Mitaman And indeed into the 60s before the civil war started. It was doing ok after the civil war, especially Beirut. But corruption took over and it was struggling right up until the fertiliser store blew up half the city. Mate of mine owns a paint manufacturer over there and is doing very well apparently. the business to be in. That and the glass business.
The Bekaa valley still produces great wines despite the Israelis regularly randomly blowing the shit out it. In swelf defence of course.
Beirut itself has long been on my list of places to go but something seems to hapopen every time I get close. Great food and party scene despite their issues. Quite the melting pot as well - Lebanese, Arabs, Palestinians, French expats, Egyptians, Syrians, Iraqis to name but a few. All living in harmony (ish). So it can be done.