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Jacob Russell

Produced by Jacob Russell

January 23, 2025
Lebanese put hopes for recovery on their new leadership, and on Trump

After over two years of political paralysis, people in Lebanon are pinning their hopes on new President Joseph Aoun, who promises an end to instability. Many also have high hopes due to U.S. President Donald Trump, whose influence helped bring about a ceasefire with Israel. Jacob Russell reports.
December 16, 2024
Lebanon again flashpoint of Mideast turmoil in 2024

Israel's war on Hezbollah and regime change in Syria throw country back into chaos and uncertainty heading into 2025
October 28, 2024
Lebanon’s volunteers work to bring relief in face of collapse

Successive crises and a collapsed government have left Lebanon’s volunteer sector racing to the meet the demands of the hundreds of thousands of people afflicted by the war. Many now wonder how much longer exhausted volunteers can keep going. For VOA, Jacob Russell reports from Beirut.
October 18, 2024
Israel trying to sow divisions in Lebanon to isolate Hezbollah, analyst says

Some observers say Israel is attempting to promote internal divisions in Lebanon as part of its campaign against Hezbollah. But even amid a devastating war, some Lebanese see an opportunity to unify the country. Jacob Russell reports from Aitou, in the north of Lebanon.
September 24, 2024
How much support does Hezbollah really have?

As Hezbollah’s conflict with Israel draws Lebanon into war, the militant political group claims to be defending the interests of all Lebanese people. Jacob Russell in Beirut looks at how much support the group really has among the general population.
November 09, 2023
The Inside Story -Israel at War | Episode 117

This week on The Inside Story: Israel at War, in its fourth week with no signs of resolution. The UN Secretary-General has called the situation in Gaza a crisis of humanity. Join us for our continuing coverage of The Inside Story: Israel at War.
November 03, 2023
Hezbollah Secretary-General Speaks Publicly for First Time Since Start of Israel-Hamas War

He says Hezbollah is already in the fight, warns Israel and its allies against escalation
October 18, 2023
Pro-Palestinian Protesters Target US Embassy in Beirut

In Lebanon, few doubt Israel’s responsibility for a devastating attack on a hospital in Gaza, and protesters have been expressing their rage at the U.S. Embassy, viewing the United States as Israel’s main backer. Jacob Russell reports from Beirut.
October 17, 2023
Lebanon Braces for Possibility of Costly, Complicated War

Tensions have been rising on the Lebanese-Israeli border since Israel began military action against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Lebanese militant political group Hezbollah has warned that an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza would bring them into the conflict, Jacob Russell reports from Beirut.
July 19, 2023
In Lebanon, Packed Restaurants Hide a Deepening Divide

On paper, Lebanon is going though one of the worst economic crises of the last century and a half. Many have fallen into poverty. But as the summer season gets under way, bars and restaurants are busier than ever, puzzling economists and exposing a growing divide between rich and poor.
November 22, 2022
Lebanon Struggles to Contain Cholera Outbreak

With its infrastructure devastated by economic crisis, the country is battling to prevent an epidemic
October 17, 2022
Ukraine War Means an Uncertain Future for Europe’s Biggest Economy

Germany’s economy is a model of stability and strength, but an energy crisis provoked by war in Ukraine has plunged it into crisis and triggered warnings of future instability
August 08, 2022
For Beirut Residents, Damaged Grain Silos Are Symbols of Trauma

A debate rages in Lebanon over what to do with the heavily damaged grain silos that bore the brunt of a massive port explosion in 2020. Two years later, victims and relatives fight to preserve the collapsing silos as a reminder of the need for accountability. Jacob Russell reports from Beirut.
May 11, 2022
Saad Hariri's Withdrawal from Lebanese Politics Fractures Sunni Vote

A fractured Sunni vote could open the way for more gains for Hezbollah
January 27, 2022
Victims of 2020 Blast Keep Up Pressure on Lebanon’s Leaders

More than a year and a half after the Beirut port blast, victims are still fighting for accountability on the part of the government. The case has become one of the biggest tests to the impunity of the Lebanese political establishment in thirty years. Jacob Russell reports from Beirut.
January 12, 2022
Lebanon’s Skeptical Youth See a Glimmer of Hope in this Year’s Elections

Elections scheduled for May in Lebanon will see young civil society candidates pitted against an entrenched political class in what might prove to be a make-or-break moment for Lebanon’s future.
December 15, 2021
Rise in Fuel Prices Threaten Lebanon’s Ancient Forests

In Lebanon, a desperate economic situation has led to a rise in illegal logging. Local authorities are in a bind as they try to protect both a valuable ecological heritage and their own vulnerable residents. Jacob Russell reports from northern Lebanon. Producer: Marcus Harton.
November 09, 2021
Debate over Hunting in France Points to Changing Culture and Identity

The clash over hunting in France intensifies in the lead-up to next year’s presidential election, raising questions of how modern France should reconcile the old and the new
September 22, 2021
In Lebanon's Collapsed Economy, Cryptocurrency Offers Relative Security for Some

After losing access to their bank deposits, many Lebanese find the benefits outweigh the risks of using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
August 31, 2021
Hezbollah Seeks to Capitalize on Lebanon’s Energy Crisis

Hezbollah claims it will start importing oil from Iran to ease the fuel crisis on Lebanon, but at what cost to the Lebanese?

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