Middle Eastern cartoonists on Egypt (updated Feburary 4, 2011)

Political cartoonists across the Middle East are drawing pyramids, camels, chairs, empty chairs, pharaohs, heiroglyphs  and contemporary images like smartphones and tweets to comment on the political revolution unfolding in Egypt.

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Hezbollah backed prime minister in Lebanon

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Protests against a Hezbollah-allied prime minister chosen today in Lebanon have turned violent. Najib Mikati, an American educated billionaire, has been selected to replace Saad Hariri, the son of assasinated prime minister Rafiq Harir. Hariri’s supporters have thrown the country into chaos. Ben Gilbert was on the streets today and filed this report. Download MP3
In pictures: Lebanon unrest

Lebanon’s government collapses

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Lebanon’s government fell today. Los Angeles Times correspondent Borzou Daragahi is in the capital Beirut. He tells host Lisa Mullins what the collapse of the government means for Washington’s policy in Mideast. Download MP3

Researchers analyze pollution effect on Lebanon

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Beirut’s streets are filled with aging cars spewing clouds of toxic fumes in the air. Ben Gilbert reports that researchers hope to find out exactly how much damage those exhaust fumes are doing to Lebanese health. Download MP3

Hummus world record

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Hummus is on the menu for today’s Geo Quiz. Hummus is a concoction of mashed chickpeas, olive oil, and lemon juice with a pinch of salt and garlic. It’s especially popular in the Middle East where it originated. Today’s Geo Quiz wants to get a bit more specific… Download MP3

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Investors find safety in Beirut

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Lebanon is enjoying a boom in its real estate and banking industries. The World’s Aaron Schachter reports that the country’s success is due to smart banking practices and the the high price tag for land.

The gay lifestyle in Beirut

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Being gay or lesbian in the Muslim Arab world isn’t easy. But as Ben Gilbert reports, Lebanon’s capital Beirut has a vibrant gay and lesbian social scene.

Lebanon’s divisive vote

Lebanese voters will be electing a new parliament this weekend. It’s a close race between the US-backed coalition and a coalition that includes the Iranian backed militant Shiite group Hezbollah. We get a preview of what’s at stake from reporter Ben Gilbert in Beirut. Listen