A small Tribute to Palestine's sufferings

Tell our Leaders to ACT NOW in Israel/Palestine!

The world cannot allow the conflict in Israel/Palestine to continue. Thousands of civilians have been killed and wounded in a conflict which threatens regional and global peace and security. We call on UN Security Council members, the Prime Minister of Israel, and the President and Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority to implement an immediate ceasefire and restart the Middle East peace process.

Help Palestine, click to sign petition: CeasefireCampaign.org

Dahyeh, August 25, 2006. Arofish Stencil Graffiti - Lebanon.

The text in the picture reads:

"When Ramallah, in Palestine, is put under curfew by the Israeli Army, nobody goes outside for days. The streets look completely deserted. But from a tall building, if you look out over the city, you can sometimes see hundreds of many-coloured kites, flown from the roof-terraces by the children of Ramallah. The children you can see here are flying kites to celebrate the spirit of the people of Dahyeh. Some kites you can see are flying away. These are for the children who are no longer here; they are no longer held down to the Earth."

Thanks to our friend Marianna Azouri for the above link.

Click here to view a segment from Arundhati Roy's documentary about the Palestine/Israel history. Click for more.

Click here to view another segment from "Peace, Propaganda & The Promised Land", to watch full documentary concerning what is happening in Israel, and how sometimes the media hides it, click here.

Israel reminds me of kids

Well in general most politicians do, but in particual it is Israel that reminds me of kids everytime I hear a new statement or press release or whatever reply coming from them.

Today it sounded to me like a tiny little boy saying: "We will stop when they will stop." In fact it was Olmert replying to Annan's demand that Israel lifts the blockade off Lebanon.

Israel will lift the blockade and withdraw completely from the regions where IDF is still present in south of Lebanon till today when all points of cease-fire 1701 resolution have been applied...

Where to go when you visit Lebanon - Site I: Baalbek

Every now and then I will post a small paragraph and pictures about a place in Lebanon that I recommend for tourists (next year?) to visit.

I will start with the famous Baalbek ruins, where the special Baalbek International Festival happens every summer, with an exception this summer 2006 due to the war between Israel and Hezbollah.


Temple of Jupiter in Baalbek, Source: National Geographic

Description: The Temple of Jupiter in Baalbek, Lebanon, was the largest Roman temple ever constructed. Although much of the temple was destroyed under the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius, 6 of its original 54 columns still stand today.

First established as a holy site by the Phoenicians, Baalbek, once known as Heliopolis, became a Roman colony in 47 B.C. There the Romans constructed three temples in honor of the gods Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury. The complex that includes the well-preserved ruins of these temples is a major archaeological site in Lebanon.

Source: NationalGeographic.com


Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek, Source: National Geographic

Description: The Temple of Bacchus, which many historians consider the best-preserved Roman temple of its size, is part of Baalbek's immense semiruins. Its peristyle of forty-two unfluted Corinthian columns (nineteen still standing) embraces sturdily preserved exterior walls. The approach to the cella or worship room proclaims grandeur with its powerful scale...The inner side walls of the nave are divided into bays by projected Corinthian half-columns to produce a series of superimposed niches, round-headed below, angled (pedimented) above, the latter originally with statues. The temple was roofed with cedar trusses."

"The temple, however, is but a single aspect of the vast complex. Baalbek is unequaled for boldness of concept and skill in utilizing Herculean masonry."
— G. E. Kidder Smith. Looking at Architecture. p34.

Nasrallah: Lebanese shouldn't be afraid of Hezbollah

In Sheikh Nasrallah's interview on New TV yesterday Sunday August 27, he specified that the weapons exist to protect the Lebanese and Lebanon from the enemy and the attacker, and will never be used to threaten the Lebanese.

He addressed the christians, and the rest of the muslims, not to fear Hezbollah and not to let anyone scare them using the Hezbollah card. This action is an American-Israeli procedure.

Nasrallah implied Hezbollah will not keep their weapons forever...

Nasrallah explained that concerning the help that Hezbollah is providing for rebuilding houses is dedicated to all people who's homes were destroyed and not just the chiite, although naturally they're the majority as they live mostly in Southern Suburb of Beirut and in the South.

About why Hezbollah have rushed into rebuilding Lebanon and not leaving this job for the government, he said that he had pledged to the people that he will rebuild their homes, and he couldn't wait for the government to start yet he doesn't mind helping the government.

