How Corruption Led to Lebanon's Brutal Collapse 

As a Lebanese still living in Lebanon, I want to thank youfor shedding light on the crisis and for such good research effort you putinto the video, one of the best on RU-vid.

As a South African, seeing how corruption can ruin a country is very scary🙆🏾😩

As a Zimbabwean who has lived through the crisis in 2008 and now I know how it feels. Corruption should be treated as a war crime, it has destroyed livelihoods, peoples savings and the perpetrators are walking freely n our society. Thanks for this

I visited Lebanon in 2018. It was clear even to me, an ignorant foreigner, that things were not on an upward trajectory. And it is such an incredible shame: Lebanon is an amazingly beautiful country with wonderfully sweet and generous people! I hope to someday visit again, rhis time with my wife (who speaks Arabic and French fluently) and children with me.

As a Sri Lankan, we faced the exact same thing not so long ago. For us, things have gotten a lot better now. Everything is slowly coming back to normal again. Prices are still a bit high.. but gas, electricity & all the other essential services are working 100% & without any shortages... Tourists are coming back... & people are starting to enjoy life again

Thank you Dagogo for shedding light on the Lebanese crisis. I’m Lebanese and I had to leave Lebanon 4 years ago because I didn’t want to be a financial burden to my parents.

Excellent video Dagogo Altraide! As someone who has traveled to Lebanon many times, several thoughts on brutal collapse of Lebanon besides just the obvious political corruption. 1. Allowing Hezbollah to be welcomed into Lebanon's political structure just to fight a proxy war with Israel was a massive mistake that resulted in several of wars. 2. No reinvestment was made back into Lebanon's infrastructure. Road, power, hospitals and sewage . The Mediterranean Sea is so polluted in Lebanon that the tourist will never come back. 3. If you are in the Arab world, why travel or invest in Lebanon when Dubai is a much, much better alternative?

I'm a Lebanese who immigrated right after the 2019 crisis began in early 2020 and is now in Canada as a permanent resident. Thank you so much for shedding light on this as a big channel. My friends who are still there are going through so much BS, many of which were directly affected by the explosion and lost tons of money in the economic crisis.

This is why corruption should be treated like a war crime, because it damages so much in societies. Democracies always treat corruption like some minor crime, yet its damages so many lives.

One of the most tragic things about this whole situation is how all other issues have been overshadowed by the explosion in Beirut. I remember researching this and all anybody wanted to talk about was that disaster because it made better headlines. Great video as always mate.

I'm the son of a Lebanese immigrant to the US, and... I've been scared to watch this. Our family in Lebanon tend to ignore or avoid talking about serious matters, and it's sometimes terrifying to consider whether they're hiding how bad their situation is. While I doubt they truly struggle (most of our relatives still in the country are near or in retirement age, and had support many others didn't), this coverage all but confirms that. Everyone I've met in the country has been incredibly positive and resilient, but that can only go so far... Given the time in Lebanon and with family friends, there are two points I believe this video could have covered better, though I'll acknowledge this may only pertain to certain parts of Lebanon. First, resources like electricity have been in scarcity for much longer than the recent downturn. Over 10+ years, I cannot recall a single time we visited someone and the power did not fail multiple times. IIrc they eventually began paying two electricity bills, one for general power and one for some of a local generator's backup power. Similarly, people have been leaving for much longer as well. My father was one of a group who immigrated about 30 years ago, and by 2020 only a single family member under 40 remained in the country, everyone else having left for opportunities in countries like Dubai or the aforementioned US. We actually first got news of the explosion from a cousin living with us before he got a job in Switzerland. None of this is to say that your coverage is incorrect, nor that these problems haven't intensified, rather that cracks began to form a long time ago. I'm grateful for your coverage on the state of Lebanon, and hope we'll eventually see positive change again.

My heart bleeds for Lebanon. I wish them a speedy recovery from Morocco.

Lebanon's politicans did not just stand by and watch. They were the primary cause of the collapse, and they remain the reason why things continue to get worse.

