CRIME in Lebanon 2014 315 Fatalities | 1178 Car Thefts

issue number 152 |March 2015 Public Debt: USD 100 billion in next three years

Women in World’s Parliaments

the monthly interviews Jiang Jiang China’s Ambassador to Lebanon www.monthlymagazine.com • Published by Information International sal

CRIME in lebanon 2014 315 fatalities | 1178 car thefts

4 CRIME in Lebanon 2014: 315 fatalities and 1178 car thefts

6 The Lebanese Seacoast: 135 people have drowned; most of them Syrians and Lebanese

7 public Debt: USD 100 billion in next three years 10 Tammam Salam’s government marks its first year in office

11 undisbursed Electoral Expenses 13 women in World’s Parliaments 20 The Parliament of Sri Lanka P: 25 P: 13 21 emile Jerjes Lahoud 23 cancer of the Esophagus: dr. Hanna Saadah

24 Flexible Empire (4/4)): antoine Boutros 25 interview: Jiang Jiang china’s Ambassador to Lebanon

28 The Lebanese Association for Development (Al-Majmoua)

30 popular culture 31 debunking myth#91: Can stress make one P: 41 more susceptible to physical illness?

32 must-read books: Islam and the 44 Terrorist groups pretending to Philosophy of Governance stand for Islam (2) dr. Mohammad Amara The Houthis: Terrorists or Reformists?

33 must-read children’s book: A Beautiful Thought 45 real Estate Prices - January 2015 34 Lebanon Families: Terjman Familys 49 prices of 100 food and consumer products in 2014 35 discover Lebanon: Ouyoun Samak 50 Did you know that?: The Top Five 36 Discover the world: Grenada Most Powerful People in the World 2014 37 January 2015 Highlights 50 Rafic Hariri International Airport 41 This Month in History- Lebanon Traffic - January 2015 first Israeli Invasion of Lebanon and Resolution 425 51 Lebanon’s stats 43 This Month in History- Arab World Birth of Samira Moussa, the Miss Curie of the East, on March 3, 1917 |editorial

Fawzi Chalak (1942-2015) If man were to blossom like roses

He began his journey at the Lisan Al-Hal, a Lebanese newspaper. Later, he was introduced to radio listeners in the heyday of Radio du Liban, as a scriptwriter for Ma’a As-Sabah, a morning program hosted by Nahida Fadli Dajjani. He headed the cultural Section at Al-Liwaa newspaper in the early 1980s before moving to Paris where he became Program Director at Radio Orient.

In 2011, he decided to return to Lebanon and lay the foundations of his new house in his native village, Kefraya, Koura, so he could finally ‘take a rest.’ But destiny had different plans, dictating his demise on the morning of February 22, 2015. I can still recall him reading poetry to us in the early seventies when he addressed death saying ‘I pity you for you never cease to spin ... Are you not tired yet!’ Some time later, he released his first Diwan- a collection of poems- entitled If Man were to Blossom like Roses. Subtle, gracious and tactful, Fawzi Chalak withered like a delicate rose. “Tread softly, walk gently, for I believe the soil of this earth is nothing but the crumbled dust of these bodies,” said Abou Al-Alaa Al-Ma’arri.

During his short stay in Lebanon, Fawzi Chalak edited The Monthly magazine, Tahawoulat Mashriqiya and a number of publications by the publishing house, Kutub. He belonged to a generation that sought and dreamed of a better world, yet suffered the ordeal of seeing this dream shattered in Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon due the world going crazy and the decline in critical thinking. He will be sorely missed and his absence will be felt by The Monthly’s family, his kinship and friends and all the devotees of literature.

Fawzi Chalak will be forever admired for his rich repertoire, gracefulness and uniqueness. To his wife Souad and his children, Karma, Rama and Rami, may you find consolation in knowing that he was a man who loved, labored and excelled. 4 | Leader

CRIME in lebanon 2014 315 fatalities and 1178 car thefts

The negative aspects of life that are affecting the Lebanese and weighing the country down are too many to list. Stark political divisions have reached their peak, aborting presidential elections, and thereby leaving the presidential seat vacant since May 2014. Parliament has extended its own term of office and no agreement has yet been reached over a new electoral law. The government is functioning carefully, fearing to disturb the delicate balance that is keeping it together. The financial and economic conditions are not faring any better; public debt has skyrocketed to USD 65 billion (according to official figures) and is likely to keep its upward ascent reaching USD 100 billion in the coming years. There has been no approved budget for the past ten years and the deficit has been on the rise amidst declining economic growth and higher unemployment figures. To add fuel to the fire, the spillover from the Syrian crisis has overburdened Lebanon with more than 1.2 million refugees, which has resulted in worsening security conditions and thus serious implications for the people including an alarming increase in the crime rate.

Number of deaths from crime: 315 deaths The average death toll caused by crime was 137 between 2006 and 2010. This number has increased with the arrival of Syrian refugees reaching 383 in 2013, i.e. up by 288 from 2010 or 303% as illustrated in Table 1.

Number of deaths between 2006 and 2014 Table 1 % of increase Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 (2010-2014) Death toll 131 126 252 81 95 136 190 383 315 +231 Source: ISF Directorate General

Vehicle thefts: 1178 1042 vehicle thefts were reported in 2006, of which 444 vehicles were recovered. The number of targeted vehicles increased over the following years only to go back to the same level in 2010. Car thefts went back up again after 2010, with 2247 cars stolen in 2013, i.e. up by 1201 cars or 115% from 2010. Net losses increased by 273% as illustrated in Table 2. The year 2014 showed a decline in car thefts to 1178, a progress that could be attributed to tightened security measures.

Stolen and recovered vehicles between 2006 and 2014 Table 2 % of increase Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 (2010-2014) # of vehicle thefts 1042 1337 1707 1527 1046 1684 1984 2247 1178 +12.6 # of recovered 444 659 795 875 613 771 810 626 532 -13.2 vehicles Net thefts 598 678 912 652 434 913 1174 1621 646 +49 Source: ISF Directorate General

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Pick-pocketing: 594 incidents Pick-pocketing incidents decreased from 1287 in 2006 to 848 in 2010 and further to 784 and 594 in 2013 and 2014 respectively. This decline is partly attributed to the growing awareness among people, particularly former victims, against pickpockets but mainly to the security measures taken against thieves on motorbikes, the most common way for opportunistic thieves to snatch purses and flee. Figures in 2014 suggested continuous decline in pick- pocketing incidents. Table 3 illustrates the evolution of pick-pocketing incidents between 2006 and 2014.

Evolution of pick-pocketing incidents between 2006 and 2014 Table 3

% of increase Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 (2010-2014) Pick-pocketing 1287 968 1134 1105 848 865 1100 784 594 -30 incidents Source: ISF Directorate General

Thefts: 2286 incidents There was a significant increase in thefts between 2009 and 2013 with 2273 thefts reported in the latter, up by 20.6% or 389 thefts, from 2010. Compared to 2006, the incidents grew by a drastic 65.5% as illustrated in Table 4. Indicators for 2014 revealed a decline in thefts compared to 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Evolution of theft incidents between 2006 and 2014 Table 4

% of increase Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 (2010-2014)

Thefts 1374 1218 1888 1884 2468 2568 2522 2273 2286 -7.3

Source: ISF Directorate General

Robberies: 1243 incidents Robberies amounted to 1177 in 2013 compared to 583 in 2010 and 329 in 2006, i.e. up by 102% and 258% respectively. A rise in robberies was evident in 2014 with 1243 reported incidents.

Evolution of robberies between 2006 and 2014 Table 5

% of increase Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 (2010-2014)

Robberies 329 371 436 556 583 846 1174 1177 1243 +113

Source: ISF Directorate General

These staggering numbers attest clearly to the fragility and deterioration of security conditions in the country and sound the alarm for the need of sterner measures that will fend off the threats and help in combating major crimes and thefts. More than half of the incidents have been allegedly committed by Syrians and other foreign workers.

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The Lebanese Seacoast 135 people have drowned; most of them Syrians and Lebanese

Lebanon boasts a beautiful 220km long coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. Part of its coast is occupied by tourist facilities, some of which are legal and others illegal without requisite licenses. Access to these facilities is limited to subscribers or those willing to pay a high entrance fee. The other part is accessible to those lacking the means to enter private pool resorts. Because it lacks the necessary means of rescue, swimming in this part carries significant risks, particularly for people who cannot swim. Between 2010 and the end of August 2014, 135 people drowned in Lebanese waters, most of whom were Syrians and Lebanese.

Number of deaths by drowning per year In 2010, the number of people who drowned was 12. The number has increased over the years reaching 36 in 2014 (end of August), up by 24 deaths or 200%. The presence of Syrian refugees and their lack of knowledge about dangers in water are thought to be a significant factor in the increase of drownings. Table 1 illustrates the number of people who drowned in Lebanese waters between 2010 and 2014.

Number of people who drowned in Lebanese waters between 2010 and 2014 Table 1

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 (until the end of August) % of increase (2010-2014)

Drowning deaths 12 27 31 29 36 +200 Source: Directorate General of Civil Defense

Victims of drowning by nationality A majority of victims, totaling 62, were Lebanese. They accounted for 46% of the total drowned, followed by Syrians at 56 drownings or 42%. Seven Palestinians were reported to have drowned in addition to two Egyptian nationals, a Jordanian, a Polish and six other victims of unidentified nationalities.

Victims of drowning by sex Males made up the majority of the victims with 128 deaths against seven females.

Location of incidents Drowning incidents took place at different locations along the Lebanese coast. The majority of deaths, 28, were recorded in the area between Antelias and Byblos followed by 25 deaths in the area between Tyre and Naqoura. Table 2 illustrates the distribution of drowning incidents along the Lebanese coast.

