Beirut watch: can Lebanon subdue Hizbullah?

This episode of The Intelligence from The Economist examines the shifting power dynamics between Lebanon's state and Hezbollah, using Beirut Airport as a symbolic battleground. Following a devastating six-week war with Israel, Hezbollah has suffered significant military and political setbacks, weakening its grip on the country. The recent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, while fragile, has allowed for a temporary pause in hostilities, though Israel continues to conduct airstrikes under the guise of self-defense. The Lebanese government, emboldened by the conflict's aftermath, has declared Hezbollah's military activities illegal and is pursuing a strategy of economic strangulation—cutting off funding, smuggling routes, and institutional influence—rather than direct confrontation. This approach reflects a broader effort to reclaim sovereignty, though Hezbollah still maintains significant power in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Meanwhile, the episode briefly explores the bursting of the Labubu doll bubble, a speculative frenzy driven by blind-box collectibles and limited supply, now collapsing as Popmart increased production. The segment concludes with a tribute to Margareta Magnusson, the Swedish author who popularized 'death cleaning'—a philosophy of decluttering in preparation for death, emphasizing simplicity and emotional release in life.