I'm Lebanese American and most of my family are still in Lebanon. We send them whatever we can to help them survive this tragedy. I truly don't know how those who don't have family out of the country are surviving. I've been a subscriber of yours for over 7 years ago. I appreciate you for all the educational videos and especially for talking about this crisis. You got everything right and it's truly amazing how much time and effort you put into these videos.

I am first generation Lebanese American. I Have gone back and forth to Lebanon since I was a child even until now at 40 years of age. The recent events have crushed my dreams of ever retiring there. I feel terrible for my family, my wife’s family and friends that are practically prisoners in their own country. There are just way too many relatives to help and no matter how much we try we feel like we aren’t doing enough. I hate the government there they all need to be removed from power and trialed. Thank you ColdFusion for making this video and brining some light to what was once known as the Paris of the Middle East 😢.

As lebanon's southern neighbor, I wish lebanon to be an indepandent country without corrupt leader and without being controled by a proxy of Iran. We don't need wars, we need prosperity.

As Venezuelan, this hit me hard, you're describing almost the same story that happened to us. It's been 10 years since I left, and I don't ever see me coming back. I feel their pain and frustration. Be strong, Lebanese people.

As a South African facing loadshedding, severe government corruption, massive unemployment and crime, collapsed healthcare and service delivery, cholera outbreaks, loss of skills and high illegal immigrant pressure, this story is very scary. Edit: I'm not saying it will happen, the risk factors are all there though. Much like an obese smoker has a higher chance of cancer and other morbities vs a healthier person.

Indian here, very sad to hear about this. In India, there is a lot of corruption as well. So, this story makes me fear about my country as well

I am not Lebanese but have been to Lebanon twice. I really hope things can come about for this country.

As a Lebanese still living in this country and refusing to leave I thank you for your efforts this gives me hope to keep going . The documentary is spot on. Great work as always

Thank you so much for bringing attention to this, Dagogo. I'm a Lebanese-Australian who has been trying to show people how truly effed it is over there, so you have no idea how much I, & I'm sure many other people of Lebanese origin, appreciate you doing this. I've followed you for the longest time - but you now have a fan for life ❤

Love to Lebanon from Israel. Some of the kindest people I have met.

As a Lebanese American with family dispersed all over the world and some still in Beirut, thank you for this great research and documentation. Lebanon is such a beautiful country with amazing people. I wish the future is brighter for all in Lebanon.

Stay strong Lebanon. Zimbabwean here , went through this in 2008 and going through it again now. Wages worthless , flourishing black market selling goods beyond the reach of the majority and as always a stubborn and holier than thou government. The rate at which people are leaving is shocking. One wonders who will be left. These political elites are architects of misery and chaos. They always come out of the mess they create better off. You are not alone and as long as there is hope , the people will persevere.

As a Lebanese college student I thank you for the effort to bring light into this crisis i will personally share this video to all the people that want to know about the crisis thank you Cold Fusion

As a Nigerian, I find it horrifying that there are leaders and politicians out there who will put their people through this and that foreigners would happily help or partake in ruining these countries but can not help them unless it benefits them in the end, genuinely disgusting.

I love how you picked a topic that isn't covered by everyone and their mothers. I wasn't even aware of this. Thank you! I'm so sorry to the people who are affected by this! Please get those corrupted officials out of office!

As an Ecuadorian I can tell that changing to USD has given us mixed results, we were able to overcome 1999's economic crisis but we've barely been able to increase our economic power in the region, here in south America. Now with the current crime crisis we're going through we've seen several small businesses close due to extortions and violence. So even when the USD helps a lot, fixing the actual government and authorities is what helps the most and get real results.

This is honestly one of the best videos I have seen depicting the crisis, and even the numbers shown here barely shows how tragic the situation is. We used to park our car in front of the gas stations so we can fuel up for the next day, and only rationing a gallon or so. It’s such a tragedy. I absolutely appreciate the video raising awareness on this crisis. Lebanon needs help.

