Cabinet finally formed

- New President (Check)
- New Cabinet (Check)
- Fix 3rd problem - Hezbollah's weapons (Status - UNKNOWN)
- Fix 4th problem - lack of trust, xenophobia, sectarian clashes, etc... (Forever and ever existent and will never be "CHECK")

Read more here

Easy come, easy go

I have to be honest with you, the whole recent so-called positive event in Lebanon, the whole finally agreeing on something, the opposition and the government who have been dissing, offending, disrespecting and threatening each other for the past year and a half, this whole recent event only makes me worry.

I wonder, how can such deep, rooted, stereotypical thoughts, be ruled out in one Qatari Dialog? I just don't get it.

I heard that today, there were no available place in Beirut's Downtown's restaurants and that it is back to life. Yes, congratulations for that.

But the solution we have is superficial, our problem is not the president or the electoral law or the tents that were in Beirut since December 1, 2006 and up until yesterday night. Our problem is us.

Dialog in Qatar and Berri in Pyjamas

Apparently, it's not going well. All I saw yesterday on the news was that Berri was in the Qatari tradiotional outfit, known as "Dishdesheh", I think. But that's not all, he was also wearing slippers. I am thinking he feels more comfortable in Qatar. Hopefully, others will join him, and they all stay there.

We are back to square zero, because even if both factions, the opposition and pro-government have agreed on a president, General Michel Suleiman, they still disagree on the electoral law that will be used in the next parliamentary elections. How will Beirut's district be divided? For those who don't know, it is a simple matter of math, each faction is giving the division that it will win for it more seats at the parliament. I have no idea, how they can actually find a solution for that. I am sure no faction will sacrifice for the other, because after all, it is not Lebanon that it matters for them, it apparently is their own benefits.



Today, an organization named KHALAS organized a gathering along the road of the airport to call for the leaders not to come back in case they don't agree. Talk about improbable things.

Not wanting to sound pessimistic, yet it seems like the day the opposition and the government agree will be when we won't have a Global Warming problem. At least there is hope.

Recap on the past 3 days in Lebanon

The Arab Ministerial Committee's mission was a success. Their mission last wednesday was to calm things down, open the airport again, bring opposition and government closer, adopt the fact that the government retracted the May 5 decisions, and went on with the next step which is dialog.

This time, dialog is going to take place in Doha, Qatar.

No more signs of weapons on the streets, no more clashes, several airplanes landed in Beirut's airport yesterday, and several left our airport today.

In the past 3 to 4 days, some of the government's officials and pro-government political party leaders, such as Saad Hariri, Fouad Siniora, Samir Geagea, etc... have toughed up their tones, while many thought that it only meant things were not going to get better even with the Arab Ministerial Committee's upcoming efforts.

But in my opinion, it was only a theatrical broadway show, orchestrated to make those pro-government people appear as they are pissed, because if they do show that they backed down so smoothly, the pro-government followers, and the big players who support this government were going to be extremely pissed.

In my opinion, the government did not lose per se, however it compromised for the sake of this country.

Awaiting.... what?

Sunday 11th of May, 2008, the 5th day of the bloody demonstration gone wrong, of the strike gone war, of the genuine demands gone terrorizing.

The airport road, the port road and the Masnaa road (bordering with Syria) is still closed, and many other roads in Beirut are still closed. Lebanese army is widely spread in all Beirut, and there are no sign of armed men on the streets, even the Sukleen cleaners are on the roads cleaning. However the civil disobedience asked for by the Opposition leaders is still present until all their demands are met.

North Lebanon is calmer now, some sort of agreement on calming things down have been set.

Many foreigners are leaving Lebanon, and some have been advices by their own embassies to leave Lebanon.



The arab ministers will be in session soon, in order to discuss the current crisis in Lebanon. Should we expect much from them? I believe not, until now, they never really helped this much. Refraining from offending anyone, but we all know who the big regional players are, and at this point, all negotiations are done silently and discretly away from the crowds.

The death toll has risen to more than 40, I don't have the exact number, but yesterday alone had 20 casualties. In particular, the victim during the Tarik Jadidah's funeral.

Siniora is not budging, the army is trying to compromise, the opposition is still firm, less firm than the beginning, nonetheless, it appears for the situation to get better, it needs a minimum of another 2, 3 days of tension.

Peace in Lebanon, or Hell on Earth

"Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding." Albert Einstein (1979-1955)

This is actually the proverb that I have had as "Quote of the week" for the past year I think, and everytime I decide to put a new proverb, I just can't find anything that describes our needs in Lebanon better.

As simple and straight to the point this quote is, as perfect as it describes what's happening now.

While listening to Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, the general secretary of Hezbollah political party, and military leader of the Lebanese Islamic resistence against any foreign insurgence, i.e. ISRAEL, I can't help but think how much this person is logical and convincing, nevertheless, this man's press conference had some flaws in it.

He did say, that anyone who tries to put his hands on Hezbollah's weapons, will be answered by the weapons, even if it is his dad. Hezbollah have a firm belief that Israel are their ennemies and are trying with the US to take over, more like, erase the Middle East. They strongly believe that they should and will react against their own brothers and sisters for the greater goal. I sometimes see where they are coming from, but I am also torn to think and ask myself: "Do I want to be terrorized by a very strong and powerful group". This is their beliefs, as we say in Lebanese "Yesteflo", this is their own war, and they are willing to kill and cause much distress, chaos and death in their own country just so they can achieve their own goal, which I don't necessarily believe is righteous myself. But if all your life you have been raised to think something, do you think anyone can come and change your mind? If anything, it is definitely not by weapons and stuborness.