Distribution of drowning incidents along the Lebanese coast Table 2 Dawra, Beirut, Khalde, Saida, Tyre, Dawra, Antelias, Byblos, Tripoli, Borders Other non- Khaldeh Shouf Tyre Naqoura Antelias Byblos Tripoli with Syria marine areas Drowning 6 13 13 25 7 28 11 13 19 deaths Source: Directorate General of Civil Defense

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Public Debt USD 100 billion in Next three years

Foremost among the numerous crises plaguing the Lebanese state is public debt. The alarming annual rates at which Lebanon’s public debt has been increasing have threatened the financial and monetary stability of the country, resulting in serious economic and social implications.

Emergence and evolution Lebanon emerged from the debris of the Civil War exhausted and tormented. Yet, the state’s debts at the time, early 1993, did not exceed LBP 5500 billion or roughly USD 3.2 billion, according to the average dollar to Lebanese pound exchange rate which was LBP 1712. The different governmental policies adopted since then have only led to enlarge borrowing and the public debt stood at the end of 2014 at USD 66.6 billion.

The successive governments have expanded public spending for several purposes including payrolls, social services and infrastructure projects, although the annual expenditure earmarked for construction does not exceed USD 7 billion. Unfortunately, most of the expenditure has proved to be futile.

The cost of high interest rates has had a substantial impact on the swift growth of public debt, reaching in certain years (1995-1998) roughly 40%.

Table 1 illustrates the evolution of public debt and interest payments between 1993 and 2015. Based on the rise in public debt recorded in the past years, it is likely that the public debt will reach USD 100 billion by 2018. Most striking is that the total amount of interest paid on public debt between 1993 and 2015 reached LBP 88925 billion i.e. 88.5% of the debt.

Evolution of the public debt and the interest paid between 1993 and 2015 Table 1 Total public debt Interest payments Public debt increase Public debt increase Beginning of the year (LBP billion) (LBP billion) (LBP billion) (%)

ــ ــ 784 5,500 1993

1994 6,932 1,525 1,432 26

1995 12,046 1,875 5,114 73.8

1996 14,112 2,693 2,066 17.1

1997 20,145 3,378 6,033 42.7

1998 23,501 3,352 3,356 16.6

1999 28,120 3,624 4,619 19.6

2000 33,718 4,197 5,598 20

2001 37,989 4,312 4,271 12.7

2002 42,645 4,622 4,656 12.2

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Evolution of the public debt and the interest paid between 1993 and 2015 Table 1 Total public debt Interest payments Public debt increase Beginning of the year Public debt increase (%) (LBP billion) (LBP billion) (LBP billion)

2003 47,386 4,874 4,741 11.1

2004 50,273 4,021 2,887 6.1

2005 54,122 3,849 3,849 7.6

2006 57,985 3,863 4,556 8.4

2007 60,851 2,866 4,940 4.9

2008 63,350 2,499 5,304 4.7

2009 70,941 6,087 7,591 12

2010 77,103 6,218 6,162 8.7

2011 79,278 6,034 2,175 2.8

2012 80,887 5,752 1,609 2

2013 86,959 6,000 6,072 7.5

2014 95,710 6,500 8,751 10

4.9 4,690 ــ 100,400 2015

Source: Monthly bulletin of the Association of Banks in Lebanon

Composition of public debt In early 1993, public debt totaled LBP 5500 billion, 92.2% or LBP 5070 billion of which were in local currency and 7.8% or LBP 430 billion in foreign currencies (US dollar in particular). Over the years, borrowing in foreign currencies started to rise, accounting in early 2015 for roughly 41% of the total public debt as illustrated in Table 2.

Lebanon’s public debt in LBP and foreign currencies Table 2

Total public debt Debt in local currency Debt in foreign currencies Beginning of the year (LBP billion) (%) (%)

5,070 430 1993 5,500 (92.2%) (7.8%)

17,229 2,916 1997 20,145 (85.5%) (14.5%)

19,787 3,714 1998 23,501 (84.2%) (15.8%)

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Lebanon’s public debt in LBP and foreign currencies Table 2 Total public debt Debt in local currency Debt in foreign currencies Beginning of the year (LBP billion) (%) (%) 21,686 6,434 1999 28,120 (77.1%) (22.9%)

27,161 10,820 2001 37,989 (71.5%) (28.5%)

28,214 14,431 2002 42,645 (66.1%) (33.9%)

25,398 21,988 2003 47,386 (53.6%) (46.4%)

26,843 23,430 2004 50,273 (53.4%) (46.6%)

29,141 28,844 2006 57,985 (50.3%) (49.7%)

31,370 31,980 2008 63,350 (49.5%) (50.5%)

44,973 32,130 2010 77,103 (58.3%) (41.7%)

49,340 31,547 2012 80,887 (61%) (39%)

56,312 39,398 2014 95,710 (58.9%) (41.1%)

ــ ــ ــ 2015

Source: Monthly bulletin of the Association of Banks in Lebanon

Creditors The identity of the state’s creditors has changed drastically between 1993 and 2015 as illustrated in Table 3.

State’s creditors Table 3 Banks’ share BD L’s s h a r e Individuals Others Beginning of the year (%) (%) (%) (%) 1993 70 2.6 14.8 12.6

1999 68.4 1 16.6 14

2005 44.6 19.6 2.4 33.4

2008 51.1 14.3 0.9 33.7

2014 59.4 17.9 2 20.7

2015 56 20 2 22

Source: Monthly bulletin of the Association of Banks in Lebanon

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February 15, 2014 – February 15, 2015 Tammam Salam’s government marks its first year in office

Decree 11217 was issued on February 15, 2014 stipulating the birth of a new Lebanese Cabinet, ten months and a week after the intent of Tammam Salam to form a government. The new government raised the slogan of ‘national interest’ in its ministerial statement and consisted of 24 ministers. It is thought that the Cabinet emerged after everyone had given up hope of electing a President of the Republic and realized that the new government would be the substitute for several months, an entire year or even longer.

Government sessions Since its formation on February 15, 2014, the government of attending members and only basic issues shall require has convened 48 sessions, 14 under President Michel the approval of two thirds of the members. While Salam Suleiman and 34 amidst presidential vacuum. By month, and his supporters maintained that unanimity voting was a the Cabinet sessions broke down as follows: contrived novelty that did not exist in the Constitution, the opposing group argued that the claim would ring true if a February 2014: 1 session dedicated to form the ministerial President of the Republic were to be present, but amidst statement committee the current presidential vacuum, unanimity was necessary. March 2014: 4 sessions April 2014: 4 sessions Appointments May 2014: 6 sessions The government of Tammam Salam appointed 41 people June 2014: 3 sessions to Grade 1 posts. The sole appointment made after the July 2014: 3 sessions departure of President Suleiman was to the post of Director August 2014: 5 sessions General of Archeology. September 2014: 4 sessions October 2014: 5 sessions Accomplishments and failures November 2014: 3 sessions The government of national interest made several vows December 2014: 3 sessions in its policy statement. Some of them were fulfilled and January 2015: 5 sessions many others were doomed to failure. Most disappointing February 2015 (until February 15): 2 sessions was the failure of the government to adequately address the implications of the crisis of Syrian refugees and to act Decrees on the first round of licensing for offshore oil exploration. During its first year in office, the government approved “Injecting momentum into the state’s administrations by 2315 decrees, 860 in the era of President Michel filling the numerous vacancies in civil service” proved to Suleiman and 1455 after his departure. Since Article be just another hollow promise as the Lebanese continued 62 of the Lebanese Constitution stipulates “should the to experience further administrative deterioration. The presidential seat fall vacant for any reason whatsoever, government pledged to “address the financial problems, the Cabinet shall exercise the authorities of the President revive the economic sectors and improve the living of the Republic by delegation,” the decrees issued after conditions but failed once again tolive up to its promises the expiry of Suleiman’s term were all signed by the 24 and followed in the footsteps of its predecessors by leaving ministers, in conformity with the established norms. The the 2014 budget unapproved. numbering of the decrees started from one, the same as if a new presidential term had just begun. Maintaining the minimum required stability to avoid utter collapse is perhaps the sole achievement worthy of The exigency of having the signature of all 24 ministers mentioning. has at times hampered the approval of some decrees and crippled the work of the government. This has led In the wake of the presidential vacuum, the government PM Tammam Salam and a number of MPs to urge the of national interest has, alas, turned into a government of amendment of this obstructive mechanism and to invoke necessity. The question thus remains ‘how long will this Article 65 of the Constitution, which stipulates that the government last and how long must the Lebanese wait for Cabinet shall make its decisions by vote of the majority a president as a potential savior?’

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Undisbursed Electoral Expenses

Parliamentary elections were not held as stated by the established law. Rather, a new law was issued extending the Parliament’s term of office until June 20, 2017. Prior to this extension, authorities were looking for headquarters for the management of the electoral operation and mulling over ways to fund this.

Lebanese Parliament

The Faculty of Law utilized as Directorate of Political Affairs Following the eviction of the Lebanese University’s library through Qatari funds worth USD 25 million, the Faculty of Law in the Sanaeh area and its relocation government requested the Ministry of the Interior to to the Lebanese University’s campus in Hadath in vacate the site it had been occupying. preparation to turn the old premises into a national library, the Cabinet decided in early 2010 to put part Looking for an alternate building of these premises at the disposal of the neighboring As the government began gearing up for the 2014 Ministry of the Interior and Municipalities, which was parliamentary elections, the Ministry of the Interior to use them as headquarters for the Directorate General and Municipalities sought alternate premises for the of Political Affairs and Refugees. Later, at the end of Directorate General of Political Affairs, for it was the 2011, having awarded the contract to establish the department tasked with holding the elections.

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To this end, the Ministry rented the first floor of plot no. LBP 850 million for the transportation of TVs, 2795 in Ras Beirut, near Banque du Liban. The floor cameras, generators and booths. covering 850 square meters belongs to Nada and Henry Shaul, who are the children of the former Minister LBP 500 million for the accommodation of polling Joseph Shaul, and was to be used as headquarters for stations to receive voters with special needs. both the directorate and the elections supervisory committee. LBP 1.5 billion: salaries and remunerations of the members and employees of the elections’ supervisory Cost of the building committee. The annual rental contract amounted to USD 100,000 and LBP 30 million were allocated for repairs and LBP 1.5 billion for consensual agreements signed to electric installations. supply registration committees with computers.