As a South African this hits very close to home, I have no hope or faith in my government because they've shown time and time again that they're always investigating corruption but nothing ever gets done about it, the government has got very warm hands since they're always sitting on them for the entirety of this video I've had my jaw to the floor because I fear this happening here

Well done and highly informative as usual!

It's very sad to see how people suffer because of bad politicians

As a Lebanese, it was truly brutal few years, we mostly learned how to adapt and get things done despite goverment failures, but there are hurdles impossible to surmount, espicially ones that require a bureaucratic process. Hoping for better days though doubtful they will ever come.

I've been watching your videos for 8 years, a Lebanese citizen, and i thank you for your coverage. This is what we need at the moment, more recognition to this corruption that taunts the country. Lebanon is truly a beautiful country... robbed of its beauty.

This is quite sad coz several nations in Africa have or at least experiencing similar problems. When Kenya economy was almost collapsing in the turn of the 21st century I recall how Lebanese investors saved my family’s hospitality business coz tourism is a huge industry here. When we were able to recuperate our losses they gracefully made a generous partnership offer when we retook control of the business. One of the best business partners we worked with and their dedication is now well recognized over the African continent in economic development . I hope and pray that the people of Lebanon are able to help their fellow countrymen and women overcome this economic crisis to rebuild their nation.

Corruption is such a vicious cycle, as corruption tends to breed more corruption, especially when it affects the government. And sadly in many countries, corruption gets a foothold when times are good, and only shows how ruinous it is when a challenge inevitably arises.

my dad spent a few years of his childhood in lebanon when my grandpa was posted there back in the early 70s. both of them talked very fondly of their time there, the friendships they made & the wonderful memories with the locals. needless to say, they are both very saddened by how the country just spiralled downhill after 1975…

Amazing work as always. Thank you very much for your content

Thank you so ever much ... I am forever in ur Dept.... For highlighting the issue of Lebanon

As a Lebanese youtuber, thank you so much for the overview and for highlighting my country! Westerners should use Lebanese daily life as a canary in the coal mine. Life simply deteriorating slowly and in misery, not the great catastrophe that people often imagine collapse to be.

It's so sad I almost cried. Thank you so much for the video. - from Korea.

What a great video!!! You guys deserve a medal!!

We will always support this channel. They're always the best at what they do.

As a long time fan of this channel, I am eternally grateful for you making a video about what is happening in our country. It has been hard for everyone, and yet I really appreciate some people spreading the word. Thank you so much💖

Thank you for your excellent video on Lebanon. I shared it widely..

amazingly explained, thank you

The day I dreaded has come, cold fusion covering my country. Believe me its worst than you think!

Dude, as a Palestinian lebanese, you don't understand how many times I wished you talk about this. Thank you, can't wait to listen

As a Nigerian, this hits deep,we are currently on this path

Your research and input keeps us in touch. Thank you for your ded6

I am deeply pained to see what is happening in Lebanon and before this Sri Lanka. As a Nigerian watching these terrible events unfold in Lebanon and Sri Lanka a few months ago, I am afraid to say that the handwriting is already on the wall for us and I hope it changes if not a few months from now it could be Nigeria next. Thank you Dagogo for your in-depth look on these issues and sending a note of warning to leaders around the world. Let's hope they change.

my prayers for Lebanon, may God provide for you, and rid you of thieves of all kinds

Thanks Mate- top notch content

For us in Pakistan, Beirut was for a long time the centre of resistance to imperialism and colonisation. One of our most important poets, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, chose Beirut when he went into self-exile, working as the editor of Lotus magazine. May the sacrifices of the previous generations not have been in vain. May your grit and inventiveness help you find a way that works for everyone.

I visited Lebanon when I was a kid, I just remember how lively everything was… happy, kind, diverse people. It’s so sad to see this, a country with so much history, potential and fantastic people. I hope you’re able to retake your country from corrupt politicians, may Lebanon rise again.

As your Lebanese fan, thank you for representing us. All the love from Beirut. ❤

So sad! May God help the people of Lebanon. From central Israel.

