When you hear the name Lebanon, you might think of Hezbollah fighters and a war-torn country. However, a few decades ago, this Western Asian nation, especially its capital Beirut, was the hub of attraction for the world's wealthiest tourists. Back then, Lebanon was associated with beaches, crowded streets, and freely roaming people. But the political and economic crises have pushed Lebanon, once known as the Switzerland of the Middle East, into its current state of distress.
Beirut, once dubbed the 'Paris of the Middle East,' still retains some of its remnants today. Even though it is now filled with news of violence and bloodshed, the resilient spirit of the Lebanese people is evident. When the bombings stop, the parties begin.
On September 23rd, Israeli attacks on Hezbollah facilities resulted in 492 deaths, marking the deadliest day of cross-border attacks. The Iran-backed Hezbollah responded by launching 200 rockets into northern Israel. Previously, Hezbollah was notorious for causing damage through thousands of blasts in cell phones. Over the past 11 months, Hezbollah fired 8,000 rockets into Israel.
Amidst massive destruction in Lebanon, people recall the days when it was known as the 'Switzerland of the Middle East.' Old photos and videos going viral show women relaxing in swimsuits on the beaches and partying in clubs.
Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, saw its first beach club open in the 1930s. St. George Club was established along the seaside. According to CNN, St. George Hotel in Beirut hosted some of the world's most famous and prominent tourists. This hotel became a symbol of Lebanon's changing image.
In the 1950s, the influx of wealth led to the rise of the Mediterranean's own 'La Dolce Vita'. Five-star hotels, nightclubs, and fine-dining restaurants began opening for affluent tourists arriving from all over the world. Lebanon's rich culture, French architecture, world-class cuisine, fashion, and luxurious lifestyle attracted high-class tourists.
By the 1960s, Beirut had established itself as the party hub. According to Lonely Planet, this was the era when French actress Brigitte Bardot and American star Marlon Brando spent time at seaside hotel pools with oil baron sheiks and spies.
The party continued uninterrupted until the mid-70s. But that marked the start of Lebanon's tragic journey. Civil war, unstable governments, and financial corruption thrust Lebanon into the crisis it faces today.
The Lebanese Civil War was a complex, multi-faceted conflict from 1975 to 1990 involving various internal and external forces, claiming 150,000 lives. It began on April 13, 1975, when Maronite Christian militia attacked a bus carrying Palestinian refugees, escalating already tense conditions into widespread conflict.
The war stemmed from deep religious divisions between Christians and Muslims, economic disparities, and the influence of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). The PLO's presence was significant, with Lebanon’s Muslims and leftists supporting it, while Christians opposed it, fearing a threat to their political standing.
In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon to remove the PLO, leading to Beirut’s siege and the eventual expulsion of the PLO under international supervision. This period also saw the rise of Shia groups, including the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
To oust the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), Israel invaded Lebanon, leading to the Beirut siege and PLO’s expulsion under international supervision.
Between 1976 and 1988, internal conflict and peace attempts failed, complicating matters further. The Taif Agreement under Arab League supervision in 1989 marked the beginning of the war’s end, electing Elias Hrawi as president. Gradually, militias were dismantled, but Hezbollah remained a strong force.
Post-civil war, the government became mired in debt, plunging Lebanon into severe economic crisis. Banks went bankrupt, wiping out people's savings. According to Reuters, the crisis stemmed from heavily indebted religious-based elite leaders who continued borrowing despite mounting debt.
Experts described Lebanon's financial system as a national Ponzi scheme, using new funds to repay old debt until new funds stopped coming. Meanwhile, Lebanon relied on tourism, foreign aid, and the financial industry to fuel its economy.
In 2011, with the Shia terrorist group Hezbollah’s rising influence, Sunni countries distanced themselves from Lebanon. Lebanon's economic decline began when leaders approved a public sector pay rise before the 2018 election, and crucial reforms remained unaddressed, halting foreign aid.
Since the civil war, Syrian influence lingered in Lebanon. Syrian troops arrived in 1976 and maintained control until 2005. After former Prime Minister Rafik Al-Hariri’s assassination in 2005, Syrian forces withdrew. However, another conflict ignited in 2006 between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon operated without a president from 2014 to 2016, and the presidential position has been vacant since 2022.
The socio-economic crisis impacted Lebanese society deeply. Many citizens are desperate to leave the country, with some risking dangerous routes to reach Europe. Formerly prosperous cities now display signs of poverty. Children beg on the streets, and families struggle to meet basic needs. With state assistance lacking, civil societies provide food and healthcare services.
Nevertheless, several reports highlight Beirut's nightlife as still one of the best in the Middle East. According to a May report by Metro UK, bars and clubs in Beirut operate as usual, playing music until dawn. Gabriel El Mour, the owner of Clique Club in Beirut, told Metro, 'Clubs are the only places where religious differences don't matter; we are all like brothers and sisters there.' However, they also face criticism for being insensitive.
Reflecting on how Lebanon, once the 'Paris of the Middle East,' turned into a modern nightmare, the ruined St. George Hotel in Beirut stands as a testament. The hotel once hosted Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Marlon Brando, French actress Brigitte Bardot, Jordan’s King Hussein, and the Shah of Iran. Now, it lies damaged from bombings.
On February 14, 2005, Rafik Al-Hariri was assassinated outside this hotel by a massive car bomb. Fadi Khoury, the hotel’s owner, sustained minor injuries, but his losses amounted to millions of dollars. Approximately 1,800 kilograms of TNT were used in the blast, damaging all surrounding buildings, including this iconic hotel.
This marked Lebanon's decline on multiple fronts, politically and economically. Lebanon, once a symbol of art, culture, and luxurious lifestyle, is now defined by Hezbollah's influence.