Estimated cost of elections LBP 1.5 billion for the transportation of ballot boxes The government estimated the administrative cost of from polling stations and for the equipment of the electoral operation at LBP 27 billion distributed as polling stations abroad. follows: LBP 6,720,000,000 for 6000 polling stations, each LBP 500 million for electoral publications and costing LBP 1,120,000. The amount is assigned to stationery. cover the transportation fees of the heads and clerks of stations. LBP 150 million for the issuance of voters’ lists.

LBP 1,120,000,000 for 2000 reserve staff. LBP 50 million for posting the electoral findings on the website of the Ministry of the Interior and LBP 4.4 billion for the heads and members of Municipalities. primary and higher registration committees as well as the employees and the security forces’ personnel LBP 500 million for the garments of the heads and involved in preparing and overseeing the election. clerks of polling stations.

LBP 600 million: advance payment for the LBP 75 million for miscellaneous bills. Muhafizeen and district commissioners. LBP 1 billion held in reserve. LBP 100 million: advance payment for the Directorate General of Political Affairs and Refugees. Not holding the elections has deprived the Lebanese of their right to choose their representatives and denied LBP 450 million: food allowance for the security employees the chance of deriving benefits from their personnel including the Internal Security Forces and electoral work. On the brighter side though, it has the Lebanese Army. spared the Lebanese treasury LBP 27 billion.

LBP 60 million: car rental costs for the transportation of the ISF members (the ISF lacks sufficient vehicles).

LBP 100 million for the perusals and readings prepared in response to electoral appeals. The Constitutional Council is usually assigned this mission, which raises the question of who is receiving these remunerations.

LBP 825 million for TVs, cameras and computers.

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Women in World’s Parliaments Rwanda leads rankings and Lebanon is 136th globally

Countries and communities are seeking to empower women and promote their active participation in politics by encouraging them to both cast their votes and run as candidates in municipal and parliamentary elections. Some electoral laws have even established strict gender quotas, allowing women a fair candidacy share and a number of reserved seats, thus facilitating their arrival to Parliament. Yet, female representation in Parliament differs from one state to another on grounds of distinct social, cultural and legal considerations. Most striking is the fact that some of the countries that are usually seen as primitive or poor lead global rankings in terms of female representation in Parliament outshining those developed countries with higher cultural, social and political awareness. Rwanda, a central African nation stretching across 26338 square meters, with a population of 12 million and an annual per capita income of USD 592, ranks first in the world for women’s representation in Parliament with women making up 64% of MPs. Rwanda’s electoral law stipulates that the seats reserved for women shall not be below 24. France took the 38th spot in the ranks at 27% and Lebanon came in the 136th place at 3.1% as illustrated in Table 1.

No. of women MPs in the world’s parliaments Table 1 Country Number of MPs Number of women MPs % of women MPs in Parliament Rwanda 1 1 80/ 26 51 /10 64 / 38 Lower House /Senate 2 Andorra 28 14 50 3 Cuba 612 299 49 4 Sweden 349 156 45 5 Seychelles 32 14 44 6 Senegal 150 64 43 7 Finland 200 85 42 South Africa 8 400 /53 169 /17 42 / 32 Lower House /Senate 9 Nicaragua 92 37 40 10 Iceland 63 25 40 11 Norway 169 67 40 12 Mozambique 250 98 40 13 Denmark 179 70 39 14 Ecuador 137 53 39 Holland 14 150/75 58/27 39/36 Lower House /Senate 15 Costa Rica 57 22 39

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No. of women MPs in the world’s parliaments Table 1 Country Number of MPs Number of women MPs % of women MPs in Parliament 16 Timor 65 25 39 Belgium 17 150/71 57/29 38/41 Lower House/Senate Mexico 18 500/128 184/42 37/33 Lower House/Senate Germany 19 631/69 230/19 36/27 Lower House/Senate Spain 20 350/266 126/91 36/34 Lower House/Senate 20 Tanzania 350 126 36 21 Uganda 386 135 35 22 Angola 220 75 34 22 Macedonia 123 42 34 Austria 23 183/62 61/18 33/29 Lower House/Senate 24 Nepal 594 197 33 24 Serbia 250 83 33 25 New Zealand 121 39 32 Slovenia 25 90/40 29/3 32/7 Lower House/Senate Algeria 26 462/142 146/10 31/7 Lower House/Senate Zimbabwe 27 270/80 85/38 31/47 Lower House/Senate Italy 28 630/317 198/92 31/29 Lower House/Senate 29 Guyana 2 67 21 31 Cameroon 30 180/100 56/20 31/20 Lower House/Senate Burundi 31 105/41 32/19 30/46 Lower House/Senate Switzerland 32 200/46 58/9 29/20 Lower House/Senate 33 Portugal 230 66 29 Trinidad 3 34 42/31 12/7 29/23 Lower House/Senate Ethiopia 35 547/135 152/22 28/16 Lower House/Senate Afghanistan 36 249/102 69/28 28/28 Lower House/Senate Philippines 37 288/24 78/6 27/25 Lower House/Senate France 38 577/347 155/77 27/22 Lower House/Senate Lesotho 4 39 120/33 32/9 27/27 Lower House/Senate 39 Tunisia 217 58 27 Belarus 40 109/57 29/20 27/35 Lower House/Senate

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No. of women MPs in the world’s parliaments Table 1 Country Number of MPs Number of women MPs % of women MPs in Parliament South Sudan 41 332/50 88/5 27/10 Lower House/Senate 42 Salvador 84 22 26 Australia 43 150/75 33/31 26/41 Lower House/Senate Bolivia 44 130/36 33/17 25/47 Lower House/Senate 45 Iraq 325 82 25 46 Laos 132 33 25 47 Canada 308/103 76/39 25/38 48 Bulgaria 240 59 25 48 Sudan 354/28 87/5 25/18 49 Namibia 78/26 19/7 24/27 49 Vietnam 500 122 24 50 Kazakhstan 107/47 26/2 24/4 51 Singapore 99 24 24 52 Lithuania 141 34 24 53 Croatia 151 36 24 54 Bologna 460/100 109/13 24/13 55 China 2987 699 23 56 Kyrgyzstan 120 28 23 56 Luxembourg 60 14 23 57 Latvia 100 23 23 58 Israel 120 27 22 58 Britain 650/760 146/172 22/23 59 Malawi 193 43 22 Mauritania 60 95/56 21/8 22/14 Lower House/Senate 61 Eritrea 150 33 22 Uzbekistan 61 150/100 33/15 22%/15% Lower House/Senate 62 Peru 130 28 21% Bosnia and Herzegovina 63 42/15 9/2 21/13 Lower House/Senate 64 Greece 300 63 21 65 Cape Verde 5 72 15 21 Dominican 65 183/32 38/3 21/9 Lower House/Senate 65 Estonia 101 21 21 65 Monaco 24 5 21 Pakistan 66 323/104 67/17 21/16 Lower House/Senate Cambodia 67 123/61 25/9 20/15 Lower House/Senate

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No. of women MPs in the world’s parliaments Table 1 Country Number of MPs Number of women MPs % of women MPs in Parliament 68 Lichtenstein 6 25 5 20 69 Saudi Arabia (Shura Council) 151 30 20 70 Moldavia 101 20 20 71 Bangladesh 350 69 20 Czech 72 200/81 39/14 19 /17 Lower House/Senate 72 Honduras 128 25 20 73 Tajikistan 63/34 12/5 19/15 74 Mauritius 7 69 13 19 75 Slovakia 150 28 19 76 Indonesia 560 104 19 Kenya 76 350/68 65/18 19/26 Lower House/Senate 77 Saint Marino 8 60 11 19 78 Sao Tome 9 55 10 18 79 Albania 140 25 18 USA 79 431/100 77/20 18/20 Lower House/Senate Madagascar 80 366/164 64/20 17/12 Lower House/Senate Paraguay 80 80/45 14/9 17/20 Lower House/Senate 80 United Arab Emirates 40 7 17 Morocco 81 395/270 67/6 17/2 Lower House/Senate 81 Venezuela 165 28 17 82 Turkmenistan 125 21 17 Barbados 10 83 30/21 5/6 17/29 Lower House/Senate Saint Lucia 11 83 18/11 3/2 17/18 Lower House/Senate 84 Libya 200 33 16 85 Azerbaijan 125 20 16 85 Montenegro 81 13 16 Gabon 86 114/102 18/18 16/17 Lower House/Senate Thailand 86 500/149 79/23 16/15 Lower House/Senate 87 Burkina Faso 127 20 16 Ireland 87 166/60 26/18 16/30 Lower House/Senate 87 Korean Republic 300 47 16 88 South Korea 687 107 16 89 Togo 91 14 15 90 Chad 188 28 15

