John Owens

Produced by John Owens

• September 10, 2015

  Funding Hampers Lebanon's Cluster Bomb Clearance Effort

  Of 4 million cluster bomblets left by Israeli forces in Lebanon during war, an estimated quarter did not detonate on impact and are still live

• September 09, 2015

  Lebanon Makes Progress on Garbage

  Cabinet session yields agreement to create new landfills, decentralize waste management sector; deadlock on wider reforms persists

• August 25, 2015

  Blast Wall's Disappearance Emblematic of Chaos in Beirut

  Erected in response to protests to block access to Lebanon's key political establishments, the concrete barrier was gone within a day

• August 24, 2015

  Organizers Postpone Protests in Lebanon

  Lebanese protesters are postponing a demonstration set for Monday evening, after rallies on Sunday triggered violent clashes with security forces in Beirut. Organizers of the "You Stink" campaign against a garbage disposal crisis said on their Facebook page they would hold a news conference later in the day to explain their decision. John Owens reports from Beirut.

• August 22, 2015

  Beirut Garbage Protest

  Beirut Garbage Protest

• August 22, 2015

  Tear Gas Fired as Beirut Garbage Protest Turns Violent

  Thousands gathered within view of government buildings during evening demonstration organized by grassroots ‘You Reek’ campaign

• August 21, 2015

  Syrians Find Ways to Skirt Restrictions for Refuge in Lebanon

  In January, Lebanese government effectively closed door to Syrians escaping war, ending open border policy between countries

• July 24, 2015

  Stink Intensifies as Lebanon’s Trash Crisis Continues

  After the closure of a major rubbish dump a week ago, the streets of Beirut are filling up with trash. Having failed to draw up a plan B, politicians are struggling to deal with the problem. John Owens has more for VOA from Beirut.

• July 24, 2015

  Garbage Piles Up in Beirut After Landfill Closes

  City’s streets clog with piles of rubbish as politicians and waste management companies trade barbs and point fingers

• July 22, 2015

  Lebanon Hopes Tourists Not Scared by Regional Turmoil

  Once a staple of the Lebanon’s economy, tourist numbers fell by 40 percent between 2010 and 2014

• July 10, 2015

  Beirut Residents Fight for Dalieh Coastline

  Stretch of Lebanese capital city's seafront is precious to both developers and the public; now rocky peninsula is at heart of a battle between the two sides

• July 09, 2015

  As Syria Refugee Crisis Grows, Donors Lose Interest

  With Syrian crisis running into its fourth year, and number of refugees surpassing 4 million, aid depletion is nearing crisis levels

• June 25, 2015

  Parkour Flourishes Amid the Tensions of Kirkuk

  Growing number of Iraqi youth flock to classes that teach basics of French-born pastime also known as freerunning

• June 25, 2015

  Street Sport Parkour Flourishes in Kirkuk, Despite Tensions

  Parkour, a French-born pastime involving leaping and vaulting, is finding followers in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, which has been threatened by the so-called Islamic State. Despite the constant tension and the presence of military checkpoints throughout the city, a thriving parkour scene has emerged. VOA's John Owens reports.

• June 19, 2015

  Irbil Church Offers Shelter Amid Christian Exodus From Middle East

  In a space once used as gardens, Saint Ilyas church now hosts 110 largely Christian families displaced by conflict

• June 12, 2015

  Irbil Citadel Restoration Slows as Iraqi Kurds Devote Funds to Fighting IS

  Efforts to revive 8,000-year-old 'crown of Irbil' are threatening to stall amid ongoing conflict

• May 28, 2015

  In Lebanon, Many Refugee Girls Choose Marriage Over Poverty

  UNICEF official says marrying off young girls is seen as a way of reducing economic burden on families

• May 24, 2015

  New Approach Eases Refugee Suffering in Lebanon Camp

  In Lebanon, refugees are often forced to live in ad-hoc settlements in appalling conditions. But one camp is seeking to make life easier by empowering its residents and taking a longer-term approach. John Owens has more for VOA from Lebanon's Bekaa Valley.

• May 24, 2015

  New Approach Eases Refugee Suffering in Lebanon Camp

  Inmaa camp in Bekaa valley seeking to make life easier for its residents by empowering them and taking a longer-term approach

• May 15, 2015

  Lebanese LGBT Group Makes Stand Amid Regional Persecution

  On Sunday, Beirut will host day of events promoting acceptance as part of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

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