Things That Happened In Lebanon During 2020
2020 has felt like an endless journey. Here are just a few things that have happened during every month of this past year.
January
Association of Banks building was set on fire, Lebanese politicians were publicly shamed, the exchange rate hit 2,480 on the dollar, and Hassan Diab’s government was born.
Oh right, and Saad Hariri’s $16 million GF got married!
February
The female icon of the revolution was summoned to military court, Lebanon confirmed its first case of COVID-19, Shakira did a “zalghouta” (more or less) at the Super Bowl halftime show, and the Lebanese Parliament’s joint committee approved the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes.
March
First coronavirus death in Lebanon, we clapped for healthcare workers, and general mobilization began. A financial state prosecutor decided to freeze the assets of 20 Lebanese banks, but his decision was suspended one day later. AAANNND we witnessed a destructive storm that looked a lot like the apocalypse.
April
Non-bank institutions were barred from giving out dollars, a citizen was shot and killed during a protest, domestic violence increased during lockdown, Lebanon gas drilling efforts reveal to be unfruitful, ISF completed the largest drug bust in Lebanon’s history of strains named “Ah ya Hanane” and “Kiki, do you love me”, and a gunman killed 10 people in Baakline including his wife and brother.
May
Protestors held a funeral for the Lebanese lira, a solider shot his partner then himself in gruesome video, BLOM bank put up a barricade, and a swarm of beetles took over the streets.
June
Beirut Marathon Association shut down, domestic workers were left stranded outside embassies, a bank manager was found murdered under his house, a mother died with her baby in her arms during crossfire, protestors hit the streets in masses, people were trading their belongings for food, and a video of a Syrian minor being assaulted by a group of men surfaced.
July
Beirut airport reopened, Lebanon’s annual inflation rate rose to 510%, a man died by suicide and left behind a note that said “ana mosh kafer”, we learned of ALL the expired chicken, and Adidas announced they’re closing in Lebanon by the end of the year.
August
Beirut hit by deadly explosion that took 200 lives and decimated the city, the Lebanese government resigned, and Macron visited the country twice.
September
They found more ammonium nitrate at the port, a faint heartbeat had us clinging to hope, there was a lot of tea drama, Lebanese people started migrating by sea, a massive fire at Beirut port caused panic, and an explosion rocked Ain Qana.
October
Multiple fires erupted all around the country, more international businesses announced they were shutting down, multiple explosions happened in one weekend, killing 5 and injuring 60+ and we still don’t have a government.
Anyone else scared to see what the remaining months have in store?
