Beirut watch: can Lebanon subdue Hizbullah?

Beirut Airport serves as a critical microcosm for the shifting power dynamics between the Lebanese state and Hizbullah, as the latter faces significant military and political weakening following recent conflicts with Israel. While a fragile ceasefire persists, the Lebanese government is attempting to reassert sovereignty by curbing Hizbullah’s independent military operations and revenue streams. Meanwhile, speculative markets for "Labubu" dolls—creepy, elf-like collectibles—are collapsing as manufacturer PopMart expands supply, illustrating how animal spirits drive irrational asset bubbles. Finally, the legacy of Swedish decluttering guru Margareta Magnusson highlights the philosophy of "death-cleaning," a practice of systematically shedding personal possessions to spare survivors the burden of clearing an estate. These segments collectively examine how institutional control, market volatility, and personal legacy shape contemporary life and societal structures.