The government knew better, and this is why for the past 26 years no one dared to criticize Hezbollah, not only the past 2 years or so, and this is when General Aoun signed on the Agreement form with Hezbollah. And FPMers wonder why some people went crazy over this step. Aoun did it because he felt that he was thrown out of the government, and Aoun, believing (maybe he does) of having a large audience in Lebanon who love him, wants to be a President. This is not the history of Lebanon, the history of Lebanon can have thousands of versions and stories and this is not what I intend to do. At this point, I am just trying to roughly see where each faction comes from and how it is IMPOSSIBLE for us Lebanese to ever agree on something.

Lebanese history cannot be written.

Is it wrong to not take Life to seriously spending all the time fighting for something, that most probably is not that important? What is life really, and what is our mission? Shouldn't just we live well and let others live well? Yes, naive thought.

I personally do not want to spend my life worried about people I know and love, thinking at any moment, they can be near an explosion, near a clash, and so on. Is this what Lebanon is? Will it ever be a normal country? This small country has so many differences, and what confuses me the most, is that politics aside, the majority wants to just lead a normal life in Lebanon. We all praise Lebanon, and how beautiful it is, a heaven on earth, sea near the mountains, partying and clubbing, activities, fun, music, great food.

Is it really? Most of the time it is, but the couple of months per year, in which we are blessed to have, a war with Israel, a war with Shaker el Absi and his crew, and now once again a war between each other! Only brings me back to feel like I am in Hell, and Lebanon is nothing but Hell on Earth.

There is no way, we will ever agree on something, if we do, it's only temporary.

Job Vacancy: President, send in your resumé

Why don't they consider the presidency in Lebanon as a job vacancy. The candidates should submit their CVs(résumés), and if by first look by the recruiter they are qualified for an interview, they get interviewed by the HR. They should of course, take a bath and dress neatly, be punctual and show up to this interview .
We all know the main objective of an interview with the HR is to meet the minimum requirements technically (should have the appropriate background, degrees and experience), and to meet a good deal of personality points such as being presentable, respectful, polite, a good team player and such.

If all goes well, the candidate should go into his next interview, the technical one. Technically for this President job position, the person should know how to run a country, or at least had run a country or something close, to show leadership, self-control, management, diplomacy, patience, wisdom, someone who keeps his promises, knowns about economy, cares for the country and considers its well being as the first priority, respects all the citizens and colleagues, modest, a good listener, someone with a good record (not a criminal, an ex-convict, a ex-crazy person), someone who believes in justice and peace, someone who does not succumb to power, but to strength, instead of leaning below the big players, someone who does not get lured into evil but to good, ...
Things from that sort, if you have more of these job description points, please do comment.

Last thought: "if any of the current candidates apply for this job and should meet all these requirements, who do you really and honestly think will and should get the job?"

How are the presidential elections affecting the average Lebanese citizen?

Many people are delaying big purchases such as apartments or cars till after the elections. Others are postponing payments of monthly bills or installments till the end of the month. One case I've heard is postponing a wedding and buying furniture for their house. I personally postponed buying a ticket to a concert till next week. And of course, many have canceled going out this week, many rumors of staying home is safer, embassies sending message to their people to avoid going out all this week. Moreover many Lebanese are worried of a potential rage riot, roads blocking, area occupation and such. Every side is accusing the other of going to start a fight. A company is also waiting for all this to finish before they move to a new location. Thursday is a holiday, independence day, so many schools are going to close on Wednesday and Friday as well.

But in general, it isn't as worrisome as it sounds, we are more than used to this, for example all work places are not affected by this. (lucky us)

A commercial is not enough

While I was coming back from a near-by friend's house, who had given me an original Lebanese meal, "Loubieh b zeit", as my parents are abroad trying to build a future for my siblings and I, I was thinking while walking, should I stay in Lebanon? And I kept seeing this image of me quitting my job, saying good-bye to everyone and going to where my folks are.
As I arrived home, I put on the news, and saw the new commercial for Fransabank, which is about people taking a picture with a picture of a Lebanese landscape set as a background, and each person is pondering about something, the future bride and bride-groom thinking whether they should postpone their wedding or not, the grandparents thinking whether they should tell their relatives to come visit Lebanon this summer or not, the student thinking of staying in Lebanon or leaving for a job abroad, and so on and so forth...
Questions all Lebanese are familiar with. I had tears in my eyes when at the end of commercial, they all said: "I am staying, We are staying"
We Lebanese are so patriotic and sensitive to this issue... but a commercial won't change anyone's mind would it?
I can't forget how happy I was to land in Beirut's airport on September 6, 2006, it was the last day of the Israeli blockade. I was so happy to see the traffic and hear the honking, and feel the humidity of our Beirut.
But, I still don't know whether I should look for a house, get married, raise my children in this country.

Why was Walid Ido assassinated?

Many Lebanese citizens said that being in a state of war is actually easier to deal with than what is happening right now in Lebanon. In a war, a citizen will know which areas to avoid, but explosions at random periods, random times and random areas are unpredictable, so how can the Lebanese resident avoid them? They seem to be more dangerous, inflicting fear and a sense of worry at all times.

