AGP Executive Report

UNIFIL Update: UNIFIL says Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon has sharply increased over the past two weeks, recording an average of 137 projectiles per day between Aug. 5–16, with civilians again displaced and forced to change routines; UNIFIL stresses continued support for UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and calls for extending the international presence. Cultural Safety & Media: A new report highlights the killing of Lebanese poet and translator Zeinab Mahdi Nasser al‑Din and her four children in an Israeli airstrike in Ansar, Nabatieh—raising fresh alarms about civilian protection for cultural and media workers. Sports & Talent: Lebanon’s No Limits FC is set to face Ayeyawady FC Women in the AFC Women’s Champions League after Ayeyawady opened with a 4–0 win; elsewhere, Lebanon goalkeeper Sally Rainey has joined Italy’s AC Milan women’s team. Scam Watch: Lebanon, Tennessee tied for 10th in July with seven BBB Scam Tracker reports, with online purchase scams the most common.

Lebanon in the spotlight: Lebanon’s cultural scene gets a boost as the Jerusalem Festival returns after a Gaza war hiatus, opening with a tribute to late Lebanese musician Ziad Rahbani—music, memory, and Palestinian hope back on stage. Arts & culture in Lebanon: Tripoli’s independent Rumman Festival announces its 5th edition lineup (Sept 4–5), with Lebanese and regional acts across Arabic folk, alt rap, indie rock and experimental sounds. Sports with Lebanese ties: Lebanon grad Sally Rainey is now with Italy’s AC Milan Women, continuing her goalkeeper journey after UNH and a title run in Serbia. Civic life & community: Lebanon, Tennessee ranks 10th in July scam reports (BBB Scam Tracker), with online purchase fraud the most common. Regional conflict, culture at risk: An Israeli airstrike killed Lebanese translator and poet Zeinab Mahdi Nasser al-Din and her family, renewing calls for stronger civilian protection and respect for cultural workers.

Rumman Festival: Lebanon’s independent Rumman Festival returns to Tripoli’s Stereo Kawalis in El Mina on Sep 4–5, with an “ode to the South” lineup spanning Arabic folk, alt rap, trip-hop, free rock, experimental ambient and indie rock, featuring Lebanese acts including Alsilk and SANAM plus rappers Jamul and Sham Lhawa. Music Spotlight: “Sultan of Tarab” George Wassouf is set to reunite with Lebanese audiences at the Qartaba Festival on Aug 22, performing fan-favorite classics alongside his latest Egyptian-dialect track “Tammenni ‘Al-Habayeb.” Assumption Across MENA: Christians across Lebanon and the region marked Aug 15 with processions and local traditions, from Jezzine’s balloon rosary release to Bhamdoun’s communal hreeseh cooking. Lebanon in the News: Reports say Israeli strikes hit the outskirts of Al-Qantara and shelled Al-Mansouri in southern Lebanon, with additional drone attacks and tank activity reported around nearby areas. Culture & Identity: A feature on Palestinian culture argues that art, architecture and film have long been used as a political-cultural front, including a 1978 Beirut exhibit framed as a “militant cultural” struggle.

Lebanon Arts & Culture: George Wassouf is set to return to Lebanese audiences at the Qartaba Festival on August 22, promising a night of classic tarab alongside newer releases, including “Tammenni ‘Al-Habayeb.” Theatre & Performance: EIF’s “Four Walls And A Roof” (Studio until 17 August) brings Lebanese artists Lina Majdalanie and Ravi Mroue’s fresh take on Bertolt Brecht, pairing a lecture-style approach with Brecht-era political songs. Music & Community: Cantor Yaakov Motzen opens a new chazzanut series, reflecting on decades of prayer-first tradition and the craft of davening. Arts & Public Life: Rima Rahbani has publicly alleged that her brother Ziad Rahbani died due to medical error or negligence, challenging earlier rumors about his final days. Religion & Tradition: Assumption celebrations continued across Lebanon despite hardship, from Jezzine’s balloon-rosary procession to Bhamdoun’s communal hreeseh cooking. Sports (regional): Al Janoub Arena’s next chapter opens with Qatar-China in FIBA World Cup qualifiers on August 27, spotlighting Lebanon’s wider MENA basketball momentum.