Nasrallah was asked by the interviewer from where he is getting money, he said that not to worry, the source of the money is "halal" (good), and there are no political restrictions on them, so she asked: "Is Iran providing you with the money? Are you asking for help from Iran? What if Iran will apply political restrictions?"

Nasrallah: "The money being spent, and the resistance, were never put under any conditions that could harm the general interest of Lebanon..." and he continued that Iran will probably send an Iranian team to help rebuild the bridges and to check other fields where they could help as well.

The interviewer asked him: "Why the money they own are in the U.S. Dollars?"

However Nasrallah didn't answer this question.

The money and donations received to help Lebanon according to Nasrallah are not enough and are not close to the amount needed to rebuild the huge destruction that happened in Lebanon.

Sheikh Nasrallah said that Syria, Iran, any political party or organization or media or reporter, poet, artist or anyone who wrote, spoke, cried, stood by hezbollah can claim victory and not just a partner in victory.

"Will I dedicate this victory to the christians?" Nasrallah rhetorically asked, he responded that a large part of the christians are partners in this victory, such as General Aoun, also a large part of the muslims are also partners, it was their battle too, so no need to dedicate it. All people who were related in one way or another are partners in this victory, if they weren't related and their scared from this victory, then what can he do for them...

...

Source: New TV

What's your religion? A question I will stop answering

I want religion to be no more than personal belief, not a criteria to judge, or a criteria that either opens a door to friendship or not, or a door to hatred or not. I am not saying everyone judges by religion! For those who don't, then I assume this won't be hard to apply, and for those who do? Then learn no to!

From now on if someone asks me: "What is your religion?" or an even more subtle question: "Where are you from?" (you see the latter basically reflects the religion to a certain point as well, combined with the name of the person).

I will answer: Humanity, and I am from Lebanon.

What is your religion? and where are you from?

Beirut's Haret Hreik, a 360° panoramic view of destruction

Click on the movie to activate it, position the mouse on the movie and drag it in order to view the whole 360°.


(Please wait for the movie to load)
This is how Haret Hreik looks after the recent July war on Lebanon, Haret Hreik is situated on the southern suburb of Beirut, it shows the destroyed buildings.

This Quicktime VR movie was received by email, and no source was specified, if you own this please let us know in order to put your name.

The Lebanon I want

I extracted this paragraph from a previous post I've written:

...Today, “August 14, 2006”, is not just a new chapter, it’s a new book, a sequel! It’s not possible for politicians to keep playing hide and seek! It’s about time they work, and I presume it’s about time the Lebanese citizens wake up, and demand that their politicians do their job!

Rebuilding Lebanon is not just rebuilding the homes of those brave people, not just engineering and building the destroyed infrastructure, it’s not about building cities only! Because as the proverb says “Men, not walls, make a city.” Therefore I think, it’s about time to re-educate everyone, to care for every girl and boy in this country, to make sure they all get the proper education, to make sure they all grow to respect others' religions but realize it’s not a criteria to judge, love or hate the other! To make sure when they’re grown they receive the right orientation and guidance, to make sure they all get a chance at jobs and that Lebanon has more job opportunities than job applicants!

It’s time to think of Lebanon as a strong and capable country, why can't Lebanon for once be an example for the whole world?

Khalil Gibran's words in 1933 apply today...

Among so many others of his writings that apply today, I specifically selected this segment from The Garden of the Prophet that was written by Gibran Khalil Gibran in 1933, and I will leave it to you, precious reader to extract your favorite quote.

...Then he said: "My friends and my road-fellows, pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion.

"Pity the nation that wears a cloth it does not weave, eats a bread it does not harvest, and drinks a wine that flows not from its own winepress.

"Pity the nation that acclaims the bully as hero, and that deems the glittering conqueror bountiful.

"Pity the nation that despises a passion in its dream, yet submits in its awakening.

"Pity the nation that raises not its voice save when it walks in a funeral, boasts not except when its neck is laid between the sword and the block.

"Pity the nation whose statesman is a fox, whose philosopher is a juggle, and whose art is the art of patching and mimicking.

"Pity the nation that welcomes its new ruler with trumpetings, and farewells him with hootings, only to welcome another with trumpetings again.

"Pity the nation whose sages are dumb with years and whose strong men are yet in the cradle.

"Pity the nation divided into fragments, each fragment deeming itself a nation."
...

Now everyone wants to send troops to Lebanon?

Seems like it's World Cup 2006 Final all over again, is France or Italy to the leadership of the UNIFIL. Just wait and see, the results will be out soon, let's hope they don't get to the penalty shoot, Lebanon already had a big penalty over its head.