It might appear that Lebanese people are becoming paranoid; however there was another proof this afternoon. An explosion in Al-Manara situated in West Beirut, exploded a little after 6 pm targeting the Parliament Member Walid Ido and killing him along with his eldest son, two of his bodyguards and 7 civilians. The bomb was planted in a Mercedes car which exploded when the late martyr's car was passing by.

This is the 6th explosion and first assassination this year. They say 7 is a lucky number, however not for the unfortunate late Walid Ido. 7 assassinations starting with late Prime Minister Rafic Hariri on 14 February 2005, with the 7th being Walid Ido. Two years later, and more assassinations are still happening.

Walid Ido, like Pierre Gemayel, Gibran Tueni, Samir Kassir, George Hawi, Bassel Fleihan and Rafic Hariri, has been killed in order to be silenced. The side that killed all those martyrs does not want a Lebanon of peace and independence. They want a Lebanon that only imports and exports wars and explosions, a Lebanon stranger to tourism, a poor Lebanon with a low economy. The late parliament member Walid Ido, member of the Future Movement of which Rafic Hariri was president, was also a member of March 14, a group that was formed based on the demonstration that had over a million Lebanese commemorating back then the one month memorial of Rafic Hariri (14 March 2005) and asking for a Lebanon free of Syrian presence, and an independent Lebanon.

The assassination of Walid Ido, came two weeks after the International Tribunal to investigate the assassination of Rafic Hariri has been voted for, resulting in the draft resolution 1757.

Whatever the person's belongings are, it is a sad day on everyone. It is outrageous to see another political figure get assassinated and innocent people die. Security is practically non-existent, nevertheless the army are trying their best, toggling several things at once, securing the roads, running checkpoints for potential "exploders", fighting Fatah Al Islam in Nahr el Bared, guarding the borders and the protesters who have been camping in Downtown Beirut since December 1st, 2006.

The recorded speech we hear every time an assassination happens, saying that Lebanese should unite in order to fight the terrorizing hand and stop it from ruining, killing and dividing. It continues by expressing their sadness for the big loss, praising the martyr and calling for unity and dialog.

Yet everytime hate steps over sadness, selfishness wipes principles, power overrules patriotism.

Counter Strike in Nahr Al Bared

The North Lebanon battles in the Nahr Al Bared surroundings between our army and the Islamic Militant of Fatah Al Islam continue. It is really shocking and breath-taking, at least for me, to see our Lebanese army fighting. This is not a sight we are accustomed to. The Lebanese army has been on hold since decades, due to occupations, belief that they are still not strong enough to defend the country, division... When we say the Lebanese army we mean by it Lebanon's army, not political, not biased and not sided to anyone but all Lebanon.
The Lebanese army today are a source of pride and strength for many Lebanese of whom the majority are showing support by several means, on msn, facebook, display pictures, stickers on cars and more.

The Lebanese army have received reinforcements from the US a week ago, and the battles are getting more and more severe. The Islamic militants are not willing to surrender (yet).

What was more weird, is the live coverage of these battles and the description of them. When I am listening on the radio and hearing the reporter describe how the army took over a building and responded with gun-fire to locations from which militants have been shooting, blocking roads and entrances, taking over the train rail, etc... I couldn't help but think it was a game, like Counter Strike if you are familiar with it. Counter strike is a game to be played on the pc, it has two teams, the terrorists and the counter terrorists, and has maps of an italian neighborhood, in a plane, near a deserted research lab, even a map of Beirut. In this game, the terrorists are actually holding hostages, for the counter terrorists to win, they have to either rescue the hostages or kill the terrorists. Sounds too familiar in Nahr Al Bared's situation doesn't it? All of this seems so unreal.

I might sound crazy and too optimistic, however, I need to get this off my chest, I have a good feeling about the situation. Let us wait and see.

Lebanese Army walks

Keep walking! As Jhonnie Walker puts, our Lebanese Army are present. Yes they are, we see every day, in the morning, the afternoon and at night, a group of soldiers walking on both sides of the street with almost 10 meters of difference. Looking at it positively, this action is supposed to provide the citizens with safety and peace of mind, and apparently this is its effect.

Even though, problems are occuring here and there to create a turmoil and chaos among the people, in general and looking at things with not so much of a microscope, some gestures are being made, and perhaps a sign of hope, a warless summer and a hectic touristic season are in store for the Lebanese people.

2 things

I've been meaning to express my opinion concerning two issues.

1 - Virginia Tech Massacre
Again I offer my condolences to the families of the students who died, even the guy who shot them. However, all the time I couldn't stop thinking about the fact that we hear about tens of people die every day in Iraq... Have we really gotten used to killings in Iraq, that we really are not saying anything about it anymore?

2- The 2 youth who were kidnapped then murdered
I would like to also offer my condolences to both youth's families, hope their souls rest in peace. Moreover, most people labelled it as a step to create a turmoil in Lebanon among civilians, however the crime is a crime, and too soon to have been categorized as a vendetta act or personal crime. No drawing conclusions or actions must be taken but those of the army and the investigations. It is sad and upsetting to see everyone panic over this and hatred arise.

April 6? People going mad?

Well, a rule of thumb, if you want to think Lebanon is fine and things are great, just stop watching the news. Other than that, you will know they're as mad as always and even madder.

British sailors were caught last week in Iranian waters according to Iran, yet UK says it was in Iraq, accusing Iran in taking the sailors hostages, while Iran said that the two sailors confessed that they were in Iranian waters.