حسبي الله ونعم الوكيل بكل فاسد و مجرم تسبب بكل هذا... الشعب اللبناني الشقيق لا يستحق كل هذا... عسى ربي ينتقم من كل شخص تسبب بكل هذا

As a Lebanese still in Lebanon, I’m thankful that you shed light on our situation, I’m one of the lucky ones as I’d soon be out of here, the tension is beginning to skyrocket

I rarely comment on youtube videos and have been a subscriber of your channel since a long time. As a Lebanese trying to survive in Lebanon, You described the circumstances that we are living in perfectly. Thank you for shedding light to our situation. For me personally, I don’t think the change is coming anytime soon because of the brainwashing that is happening here. For example you are brainwashed (mostly our parents generation) from you were a kid to hate the other (Muslims and Christians and vice versa, and even between muslims and between christians themselves). It’s decreasing over time but it still needs alot. We started it with the revolution of 2019 not just because of the whatsapp tax but more with breaking the barriers/taboos that has been haunting us since the civil war and hopefully later generations will continue to break it as well. For us to fix our economy we need To fix our socio-political issues first.

Awesome vid, awesome channel.

The Philippines watching this as this becomes a possible reality more and more each day: 👁️👄👁️

As a South African I feel like we’re also going to go through something similar to this

I lived in Lebanon between 2018 and 2021. There are some glaring issues with this video. 1. The sectarian system has been in Lebanon LONG before the Taif agreement, in fact, sectarianism has been around since the Ottoman empire days and was solidified in the 1926 contitution drafting. 2. The Whatsapp tax was proposed in October 2019, triggering the mass protests, the pandemic followed in March 2020 then the Beirut blast happened in August 2020. 3. Electricity has always been an issue in Lebanon. When I used to visit in the 90's/early 2000's, we usually had 6-12 hours a day, now it is about 2-4 hours. 4. Lebanon NEVER had drinkable tap water 5. Riad Salame has been the president of the central bank since 1993. Although this video does a good job in providing an overview of the issues, it completely ignores the role of "certain" global powers in the downfall of this country. Lebanon is a well situated pawn in a much bigger global fight for power. Do your own research :)

Growing up in the '70's Beirut was as infamous as Vietnam it looked like a basket case. I thought the good people of Lebanon had won, they turned the country around and (from what I understand) was one of the most surprisingly wonderful places to visit. It's sad that that it has gone full circle, the Lebanese people I have met are beautiful people, proud people, I hope they win their country back. As for Vietnam we were fed an enormous lie and she never deserved the reputation she had back then.

Just a great piece of journalism 👏

It’s such a tragedy for the people of this amazing country. I spent a few months working there and I found the people extremely smart and dynamic. The nightlife was the best I’ve ever experienced - fabulous clubs and restaurants.

Perfectly put, been waiting on you to cover Lebanon for quite some time and it was well worth the wait.

So no word about Hisbulla, Iran and Syria. This entire documentary is dust in the eyes

Thanks Dagogo. I don’t think anybody managed to capture it and condense the full story like you have. Super well done!

As a Colombian from Lebanese origin this breaks my heart; I felt we the Lebanese of the world have done so little to help our mother land, very sad :(

How incredibly heartbreaking. Watching from US and counting days until such despair unfolds in our great nation. Unfortunately, we are heading in Lebanese footsteps.

This was an excellent piece. All tell no sell. Very refreshing.

This video about Lebanon reminds me of my country South Africa. These are the same characteristics we are currently facing, power cuts (loadshedding)for up to 6 hours a day, there also water shortage. Inflation and interest rates are at staggering figures. People are loosing thier homes/cars because they can't pay for them any. The blatant corruption by the ruling party ANC will be the demise of our beautiful country.

On a personal note, Dagogo, this was exceptionally well done and was a topic that needed to be discussed. Thank you.

I'm a Nigerian and this sounds like where Nigeria is currently headed. We have seen a lot of what brought Lebanon to where it is today - corrupt politicians that borrow money to enrich themselves, poor economic policies ...

