Lebanese Civil War began 50 years ago. Here’s how one photographer saw it

Claude Salhani, an award-winning Lebanese photojournalist, documented the brutal realities of the Lebanese Civil War that began in 1975. He was just 23 when he started capturing the conflict that erupted with a Phalangist militia attack on a bus in Beirut's Ain el-Remmaneh neighborhood. Over nine years, Salhani's work featured in prominent publications like Time and Newsweek, encapsulating the violence and suffering inflicted by Christian and pro-Palestinian militias. Despite facing threats, kidnapping, and injuries, Salhani's dedication to depicting the war earned him a Pulitzer Prize nomination in 1983 for his poignant image of a young man mourning after a deadly attack on US military barracks.
Salhani's decision to leave Beirut in 1984 reflected his disillusionment with the devastation of his homeland, though he sporadically returned until his death in 2022. His work not only highlighted the human cost of war but also underscored the role of photojournalism in shaping public perception of conflicts. Salhani's legacy is a testament to the power of images in documenting history and the personal toll experienced by those who bear witness to war. His life and career serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of conflict on individuals and nations alike.
RATING
The article provides a compelling personal narrative of Claude Salhani's experiences as a photojournalist during the Lebanese Civil War. It excels in clarity and readability, offering an engaging account of historical events through Salhani's lens. The story's accuracy is strong, with most claims aligning with historical records, though some personal experiences require further verification.
While the article captures attention and holds public interest due to its historical significance, it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and additional sources to enhance balance, source quality, and transparency. The focus on an individual narrative limits its impact and timeliness, as it does not directly connect to current events or broader societal issues.
Overall, the article is a well-written and informative piece that effectively humanizes the Lebanese Civil War through a personal story, though it has room for improvement in providing a more comprehensive and balanced view of the conflict.
RATING DETAILS
The story presents a factual account of Claude Salhani's experiences during the Lebanese Civil War, supported by historical context. The narrative aligns with known events, such as the bus attack by the Phalangist militia on April 13, 1975, which is widely recognized as a significant trigger of the conflict. The details about Salhani's career, including his work for Annahar and international agencies, are likely verifiable through media archives.
However, some claims, like the specifics of Salhani's personal experiences (e.g., threats and kidnapping), would require corroboration from his personal accounts or interviews. The mention of his Pulitzer Prize nomination can be confirmed through official records. Overall, the article's accuracy is strong, with minor areas needing additional verification, such as the assassination attempt on Pierre Gemayel.
The story primarily focuses on Claude Salhani's perspective, offering a personal view of the Lebanese Civil War. While it provides insights into the conflict's impact on individuals, it lacks a broader range of perspectives, such as those from other journalists, civilians, or political figures involved in the war.
The article does not exhibit overt bias but could benefit from a more balanced representation of different sides in the conflict, particularly from the Palestinian perspective, which is briefly mentioned but not explored in depth. Including diverse viewpoints would enhance the narrative's balance and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the war's complexities.
The article is well-structured and written in a clear, engaging manner. The narrative flows logically, detailing Salhani's journey from a young photojournalist to a seasoned war correspondent. The language is accessible, making the complex historical context of the Lebanese Civil War understandable to a general audience.
However, the article could benefit from additional context or explanations of certain terms, such as the PFLP-GC or the Phalangist militia, for readers unfamiliar with the conflict. Overall, the clarity is strong, with minor areas for improvement in providing background information.
The story relies heavily on Claude Salhani's accounts, which are credible given his professional background and experiences. However, the lack of direct citations or references to other sources limits the assessment of source quality.
While Salhani's career achievements are likely documented in media archives, the article does not provide specific attributions or evidence to support its claims. Including additional sources, such as interviews with contemporaries or historical records, would strengthen the article's reliability and credibility.
The article provides a clear narrative of Claude Salhani's experiences but lacks transparency regarding the sources of its information. There is no explicit disclosure of how the information was obtained or verified, which could impact the reader's understanding of the article's basis.
The absence of methodology explanation or context about potential biases in Salhani's accounts limits transparency. Providing more information about the sources and methods used to gather the story would enhance its transparency and allow readers to assess the impartiality of the content.
Sources
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

One Extraordinary Photo: Pope Francis' simplicity in one eternal frame
Score 7.8
One Extraordinary Photo: AP photographer brings a ride at South Africa's 'Rand Easter Show' a to life
Score 7.2