Word on the street is that April 6 is the starting date for a World War III, how exciting and ravishing, the analysis is exquisite and fascinating, even genious. USA to bomb all nuclear facilities in Iran, they said. Question: Could the whole british sailors be linked to this issue in any way?
Another question: Would USA go into a new war, while it is still haven't finished with Iraq? Or is it a one day thing, leave Iraq, go into Iran.
A third question: For the US to do the above, it will need Blair's support. Surprised? The hostages are british!

Recently a summit has been held, the Arab summit, of course the unity among the Lebanese got translated in two presidents, lucky us. And of course, when was an Arab summit ever useful, no offense, I wish it was, but it never is.

Israel suggested for a summit between the moderate Arab countries and Israel to occur in order to discuss a possible peace. Amro Moussa automatically dismissed it.

And of course, our Lebanon, the precious Lebanon and its precious leaders, we have this saying in lebanese that goes like "Kil wa7ad 3am bi ghanni 3ala mouwelo", by rough translation, it means that each is speaking a different language, singing a different song. News it we are no longer relying on Saudi's interference, nevertheless this time Berri and Hariri will talk and find a solution themselves... YEAH RIGHT!

The difference between the politics football and the real football, is that in politics, each has his own ball. There is the Iranian ball and the American ball, however the others don't really have ... ones.

Together we stand, divided we fall

Did we reach the bottom yet? I can only hear echo and see the sun light dimming more and more.


27 March 2007 - Al Balad

A solution in the horizon

If you ask any Lebanese person (who follows local news), they will tell you that things have been calm lately because, they continue, it's either this or a war. Now that Iran and Saudi have interfered in finding a solution to Lebanon which haven't been declared officially yet, means two things:

1- We still get our orders from outside (surprised?)
2- While some of the March 14 really believed that "they" can control Lebanon and hopefully move it from its follower state to its country state, it turned out, that when they will be pressured to succumb to foreigners once again.

Concerning the second point, I will just like to send a message to all those who were in the opposition, despite how some of the current government politicians have gone wrong, etc... there is one fact and that is that some really wanted the betterment of this country (some got assassinated) and these people did not get anywhere because there was no union. Of course, we can't sum up the whole reasons and consequence in one paragraph, but point noted.

Traffic due to whaaat?

Well, occasionally in countries like the U.S., U.A.E., France, you know, not the third world countries, traffic occurs due to an accident in the middle of the road, some public works, etc... but in Lebanon, in addition to the previously mentioned reasons, there is a very exclusive reason that results in traffic, and it is: "BOMBS".

Oops, did I just say the B word? Well yes, there was a bomb near MTV station in Ashrafieh, close to Roadster's Diner, and they had to deviate the cars to use another road.

Can politicians fast?

With this season of fasting, in Lebanon (I think abroad it is exercised differently), people fast not just 12 hours per day by not eating, or from dairy products and meat, moreover they actually choose something they really love (i.e. Chocolate, Smoking, Pepsi...) and they refrain from eating/drinking/smoking it for the whole 50 days.

Now I was wondering, as our politicians love being unprofessional, unforgiving, full of hatred, arguing with no basis for anything useful, ruining the country, etc... So you get the idea! Can't they fast and stop doing what they love for 50 days? Please! Pretty Please!

14 February 2007, an anniversary and more

To view more pictures of today's events please visit this album. Pictures courtesy of moi.

After yesterday's explosion at Ain Alak, our speculations were if another explosion of a different kind will blast in today's event commemorating the 2nd anniversary of Hariri's assassination. A lot of questions have been asked, and today we have the answers.



The politicians might haven't openly escalated the situation but they sure have spoken with a rough tone, especially Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and Abou Taymour, the Progressive Socialt Party leader. Jumblat called Lahoud a whale that the sea has rejected, and that is probably the nicest thing he said about him, as later on he continued that Lahoud will make the history of garbage. Of course, there is always an interesting piece for Syria, its regime and its leader Bashar Al-Assad, whom got a real bashing by Jumblat. Geagea remembered all the martyrs naming them one by one, and called them the resistence of the nation.



Hariri thanked everyone for coming, thanked the martyrs, the people, the patriotic... In general, the politicians asked for the issue to be solved outside the streets, for it to be discussed in a civilized manner around the discussion table.



Hundreds of thousands of people have come from all over Lebanon, even by sea, and in a large number. Convoys made of hundreds of vehicles moved towards the capital, when the traffic starts, they park and continue by walking. Today's mass of people might not have been as large as March 14, 2005, but it certainly was the second biggest.



Lebanese Army divided the square into two between the opposition campers - who have been camping in downtown Beirut since December 1, 2006 in order to topple Siniora's government - and today's marchers who want to pay respect for Rafic Hariri and condemn the criminals who assassinated him 2 years ago, asking the international community for the truth of who those criminals might be.



The distance was wide, and not a single fight arised. The opposition security forces asked the for people to be present in the tents, in order to avoid any clash.

To view more pictures of today's events please visit this album. Pictures courtesy of moi.

As 14 February is getting closer

As 14 February is approaching, 14 March, and especially Future Movement with Saad Hariri as their leader, are calling for a public presence in Martyr's square, for the memorial of the late Prime Minister Rafic Hariri's assassination that took place on 14 February 2005. With this coming along,

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations signed an agreement on Tuesday as a first step in creating a tribunal that would try suspects in the 2005 murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri and other anti-Syrian figures. (Full article)

What has been happening to Lebanon for the past two years, with assassinations, explosions, war, potential war, shiites ministers resignation, vote for an International Tribunal in Hariri's assassination, etc... is a long story, with many factors, local, regional, and international.