Israel-Lebanon Peace Debate: “ALL CAPS” explores whether Israel and Lebanon can ever make peace, centering Lebanese-born Israeli activist Jonathan El Khoury and the cultural ties conflict has buried. Southern Lebanon Escalation: Lebanese leaders condemned Israeli airstrikes in Nabatieh that killed at least 11, including children, as UNIFIL stressed the importance of an international presence and UN Resolution 1701 amid renewed shelling. Hormuz Tensions: Iran rejected Trump’s claim it will declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory, insisting it will remain Iranian, while Iran and Oman reportedly negotiate an arrangement for Gulf traffic. Human Stories in the Region: Iran urged Qatar to allow a fact-finding team over missing pilots, as Qatar says it found one pilot’s remains. Arts & Culture Spotlight: A Locarno Film Festival win highlights Romanian director Florin Șerban’s drama “You Don’t Belong Here,” while a dermatologist-artist Mark Podwal is profiled for his Op-Ed illustrations. Sports & Community: Al Janoub Arena’s basketball opening (Qatar vs China on Aug. 27) signals a new era for the venue, and a Pearl-Cohn football season project spotlights mentorship and resilience.

Basketball & Infrastructure: Al Janoub Arena in Doha officially opens on Aug. 27 with Qatar vs China in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, a dress rehearsal for Qatar 2027’s first Arab-hosted, single-city World Cup. Lebanon–Israel Fallout: Iran says Lebanon has the legal right to defend itself after an Israeli massacre in Nabatieh, while UNIFIL stresses its continued role in southern Lebanon and the need to back Resolution 1701. Human Cost on the Ground: Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon kill at least 11 (including children) in Nabatieh, with Lebanese leaders condemning the escalation as undermining negotiations. Culture & Learning: Qatar National Library joins IFLA WLIC 2026 in Busan, running an “Arabic Caucus” on regional library priorities and cooperation. Arts & Film: Locarno Film Festival honors Florin Șerban’s “You Don’t Belong Here” with the Pardo d’Oro, alongside major acting and directing awards. Sports Leadership: A new coach takes over Lebanon boys tennis this fall, stepping in after Sam Godby’s off-season departure.

Lebanon–Israel Tensions: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejected the U.S.-mediated Lebanon-Israel framework agreement, calling it an Israeli-imposed deal and vowing continued resistance. Airstrikes in the South: AP reports Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least nine people, including children, with attacks described as among the deadliest since a June truce. Regional Diplomacy: Iran’s emerging approach is framed as shifting Gulf security talks beyond nuclear issues, with Iran and Oman reportedly negotiating traffic oversight around the Strait of Hormuz. Arts & Culture: Gaudeamus Festival (Utrecht) unveiled a 2026 lineup with Lebanese audiovisual artist Firas El Hallak’s “The Dome Sessions,” using Tripoli’s unfinished Rachid Karami fair dome as an acoustic engine. Sports: Lebanon boys tennis gets a new coach as Paul Hensley takes over the program. Community & Events: The 66th annual North Washington Rodeo kicks off Aug. 18, running through Aug. 22, with proceeds supporting the local volunteer fire department.

Lebanon-Israel Talks: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejected the U.S.-mediated Lebanon-Israel framework as “Israeli dictates,” calling it a humiliating loss of sovereignty and urging officials to reverse the “mistake.” Southern Lebanon Skirmishes: Israeli warplanes hit southern Lebanon near Wadi Adshit–Al-Qusayr and Al-Mansouri, with flares reported over Houla and Wadi Saluki, amid claims of continued ceasefire breaches. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Lebanese-American painter Nabil Kanso’s haunting war works are reviewed as a needed antidote to war’s constant media glare—pulling viewers back into lived experience. Music News: Haifa Wehbe teased her upcoming album “Mega Haifa 3,” with a lineup of poets and composers, marking a follow-up to her 2018 release “Hawwa.” Creative Economy Pressure: Reuters reports that Lebanon’s creative talent is feeling Gulf slowdown as regional war squeezes budgets, delays payments, and threatens scholarships and jobs. Language & Identity: “Hindam” (tidiness/discipline in appearance) is explored as a concept linking outward presentation to professionalism and character.

