Once seen as relatively tolerant for a Middle Eastern country, Lebanon's political leaders have become unified in efforts to scapegoat the LGBTQ community

Terror group's candidate for president in parliamentary vote to end power vacuum trailed behind rival after first round of ballots cast

'The country is in a state of almost total disintegration,' one analyst says

Michel Aoun's six-year term, which came to a close on Sunday, was marred by mass protests, a painful economic downturn and the deadly August 2020 mega-explosion in Beirut

In final act, Hezbollah-aligned leader formalizes resignation of caretaker government, complicating chaos; thousands gather to bid farewell to former army chief as he leaves palace

US-sanctioned Gebran Bassil, who is also president's son-in-law, emphasizes deal with Israel 'not a normalization process' but predicts will brings much-needed stability to region

Only 71 members of parliament attend, fewer than needed for quorum; next vote called for October 20 as country grapples with major economic crisis

Beirut has not had a functioning government since May, and currently operates in a limited caretaker capacity under Prime Minister Najib Mikati

Aoun's successor is to be chosen at a time when Lebanon is going through an economic meltdown and the government struggling to implement necessary structural reforms

Lebanon has yet to meet requirements it agreed to in April to receive a $3 billion loan necessary to jumpstart failing economy