The tribunal has become one of several contentious issues for the anti-Syrian government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, which backs the court. Opposing the tribunal are pro-Syrian factions that include President Emile Lahoud, parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri and the Shi'ite Hezbollah movement.

We all know, that if the Internatinal Tribunal is stopped, things will be better. Bachar Al Assad had warned in one of his speeches that Lebanon will reminisce to the days Syria occupied Lebanon as better days. Are we reminiscing already?

Gun sales triple, Economy boosted

According to Guardian Limited, gun sales have tripled since the opposition's protest & Thursday's 25 January riots.

Gun sales in Lebanon have tripled since the current standoff between the government and the Hizbullah-led opposition began, prompting concern that political factions are rearming.

Why? Well, it was always unfair that only one political party was armed, the solution back then was to disarm them, and as this didn't work and as things got complicated, trust majoraly decreased among most Lebanese and the political parties they support, now more political parties are "forming" armed militias.

"There is a reappearance of arms in the hands of almost every political group; we are sitting on a powder keg, tension is increasing every day," said a prominent security analyst. "They don't know what they are doing, they are going to destroy this country."

So yes, economy boosted as Gun sales triple, but unfortunately, not our economy. The only thing that is getting boosted in Lebanon, is tension and a potential civil war, because no one learned their lesson apparently, and they still fall prey for the "warlords", the so called political leaders.

Last night, I saw on the breaking news marquee of LBC, a quote from Aoun specifing that things should be peaceful and not to fall for the possibility of creating more riots, a war. (Roughly speaking, I do not remember his exact words). My reaction was of course, the surprise, as I recall Aoun had a lot of different things in mind in an interview on Al-Manar on Friday 26 January. I don't mean that Aoun changes his mind so much, this is not the point, as long as he comes around, past doesn't matter, what matters is how emotional and spontaneous he gets (not a compliment), which is not a trait of a leader.

Find a middleground, arraftouneh!

First of all, it is only degrading to tell someone to be more resourceful, and you yourself managed to ingore reading a fully available document such as the reform plan.

Below is only directed to the extremist ones and not in general!

Just because you're an FMPer, does not mean you have to completely dismiss the reform plan and if you did do you have an alternative?

Just because Aoun suddenly allied with Hezbollah, you don't have to love shiite. Can you be a bit deeper?

Anyway, don't get so excited, you too LFers, stop thinking Federalism and Con-federation are the answer.

Lebanese are Lebanese, we are one, shiite, christian maronite, christian greek orthodox, catholics, armenians, sunni, druze... Forget about religion and start thinking intellect and education. (This message is not only directed to LFers but to everyone).

The cross, which is your symbol, is the symbol of a man, a son of god (in christianity), a prophet in islam, who carried the sins of all men and asked people to love, forgive and give. So much for applying his words!

I read once in the Kuraan that (please excuse my memory and lousy translation), "No man can think of himself better than another but with faith." Surprisingly, people mistake selfishness and fear of going to hell with faith.

Hezbollah supporters, stop intimidating people! and stop believing what Al-Manar is telling you, Al-Manar is living in war and so much hatred and provocation you would think it is World War II all over again! Oh, and get Iran out of the picture and Syria!

Future movement supporters, I don't know, tell your TV to stop being so biased!

Everyone! Start finding the good about the others, because there is good in all, and being so stubborn is not helping the country.

Here, I said it in the mshabra7 arabic!

Geagea, Aoun and Nasrallah

Geagea
On Friday (January 26), Geagea held his press-release, which even my co-workers dumped their work in order to watch it, where he clearly stated the Jbeil incident and that one of the people who were shot (by an unknown) is a Lebanese Forces supporter, and that Aoun shouldn't think that they were the only victims.

He also mentioned the "Stands" of Hezbollah on Tuesday night (January 23), declaring that the reason why they stopped is not really why they did stop but because Lebanese Forces stood against March 8. Which later at night, Hezbollah office sent a reply to him appearing on the news saying that they did not declare such stands and that he should check his sources better.

And that happened after he had asked for a Media Truce. Ironically though, you cannot ask from the other what you yourself did not do. Nevertheless, wish there would be a Media Truce.

Aoun
Also on Friday (January 26), Aoun appeared on Al-Manar all calm and relaxed. But again, he always does when the talk-show host is on his side, and he has no press jumping at him with critical questions.

To read about what Aoun spoke about and said that Friday, visit Tayyar.org and search for it.

After what happened on Tuesday (January 23) and on Thursday (as a popular reaction and not an opposition plan), Aoun should have calmed things down instead of saying: "We will keep going to the streets, burning tires and blocking roads as excercising our democratic rights"... right!!!!

Nasrallah
Unlike Aoun, tonight (Sunday January 28) Nasrallah was not calm or relaxed at all in a public appearence broadcasted on Al-Manar. I truly sensed this guy was much more logical and had better reacted to what happened last week than Aoun did. He was angry and disapointed with what happened on Thursday (January 25) especially. He believes there was a plot in order to lead for a turmoil between the shiite and sunni. He said it is understandable for a problem to occur between students and then their parents and friends joining in, but snipers and gun holders, this is no longer a reaction, but a previously planned set-up to create riots in the country. As martyrs fell, it still was not reason enough to fire an uprising in Lebanon. He urged everyone not to fall for this.

