'A declaration of war': Lebanese students unite against hike in tuition fees After overwhelming victories in university elections, independents have joined forces to demand affordable education and fight sectarian politics with eyes set on the country's 2022 elections The AUB, one of the oldest universities in the Middle East region, will update the exchange rate to 3,900 Lebanese pounds to the US dollar, after it was officially stabilized at 1,500 Lebanese pounds to the dollar 23 years ago. EPA Medical students at the American University of Beirut (AUB) wear face masks as they attend a protest against the adjustment of the dollar rate for new tuition fees in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA