Lebanon: reconstruction or destruction?

Having secured more than $11bn in international loans and grants, the Beirut government is hoping its economic plans aren't blown away by another war

There was a general feeling of satisfaction when the recent Lebanon donors' conference in Paris came to an end. The Lebanese government had received international promises of $11.5bn to boost the ailing economy and rebuild the country's infrastructure, crumbling after decades of warfare and neglect. Prime Minister Saad Hariri praised the global community for its "clear and concrete indication of support". French President Emmanuel Macron spoke of the "unprecedented mobilisation" on Lebanon's behalf. "At a time when the Levant probably lives one of the worst moments of its history," Macron went on, "it's more important than ever to preserve the most precious asset: a peaceful, diverse and har