Wel3aneh... bhannikoun ya 7adarat al zou3ama

First of all, I would like to congratulate all journalists who report in Lebanon, I think over the past decades they have been the most to report from a recurring dangerous zone than any other journalist in the world.

Second of all, congratulations to our politicians who have been attacking each other for the past years, until finally the people - their supporters - are no longer listening to them. It is easy to get people to the street, but difficult to get them out of it.

Third, congratulations to the media who has been despicably distorting the truth, moreover loyal viewers of their channels have thought a war has been already happening for the past year, inticing them to hate the others.

And finally, congratulations to our ennemies, who we once stood against believing that they will never be able to fire up a war amongst the Lebanese, alas they are starting to succeed.

However, if and only if the politicians call for an urgent meeting where cessation of war of words on TV and agreeing on finding a mid-solution by compromising a bit, then there will not be a war in Lebanon.

It is not too late to have control over things yet!

Aoun`s press conference

Yesterday, Wednesday 24 January, the day after the general strike, Aoun held a press conference and not just to answer questions. However the reason behind this post is not to discuss Aoun's reply to what happened on Tuesday, as Aoun may have appeared stable at the beginning when he was reciting, accusing and explaing the reason why he took the decision of putting the strike on hold, however when the questions started raining on him, he lost his zen.

Anyway, what I have been wondering about is how come Sheik Nasrallah, the general secretary of the Islamic Resistence in Lebanon, the biggest part of the opposition camp today, haven't still made an appearance. It is soon to know why, and many conclusions can arise, but one fact remains, when an opposition having several leaders for several parties allied together declare a general strike (gone bad), the next day they should all make statements, which haven't happened.

Opposition supporters harrassed my friend

I would like to congratulate those opposition supporters for their exquisite job in expressing their democratic opinion and right for a better Lebanon, and excercizing these rights by harrassing a 21 year old female just driving back to her house at 4:30pm in Al Siyad - Hazmieh. They ran towards her, and not just 3 or 4 men, we're talking dozens, tried to open her car door, verbal abuse, blocking her way and making her go back.

Congratulations, I sure am very proud to be a fellow citizen.

So what happened yesterday?

Main Headlines:

1- Opposition's General Strike begins at 3am (Reason: To topple Saniora's government)
2- Burning tires, blocking roads and causing traffic
3- Smoke rising all over Lebanese converting the blue sky to grey
4- Lebanese Forces and Pro-Government supporters decided to go down and open the roads
5- Gun-fire, fistfights and stone-throwing
6- Lebanese Army and Special Forces only got orders till 2pm to open the roads and deal with the rioters
7- Roads to the airport claused, locking arrivers in and travellers out, leading to cancellation of flights, no army was present at that location
8- 5 dead and more than 100 wounded
9- Opposition leaders during the day called the strike "Civil and peaceful"
10- Around 10pm, Opposition halt the strike

Response:

1- Democratic right
2- Democratic right NOT. "My freedom ends when the freedom of others begin"
3- Thank you for the pollution
4- Their right
5- Not Civil. P.s. Palestinians throw stones at their occupier (Israel), Lebanese threw stones at each other and at their Army!
6- Why this late?
7- Why weren't the army present there? And once again, thank you for sending this beautiful image to international community
8- Peaceful?
9- What?
10- Three explanations for this.

First Explanation: As the strike has turned violent and into what appears as overthrowing, the opposition decided willingly to halt the strike preventing more problems and clashes in Lebanon.

Second Explanation: A meeting for an agreement has been set between the government and the opposition

Third Explanation: Again, Lebanese issues discussed by foreigners who have either found a solution themselves, or at least decided to stop things before getting worse, thus order coming from outside to the opposition in order to stop the strike.

Wall, here we come!

Even if today was still under control for all Lebanese, one topic is on every person's mind and leading all groups discussions, which is: "What will the opposition do tomorrow?"

There are only two things the opposition can do:
1- Peaceful protest
2- Violent protest

In case it's peaceful, with the Lebanese army keeping everything smooth and open roads to all citizens who want to continue living a regular day by going to their jobs, schools and universities... But of course, will not really have a useful result.

And in case it's violent, the Lebanese army as well will try to keep things under control and keep the protesters under the law. However if the army fails to do so, and this only can happen if they are in opposition with civilians who are armed (and dangerous).

If by any unfortunate chance the opposition may get armed, harrass people, throw oil on the roads (which can cause accidents), burn wheels, vandalize properties etc... then things will get nasty and illegal.

The latter idea is perhaps an exaggeration. Perhaps the opposition are bluffing, and it's April Fools. However this is what is on our minds, this is the fear that has been inflicted on us, and may I say, the opposition has succeeded to make an impact. The opposition, especially Aoun will say: "We warned civilians to stay home, but they went out and got hurt."

Wait a second, didn't Israel do the same thing during the war? Warn people, kill people, then say "we warned them". And our reply was that their excuse is invalid?

In addition, why would anyone who is not the government (liked or not) tell us to stay home? We have the right to go to work, or go walking, or do anything (legal) and no one has the right to forbid us unless there is a curfew by the government.

I am sitting here in my house, in my bedroom, on my desk thinking: "Do we need any more reasons to threaten the weak peace we have? Do we need more intimidation from fellow citizens? Do we need more trouble-making?"

