy response after voter calls Obama an ‘Arab’

Sen. John McCain — an American war hero and veteran Arizona senator — died Saturday after a long battle with brain cancer. He was 81.

McCain’s legacy spans a lifetime of public service as a former naval pilot, prisoner of war, U.S. senator and Republican presidential nominee.

He was also a level-headed voice in the world of politics, where he brought civility and courteousness to a political system that often lacked basic decency. McCain always took the high road.

In 2008, as then-candidate for president, McCain took a question from a voter who brought up a racist conspiracy theory against then-candidate Barack Obama.

Sen. John McCain defended then-candidate Barack Obama when a voter began mentioning a racist conspiracy theory. (File photo)
Sen. John McCain defended then-candidate Barack Obama when a voter began mentioning a racist conspiracy theory. (File photo)

McCain cut the voter off, took the microphone and defended Obama before a large crowd of supporters and the TV cameras.

“I can’t trust Obama. I have read about him, and he’s not — he’s an Arab,” the woman told McCain during a town hall meeting in Minnesota.

McCain quickly interrupted her thought and replied, “No ma’am.”

“He’s a decent family man, citizen, that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that’s what the campaign is all about,” he replied. “He’s not.”

WATCH: McCain Counters Obama ‘Arab’ Question

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Lebanese teen wins Amal Clooney Scholarship to study abroad in Armenia

A Lebanese teen was awarded the Amal Clooney Scholarship, and will participate in a two-year international baccalaureate program in Armenia, Reuters reported.

Kamar Omary, 16, is the fourth Lebanese teen to receive the prestigious scholarship set up by Lebanese-British human rights attorney Amal Clooney.

The scholarship aims to promote cross-cultural education and social and philanthropic projects, according to a news release.

Omary will study at UWC Dilijan College in Armenia. (UWC Dilijan)
Omary will study at UWC Dilijan College in Armenia. (UWC Dilijan)

“This scholarship (gives) young women from Lebanon the opportunity of a lifetime,” Amal Clooney said. “Cross-cultural learning and studying abroad can be transformative.”

Omary will head to the UWC Dilijan College in Dilijan, Armenia for the two-year program. She told Reuters she wants to join in a nationwide effort to combat child marriage and marital rape in Lebanon.

“We need a minimum age for marriage and marital rape should be criminalized,” Omary told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. “Sexism and abuse of women and children is still widespread. Women are stigmatized. They are generally seen as weaker than men and we need change.”

Omary also wants to follow in Clooney’s footsteps and help people in need, she added.

“Every single person deserves education, health and security, and most refugees don’t get that here. That is very unfair,” Omary said. “I want to connect with people and listen to them – that is how you trigger change and that is what Amal does. She listens to the people and defends them.”

The scholarship winner is chosen annually based on academic performance and interest in the promotion of human rights and international issues.

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Reagan Library releases video of meeting with former president Gemayel

The Reagan Presidential Library released vintage video of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan meeting with former Lebanese President Amine Gemayel.

When the White House hosted the Lebanese President, Reagan was nearing the end of his first term in office while Gemayel was only in his second of six years.

“Our talks today focused on the next steps in securing Lebanon’s independence,” Reagan said during the 1983 meeting.

Many consider the relationship between the two presidents one of the most extensive and personal of any administrations between the two countries.

The meeting took place just a few months before the Beirut barracks bombings, which killed 241 U.S. and 58 French peacekeepers.

Gemayel visited the White House again in December 1983, where he met with Reagan for a second time.

READ: White House daily schedule on the day of Gemayel’s visit to the White House.

“My second visit to the White House in the course of the year is a further confirmation for our appreciation for the consistent support President Reagan has given Lebanon,” Gemayel said at the time.

Watch the footage released here:

READ: Reagan’s diary entry on the day of Gemayel’s second visit to the White House:

Most of N.S.C. spent on getting ready for visit by Pres. Gemayal of Lebanon. But also on whether to step up our artillery fire on Druze batteries lobbying shells in the direction of our Marines. So far we haven’t done anything. We’re a divided group. I happen to believe taking out a few batteries might give them pause to think. Joint Chiefs believe it might drastically alter our mission & lead to major increases in troops for Lebanon. Met with Gemayal & his cabinet. We emphasized need to work harder for expanding govt. to include some dissident groups. He made a good case that Syria has a block on the main factions. Cabinet Council on “space” & where we go. The issue is whether to move on a program for a permanent manned Space station. I’m for it as I think most everyone is but the question is funding such a new course in face of our deficits. Dave Stockman who opposed my signing the dairy bill came in to brief me on how the bill came to be and how may Reps. & Sens. broke their word on concessions they’d promised in return for the bill. I was never told any of this while it was going on. We’ll have to have a different procedure so this cant happen again. Nancy & I went to Shiloh Baptist Church for P.B.S. Young talent taping. Leontyne Price was mistress of ceremonies. Howard U. choir & young black singers were magnificent. It was a great finish to the day.