Sad to watch this video, so sorry for the Lebanese people. As a Turk, we kind of experienced slightly similar situation, price of commodities have risen 3 to 4 times because of the rising inflation. I thought we were bad, but Lebanon seems to be worse :(

One thing to add, we had elections **AFTER** the crisis and the explosion happened, but we still voted for the same people. we're that stupid

As a Lebanese who lived all my life in Lebanon except for the last 5 years, i thank you Dagogo for this one. Been a sub with the bell notifications on for years now. Everything you said was well studied, but imho we saw it right after the syrian war started and that is why most of us left, and if it wasn't for that our family would not have anything to eat by now. My parents are teachers so even the strike was hard on them and they were the last in the government to do so, because they felt the responsibility to the next generation.

Fantastic explanation!

Thank you❤

I love these videos and my heart goes out to the Lebanese people as a Haitian whose country is facing similar circumstances.

This video made me cry at the end ngl. I feel for the people of Lebanon, they don't deserve to have to go through this because of the actions of the people in power. All over the world, we're seeing the few enrich themselves beyond belief, while the many suffer and suffer and suffer some more. It's disgusting and I don't really know what else to say except love to the many, 🤫to the few. I hope Lebanon can turn it around soon.

As a muslim moroccan, lebanon's downfall has been one of the saddest things to happen to our brothers. May Allah save them all

Very objective gd work 👌

Growing up with friends in the Lebanese Canadian community this is absolutely heartbreaking tragedy. Even 30+ years ago when my friends parents immigrated for a better life, they believed things weren’t well back home but it’s horrific seeing how bad it has gotten.

Thank you for the video ❤ prayers from Oman 🇴🇲 that Lebanon gets back on its feet strongly soon, with good change and bright people governing the country and giving its people the dignity and respect they deserve

Corruption should be sentenced as Treason.

I've been to Lebanon in 2017 for the first time and absolutely loved it! The people, the food, the nature. It hurts me to see this happening to it. I'll support you in any way I can. Love from Palestine 🇵🇸.

Just wow. My heart goes out to everyone in Lebanon. I really hope this crisis gets resolved soon for you all. ❤️

All my appreciation for this video, I secretly always hoped you’d make it.

Wow! I cried! I can’t even fathom the reality that someone else is living while I’m living mines. My heart with the people!

I don't even know what to say. Dagogo, you have done an awesome job of this video, and have let the world see the tragedy in Lebanon. What a sad, and greivous situation. A.I. can't help these people, only honest and generous people. But where are they? I think maybe, the money the tech companies make could more than help this country. But I guess, corruption can be found everywhere. Pray for Lebanon.

As a Lebanese, I truly appreciate you doing such an emotional deep dive into what is happening to this poor country and more precisely to the people suffering. It's a terrible situation, but Lebanese people are resilient.

"This has been a disaster in slow motion. Almost everybody saw it coming. Lebanon's politicians have simply stood by and watched their country slip into the abyss." (Sweats in Turkish...)

Being an expat in Lebanon, it's astonishing that this video is (as I'm watching it) 2 weeks old, but already outdated :) The Dollar peg has been let go, currency has been relatively stable at around 95.000 LBP, you can pay with cards, energy is more available - but no systemic changes have happened, and it's unclear why and where new money is coming into the country. I feel we'd need live coverage of the situation :)

As a Moroccan I feel deeply for our Lebanese brothers and sisters. They’re one of the few Middle Eastern communities that has never insulted us or hurt us in any way, I sincerely couldn’t think of a more kind-hearted nationality. Stay strong Lebanese people, I believe in you, you can become stronger than you were!

This is absolutely miserable. I’m Egyptian Canadian and I do think the corruption and consolidation of power in Egypt puts a huge risk on the system to fail like this. Very sad to see innocent people suffer like that

As a Lebanese, I love my country so much, and I really want to go there and live among my people, but dang, it doesn't look like it's ever gonna happen. Such a disaster. It's been like that for 20 years, and it was obvious from the start that something was wrong and it wasn't a wise choice to involve myself with anything in Lebanon.