We have work tomorrow, just another regular working day. I will be going, if not by car, then walking.

Opposition`s first played card

I found this paper on the car front window tonight. Nothing surprising there, but I really wanted to point out the importance of one sentence mentioned in it. As lately I have been really intrigued with the "propaganda maquinista" and how it works. The rough translation of the expression is: "The Lebanese opposition calls the citizens to stay home and avoid transportation unless crucial" and of course this to be done on Tuesday January 23rd, 2007!

Let the games begin.

P.S. Doesn't this type of behaviour remind us of something Israel used to do during the wartime when they threw flyers from the sky to warn towns from being in a certain place?

Bi-Polarism, wrong!

If the reader remembers, more than a month ago, I had decided to go on strike against politics. Back then I wasn't talking about politics of life, politics of surviving or politics of the nation you live in, I was talking about the leakage of our politics, the fungus, the mold that our politics have become and resulted into. I needed to get a bit far, and look at things from above, from a different perspective, a non-subjective one, to try and understand what is happening, instead of being sucked into it and drown into a sea of ignorance and hatred.

Until recently, I had finally found where I stand in this chaos, I had chosen to stand outside of it; do my best of course, to help this country in my own simple way.

So yesterday, I watched a bit of news, for me news are somewhat like a tape that keeps getting repeated everyday. Suddently while listening to Samir Geagea, and after I thought he has become a bit wiser after being in jail for 11 years reading philosophy and meditating, he tripped. He told the Lebanese people - and by told I mean gave them 2 choices, cornered them and imposed on them one of two choices - to choose between an independent, free and sovereign Lebanon which are the demands of March 14 or a "Death to America" Lebanon. I was shocked (well not really, we Lebanese expect anyone to say anything) when I heard this.

Samir Geagea made a mistake! If there are two political sides in this country, this does not mean all the Lebanese people have to be divided. And I believe this has gone too far.

Remember the days, during 1st and 2nd grade, while us the children wanted to play a game that was composed into two teams, afterward two leaders (kids of course) would go to an oppposing side, raise their hand and point their palm down, then the rest of us would choose which side to join, by actually putting our index finger perpendicular to the leader's palm, and by this manner we would officialy belong to one team and then let the games begin.

The difference now is that we are not children, although I wish we still have the innocence and hope the child has, we now are mature and have been deceived and certainly betrayed, we now understand that we do not have to choose what the Slave Factory Owners and the Kings impose on us, this is not Dictatorship as last time I checked, this is a democratic country, and I choose neither!

Pressure mounts on Olmert to resign

After Israeli Lieutenant General Dan Halutz Halutz's resignation, public and political pressure continues to mount on PM Ehud Olmert.

When asked whether Olmert, his ratings approaching single digits and facing a criminal corruption probe, would follow Lieutenant General Dan Halutz's example and quit, a senior aide told AFP Thursday: "No, he has no such intention." Source: AFP

Reaction in Lebanon was a sky lit up with fireworks, as Hezbollah celebrated the resignation of Halutz "after allegations of mismanaging the summer war between Israel and the Shiite group" (Source: Naharnet).

A little bit too late taking responsibility of the allegations of the failure in war between Israel and Hezbollah last July, however in the right timing to lift Hezbollah's moral.

This act looked at in a certain ways, and written with selective words would implicate that Hezbollah had succeeded in the last war.

However, if the failure that Halutz took responsibility for was not being able to stop Hezbollah Rockets from landing in Israel, than Hezbollah has failed too, as they did not stop rockets, soldiers, merkavas, aeral and naval equipments from entering and landing in Lebanon.

Opposition protesting for truth, action or reaction?

Article about the opposition's protest near the Justice Palace on Saturday January 13, 2007 in Arabic on Albaladonline.com

2 days late to talk about this event, nevertheless still valid. The opposition's act can be explained in two manners.

As they haven't heard the end of it concerning the fact that only March 14 are asking for the truth of who did all those assassinations for the past 2 years and that March 8 (July 12?) aren't asking for this truth which means they either don't care or they did it.

Therefore they have decided to act. They could've not protested for the truth on Saturday and kept hearing criticism, or they could've protested (as they did), and heard other kind of criticism.

The first idea that comes to mind is, why this late?
The second idea, better late than never.

I personally am torn between the two ideas, is that a cheap shot? or is it really genuine?

Their act can also be understood in another way. As their sit-in for the past month and more has not resulted in anything yet, and even their "escalations" haven't led anywhere, and even with their promise to escalate even more, it can only be ruled out as another failed attempt.

So why did they protest last saturday?
- Is it because they want to say that they also want the best for Lebanon (this way they can win the "torn" audiance that haven't decided who to rule for by showing them that they are moderate)
- Or by playing their cards right (this way they won't be accused and pointed at as a team that haven't done their job right)

This is definitely not a genuine action, it's a reaction.

A final thought, which will be elaborated more about soon, is the fact how the government is winning by ignoring the opposition, and the opposition are trying their best to draw attention and look just & caring. I am not sure I agree with how the government is handling the situation, afterall it is bashing out a big portion of the Lebanese and not listening to them, which will back-fire at them in the future.

The opposition resigned from the government in November 2006 thinking it will disable the government, but the government kept going, moreover seizing the opportunity to file for the International tribunal in Hariri's assassination and now Paris III conference.

Things have gotten personal between the two parties, fair demands are being proposed, however as soon as 1 party (i.e. opposition) joins this demand, it gets ruled out by the other party (i.e. the government).