What changed? France wants to send 2000 men to enhance UNIFIL, Spain wants to send between 1000 and 1200 men, and Poland up to 500. Dost Blazi says that the European participation in UNIFIL forces might reach 7000. [1]

Things seem to be catching up to a certain extent, possibly a private agreement far from public has been settled which caused the whole excitement about UNIFIL, and possibly with it Israel might end their aerial and maritime blockade, thus the airport will open completely.

[1] Source: LBCI

Still got the sense of humour... Johnnie Walker

I received the below images by email, no source for the first one. Well, Johnnie walker sure took advantage of the situation.
Click on images to view large size

Billboard on Nahr El Mot (Jdeideh - Lebanon)

Ad in Al Balad Newspaper 8/18/2006

Video: Amnesty offers Evidence for Israeli's collateral damage...

Evidence Points to Israel's Policy of Deliberate Destruction of Lebanese Infrastructure, According to Amnesty International is an article that shows evidence that Israel was not actually applying a strategic military plan at all times, but as a matter of fact in some points, they just wanted to "destroy" the Lebanese infrastructure, just to limit survival sources for residents in certain areas.

To watch this video, click on the image above.

"The evidence strongly suggests that the extensive destruction of public works, power systems, civilian homes and industry was an integral part of the military strategy, rather than 'collateral damage' or the result of lawfully targeting military objectives," added Goering.

The evidence presented in this publication includes the following:

• Massive destruction by Israeli forces of whole civilian neighborhoods and villages
• Attacks on bridges in areas of no apparent strategic importance
• Attacks on water pumping stations, water treatment plants and supermarkets despite the prohibition against targeting objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population
• Statements by Israeli military officials indicating that the destruction of civilian infrastructure was indeed a goal of Israel's military campaign designed to press the Lebanese government and the civilian population to turn against Hizbullah.

Click here to read more.

Report on Israeli Deliberate Destruction of Lebanese Infrastructure.

Source: http://www.amnestyusa.org/

All Lebanese should ask for PEACE!

They say Peace is the non-existence of strom, the calmness after the war, the quietness, the acceptance of the new situation, well I think this is wrong. I think Peace is a peace of mind, peace of morals, peace among the Lebanese, peace that there won't be another war! I think right now in Lebanon everyone should speak up. In war they spoke, why don't they speak up now, for Peace?

The Lebanese should do just like what they did on the 14th of March in 2005, when over a million Lebanese marched down to the martyrs square and asked for sovereignty and freedom. This time we should do it for Peace.

Lebanon is for every Lebanese, for my mom, for my father, for my neighbor, for the grocer, for everyone and for me, and I refuse that any politician, Lebanese or whatever nationality, to decide the fate of my country. I get to at least express my opinion and say that I want long lasting peace in Lebanon! Nobody asked me if I wanted this last war!

But even if it's over, I will ask for Peace, because we still don't have it.

Lebanon is my country as much as it is Lahoud's or Murr's or Nasrallah's or Aoun's or anyone else's! And I have a say in this. And what I will say is that I want PEACE in Lebanon, a long lasting one.

If we don't say it soon enough... then I'm afraid it won't happen, only its opposite will.

Does anyone want another war?

If you want peace, then ask for it.

Oil spill cleaning may take up to 1 year; Greenpeace

The massive oil spill on the Lebanese shore and sea was caused by the Israeli air-strikes on a fuel depot. Its cleaning, according to Greenpeace may take from 6 months to 1 year in case an assessment and cleanup has been done and start respectively as soon as possible.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that between 10,000 and 15,000 Tons (11,000-16,500 tons) of fuel oil leaked from an electric power plant bombed south of Beirut by Israel last month.

It polluted about 150 kilometers (93 miles) of the Lebanese coast and spread north into Syrian waters, officials said.

Click here to read more.

The Nairobi-based UN Environmental Program (UNEP) said Israeli authorities had given it safety assurances for aerial UN surveillance missions flights on the Lebanese coast that would soon be getting underway in a bid to prevent the spill from causing further damage.

Click here to read more.

Click here for more photos.

Since cease-fire, politicians are playing while Nasrallah's gaining popularity

Monday August 21, 2006

Well unlike what is stated in resolution 1701 put by the UN and voted for in the security council on Saturday August 12, Israel has been following the rules in this resolution, by violating them.

Israel is risking the truce, claiming last saturday that the reason for their "commandos" operation near Baalbeck is that they suspected weapons being smuggled into Lebanon for Hezbollah.