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No. of women MPs in the world’s parliaments Table 1 Country Number of MPs Number of women MPs % of women MPs in Parliament 90 Mongolia 74 11 15 91 Turkey 548 79 14 92 Malta 70 10 14 Chile 93 120/38 17/5 14/13 Lower House/Senate 94 Guinea Pisao 100 14 14 95 Somalia 275 38 14 United Russia 96 450/163 61/13 14/8 Lower House/Senate 97 Guatemala 158 21 13 97 Niger 113 15 13 Romania 97 412/176 55/13 13/7 Lower House/Senate Bahamas 12 98 38/16 5/4 13/25 Lower House/Senate 99 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13 23 3 13 100 Djibouti 55 7 13 100 Jamaica 63/21 8/5 13/24 101 Dominique 14 32 4 12 102 Sierra Leone 121 15 12 Jordan 103 148/75 18/9 12/12 Lower House/Senate Columbia 104 165/100 20/16 12/16 Lower House/Senate 104 Equatorial Guinea 99/76 12/6 12/8 Uruguay 104 99/31 12/4 12/13 Lower House/Senate 105 Georgia 150 18 12 105 Syria 250 30 12 106 Suriname 51 6 12 107 Zambia 157 18 11 India 108 545/245 60/26 11/11 Lower House/ Senate Liberia 108 73/30 8/4 11/13 Lower House/ Senate 109 Ghana 275 30 11 110 Armenia 131 14 11 110 Cyprus 56 6 11 Antigua and Barbuda 15 111 19/17 2/5 10/29 Lower House/ Senate 112 Cote d’Ivoire 249 26 10 Malaysia 112 222/51 23/15 10/30 Lower House/ Senate

issue 152 | March 2015 18 | Electoral laws

No. of women MPs in the world’s parliaments Table 1 Country Number of MPs Number of women MPs % of women MPs in Parliament 113 Mali 147 15 10 Bahrain 114 40/40 4/11 10/27 Lower House/ Senate 115 Ukraine 445 42 9 Congo 116 492/108 44/6 9/6 Lower House/ Senate 117 Hungary 386 34 9 118 Kiribati 16 46 4 9 Brazil 119 513/81 44/13 9/16 Lower House/ Senate 120 Panama 71 6 8 121 Benin 83 7 8 Japan 122 480/242 39/39 8/16 Lower House/ Senate 123 Botswana 63 5 8 124 Gambia 53 4 7 Congo 125 136/72 10/10 7/14 Lower House/ Senate Nigeria 126 360/109 24/7 7/6 Lower House/ Senate 127 Maldives 77 5 6 Bhutan 17 128 47/25 3/2 6/8 Lower House/ Senate 129 Kuwait 65 4 6 Swaziland 129 65/30 4/10 6/33 Lower House/ Senate Myanmar 130 431/224 26/4 6/2 Lower House/ Senate 131 Sri Lanka 225 13 6 Haiti 132 95/20 4/0 4 Lower House/ Senate 133 Samoa 18 49 2 4 134 Tonga 19 28 1 3 Belize 135 32/13 1/5 3.1/38 Lower House/ Senate 136 Iran 290 9 3.1 136 Lebanon 128 4 3.1 137 Comoros 33 1 3 137 Marshall Islands 33 1 3 138 New Guinea 111 3 3 Sultanate of Oman 139 84/83 1/15 1/18 Lower House/ Senate Yemen 140 301/111 1/2 1/2 Lower House/ Senate

issue 152 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Electoral laws | 19

(1) Andorra: the Principality of Andorra is landlocked (12) The Bahamas: it is an island country consisting microstate between Spain and France. It has an area of more than 700 islands, cays, and islets in the of 468 km2 and an estimated population of 89,000. Atlantic Ocean; north of Cuba and the Dominican Republic. It has an area of 13,878 km2 and an (2) Guyana: it is situated on the northern coast of South estimated population of 400,000. America between Brazil and Venezuela. It has an area of 214,970 km2 and an estimated population of (13) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: it is located 800,000. Guyana’s capital is Georgetown. along the eastern border of the Caribbean Sea with an area of 389 km2 and an estimated population of (3) Trinidad: the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago 120,000. is situated in the Caribbean, near Venezuela. Trinidad has an area of 4827 km2 and Tobago has (14) Dominique: a Caribbean island stretching across an area of 303 km2. The two islands are 32 km 754 km2 with a population of roughly 80,000. apart other and the island nation has a population (15) Antigua and Barbuda: it is located in the eastern of roughly 1.3 million. part of the Caribbean Sea with an area of 443 km2 (4) Lesotho: the Kingdom of Lesotho is a landlocked and an estimated population of 90,000. country completely surrounded by South Africa. It (16) Kiribati: an island nation in the central Pacific is 30,355 km2 in size and has a population of 2.4 Ocea covering 811 km2 and home to 110,000 million. people. (5) Cape Verde: it is located in the central Atlantic (17) Bhutan: a landlocked country in South Asia Ocean near Senegal and Mauritania. It covers an area located at the eastern end of the Himalayas between of 40.33 km2 and has a population of 530,000. Cape India and China. It has an area of 47 km2 and an Verde was one of the last countries to join the UN. estimated population of 75,000. (6) Lichtenstein: an Alpine country located between (18) Samoa: it is situated in the South Pacific Ocean Switzerland and Austria. It covers an area of 160 between Hawaii and New Zealand. It stretches km2 and has a population of 35,000. It is one of across 2944 km2 and has an estimated population the richest countries in the world with its GDP per of 200,000. capita standing at USD 100,000. (19) Tonga: it is situated in the South Pacific Ocean (7) Mauritius: it is an island nation in the Indian between Hawaii and New Zealand. It stretches Ocean off the southeast coast of Africa. It has an across 748 km2 and has an estimated population of area of 2040 km2 and an estimated population of 105,000. 1.3 million. (20) Belize: a nation-state on the eastern coast of Central (8) San Marino: it is a small landlocked country America bordered by Mexico, Guatemala and the with an area of about 61.2 km2 and an estimated Caribbean Sea. It has an area of 22966 km2 and an population of 35,000. The country is situated on the estimated population of 320,000. Italian borders and is the fifth smallest country in the world. (9) Sao Tome: an African republic democracy off the coast of Gabon and Guinea. It covers an area of 1000 km2 and has an estimated population of 215,000. (10) Barbados: it lies on the northern coast of the Atlantic . It has an area of 431 km2 and an estimated population of 320,000. (11) Saint Lucia: it is a constitutional monarchy in the Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean, near Martinique. It covers an area of 620 km2 and has an estimated population of 200,000.

issue 152 | March 2015 20 | Electoral laws

The Parliament of Sri Lanka 225 deputies and a hybrid of first-past- the-post system and proportionality

Not much is known by the majority of the Lebanese about Sri Lanka other than its engagement in foreign employment in Lebanon through roughly 9000 Sri Lankan domestic workers coming mostly from poor backgrounds. Yet, this country is more than just domestic labor. Not only does Sri Lanka boast exquisite natural scenery, it also has a ruling system far more democratic than the current political system in Lebanon. After 37 years of war, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka had its first-ever transition to democracy in 2010 after the defeat of the Tamil rebels in 2009.

Voting age Eligibility to vote in Sri Lankan elections is given to both male and female Sri Lankan nationals who are over 18 years of age.

Number of seats The Parliament of Sri Lanka consists of 225 seats.

Term of Office According to the law, the chamber of deputies is elected for a six-year term.

Voting system Sri Lanka’s electoral system is a mixture between the first-past-the-post system and proportional representation. 196 deputies Sri Lanka Parliament are elected in single-member constituencies and the remaining 29 are elected in 22 constituencies results broke down as follows: according to open-list proportional representation where United People’s Freedom Alliance: 144 seats both independents and party nominees may run. (Rajapaska was a member of the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance before the presidential Most recent elections elections of January 2015, which yielded the defeat The most recent Sri Lankan parliamentary elections of Rajapaksa against his defected former ally were held on April 8, 2010 after the then newly- Maithripala Sirisena. elected President Mahinda Rajapaska defeated his rival presidential candidate General Sarath Fonseka United National Front: 60 seats and dissolved the chamber in February. Fonseka was arrested for military offences. Tamil National Alliance: 14 seats

Polling stations had a turnout of 8.5 million voters out Democratic National Alliance (currently chaired of 14 million; candidates amounted to 7620 and the by Sarath Fonseka) : 7 seats

issue 152 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. PROMINENT FORGOTTEN FIGURES |21

Emile Jerjes Lahoud (1899-1954) A Maronite “to whom the language of the Quran yielded”

The Lahhoud family has several prominent members who have played paramount roles in the history of Lebanon through the parliamentary, ministerial and military posts they assumed. This prominence reached its peak when Emile Jamil Lahoud assumed the presidency of the republic between 1998 and 2007. Foremost among the esteemed Lahoud figures is minister and MP Emile Jerjes Lahoud, the uncle of president Emile Lahoud, who is seen as the founding father of the political dynasty of the Lahoud family. The family has also stood out because of the several disputes among its members, the last of which was the quarrel between the former president General Emile Lahoud and his second cousin, late minister and MP Nassib Lahoud.

Birth Emile Lahoud was born in Baabdat, in the Qada’a of Emile Lahoud was one of the Metn, in 1899. His father, Jerjes, was a high-profile “brightest criminal attorneys in dignitary in Metn. His mother was Layla Fares. He had Lebanon. He stood out as a man with a six brothers: Nassri (Director of Relief), Nassib (Head vast knowledge of law and a poignant of the Minicipality of Baabdat, father of MPs Salim eloquence owing to his fluency in and Fouad Lahoud and grandfather of Nassib Salim Arabic, French and English Lahoud), Halim, Youssef, Lahoud and Jamil (minister, MP, general and father of president Emile Lahoud) and “ five sisters: Emilia, mother of Brigadier General George Sawaya; Wardeh, mother of Ambassador Nassri Salhab; Elise, mother of former Army Commander General Jean Njeim, and Rashida and Raheel.

Education Emile Lahoud obtained elementary and intermediate education at the National School in Baabdat after which he moved to the high school in Sagesse. He enrolled in the French Institute of Law and received his bachelor’s degree in law before doing his training at the law firm of the renowned attorney Youssef Sawda. He later established an office of his own.