So finally who is the loser? Our fellow Lebanese labor is the only loser!

Internet filtering still exists!

I have only recently learned that there is Internet filtering in China, I have had heard about Internet filtering in some Arab countries (i.e. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia) or Islamic countries (i.e. Iran) though, but still not in depth. A little bit too late till I looked it up, and surprisingly, the filtering remains till today.

It is a serious issue though to see that some people in some countries are being deprived from truth about things. That is propaganda in itself. Every person has the right to know about anything he desires. I understand in some cases, hiding a very dangerous truth from the public in order not to cause panic and chaos, but preventing the people from know about anything, anywhere at any time is just immoral and unethical.

Having said that, technically speaking, after of course making a special "Google" for China, and not with the purpose or concept of the Google for Holland or France or any country, but in the purpose of "hiding" facts and only showing China (communism) appropriate events and history, it is still quite remarkable to see such technologies. Nevertheless, sadly used.

Fortunately, despite the large amount of problems and political craziness Lebanon endures, and even though sometimes certain books were banned from entering Lebanon, such as "The Satanic Verses" and "The Da Vinci Code" (which actually intices people into buying them more, and eventually they were snuck in to the country), we have access to anything we want on the Internet, and I believe this is a bliss.

China facing major gender imbalance

BEIJING - China will have 30 million more men of marriageable age than women in less than 15 years as a gender imbalance resulting in part from the country's tough one-child policy becomes more pronounced, state media reported Friday. Traditional preferences for sons has led to the widespread - but illegal - practice of women aborting babies if an early term sonogram shows it is a girl.

Click here to read full article.

They lack girls because of their preferences for sons hence the abortion when finding out mothers are carrying girls in their womb! We lack guys, because many are immigrating to find a better life abroad, with better job opportunities. We as in Lebanon. However, I think this problem is being fixed, as the female gender in Lebanon is now also immigrating for a better life abroad and better job opportunities. Soon enough only elderly and children will live in Lebanon.

Germans get incentives for having babies

I couldn't believe my ears when I heard that the German government was giving incentives (financial ones) to German couples in order to have more babies as by a certain study, the population will severly decrease by 2050, thus creating a problem with the work force. Do they think for the far future or what?

Concerning Lebanon's population, even though we're barely 3.5 millions (not counting the Lebanese living abroad who are triple that), the number is fair in proportion with Lebanon's economics and demographics, therefore the population shouldn't be increasing, at least not quickly.
As Lebanon already has more applicants than job opportunities, more people are travelling to the Gulf countries, Africa, Europe and the US, almost everywhere. No accurate information are present at the moment for the reason that this issue relies on more than one factor which I will hopefully write another post about in the near future.

Anyway, the first thing that came to my mind when I heard the news was to go to Germany, become a German (if that's possible), get married and have babies there.

It also made me think about how several European countries have these amazing approaches into solving problems.

France offers additional help to some families who need in-home care. The Swedes give either moms or dads 80 percent of their salary for a total of 480 days in a parental leave.

Britain introduced a so-called "baby bonds" scheme in 2004, giving a $490 voucher to every newborn to start a trust fund, while a new Russian law entitles families to a bonus of $9,600 following the birth of a second child and any subsequent children.

Click here to read full article

Saddam execution video leads to arrests

By STEVEN R. HURST, Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqi authorities reported the arrests Wednesday of two guards and an official who supervised Saddam Hussein's hanging and said the guard force was infiltrated by outsiders who taunted the former leader and shot the video showing his body dangling at the end of a rope.

The unauthorized video, which ignited protests by Saddam's fellow Sunni Arabs in various Iraqi cities, threatens to turn the ousted dictator into a martyr. Saddam was shown never bowing his head as he faced death, and asking the hecklers if they were acting in a manly way.

[...]

Click here to read full article.

Apparently the Iraqi authoraties delt with this in a good way, they could at least save face by showing some objectivity and justice in the manner. As much as the man was a heart-colded criminal, he is still a human being and has rights. The room should not have been infiltrated by people who had no business being there during the execution.

Saddam execution video draws criticism

By ANITA CHANG, Associated Press Writer

Grainy cell phone video of Saddam Hussein's execution triggered international criticism Tuesday, with Britain's deputy prime minister calling the leaked images "unacceptable" and the Vatican decrying the footage as a "spectacle" violating human rights.

[...]

The unofficial video showed a scene that stopped just short of pandemonium, during which one person is heard shouting "To hell!" at the deposed president and Saddam is heard exchanging insults with his executioners. The inflammatory footage also showed Saddam plummeting through the gallows trapdoor and dangling in death.

The grainy video appeared on the Internet and Al-Jazeera television late Saturday. On Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered an investigation into the execution to try to uncover who taunted the former dictator, and who leaked the cell phone footage.

Click here to read full article.

I was surprised to see LBC also showing the whole movie (AL Jazeera already did so) of Saddam's execution that was captured on a cellphone. I had previously seen it on the internet (willingly), but still it was kind of shocking to show a man dying on TV, I remember the persons beside me were startled, and not ready to see such thing. I think there is no more respect to anything in the media anymore, even if he is a bad person and an enemy, they still lose respect when they (and we) don't mind seeing and showing such footage on TV. What if a child was watching it? It was only 8:30pm! I don't recall them even giving a warning.

This is no longer good journalism, this is plain greed for money.