The Tragedy of Beirut

Richard Engel, Middle East bureau chief for NBC news, writes about how much can change in a matter of weeks.

A few weeks ago, I was here and working on just that story – it was even called “Beirut is back.”

It
was supposed to be about how the economy has revived, the restaurants
are full, the nightclubs are hopping, and the beaches are full of women
in bikinis.

Today I’m standing here wearing a flak jacket, watching the airport burning, and there are more strikes expected.

Thanks to Amanda Agan for the pointer.