Career Emile Lahoud was one of the brightest criminal attorneys in Lebanon. He stood out as a man with a vast knowledge of law and a poignant eloquence owing to his fluency in Arabic, French and English. Lahoud tackled several cases before hybrid courts both during the French mandate and after the independence. Emile Jerjes Lahoud

issue 152 | March 2015 22| PROMINENT FORGOTTEN FIGURES

Parliamentary life Influenced by his family background and inspired by his father who was an authority on local and family matters Not only was Emile Lahoud a in Metn, Emile Lahoud embarked on political work. He was involved in the constitutional party headed “brilliant lawyer, he also had a love by Sheikh Bechara Khoury, first post-independence of literature and poetry and his president. In 1937, he ran for a parliamentary office talent was acknowledged by leading independently but failed to win the elections. He ran poets and writers in Lebanon and again in the 1943 elections in Mount Lebanon and the wider Arab World. Emile was able to emerge victorious despite the pressures he Lahoud had a particular liking for faced from the French authorities, which challenged his zajal (sung poetry) and was widely candidacy on grounds of his opposition to the French known for his witty and improvised Mandate. In 1947, he lost the electoral battle against verses the rival Jumblat-Chamoun list only to be elected again “ to parliament in 1948 following the resignation of MP Salim Khoury. Lahoud maintained his seat during the Ministry of National Education and Fine Arts: He elections of 1951 and 1953 and died while still in office. served in this ministry under Abdullah Yafi from June Lahoud left his footprint in Parliament and it is said that 7, 1951 until February 11, 1952. During this period he he had made clear contributions to all the legislations also became Minister of Social Affairs between June 8, passed under his term. 1951 and February 11, 1952 following the resignation of Minister Bahij Takieddine. His sudden death plunged the family in conflict and rivalries that do not yet seem to have stopped yet. It is noteworthy that Emile Lahoud was approached to The family convened and decided to nominate his be the defense attorney of the Syrian Social Nationalist brother, Lahoud Lahoud, to occupy the seat that had Party founder Antoun Saadeh, but he refused the fallen vacant by his death. However, the then President assignment knowing that the decision to sentence Camille Chamoun persuaded Salim Lahoud to run Saadeh to death was irrevocably final. against his uncle, which he did. Lahoud lost the election to his nephew Salim and all the subsequent elections Poet and writer have since been marked by competition between two or Not only was Emile Lahoud a brilliant lawyer, he also more Lahoud members running on rival lists. had a love of literature and poetry and his talent was acknowledged by leading poets and writers in Lebanon Lahoud’s entry to parliament paved way for his and the wider Arab World. Emile Lahoud had a particular involvement in ministerial activity as well. Thus, he liking for zajal (sung poetry) and was widely known for handled several ministerial tasks under Bechara Khoury, his witty and improvised verses. with whom he formed a robust friendship. Death Ministry of Finance: He served in this ministry three Emile Lahoud was unmarried and died on March 10, times: under Sami Solh government between August 1954. He was eulogized by a significant number of 22, 1945 and May 22, 1946 and later between February jurists and political and religious dignitaries. Cairo’s 11 and September 9, 1952 and under Saadi Al-Munla’s Al-Azhar sent a message of condolences for his death government from May 22, 1946 until December 14, reading “we extend our sincere condolences to the great 1946. man to whom the language of the Quran yielded.”

issue 152 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Health |23

Cancer of the Esophagus |Dr. Hanna Saadah|

Two different types of cancer can develop in the esophagus. When examined under the microscope, the one that arises from esophageal glands is called gland-like cancer and the other from the esophageal inner lining is called skin-like cancer. Although both types of cancer progressively increase after the age of fifty, reaching the highest incidence between ages 70 and 90, they differ in their risk factors, behaviors and treatments. Heavy consumption of red meats, fats and processed foods increase the incidence of both types of cancer whereas eating more fiber, fruits and vegetables reduces their occurrence.

A. Esophageal gland-like cancer, which occurs incidence rising progressively with the intensity of smoking predominantly in Europe and North America, is associated and drinking. Moreover, those who have achalasia—a disease with obesity, stomach acid reflux, and is three-to-four times that causes spastic narrowing of the esophagus—have ten more common in men. The initial lesion, called Barrett’s times more risk of developing esophageal skin-like cancer. esophagus, does not cause symptoms. It precedes the cancer The initial lesion, which precedes the cancer and can and can be seen with the endoscope. When detected, and be detected with the endoscope, is called squamous depending on its severity, Barrett’s esophagus can be treated— dysplasia. The risk of esophageal skin-like cancer increases either with medications or via endoscopic interventions—to progressively with the microscopic severity of the dysplasia. prevent its progression to gland-like cancer. C. Prevention, detection, and treatment: Aspirin and However, 80-90% of patients with gland-like cancer are other anti-inflammatory medicines reduce the incidence of diagnosed because of the symptoms alone and without the both skin-like cancer and gland-like cancer by about 40-50% knowledge of pre-existing Barrett’s esophagus. In the US, and are recommended for cancer prevention in certain high- 17,000 cases of esophageal gland-like cancers occurred in risk groups. 2014, causing 15,000 deaths. Unlike screening colonoscopy, which is recommended for As for risk factors, persons with weekly-to-daily heartburn persons over fifty, screening endoscopy is not recommended symptoms have five-to-seven times more esophageal gland- for the early detection of esophageal cancers because the like cancers than those who have less frequent symptoms. incidence is relatively low. The absolute risk of esophageal Unfortunately, 40% of those diagnosed with esophageal cancer after age of fifty is about 0.04% per year, which gland-like cancer do not suffer from any heartburn. Smokers means that 2500 persons will need to be scoped to detect one have twice as many occurrences of cancers than nonsmokers. cancer. Nevertheless, when endoscopy happens to lead to the The rising incidence of esophageal gland-like cancer in the early detection of esophageal cancer, the results of treatment west is attributed to the rising incidence of obesity with its and overall survival are much better than when cancers are associated acid-reflux disease. diagnosed after symptoms begin. Chronic stomach bacterial infection of H. pylori reduces Symptoms of esophageal cancer include progressive gland-like esophageal cancer by 40%, presumably by causing difficulty in swallowing, as food seems to get stuck in the stomach gland atrophy, which reduces the production of acid. chest instead of going down to the stomach. Initially, only (Fortunately, treating stomach H. pylori infections—because solid foods prove hard to swallow, but soon after, even they can cause stomach cancer and duodenal ulcers—does soft foods begin to go down with difficulty. This leads to not seem to increase the incidence of esophageal gland-like unintended weight loss as patients start to avoid eating. cancers.) Heartburn that does not respond to effective treatment should Reducing stomach acid with effective medicines (such also be regarded with suspicion. as proton pump inhibitors of which Nexium is a common Around 75% of gland-like cancers are found in the distal example) does reduce the incidence of Barrett’s esophagus esophagus whereas skin-like cancers commonly occur in and of esophageal gland-like cancer. the mid or upper esophagus. Treatment can be administered B. Esophageal skin-like cancer, which occurs predominantly via the endoscope if the cancers are detected very early. in Asia, Africa, South America and among Afro-Americans, More advanced cancers, however, require major surgery is associated with drinking alcohol and smoking, accounts and chemotherapy. In the US, the overall five-year survival for 90% of esophageal cancers world wide, and is equally rate is about 17%. However, when cancers are detected distributed between men and women. It is three-to-five after they have metastasized, the five-year survival rate times more common among heavy smokers and drinkers, its may be as low as 4%.

www.hannasaadah.com - www.information-international.com - [email protected] issue 152 | March 2015 24| Eyeing Horizons

|Antoine Boutros| Flexible Empire (4/4)

In the 13th century, as a result of the huge drought that affected the vast area between the Great Wall of China and Central Asia, the region experienced a series of tribal migrations in their pursuit of water and new pastures. Migrating tribes included Ottoman Turks led by Suleiman Shah who raised the Red Wolf flag as their slogan. The revered tomb of this legendary man is still present on Syrian territory, on the border with Turkey, a site at which Turkish troops stand guard. The tribe originated in the plains of Sangaria, on the border caste after the Sultan seized their property. Although they with the Gobi Desert, and marched southward. It penetrated used to pay taxes, work on land and serve in the military, Armenia and advanced towards Anatolia Eyalet, thus taking peasants were still treated far better than previously. The the stage of history. On that stage, there were dying empires, Ottomans did not coerce Balkan natives into abandoning such as the Seljuk Empire, those in the process of collapse their culture or converting their faith as was the norm at that such as the Arabian Empire and others wallowing in a stage time. Rather, they allowed them to uphold their doctrines of loss such as the Eastern Roman Empire and its capital and to perform mixed marriages. Some historians believe Byzantine whose primary concern was the question of how that it was this policy that prolonged the Ottoman rule of the many angels could stand on the head of a pin. Balkans for 400 years.

Over the 300 years that followed the death of Suleiman Charles V, the holy and most Catholic Roman emperor, lost Shah, the Ottoman Empire expanded from the Albanian a great deal due to the Ottomans’ resolve to start a holy war coast along the Adriatic Sea to the borders of Persia and against Christianity. His attempt to face up to the Ottomans from Egypt to Caucasus, thanks to a successive chain in North Africa failed as he was defeated in Tunisia and of great sultans, the latest of which was the 10th Sultan, Algeria. Charles V admitted that the Turkish threat forced Suleiman the Magnificent. After Suleiman, power was him to put aside religious matters; he took advantage of the passed down to Selim II, also known as Selim the Sot and Ottoman-Persian conflict to achieve his sole victory over the since then the Ottoman Empire started its decline. Lutherans. France lent Suleiman a helping hand to confront the Habsburg troops in Vienna and the Ottoman triumphs History cannot let the era of Suleiman the Magnificent and expansion in Western Europe were largely because of go unnoticed. Hungary and Crimea were brought under the Christian disputes among themselves in Europe. his rule as submissive states. European kings tripped over themselves to win him over and brought him tribute. His Emperor Ferdinand of Spain took over five colonies in North troops were blocking the way towards the East. His fleet Africa including Tripoli and Algeria and secured Spain’s sea patrolled and controlled the Mediterranean and North routes between Sicily, Sardinia and Tunisia. However, the Africa acknowledged his leadership. Constantinople Ottomans built a huge naval fleet that enabled them to take kneeled before him and was declared capital of his Empire. over Egypt and re-threaten the Spanish acquisitions. With He tried, at least once, to make the world bow down to Barbarossa joining the Ottoman fleet, Spain irrevocably lost him. In 1580, he approached Vienna and grabbed the entire Tunisia and Algeria and its connecting routes with Milan, Christian world by the throat. The Ottoman army was the Napoli and Sicily grew unsafe. When Philip II of Spain largest in Europe and the capital, Istanbul, was five times decided to confront Suleiman, his venture cost him 27,000 bigger than Paris. The Ottomans tightened their grip on the ships and 10,000 captives that were sold into slavery at the Islamic World and cast their shadow over Europe. Istanbul slave market.