Elias el Murr, Lebanese defense minister, has warned Israel of this violation, and ordered not to repeat such actions, he also vowed to punish any group that violates ceasefire amid a plan to tighten security in all regions (Naharnet.com).

In today's dual press conference with Prince of Qatar, President Lahoud's speech, unlike his last speech (Friday August 18), was improved, moreover he thanked thoroughly the reporters that have risked their lives in order to report the truth, he in particular complimented Al-Jazeera TV for their "objective" reporting in a world where the truth have been hidden or twisted.

Prince of Qatar believes that Israel's attacking any arab country is no more possible and the peace seems to be applicable nowadays more than ever. He added that it is not acceptable to forbid weapons from Lebanon and allow them to Israel. He insisted that Israel should start applying the 1701 UN resolution and stop the blockade on Lebanon, because as he put it, they needed to take permission in order to come to Lebanon.

Finally, the Prince of Qatar acted as a messenger bringing an invitation to visit Damascus from the Syrian President to Saniora.

After last week's rough and harsh replies that have come from Hariri and Junblat (Thursday August 17), even Gemayel, Fares Soueid and others to the Assad's speech last week (Wednesday August 16), as it seems like the latter wants to smooth things between Syria and Lebanon. The reason for this, is tricky as always, as Assad knows he's in a bad position with the US, especially after his attempt of stealing the victory last week by praising the resistence's victory over Israel and taking a stand as if Syria was the one who won and not Lebanon.

Since then, Sheikh Nasrallah has not given any press conference, probably because he wants to show the world that he follows his own advice which is the fact that it is not time to blame or disarm or talk, it is time to rebuild Lebanon. This way he can also lay low and let the kids play, while he strengthens Hezbollah's position in Lebanon and increases his popularity.

Last but not least, Bush held a press conference today, besides from sending aid to Lebanon, it can be said in summary that he repeated what he always said, no step forward, no step backward. For the U.S. they're still in the same position as before July 2006 war.

Although Iran is back to the game of Uranium, and seems to be persistent of it this time. But is this time any different?

Source: Lebanese Media, Al Jazeera TV

Charging for Internet? Pay to visit blogs?

I know this is way out of the subject of the war on Lebanon and the recent events in the middle east and such, however, please follow my logic and you will see the link.

If the Internet, by that they mean visiting websites and using online services, will not be free anymore, we, the bloggers from Lebanon, wouldn't have been able to transmit our thoughts to abroad and the other way around.

I recommend you check this video out, it explains in a very clear, visual and informative manner how cooperations are looking to charge for the Internet to make even more BUCKS! The presenter is a bit too cheery, nonetheless a movie worth seeing.

"We used to campaign against wars, for peace, for anything THROUGH the internet, now we have to campaign FOR the internet?"

Scared to send International troops to Lebanon?

What is the reason behind the declination of Germany and The Netherlands from sending their troops to Lebanon?

Moreover France has decreased the number of the troops they want to send to Lebanon from thousands to just 200.

UNIFIL forces said that they will not be involved with any disarming of the resistance, but just help the Lebanese troops.

Many explanations can be given to this behavior, either they're afraid from the whole "disarming" the resistance deal in the South, although the Lebanese army General has specified no disarming will occur saying: "if Israel wasn't able to do it, we will not do their job".

The second explanation is that, perhaps they are predicting another war, a round two, to happen again soon and they do not want to be on Lebanese lands when it happens.

Lahoud's late speech

The Lebanese president Emile Lahoud spoke about the events that have happened since the war, praising the patriotic and united Lebanese army to continue deployment in the South, their strength due to the support of the Lebanese.

He added that the victory was not only for Lebanon but for all arab nations. Lebanon has come up as a winner by preserving his sovereignty and unity.

"It is time for work", he added, declaring that it is time for the Lebanese to rely and depend on themselves in these periods.

Unfortunately, the speech came in late and useless.

Beirut airport partially opens, and the Lebanese troops deploy in South

The Lebanese troops along with tanks and armored vehicles have moved today to the south, in particular South Litani river. This move that has been waited for since almost 40 years, and finally it had happened. Hopefully the fears that have been for sending the troops to the border are no longer valid.

Video here, source: AP.

As for the blockage on the Lebanese Air, has been partially lifted to allow commercial flights only from and to Amman. The airport has been closed since July 13, 2006.

Video here, source: AP.

