Problems in Lebanon...let me count the ways...

Once the jewel of the Middle East, as a state only a century old, and has known the high life, along with low wars. Seems like the real problem is the evolution toward a total lack of accountability, on the part of corrupt Pols, the rapacious banks, and the people themselves. All blame each other, and when that no longer brings modest results, they seem resentful that the IMF and other loan brokers, no longer have open wallets for them. As was the usual modus operendi there for generations. Money down rat holes gets gobbled up by the most adept rodents.
Depositors can't get their dollars back from banks, hospitals (almost all private) are closing---complaining there are no more subsidies from Beirut. Imagine that? Currency devalued some 70%, with fewer paid in "fresh money", ie, foreign cash. Few jobs left at all. Infrastructure failing, or just no longer extant.
The second hand clothing/possessions markets thrive, where mid fashion was formerly the mode. Soup kitchens are packed, as are food banks, but supplies are low. And emigration, especially among youth, and the better heeled, is way up. Government officials have mostly given up, in a funk all, except when protecting their ill gained loot. Even the black markets have quit. Long forgotten friends/kin are being hit up for help of any sort. Food, rent, medicines.
We rightly think of Dark African States as being in this shape, but the blight has moved to Little Libon. Power and refuge had been available and shared among the three main religions, but after the last war, suspicions remain high.
Regional neighbors have meddled or tried to intervene, depending on perspective, and as with government officials, all have given up.
Can anyone say it's THE prototype of a failed state?
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$ide note for US snideiferous $cholars....

According to a very ( mid 90's ) dated edition of
The New Yorker, Lebanon had an Operation, not being run by our CIA....
That Operation was mass producing picture- perfect
$100 Fed. Reserve Nots.
That is, utterly $imilar Benjamin's... capable of being deposited into any bank on Earf-- no questions asked.
You can buy a lot of Yachts, influence, & politicians
With that science....
Postcard from Italy / Beirut
Money in the grave / Drake
Sunday morning coming down / Cash.
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Vierkaesehoch

Ocean Coast, Maine, USA

Retired, but busy. Years left to enjoy. Handy, curious, multilingual (German, French, Spanish, learning Portuguese). Love animals. Live on a salt water ocean bay just south of Canada. Angling off the rocky beach. Mussels. Watching the oceans reclaim [read more]