The empire turned into a military state prepared to conquer The final confrontation between the Ottomans and the and initiate holy wars. By 1520, it attained self-sufficiency Europeans became inevitable and played itself out in to food, metals and land. The Ottoman troops were nulli the 1571 naval battle of Lepanto where the world’s most secondus , i.e. second to none. They included 87,000 powerful naval fleets met. The Christians prevailed in the cavaliers and 16,000 janissaries tasked with waging wars. battle, losing only ten ships out of 208 and 15,000 sailors, Ottoman Turkey was always in a state of war. The Sultan while the Turks suffered the loss of 117 ships out of 270, had infinite power and the only threat to such power came the sinking of another 117 and the death of 30,000 sailors, from his kinsmen. Turkey constituted a challenge for the the biggest Ottoman defeat after the one in 1902. According West and was a primary factor in driving western European to historians, this battle signaled the start of the decline of countries towards military revolutions. Ottoman Turkey, but nothing was mentioned in the Turkish archives. In fact, the Sultan retaliated by rebuilding a new Ottoman rule had major influence on every sector of the fleet. Within six months of the Lepanto defeat, the Turks Balkan community. Most of the aristocracy there was had built 200 new ships and captured Cyprus, then Tunisia, eradicated and the rest of it was swallowed by the ruling forcing the Spanish out.

issue 152 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. www.irthsumer.com - www.information-international.com - [email protected] Interview |25

The Monthly Interviews

Jiang Jiang China’s Ambassador to Lebanon

Could you elaborate on the developments of the Lebanese-Chinese relations over the past year and your expectations for bilateral partnership this year? The relationship between Lebanon and China maintained stable and swift developments in 2014 and our cooperation yielded fruitful achievements at all levels. At the political level, both parties treat each other with respect and on equal footing and reciprocate support in the matters pertaining to common interests and concerns. Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran

Bassil attended the sixth ministerial meeting of the Jiang Jiang China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in China where he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and both sides reached a significant agreement aimed at In the cultural and human areas, the Lebanese promoting strong relations between Lebanon and Minister of Culture Rony Araij engaged in the China. China’s new special envoy in the region China-Arab Culture Ministers Forum held in China. also visited Lebanon where he held meetings with The Lebanese Caracalla Dance Theater performed Lebanese leaders and there was a profound exchange at the opening ceremony of the China-Arab of views on Chinese-Lebanese relations and heated Friendship Year and the 3rd Arab Arts Festival and regional affairs. Chinese piano prodigy Lang Lang opened the Byblos International Festival in Lebanon. Both performers At the economic and commercial levels, there has were greeted with heart-warming welcome from been a steady increase in trade between the two the host audiences. The student exchange program countries reaching USD 2.496 billion and preserving is ongoing between the Chinese and Lebanese China’s status as the first trade partner of Lebanon. governments and the Confucius Institute at the USJ is China has given every possible assistance to support faring well. China has also dispatched a professor to social and economic development in Lebanon. It has teach Chinese language at the Lebanese University. also offered a financial assistance worth CNY 30 million to help the Lebanese government face the Although the Chinese-Lebanese relations have implications of the Syrian refugee influx. Lebanon and continued to move in a positive direction, there China maintained intensified cooperation in human remains a great potential for further improvement. resource development and more than 80 Lebanese We are fully willing to exert joint efforts with the cadres from different sectors traveled to China to Lebanese side in this upcoming year to continue partake in the exchange and training programs last to deepen partnership at all levels and elevate the year. Chinese-Lebanese friendship to yet greater heights.

issue 152 | March 2015 26| Interview

Trade has evolved between Lebanon and China University, the American University of Science and over the past few years. Yet, Lebanon is still Technology and other reputable universities. I worked running a deficit in its balance of trade in favor in Lebanon for almost two years and was able to detect of China. What are the steps you are taking to myself the resolute desire of the Lebanese to speak rebalance this trade deficit? Chinese. The Lebanese students are generally diligent The Chinese government is paying particular and can learn and progress in languages fast. I used attention to the improvement of trade between to run into a Lebanese student during her travels in Lebanon and China. Thanks to the joint efforts from China to participate in the Chinese Language Contest both sides, bilateral trade has maintained stable for International Students and I was astonished by her and relatively rapid growth. China adheres to the proficiency in formal Chinese. It turned out she was a principles of mutual benefit and joint victory in its graduate of the Confucius Institute. foreign trade. We hope to move gradually towards achieving balance through an ongoing expansion Both Lebanon and China have a great history and an of bilateral trade. We welcome the entry of the astounding culture. Their peoples have respect for distinct Lebanese goods into the Chinese market and each other and yearn for mutual understanding. It is the Chinese institutions are always encouraged to our hope that the youth of each country will learn to explore ways to expand trade cooperation with the speak and to apply the language of the other properly Lebanese side. Simultaneously, we look forward to so as to strengthen the ties of friendship between seeing the Lebanese firms and entities advance their China and the Arab World in general and above all participation in the trade events held in China such between China and Lebanon. as the Guangzhou Trade Fair and the China-Arab State Expo to name but a few. We invite the Lebanese China put forth an initiative aimed at building a institutions to carry out advertising and marketing to Silk Road Economic Belt as well as a 21st Century move ahead with the opening of the Chinese markets. Maritime Silk Road. Could you explain the basics of this initiative? Language is a major barrier hampering better The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st communication between China and the Lebanese Century Maritime Silk Road, i.e. The Belt and and Arab communities. Is China putting any Road Initiative was proposed in 2013 by Chinese efforts into facilitating communication? President Xi Jinping. It rests on five primary goals: Language serves as a bridge towards coming policy coherence, connection of roads, continuity of together of nations. China encourages its citizens businesses, currency exchange and understanding of to learn foreign languages as much as it encourages different mentalities. foreigners to learn Chinese. Thus far, China has more than 20 colleges and institutes graduating every Building the belt and the road aims to revive the year hundreds of Chinese specialized in Arabic. We spirit of the old Silk Road, i.e. the spirit of peace, have also cooperated with Lebanon and seven other friendship, openness, inclusion, mutual benefit and Arab countries to establish the Confucius Institute, joint victory, in order to promote regional cooperation which entailed the training of a significant number of and integration between Asia, Europe and Africa in specialists for Arab countries. this modern era. These states and regions will be connected through the Belt and Road Initiative, which In 2006, cooperation between the Shenyang College will promote communication between them and help of Educational Science and the Université Saint them complete each other’s needs and benefit from Joseph (USJ) yielded the establishment of the each other’s advantages until ultimately reaping Confucius Institute, the first of its kind in the Middle mutual gain and common development. This initiative East. Over 700 Lebanese have so far learned Chinese exemplifies the principle of unity and common destiny at the Institute. A Chinese language course was also and emphasizes the equal rights of all parties to engage introduced at the Lebanese University, the American in exploring ways and joining hands to build the belt University of Beirut, the Lebanese American and the road, then enjoying the rewards.

issue 152 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Interview |27

It is noteworthy that the Belt and the Road intersect in cooperation in new sectors including nuclear energy, Western Asia and North Africa, which makes the Arab aerospace technology and new energy. China plans to states a natural and essential partner in the building increase its bilateral trade volume to USD 600 billion process. This initiative will bring more components and increase non-financial investment in Arab states into the Chinese-Arab friendship, which will create to USD 60 billion in 10 years. It also intends to train bigger opportunities and expand the horizons of joint 6000 specialists for all sectors of the Arab countries. development and prosperity. All this is a clear example of the resolve of China to enhance its cooperation with the Arabs. China’s interest in the Arab World is manifested through its endeavors to increase its terms of China’s Envoy to the Middle East was in Lebanon trade and investments. Some believe that China’s a few months ago. What are his plans or initiatives stand on the Syrian crisis might hinder this kind for the region? of development, particularly in the Gulf countries. China staunchly supports the just causes of the What’s your say on this? Palestinians and the Arabs and is keen to play a China has been upholding an objective and just stance constructive role in the Middle East. In 2013, Chinese on the Syrian issue and does not have any personal President Xi Jinping proposed a peaceful four- interests in the matter. Rather, it continues to play point initiative for the settlement of the Palestinian a positive and constructive role to find a political question. During the Gaza conflict last year, the solution for the Syrian crisis. Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs also presented a five-point proposal to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian China and the Arab states have always exchanged dispute and China provided prompt humanitarian aid respect, understanding and support. Historically to the residents of Gaza. speaking, the Chinese-Arab relations date back to 2000 years when the Silk Road served as a link for China appointed its first Special Envoy to the Middle communication and exchanges between the two East in 2002. Envoys have since been contributing sides. Presently, the ties with the Arab World have to better coordination between China and the parties grown stronger than ever before. China is the second concerned with regional issues. Their efforts have largest trade partner for the Arab World and the first been highly appreciated by regional countries. Last for nine Arab countries including Lebanon. On the year alone, China’s envoy paid four visits to the other hand, the Arab states are the leading energy region and engaged in positive endeavors to defuse exporter in the world, the seventh trade partner of the tension between Israel and Palestine and maintain China and one of the most important foreign markets peace and stability in the Middle East. for investment and contracting. Last September, shortly after he was appointed Special Last year, the Chinese and Arab sides drew up concrete Envoy to the Middle East, Ambassador Gong Xiaosheng plans aimed at enhancing the Arab-Chinese strategic made a trip to the region, including Lebanon, and cooperation during the sixth ministerial meeting of listened to the latest opinions of the relevant parties on the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing, regional matters. During his presence in Lebanon, he which coincided with the tenth anniversary of held meetings with Speaker Nabih Berri, PM Tammam establishment of the forum. In his keynote address at Salam and Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil where they the opening ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged views on the heated regional situation. laid out a comprehensive cooperation strategy, known as 1+2+3. Being one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, China will continue to advocate the Collaboration in the field of energy shall be the basic rightful demands of the Arab peoples. We are fully premise. Infrastructure and the facilitation of trade and willing to work with Lebanon and other regional investment shall be two wings under this umbrella and countries to offer the assistance needed to promote number three shall refer to improving the two sides’ peace, development and stability in the Middle East.

issue 152 | March 2015 28 | Culture, religion & Art

The Lebanese Association for Development (Al-Majmoua)

Overview Against the widening gap between the rich and the poor and amidst soaring unemployment and abject poverty, varied interventions arise with the aim of reducing social disparity, creating equal opportunities for all classes, promoting social justice and providing solutions to prevent all forms of social and financial exclusion. Al-Majmoua is one such example.

