Dear friends,

The SITA center in Beirut which also houses the administrative offices is about 2 km from the explosion at the seaport. The accounts department is located in a nearby building. Considering the importance of the explosion, the two buildings were heavily damaged (panes, doors & windows, false ceiling and furniture). On the other hand, the technical center which is on the ground floor of the building, built like a bunker, was not affected.

For the staff, a guard was slightly injured. The rest of the staff are safe and sound, knowing that the explosion happened after office hours, plus employees are working from home due to Covid-19.

To my knowledge, SITA old timers are doing well.

Luckily, my family has not be affected, as we reside in our mountain house in summer, but our apartment in Beirut has suffered. From my close family, my sister had her apartment completely blown up. She and her husband were hospitalized with injuries and broken bones. For those around us, three of our acquaintances were killed.

Geopolitically, Lebanon suffers from communitarianism which encourages corruption and is located in the midst of a geographic region in turmoil. The demographically growing Shia community is seeking a greater share in the affairs of the state supported by Iran with funds and arms. In addition to or because of this, the country is going through a political-economic-financial crisis with no hope of finding a solution in the near future. The Lebanese pound has already lost 80% of its value since the start of the year and more in sight.

Kind regards

Mansour Nasr