Is Lebanon to be re-born or re-torn? It's up to Nasrallah

Today Walid Junblat (Leader of the Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party) has given a press conference in reply to Nasrallah's speech 3 days ago (Monday 14th of August) and Syrian President Bashar El Assad on Tuesday 15th of August, so did Minister Saad Hariri.

Starting with Junblat, which many consider, to be unstable. I am not sure of this description, however I have to admit that I like the way he answers. He did not provoke or accuse Nasrallah's resitence of anything, he precisely was proud of the brave men who have fought against Israel in the South of Lebanon. However he did imply that none of the national discussion have known or been informed of Nasrallah's intentions concerning the most recent war in Lebanon, nonetheless he expressed that he had his doubts that something was bound to happen.
Nasrallah said on Monday they will rebuild the destroyed homes and they will not wait for the government due to some complications, and Junblat commented by saying that the money that Hezbollah will use are actually money coming from Iran.

Consequently, Junblat suggested that Hezbollah becomes a part of the army.

Moreover Junblat sent questions to Sheikh Nasrallah, asking him what is his stand from the Taef agreement, and who will he dedicate his vitory to, the Lebanese, or the Syrian / Irani governments? He also criticized harshly the Syrian President, saying that he is trying to create a conflict inside Lebanon.

Agreeing with him on the latter part was Saad Hariri, adding to it a saying: "A criminal always goes back to the crime scene". Saad Hariri accused Assad of provoking a turbulance among the Lebanese.

He added: "Standing in the face of Israel is a famous Lebanese production".

Saad Hariri accused Israel of "living off the blood" of Palestinian, Lebanese and other Arab people. He also accused Syria of trying to sow strife in its weaker neighbor, where it kept an occupation force for 29 years. Source: AP

Now that the Syrian President wants to play the game of: "You deserve this. Look at what happened to you when Syria left Lebanon!" and other silly sentences. Politicians such as Hariri, Junblat, Gemayel, Aoun and most of March 14 who were accused of being Israeli agents, will not remain silent, they will answer back.

I am curious to see what Sheikh Nasrallah will reply, I think it's all in his hands, it depends on what he will answer, either a real problem will be created in Lebanon, or a new dawn. He already offered to help rebuild Lebanon, that's good, but how good? Will it affect the regime in Lebanon?

Source: Lebanese Media

Illegal use of Depleted Uranium by Israel on Lebanese civilians

Esteemed depleted uranium expert Dr. Doug Rokke is pointing the finger at Israel for using deadly and illegal depleted uranium munitions against the Lebanese people which were sold to them by the U.S. government - and calls for an immediate halt to the practice.

"What we know from first hand experience and what happened to those of us in Gulf War I and when we did our research for the US Army - the first thing that hits you is respiratory problems, then you have the rashes, then you start having permanent lung damage within a few months because of radiation and chemical toxicity, then you have neurological problems, then you have gastrointestinal problems."

"You have decalcification of the bones and the teeth - then you have all the eye problems due to the alpha and beta damage to the eyes - and then the cancers, the leukemia and everything else," said Rokke.

"We've got all the Lebanese being effected, all the women and children being affected, all the Israelis being effected, and the areas over there are so small you're going to have the whole region effected and contaminated."

Rokke expands on Israeli use of depleted uranium mission in an article in which he states that, "the use of uranium weapons is absolutely unacceptable, and a crime against humanity. Consequently the citizens of the world and all governments must force cessation of uranium weapons use. I must demand that Israel now provide medical care to all DU casualties in Lebanon and clean up all DU contamination."

Source: Israelis Rain Down Deadly DU On Lebanese Civilians, July 28, 2006

Okay this is what I found also that DU (Depleted Uranium) in high doses can cause adverse health effects.
- http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/faq_17apr.htm
- http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs257/en/
- Several articles about the use of DU in Iraq, Europe to ban, DU Dangers Known before Gulf war...

We. Unauthorized Arundhati Roy - Abuse of power

I recommend to watch the full documentary, if you're interested please click here.

To check website: http://www.weroy.org.

We is a fast-paced 64 minute documentary that covers the world politics of power, war, corporations, deception and exploitation.

It visualizes the words of Arundhati Roy, specifically her famous Come September speech, where she spoke on such things as the war on terror, corporate globalization, justice and the growing civil unrest.

Witty, moving, alarming and quite a lesson in modern history.

*Edited: The following two links are also parts that were cut from the documentary in case the connection was slow and can't view the full movie.
Arundhati Roy on the Palestinian / Israeli Conflict
Unauthorized Arundhati Roy - America & the world

Blockade on Lebanese air and sea, still on going

No information have been given on the reason of why the blockade by Israel on Lebanese air and sea is still on going, nonetheless the UN resolution has been voted for since 5 days and cease-fire has took place 3 days ago.