Lebanon’s creative sector under pressure: A Reuters report says Lebanese designers, ad and branding professionals are seeing Gulf clients pause projects, cut budgets and delay payments as the Iran war squeezes regional economies—hurting funding for initiatives like Creative Space Beirut’s scholarship plans. Music spotlight: Lebanese singer-actress Haifa Wehbe teases her upcoming “Mega Haifa 3” album, naming a long list of poets and composers collaborating on the release. Global pop culture, local politics: Pro-Palestine campaigners in Lebanon and Jordan are calling for a boycott of the new Spider-Man film “Brand New Day,” targeting producer Avi Arad over his support for Israel. FIFA football politics with a Lebanon link: Six Arab federations—including Lebanon—issue a joint statement backing Gianni Infantino amid a FIFA leadership revolt after his World Cup private-investment plan collapsed. Arts & culture industry: Carole Samaha becomes a Recording Academy (Grammy) member, joining the global music body’s expanding roster. Food news: Popular Lebanese restaurant Al Beiruti announces its first Iraqi branch in Baghdad’s Iraq Mall.

Lebanon Amnesty & Return Rights: Lebanon’s General Amnesty Law leaves some exiled in Israel in limbo, with debate over who can return and under what conditions, including whether returning requires giving up Israeli citizenship. Cinema Boycott: Pro-Palestinian groups in Lebanon and beyond are urging a boycott of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” targeting producer Avi Arad’s political support for Israel and calling ticket purchases “cultural normalisation.” FIFA Power Play: Six Arab football federations—including Lebanon—publicly back FIFA chief Gianni Infantino amid a revolt over his World Cup private-investment plan, while UEFA and others press for change. Syrian Presence in Lebanon: A report claims senior figures from Syria’s former regime are residing in Lebanon under “semi-official protection,” raising new security concerns. Arts & Community: In Lebanon County, Bishop Senior celebrated Holy Mass at Camp Kirchenwald, a long-running arts-and-outdoor retreat for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Boycott Call in Lebanon’s Cinema Scene: Pro-Palestinian campaigners in Lebanon and Jordan are urging audiences to boycott “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” targeting producer Avi Arad over his support for Israel and his stance amid the Gaza war. FIFA Power Struggle, With Lebanon in the Mix: Six Arab football federations—including Lebanon—publicly backed Gianni Infantino as opposition grows over his World Cup private-investment plan, while the Football Association of Ireland withdrew support. Eurovision Hosting Rule Tightened: Eurovision’s organizers say countries involved in “armed conflict” or “sensitive geopolitical situations” won’t be allowed to host, a move that could reshape future participation and staging. Lebanon Music Spotlight: Star George Wassouf returned with “Tammenni ‘al-Habayeb,” released on YouTube and platforms, with a train-filmed music video and Lebanon concerts slated for August and September. Cultural Diplomacy & Arts: The British Library announced American Writers’ Week in London (Sept. 28–Oct. 2), featuring authors including Rabih Alameddine and Joyce Carol Oates.

Public Art & Design: Doha Design District (Msheireb Downtown) has named four winners of its Public Art Open Call—“Whispering Leaves,” “Gravity Drops Along a Surface,” “Desert in Motion,” and “Fanayeen”—moving them into development for real installations after a jury + public vote process. Contemporary Art: The Carnegie International continues to spotlight global contemporary art at the Carnegie Museum of Art through Jan. 3, with works spanning sculpture, found objects, and video installations. Music: Lebanese star George Wassouf returns after nearly two years with “Tammenni ‘al-Habayeb,” releasing on YouTube and platforms, with a train-shot cinematic music video. Arts & Community (Lebanon-linked): A Lebanon Valley College field hockey staff update: Bella Culp appointed assistant coach, bringing a standout player-to-coach profile. Culture & Media: Eurovision announces a major 2027 hosting rule change—winners’ broadcasters can be barred if their state is involved in an armed conflict—amid ongoing Israel-related backlash. Arts in the Middle East (context): A new piece on “Arab AI slop” explores how viral AI kitsch is shaping digital politics and attention economies.