Al-Majmoua was initially launched as a micro- finance program within a larger parent organization, Save the Children. Later on January 1, 1998, it started operating as an independent stand-alone entity, concerned with micro-finance business. As a non-profit non-sectarian organization, Al-Majmoua reaches out to those segments marginalized from the existing financial system with limited or zero a business for at least one year. It then proceeds to access to formal lending channels. Typically, check the applicant’s repayment history and verify banks choose not to engage in the micro-finance the validity of the information provided and if they market and find it difficult to cater to low-income prove to be true, it awards the loan. Currently, clients who require small amounts of capital and Al-Majmoua has a client base of roughly 48,000 lack the collateral and credit histories required to borrowers and a network of 28 offices and 280 staff satisfy the requirements of traditional banking. Al- members across Lebanon. It is also active inside Majmoua emerged to fill a much needed niche in Palestinian camps. the market and involve the disadvantaged in the economic cycle. To this end, it offers financial Loans support to impoverished borrowers to help them During its more than 16 years in the micro-finance start-up or develop small projects and initiatives. industry, Al-Majmoua has built a loan portfolio worth It also extends business development services USD 300 million. The length of the loan stretches such as financial education training, vocational up to 36 months and interest rates vacillate between training, marketing support, networking, exchange 12% and 15% in order to shoulder operational costs of experiences and capacity building training. and ensure the sustainability of services.

Beneficiaries Worker loan AL-Majmoua reaches out to the un-served and This loan targets both men and women, and under-served segments of the society regardless specifically people who are employed and who are of their religion, nationality, gender or political either not registered in the NSSF or whose salary is affiliation. It only requires that the borrowers be lower than the required minimum to obtain a bank officially resident in Lebanon and have been running loan (USD 300-3000).

issue 152 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Culture, religion & Art | 29

Group loan This loan targets women entrepreneurs in rural in attaining the skills they need to develop their areas. No collateral for the group loan is required; businesses or start-up new ones. The organization the solidarity of the group is considered a guarantee has recently launched a program designed to train (USD 200-2000). new skills for the handicapped on new skills and help their parents facilitate their lives. Seasonal loan This loan targets the businesses that are heavily Challenges dependent on seasonality, such as the agriculture Al-Majmoua officers reported that the primary and travel sectors. To adapt the seasonality of the challenge besetting them was the failure of some businesses, it was designed with a flexible re- borrowers to meet their loan obligations. This was payment scheme that is adjustable according to the the case after the July War in 2006 when people season. suffered displacement and decline in businesses, thus affecting their ability to repay their debts. The Micro-entrepreneur loan arrival of Syrian refugees has both overstretched the Offered to both men and women, this loan targets ability of host families to accommodate them and existing micro-businesses and in few cases, start-ups. injected new competition into the Lebanese labor In underprivileged areas in South Lebanon, these market, resulting in clear declines in the income loans are disbursed in Lebanese pounds as well. and productivity of borrowers and increasing (USD 300-5000) default rates. Not only is the default on loans attributed to these two factors, it is also because Housing improvement loan of the lack of coordination within the micro-credit This product is offered in partnership with Habitat sector, as borrowers tend to seek assistance from for Humanity. Al-Majmoua manages the client numerous financial institutions at the same time, selection, the loan disbursement and follow- which undermines their repayment capability and up, while Habitat provides an engineer who exposes micro-finance institutions to loss. advises clients on the particulars of their home improvement needs. The loan is directed to low- income individuals who wish to furnish or improve their homes. (USD 500-5000)

SME loan This loan targets existing micro businesses, specifically borrowers who have taken several loans for a minimum of two loan periods. (USD 500-5000)

ICT loan This loan targets entrepreneurs working in the ICT industry in rural areas. It is offered to existing businesses as well as start-ups. ICT loans are funded by Cisco and range between USD 5000 and USD 10,000.

In addition to its lending services, the Al-Majmoua runs training programs tailored to assist people

issue 152 | March 2015 30 | Culture, religion & Art popular culture

At the University of Tübingen

“Before that, I wish to help you find a place to sleep. I have reserved a room for you at an important house by the Neckar River. The house belongs to the widow of von Brunn, a reputed surgeon and friend of mine. As you well know, when the ‘von’ particle precedes one’s name, it is usually indicative of nobility. I want you to be introduced to our civilization by a fine lady. I begged this favor of her and she was glad to help. She has a large family. I want you to live with a German family to experience a family life in Germany. Where did you spend last night?” he inquired.

“At the Fox Hostel,” I replied.

“You better go immediately. Take the car and head for this address. The woman there is expecting you. Meantime, I will ring her and tell her you are on the way.” Before I left he said “We will have supper at my place. My wife is eager to meet you. After dinner, we get back to Fenianos.”

Foreign students at the time were a fortunate few. Those who, like myself, studied in the West in that era, vouch for my words. Today though, things have changed and unfortunately, Arab students are not as welcome as before.

He typed the German translation and jotted down dozens and dozens of explanations in the paper margins at the end of which he wrote ‘Credit goes to my Lebanese student, Anis Fraiha.’

Days later, I was summoned to Litman’s office. “We still have three months before classes start. I have noticed that your German is not as good as I expect of you. I suggest that you spend the time learning German”, he said. “I have another friend from the German nobility: a reverent retired general married to a Cambridge graduate. After retirement, he bought an old gunpowder factory and turned it into a farm. The farm rests on a beautiful spot of land. His wife has a school for foreign students. She teaches them German and lets them stay in the remaining part of the factory. I called her and asked if she could admit yet another student from the near East. She has not had the chance yet to teach an Arab student and said you would be most welcome. She would love to meet you. You had better join this school instead of spending the days strolling about the old city.”

issue 152 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. debunking myth #91 Culture, religion & Art | 31

Can stress make one more susceptible to physical illness?

Myth In recent years, the media has been raving about the detrimental effects of stress on our health, but are these claims justified or are they just another way for the popular psychology industry to make a buck out of a credulous audience?

Fact Psychoanalytic theories have long posited that repressed emotions can manifest themselves as physical symptoms. Franz Alexander, a psychoanalytic theorist, found that a repressed need to cry can lead to lung spasms and asthma and repressed anger can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. Though these experiments were not generally accepted because they incorrectly assumed the long-term stability of these emotions, they were somewhat confirmed by later research conducted by Sinha et al. (1992) which observed an increased heart rate with emotions such as anger, fear and sadness. So the question remains, can short-term stress really play a role in developing sustained physical illness? Though psychologists and psychiatrists first introduced this question, it was later developed by a physiologist Hans Selye (1907- 1982). Selye conducted research on mice whereby he simulated a stressful situation through forced immobilization; pinning the mice’s paws to the ground. This stressful incident allowed the mice to develop perforated peptic ulcers. His influential work launched the concept that stress could, in fact, be a determinant of illness. Using ulcers as an example of physical illness, epidemiological research also confirmed the link between acute stress and physical illness. In her paper, “The Very Model of a Modern Etiology: A Biopsychosocial Review of a Peptic Ulcer,” Levenstein (2000) confirms the link between job frustration, dissatisfaction about wages, family problems, and low socioeconomic status and the development of ulcers. Some of the epidemiological evidence even goes back to World War II, with the observation that hospitalizations for peptic ulcers among residents of London increased significantly following the German bombardment. Despite these findings, the concept of stress instigating the development of peptic ulcers is still puzzling given that stress actually reduces gastrointestinal (GI) activity. A model proposed by Levenstein (2000), suggests that the release of cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone”, following an acute stressful event, can actually lower one’s immune response making them more susceptible to ulceration by reduced protection against H. pylori, a bacteria found in the GI tract. Through this mechanism, acute stress can contribute to the progression of cancer, the common cold, and HIV/AIDS. However, long-term stress can also bring about physical disorders such as cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis, through a paradoxical mechanism: a heightened immune response. Psychoneuroimmunological research reveals that long-term stress can desensitize one’s cortisol receptors, leading to an increased immune response. Several scholars have confirmed the link between stress and physical illness, and have even provided plausible mechanisms. But, if everyone experiences life stressors on a daily basis, why are not we all constantly sick, ulcerated and hypertensive? It seems that our susceptibility to developing a physical illness is highly dependent on our appraisal of different life stressors. Psychologist Richard Lazarus first proposed the appraisal theory of stress. The first stage is primary appraisal, during which you develop an interpretation of the stressor. It may be perceived as negative or positive and challenging or threatening. For example, let’s consider a man who has just lost his job. If he is at retirement age, he may interpret the situation in a positive manner, realizing that it could be an opportunity to try new things. However, if this man was at a financially trying time in his life, that same event could be interpreted as negative and a threat. This idea is supported by Levenson’s (1979) study. He showed that when asthmatic kids watched a movie clip about asthma, they experienced more respiratory resistance, than when those same kids watched a clip depicting an industrial accident or adoption (topics less relevant to their condition). This revealed that their appraisal of the clip as relevant and stressful catalyzed a harmful physical response. The second step in the appraisal process is secondary appraisal, whereby one determines if he or she possesses the tools necessary to cope with a given situation. Those who have a low sense of self-efficacy are more likely to develop a physiological response.