Talks say that the International Airport of Lebanon should open on Monday, 21 August. Elias El Murr, Lebanese minister of defense, has insisted that opening the airport and seaport in Lebanon will not require the enemy's permission.

Ghazi Aridi, Lebanese minister of information, said that until now there is still no update or reason of why the blockade is still on.

Perhaps Israel's excuse of keeping the blockade is to get insurance that there will be no smuggling of weapons from syria to the resistance.

So what happens Thursday 17th of August

Saniora and the Lebanese Cabinet have agreed to send Lebanese troops to south The government ordered the army, which has been assembling north of the river, to "insure respect" for the Blue Line, the U.N.-demarcated border between Lebanon and Israel, and "apply the existing laws with regard to any weapons outside the authority of the Lebanese state."

That provision does not require Hezbollah to give up its arms, but rather directs them to keep them off the streets. "There will be no authority or weapons other than those of the state," said Information Minister Ghazi Aridi said.

Click here to read more

That is a good point to discuss, Aridi insisted that the only authority and weapons in Lebanon will be those of the state of Lebanon, what I did not understand, is that a definite way of saying we will be disarming Hezbollah, or was this just a way to silence the security council that Lebanon does really want to apply 1701 and the Taef agreement, however deep inside no body will be disarming Hezbollah?

Is there a private agreement between Sheikh Nasrallah and the Lebanese government about Hezbollah's weapons; they tell the world something, and they do something else on the ground?

Click here to watch a video showing how the displaced are going back to their houses and land, and the graffitis they hanged in their streets. Source: AP

Even the cedars have left Lebanon

I received this caricature by email, and ... it made me sad.
Click on image to view larger size.

Lebanon rising from the ashes

Click on image to see larger size. Cartoon made by Latuff.

Take an hour and watch the atrocity of Israel on Palestine

Until now it appears that more than half the visitors to our blog are Americans, and I will take this opportunity to tell the americans to watch this footage! Americans in particular must see this video, to see how their beloved government is hiding the truth from them. I doubt anyone watching this movie, will still think the same afterwards.

IDF soldiers and officers have declined and signed a petition of not wanting to serve in the occupied territory, because it required starving, humiliating and patronizing the palestinians, and some of these soldiers have paid the price by going to jail and being called "traitors".

Jews who have believed that Palestine should be given a state of their own, were called "self-hating jews", and "traitors".

Everyone in the world should see this footage, for all other bloggers, make sure you put a link to this!

Click here to watch "Peace, Propaganda & The Promised Land"

To IDF: Good Job, thumps up!

Israel's first purpose of attacking and attempting to invade Lebanon, is to free their two kidnapped soldiers, finish Hezbollah or at least finish their military ability for years to come and make the Lebanese people and government hate Hezbollah.

And Israel... did nothing of this! Unless killing civilians and children was their purpose!

So Olmert, Bravo! you're the man, keep up the good work!

Lebanon lego... let go

Sometimes Lebanon feels like a Lego, after being put together... it gets kicked and pieces fall to the ground. And then we rebuild it, but it's still made of pieces that might still fall to the ground on any sensitive move.

I can't help but keep wondering about the future of Lebanon, more like, the shaky future of Lebanon. I am sure that they will rebuild Lebanon. Obviously after the speech Sheikh Nasrallah gave on Monday, August 14, calling all the youth of Lebanon to volunteer and put their differences aside, and focus on the rebuilding of our country.

Lebanon will surely receive many aids, and perhaps international companies from UAE or Kuwait will adopt the project of rebuilding the southern suburb of Beirut, a project that is similar to what happened in downtown, allowing people to go back and live in new houses.

I am torn between several feelings. At one side, I can see the future in Lebanon, on the other side... I don't. It's not the first time this happens in Lebanon, I can go back in history and list how after each war, after each attack, even earthquakes, Lebanon got back on its feet. Everyone who came to Lebanon can testify its beauty, its vibrant roads; if you get stuck in traffic, it’s actually a good thing, because you know you're going to the right place!

I can keep going about the night life, about the adventures you can do in the nature, the beach, the sunny weather all summer, the chilly breeze at night in the mountains, the barbecues in your grandma’s house, everything is close to each other, and not to forget the amazing appetite Lebanese people have, thus the delicious food!

