Special Ynet report: Israeli journalist in Beirut

VIDEO - When I arrived in Beirut as a reporter for the Brazilian O Globo newspaper, I was surprised: I was sure I would be able to see scars from the last war starting at the international airport. However, the renovated airport looked modern and new. Only when I entered the city itself, was it possible to see that the capital, once known as "the pearl of the Middle East", was a scarred and damaged town, worried about the present and full of uncertainty for the future. First article: An Israeli in southern Lebanon Second article: An Israeli in Dahiya The city was silent and tourists have not returned yet. Many residents are scared to go out to clubs, cafes and restaurants, for fear of attacks. In recent months, there have been three car bombs. Three government coalition members have been murdered. An accusing finger has been pointed at Hizbullah and Syria, suspected of attempting to topple the regime of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. The resulting tension can be felt across the city. Due to fears of additional attacks, the Lebanese military is deployed on most Beirut streets. Barriers and checkpoints have been set up even in the most affluent neighborhoods. Alternative hang-outs Beirut youngsters are trying to get over their fears. Since most area pubs are empty, "the new trend is to party on rooftops or at pubs in warehouses," Dalia, a student, said. The capital is in a "sorrier state" than it was "during the war against Hizbullah," another teenager reported. "Today it seems it's more important for people to be Shiite, Sunni, Maronite, anti-Syrian, pro-Syrian, than it is to be just Lebanese. That's the problem," she said. But, she remained optimistic about finding alternate places to have fun, saying, "the fear exists, but we'll find solutions to keep hanging out. There's nothing like Beirut nightlife." In Beirut, in comparison to what's going on in Hizbullah-land, in the south of the country, it's hard to find fliers championing the organization's chief Hassan Nasrallah. Instead, one can see pictures of assassinated prime minister Rafik al-Hariri and his son Saad almost everywhere. The leader who was murdered almost two years ago is considered a symbol of progress and rejuvenation for many Lebanese. Roee Nahmias contributed to this report

Special Ynet report: Israeli journalist in Beirut

(VIDEO) In third installment of war retrospective, Israeli reporter working for Brazilian newspaper visits Lebanese capital