Why do foreign donors face a tough choice in dealing with Lebanon’s economic crisis?

Lebanon is facing its gravest economic and political crisis since the end of civil war in 1990 — and the situation was already dire before the pandemic hit. In early March, the country defaulted on $1.2 billion in foreign debt, the resulting free-fall of the Lebanese lira adding to a deep financial crisis.

Lebanon now faces a major food crisis, and a shrinking middle class. The International Monetary Fund has indicated it is ready to help Lebanon deal with its urgent economic challenges. But the government has been slow to respond to this offer of assistance.

How did Lebanon’s economy collapse, and what happens now? Here’s what you need to know.