>I am surprised there are so many foreigners in general. Hasn't the region been, uh, "interesting" to live in for quite a while?

Before the previous round of wars, Lebanon was some sort of mid-Eastern Switzerland, good for business and attractive for many. Specially because of its Muslim-Christian mix, it had its charm, and probably banks as well. Since the last breakout of peace, of course the business resumed where it left off.