The Lebanese are well known for their humor in difficult situations. The first WhatsApp message I received following Wednesday’s vote in Lebanon’s parliament approving the amnesty law was a meme with an urgent news sign copying a major media outlet stating: “General amnesty law to include those married for more than 20 years.” The law, passed a day after the abolition of the death penalty, was delivered following months of tension among Lebanon’s political parties. These negotiations made clear the extent of the dysfunction in the confessional political system.

BEIRUT: Lebanon's parliament on Wednesday passed a sweeping and long-awaited amnesty law that should benefit thousands of prisoners and wanted people, in the first legislation of…

Lebanon's parliament on Wednesday passed a general amnesty law reducing sentences for inmates and people detained for more than 12 years without charges in a bid to reduce prison…