What's funny is that so many people used to tell me about the greatness of Lebanon and that I should appreciate it more. What's more funny (funny sad, not funny haha), is that it what took me to realize how much I love my country is to get stuck outside Lebanon without being able to go back, watching on the Reality TV a new movie called “Israeli war on Lebanon”, that came to a theater near me on July 12, 2006 and lasted for 33 whole days! a non stop movie which resulted so much destruction, damage and death tolls.

I ate fruits here, I ate cucumbers, they don't have a taste!
The houses are beautiful, roads are clean, trees on the side, but there is no one on the streets, what's the point? You would think the area I live in is abandoned.

I am so angry and so mad because every time Lebanon is about to develop, for more companies to invest in our country, for the economy to progress, for tourists to start visiting by thousands, what happens? A war, a political crisis such as the assassination of Hariri followed by 13 other explosions all over Lebanon.

It's definitely not fair, and it's definitely not something we want to see happen again. I would like to live in my country, in my home. I want to do this without worrying if in 2 or 3 years Lebanon will be destroyed again.

What is the true solution? Who is really the one to blame? I observe the politicians in my country, and I don't see good coming from them. This is an honest opinion. I can't trust any of them, they seem to all be working for their good and only their own good! They think of themselves as celebrities, as hot shots, but “snap out of it and see the truth, you actually serve the country”, or at least they should.

A famous wise man once said that the master is the server. The politicians should put aside politics, and just work. They should be like every other employee. Go and do their job, with work ethics! If they don’t know how, then why the hell are they in their positions? They can always go and attend project management classes.

Today, “August 14, 2006”, is not just a new chapter, it’s a new book, a sequel! It’s not possible for politicians to keep playing hide and seek! It’s about time they work, and I presume it’s about time the Lebanese citizens wake up, and demand that their politicians do their job!

Rebuilding Lebanon is not just rebuilding the homes of those brave people, not just engineering and building the destroyed infrastructure, it’s not about building cities only! Because as the proverb says “Men, not walls, make a city.” Therefore I think, it’s about time to re-educate everyone, to care for every girl and boy in this country, to make sure they all get the proper education, to make sure they all grow to respect others' religions but realize it’s not a criteria to judge, love or hate the other! To make sure when they’re grown they receive the right orientation and guidance, to make sure they all get a chance at jobs and that Lebanon has more job opportunities than job applicants!

It’s time to think of Lebanon as a strong and capable country, why can't Lebanon for once be an example for the whole world?

L.A.

Truce?!?!

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Nasrallah and El Murr both call for Unity among the Lebanese

Nasrallah's word today was dedicated to all the martyrs that have lost their lives during this war, their families, the civilians, the reporters, the volunteers who helped the displaced, the Lebanese Red Cross and every Lebanese, complementing them for their patience, faith, and endurance.

To the displaced people who's homes were slightly destroyed, he promised that starting tomorrow morning (Wednesday, August 15), their brothers will go and help them rebuild the houses.

As for those who's homes were completely destroyed, he told them not to fear that his promise at the beginning of the war was only talk in order to quiet them. It was real and their Lebanese brothers will go and help them starting tomorrow morning, and they don't even need to ask for the help.

Nasrallah said that some points he would rather discuss with the Lebanese government directly, such as his weapons, and called some parties not to rush or provoke.

Finally Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah called for the youth in Lebanon and all those who can, to volunteer in the rebuilding of Lebanon, and to put their differences aside at this moment. He has claimed that Hezbollah has achieved strategic victory and dedicated it to all Lebanese.

Minister of defense Elias El Murr, in the show "Kalam el Nass" on LBCI with Marcel Ghanem tonight, has called the reserve from 2 to 3 years for optional joining of the army, as they will do a civil and patriotic help to their country, by enrolling in the area where they live. He assured by a 90% that they will not oblige the reserve to join the army, based on the answer that the General of the Lebanese army had given.

El Murr has said that the General has asked technical questions of how the disarming of the resistance will occur, as they do not want to give Israel any opportunity to attack the resistance in anyway. The minister of defense also added that they do not want their orders to come from the UNIFIL or any other international forces; any order in the South, should be agreed on by the government.

The Lebanese army needs 48 hours to prepare since a cease-fire had occured, as bridges and roads to the South are destroyed, and they will need to prepare their military equipment and troops to arrive there.

El Murr insisted that there should be a formula agreed upon in the Security Council concerning the disarming of the resistance in the South.

Concerning the airport, El Murr said they will not submit for the enemy's blockade and wait for them to give them the permission to open the airport and seaport! They will do it anyway after a national decision.