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Lebanese American attorney to open youth center in Batroun

Prominent Michigan attorney Joumana Kayrouz is planning to fund the construction of a new youth center in the northern coastal city of Batroun, Lebanon, her office announced.

The ‘Youth Hub Center’ will serve as a gathering place for Lebanese youth in the Batroun district. It is set to open in May 2019.

“I want young people in Lebanon and abroad to recognize that important fact and to continue to give back to the country where they were born while pursuing their lives wherever it may take them,” Kayrouz said. “My country opened doors for me and I pray that I am doing all I can to open doors for the next generations of Lebanese talents.”

Kayrouz said the new center is part of a “larger effort” by Lebanese expatriates to support their motherland.

Attorney Joumana Kayrouz is best known for her signature billboard advertisements in metro Detroit. (Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz)
Attorney Joumana Kayrouz is best known for her signature billboard advertisements in metro Detroit. (Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz)

The estimated cost for the project was not released.

“The Lebanese Youth Hub is dedicated to the Lebanese youth, where they will congregate to socialize with one another instead of having to connect solely through technology,” said Gebran Bassil, Lebanon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, whose hometown is Batroun. “It will be their special place.”

Kayrouz has gained national prominence for her signature billboard advertising. She recently expanded her practice to include family law, criminal law, immigration and bankruptcy.

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Lebanese police searching for topless, flashing woman on highway

Authorities in Lebanon are searching for a woman who went topless on a Saida highway and flashed her bare breasts to other motorists, the Daily Mail reported.

The photo circulating on social media purportedly shows an unidentified woman standing outside a sunroof and exposing her breasts to another vehicle.

Lebanese road safety organization YASA is calling on Lebanese police to locate and prosecute the woman.

Police in Lebanon are searching for a woman who flashed motorists on a highway in Saida. (YASA)
Police in Lebanon are searching for a woman who flashed motorists on a highway in Saida. (YASA)

“The police must do significant efforts to enforce traffic law not only speed control on few roads,” YASA founder Ziad Akl told the Daily Mail. “This unfamiliar show is illegal and unethical. Penal law must be enforced in parallel with traffic law in order to eliminate such behavior.”

The flashing prank has sparked a debate among Lebanese social media users. Some users see it as harmless fun, while others believe the woman should be held accountable.

According to the Daily Mail, Lebanon sees an average of 4,500 accidents each year on its roads with more than 6,000 injured and 900 killed.

Editor’s Note: Lebanese Examiner censored the photo to conceal the woman’s face, as she has not been charged with a crime.

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Man accused of killing Lebanese wife sentenced to death by hanging

A Kuwaiti court sentenced an Egyptian teacher Sunday to death by hanging after allegedly murdering his Lebanese wife, a Kuwait-based newspaper reported.

The man, whose name and nationality were not released, is said to be 42-years-old. He is accused in the stabbing death of his wife, authorities said.

According to Alqabas.com, the wife was of Lebanese descent and lived in the suburb of Hawally, Kuwait with her husband and children.

The Kuwait Palace of Justice in Kuwait City. (File photo)
The Kuwait Palace of Justice in Kuwait City. (File photo)

In court, the husband claimed self-defense, alleging his wife drew the knife first.

Authorities did not release the wife’s name.

A circulating video on social media purportedly showed the man surrendering to police on the day of the murder.

WATCH: Arrest made in the murder of a Lebanese woman in Kuwait:

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Viral ‘We don’t tip terrorist’ restaurant receipt fake, waiter admits

A waiter at a Saltgrass steakhouse in Odessa, Texas admitted that his post about a racist receipt that read, “We don’t tip terrorist,” was fake.

Khalil Cavil posted on Facebook on July 16th a photo of a $108 bill with a paragraph explaining what happened.

“Last night at work I received this note from one of my tables,” Khalil wrote. “I share this because I want people to understand that this racism, and this hatred still exists.”

Cavil’s post was shared tens of thousands of times and generated about 8,000 comments before it was deleted.

Khalil's original post has since been deleted (Facebook screen grab)
Khalil’s original post has since been deleted (Facebook screen grab)

“I did write it,” Cavil told the Odessa American local newspaper. “I made a mistake. There is no excuse for what I did.”

Restaurant officials said that Khalil is no longer employed at the establishment.

“Racism of any form is intolerable, and we will always act swiftly should it occur in any of our establishments,” said Terry Turney, COO of Saltgrass. “Falsely accusing someone of racism is equaling disturbing.”

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