Lebanon In 2021: Expectations Vs Reality

While some people may have seen this horrific collapse coming for some time now, others were slightly blindsided by the speed at which the country crumbled.

Looking back on the early 2000s, here is what we thought 2021 would look like, versus what it turned out to be.

Expectation: You know who would have been dead by now.

Reality: Still alive, stealing, and kicking.

Expectation: We’d finally have state power.

Reality: We don’t even have generator power.

Expectation: The food industry would finally be regulated, and food safety would be up to par.

Reality: You say a little prayer before taking a bite.

Expectation: We’d have fair and democratic elections.

Reality: ….TBD

Expectation: We’d have fresh and innovative individuals who would strive to push our industry, economy, and tourism sectors to their full potential.

Reality: No. Just, no.

Expectation: Everyone would have access to proper healthcare, shelter, and food security.

Reality: 74% of the population now lives under the poverty line.

Expectation: Lebanon would be the place where we work and play.

Reality: Families and friends groups are scattered across the globe.

Expectation: The political scene is filled with fresh faces.

Reality: …We’ve had the same Speaker of Parliament since the dawn of time

Expectation: We’d finally have 24/7 electricity

Reality: We’re lucky if we get an hour a day.