Lebanon Law Reform: Lebanon’s parliament has passed a landmark bill abolishing the death penalty, making it the first country in the Middle East to formally end capital punishment, with retroactive application and a long-running de facto moratorium since 2004. Strait of Hormuz & Shipping: Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until the U.S. meets its conditions, while new attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea raise fresh uncertainty for the region’s security and global trade. Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israeli forces carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon, with reports of multiple explosions and artillery hits amid claims of continued ceasefire violations. Arts & Culture (Lebanon-linked): Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh’s design is behind major plans for the British Museum’s Western Range renovation, framed as one of the biggest cultural redevelopments in the world. Music Spotlight: Keanu Reeves’ band Dogstar is on tour in the U.S., with multiple Philly-area shows this week. Art World: The Joan Mitchell Foundation named 15 fellowship recipients, highlighting ongoing pressure on arts institutions even as new voices are funded.

Lebanon’s Rights Milestone: Lebanon’s parliament has formally abolished the death penalty, replacing existing death sentences with life imprisonment and ending capital punishment after a long de facto moratorium. Beirut–Israel Talks: Lebanon says it’s “in no rush” to set the next date for US-brokered talks, insisting Israel accept demands tied to expanding “pilot zones” free of Israeli troops, consolidating the ceasefire, and stopping strikes on infrastructure. Regional Arts & Culture: Netflix confirmed Fauda season five will premiere globally on September 8, with new episodes in Arabic, Hebrew, French and English—continuing its strong Lebanon audience pull. Global South Scholarship: Northwestern University in Qatar welcomed seven new scholars for its Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South, including Global Postdoctoral Scholars Jowel Choufani, Aya Labanieh and Osman Osman. Music & Identity Spotlight: Bee Sampson, behind Venus Invictus perfume inspired by Greek and Roman mythology, is profiled in a lifestyle interview. International Shipping Tensions: Fresh attacks on shipping and renewed Hormuz uncertainty keep the region on edge, with Iran linking any reopening to US war-ending and asset release conditions.

Arts & Culture: Netflix announced it will release the fifth season of Fauda worldwide on September 8, bringing new episodes to 190 countries (Arabic, Hebrew, French and English), with Lebanon’s earlier seasons having topped Netflix charts in 2023. Beirut Street Life: A new walk-through piece revisits Beirut’s transformed neighborhoods, from Hamra to Gemmayzeh, tracing how the city’s streets and social rhythms have shifted over the years. Music Spotlight: Sagui Dekel-Chen’s debut album Minus One is set to be heard after his hostage captivity, with a special performance tied to Israel Festival bringing the songs to a live audience. Sports & Identity: The Palestinian Football Association says domestic football returns September 4 with the “Thousand Martyrs’ Cup,” running across the West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon refugee camps. Regional News (Lebanon): Reports say Israeli strikes and house burnings continued in southern Lebanon amid ongoing ceasefire violations, while US-brokered Lebanon-Israel talks are set for early September in Rome.

Lebanon–Israel diplomacy: US-brokered talks are set for Rome in early September, with officials saying consultations are moving “positively” while political pressure and Hezbollah attempts to derail the process remain in the background. Regional security & Iran: Iran’s Supreme Leader has appointed six senior military commanders as Hormuz negotiations with Oman continue, while Trump escalates the rhetoric by demanding Iran compensate the US for deaths and injuries tied to attacks. Palestinian football comeback: The Palestinian Football Association says leagues will restart September 4 with the “Thousand Martyrs’ Cup,” running across the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon camps, honoring 1,014 athletes killed during the war. Lebanon arts & design: Architectural Digest Middle East releases its August/September Style Issue featuring Elie Saab’s first-ever look inside his restored Beirut home. Music & culture: A Salt Bay Chamberfest concert highlights cellist Karen Ouzounian’s Anatolian-Armenian and Lebanese roots, blending French Baroque with Armenian folk. Local Lebanon community: North Cornwall Commons Apartments in Lebanon held the grand opening of its fourth building, now fully leased, adding amenities like a fitness center and saunas.