Finally El Murr called for all the leaders in Lebanon and responsibles to stay united in this in order to rebuild Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera TV, LBCI TV

8 a.m. Beirut time, has the fire ceased?

Just before the time for cease-fire, Israel is trying to pull off its last air-strikes, last on Baalbeck - Zahleh road, in Baalbeck and others in southern Sidon. Resulting injuries and death among the Lebanese civilians again.

Hezbollah has fired 250 rockets to North Israel, the highest since the beginning of war, killing one and injuring more than 50. The Israeli army estimates that Hezbollah has lost almost 530 of its militants during the war.

Israel admitted that 75 soldiers were injured during Sunday's ground combats. Also it had thrown leaflets on central Beirut warning them that it will retaliate in case any offensive is launched from Lebanon on Israel.

Both sides have expressed that if the other attacks, they will respond. Is the cease-fire going to last and lead to peace? or is the only thing that is going to cease is life?

Source: Reuters and Lebanese Media

Could Saniora have done things better?

The vibes that Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Saniora has sent were caused by statements he gave such as: "The important thing now is to restore full Lebanese sovereignty in the south, dismantling any armed militia parallel to the national army."

Also Saniora said that Hizbullah has created a "state within a state" in Lebanon and must be disarmed in an interview in an Italian Daily magazine.

Moreover he said that Chebaa Farms are to claim from Israel, and Lebanon needs international help to convince Israel to withdraw from these farms, that were being used by Hezbollah as a pretext to attack Israeli forces.

"The international community must help us in (getting) an Israeli withdrawal from Chebaa Farms so we can solve the problem of Hezbollah's arms," Saniora said. Source: JP.

In Haaretz, Saniora was described as a man who runs his government on three tracks: "He deals with Hezbollah through Beri, with the Lebanese public through Information Minister Ghazi Aridi, and with the world through Hariri's son, Saad Hariri, who spent the last week in France."

Saniora was referred to as a man who is highly skilled in negotations, and this "compliment" has been given to him due to the decision of sending the Lebanese troops to the South of Lebanon, which could have resulted from Saad Hariri, or both together. Therefore deciding to run this option by France and see their reaction. This option was suggested after revising the proposal coming from France and the US concerning the cease-fire, and knowning that the Lebanese President of the Parliament and Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah will not agree to it.

Which finally lead to the resolution 1701 that has been decided on, and then voted in favor of on Friday, August 11, at 7 pm New York time. This resolution that most of the world leaders welcomed, American, French, Israeli, Arab, almost all but Nasrallah; nonetheless he did abide by it, although refrained from commenting on several points, and with which to deal after the cease-fire happens, with the various Lebanese power figures.

The question is, could Saniora have done things better? Or is this exactly how he wanted them!

The war in Lebanon has just began

As Israel conducted more battles and combats in the south of Lebanon just hours after the UN Security Council adopted a cease-fire plan under the 1701 resolution. Israeli troops surged into Southern Lebanon on Saturday August 12th, and reached the Litani river.

Saturday, August 12th, has the highest death tolls for the day, where 19 soldiers have died in heavy combats with Hezbollah militants, 5 were missing and 70 injured.

Counting the hours till Monday the 14th, 8 a.m. Beirut time, both leaders in Israel and Lebanon have agreed on the time for a cease-fire. But until then, a new war has begun as Israel needs to do what they wanted to do when they got into Lebanon in the first place, in the first war.

Hezbollah's militants have shot down a military transport helicopter in South Lebanon that contained 5 people aboard, that are all missing.

Israel said that their IDF have killed 40 Hezbollah militants, however Hezbollah only stated the death of 3.

U.N. Deal Moves Forward, But Strikes Continue
As Lebanon and Hezbollah militants move forward with a U.N. peace deal, the nation's deadly conflict continues, claiming more civilian lives. (Aug. 12)
Click to watch video, source: Associated Press.

"We must not make a mistake, not in the resistance, the government or the people, and believe that the war has ended. The war has not ended," Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah declared.

Before the sun comes up on Sunday dawn, Israeli warplanes have reached Syrian borders and struck a bridge near the town of Halba, and a target that remains unidentified around Ali Nahri in East Bekaa Valley. Sources Lebanese Media.

Finally, the cease-fire is not adopted yet, and those 2 days and a half will probably seem to be the longest on the Lebanese as Israel has decided to begin a new war on August 12 to finish the business that the first war was supposed to on July 12.

Pie of Peace

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