Main content

From Our Own Correspondent: Beirut Feels Like Home

The Lebanese capital has a chequered history, an intoxicating present, and an uncertain future, says James Longman, 成人论坛 Beirut Correspondent, whose family have deep roots there

James Longman's family have deep roots in the Lebanese capital, and he's returned there throughout his life - from the days of student partying, to covering more serious events as he became the 成人论坛's Beirut Correspondent. This is an exhilarating yet infuriating city, and there are signs today that its inhabitants' legendary pride in their hometown is eroding under the strains of everyday life. So - as many people as James - "why are you here?". He considers some answers.

Photo: A Syrian man sells traditional sweets on the southern outskirts of eirut, on April 5, 2016. (ANWAR AMRO/AFP/Getty Images)

Available now

6 minutes

Last on

Thu 27 Oct 2016 15:23GMT

Broadcast

  • Thu 27 Oct 2016 15:23GMT