Lebanon’s political system leads to paralysis and corruption
Many want it reformed, but they are afraid to act
IT IS difficult to escape the grip of religion in Lebanon. The rules that govern marriage, property rights and inheritance are administered by religious courts. Well-to-do secular Lebanese can fly to Cyprus to marry in civil ceremonies. But once back home, if their relationship goes sour, Muslims still have to deal with religious judges, who rule on divorce, alimony and child custody.
This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Chopping up the tree of state”
Middle East & Africa April 21st 2018
From the April 21st 2018 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionDiscover more
America boosts Israel’s missile shield. What did it get in return?
The THAAD battery could indicate Israeli restraint on Iran
Just inside Lebanon, Israeli soldiers debate how far to go
They are 2km inside the country, but prepared to go farther
Israel has these four options for attacking Iran
Its politicians, and some generals, are gung-ho that the moment has come
Iran’s leader must choose how to fight his war with Israel
Hardliners may force the supreme leader to escalate the conflict with Israel
How to send a cake from New Jersey to Accra
A Ghanaian app hints at the potential and problems of Africa’s diaspora
The threat of an Israeli attack is reviving Iranian nationalism
Iranians fear their country is being dragged into war