Works Cited Alexander, F. (1945). Portis, Sydney A.: The medical treatment of psychosomatic disturbances with special reference to the gastrointestinal tract and fatigue. JAMA, 126: 413, 1944. Psychosomatic Medicine, 7(1), 60-64. Aoyama N, Kinoshita Y, Fujimoto S, Himeno S, Todo A, Ka-suga M, Chiba T. Peptic ulcers after the Hanshin Awaji earthquake: increased incidence of bleeding gastric ulcers. Am J Gastroenterol 1998;93: 311– 6. Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D., Doyle, W. J., Miller, G. E., Frank, E., Rabin, B. S., & Turner, R. B. (2012). Chronic stress, glucocorticoid receptor resistance, inflammation, and disease risk. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(16), 5995-5999. Folkman, S., Lazarus, R. S., Dunkel-Schetter, C., DeLongis, A., & Gruen, R. J. (1986). Dynamics of a stressful encounter: cognitive appraisal, coping, and encounter outcomes. Journal of personality and social psychology, 50(5), 992. Levenson, R. W. (1979). Effects of thematically relevant and general stressors on specificity of responding in asthmatic and nonasthmatic subjects. Psychosomatic Medicine, 41(1), 28- 39. Levenstein, S. (2000). The very model of a modern etiology: a biopsychosocial view of peptic ulcer. Psychosomatic Medicine, 62(2), 176-185. Lu, L., Chan, R. L., Luo, X. M., Wu, W. K., Shin, V. Y., & Cho, C. H. (2014). Animal models of gastrointestinal inflammation and cancer. Life sciences. Miller, G.E., et al. (2002). Chronic psychological stress and the regulation of pro- inflammatory cytokines: A glucocorticoid-resistance model. Health Psychology, 21, 531-541. Sinha, R., Lovallo, W. R., & Parsons, O. A. (1992). Cardiovascular differentiation of emotions. Psychosomatic Medicine, 54(4), 422-435. Spicer CC, Stewart DN, Winser DMR. Perforated peptic ulcer during the period of heavy air raids. Lancet 1944;January 1:14 Spiegel, D. (2012). Mind matters in cancer survival. Psycho-Oncology, 21(6), 588- 593. Taylor, Shelley E., and Fuschia M. Sirois. Health Psychology. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2012. Print.

issue 152 | March 2015 32 | Culture, religion & Art must-read books

Islam and the Philosophy of Governance Dr. Mohammad Amara

First published in 1989, Dr. Mohammad Amara’s Islam and the Philosophy of Governance was reissued in its fourth edition in 2013 by Dar Al-Shourouk. The book sheds light on the ideology of political Islam at a time when debate is heating up between Islamists and secularists over pan- Arabism, the world of Islam and the nature of power as perceived by the Islamic state, be it religious power which is the preserve of the heaven with humans having no say in choosing, monitoring or rebelling against it or civil power. “The Muslims do not differ on religion, for they are united as far as divinity, prophecy, Quran and religious rites are religion rather than a cornerstone, the answers varied concerned. They differ though and are divided over the among Muslims. nature of political power.” According to the Shia’a, appointing the Imam and The author discusses at the onset of the book the birth of entrusting him with religious custodianship can only come Islamic parties or what is otherwise known as the ‘Arabian from God and the Ummah thus loses its right to determining legacy of governance’. The Arabian Peninsula came under governance. This was known as the ‘divine right’ or the royal regime prior to the first pledge of Al-Aqaba between ‘religious state’. Power struggle in Islamist communities Prophet Mohammad and Banu Khazraj, which resulted in was also religiously interpreted and the companions who the establishment of the Arab Islamic states. Besides the put Abi Bakr ahead of Ali Bin Abi Taleb in khilafah were religious factor, one of the primary reasons for this pledge declared as disbelievers. was the pursuit of political, economic and social change after the Jews had seized Yathrib and its vicinity. Al-Mu’tazila though, which is a movement of opposition that arose in the Arab community under the Umayyads The earliest subject to cause dissent among Muslims and believed that the khilafah al-rashida (rightly-guided led them to draw their swords and resort to interpretation, caliphate) was a political system that the Muslims, through was the issue of khilafah, i.e. the process of succession to their human will, had contributed to building and was Prophet Mohammed. Even after the appointment of Abu therefore of a political, not a religious nature. Bakr As-Seddiq as Caliph over Muslims, the conflict did not end and is still dragging on today. Whether under Abi The I’tizal (neutrality) means withdrawing from the conflict Bakr or Omar or Uthman or Ali, the factors that contributed and devoting oneself to one’s own affairs, be they spiritual to the conflict over Imamate varied from tribal, to economic or mundane. The qualities of the Imam and the requirements and to national. In addition to the fact that Islam emerged he should meet can only be dictated by the civil and political and survived in a climate where clans both had the final nature of the matters that he is assigned to fulfill. The Imam say and the highest standing and where the community is a supreme ruler who guarantees the enforcement of the refused to acknowledge the individual who had no tribal sharia’a and the law, he is not a holder of religious authority affiliations, the economic factor also played an important soliciting infallibility and connection with the heavens. The role in kindling power struggle, particularly during the doctrines of Al-Mu’tazil were advocated by Ahl al-Sunna, reign of Ali Bin Abi Talib who recovered the land granted noting that the principle of shura, i.e. consulting others, by Uthman and ordered the recovery of everything the elites existed during the era of the Caliphs. had acquired before his election. Money thus served as a main element against the new Caliph. As for the national The book addresses a central issue in both our intellectual factor, it came into play after Ali shifted the seat of the history and political heritage, an issue that led to the most Caliphate from Medina to Kufa in Iraq, thus prompting an fundamental and intrinsic division of the Muslim Ummah outcry from people in Damascus. between Sunni and Shia’a. It is no surprise to hear social and political spheres abuzz with talks about Islamic civilized As to whether the selection and designation of the Imam is identity at a time when slogans of the ‘religious authority a right belonging exclusively to God or whether a group of ordained by God’ are raised and the Imam is seeking a religious Muslims interferes in choosing, appointing and dismissing government dominated by scholars and clerics that eclipse the him on the grounds that the Imamate is a ramification of political, social and economic life of the Ummah.

issue 152 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. must-read children’s book Culture, religion & Art | 33

A Beautiful Thought

A Beautiful Thought tells the story of Adam who, according to his Arabic teacher, has difficulty expressing his thoughts both orally and in writing.

Adam’s mother proposed a ‘beautiful thought’ to help her son verbalize his ideas. She suggested that he should buy gifts and head to the children’s cancer center to offer them to children with cancer, thus conveying his genuine compassion. By casting light on children with chronic illnesses at the onset of her story, Sanaa Ali Harakeh aims to sensitize children to the distress of their peers, thus encouraging them to think about them and alleviate their suffering, even through the simplest gestures such as a visit that revives the hope.

The visit helped Adam construct varied thoughts mixed with feelings that he soon shared with his classmates in the oral expression class. He told them about the center; about those parents clinging hopefully to a better tomorrow that would bring their children a cure, yet fearing that the treatment might fail and dash those hopes. He told them about little Ali with leukemia and beautiful Mira with a brain tumor.

A Beautiful Thought’s first edition was published by Asala in 2010. In addition to its rich and nuanced vocabulary, the story features vivid illustrations by Michel Stankovski that refine the book’s aesthetic value and constitute a substantial contribution to comprehending the story. This first- person narrative concludes with Adam becoming a physician practicing at the same center he once visited as a child. It is noteworthy that the sales proceeds were donated to Tamanna, an NGO dedicated to realize the wishes of sick children.

issue 152 | March 2015 34 | Culture, religion & Art Lebanon Families

Terjman Family Sunni in Saida, Beirut and Tripoli

The Terjmans (Al-Terjmans) are a small Lebanese family of no more than 200 members. They are present mainly in Saida, Beirut and Tripoli.

Etymology ‘Terjman’ is an Arabic word referring to the person who translates from one language to another. It was mostly used as a description for those who restate words from foreign languages, mainly Turkish, into Arabic. Tripoli Zgharta Balamand Roads A‘arjes This family originated from Medina, Saudi Arabia, Ehden Becharre The Cedars Batroun Hadet Hasroun and spread out towards Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt Ras Baalbeck Deir el Ahmar Maqne and Turkey. It is said that the Terjmans descend from Jbail Qasr el-Banat

Hadath the lineage of Prophet Muhammad. Iaat Ghazir Baalbeck Jounieh Presence in Lebanon Niha BEIRUT Zahle It is not known precisely when this family came to Baabda Shtaura Aley Dahr el-Baidar Lebanon. The Terjman members belong to the Sunni Bhamdoun Anjar community and are dispersed in predominantly Sunni Deir el-Qamar Meshref Beiteddine areas. Moukhtara Qaraoun Lake Yanta Mazra’a (Beirut): 60 Saida Jezzine Ashrafieh (Beirut): 15 Libbaya Aiha Bachoura (Beirut): 20 Nabatiye Hasbaya Msaytbeh (Beirut): 10 Marjayoun Beaufort Castle Marfa’a (Beirut): 25 Sour Haddadine (Tripoli): 30 Hay El-Joura (Tyre): 5 Msalkhiyeh (Saida): 20 Al-Keshk (Saida): 15

issue 152 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Discover Lebanon Culture, religion & Art | 35

Ouyoun Samak

Thanks to its lush mountains, abundant rivers and Ouyoun Samak ﻋﻴﻮﻥ ﺍﻟﺴﻤﻚ Tripoli waterfalls and crystalline lake, Ouyoun Samak Zgharta Roads Balamand qualifies as one of the most beautiful Lebanese towns A‘arjes Ehden Becharre The Cedars where one can stroll amid unmatched scenery. Batroun Hadet Hasroun Ras Baalbeck Deir el Ahmar Maqne Jbail Qasr el-Banat

Etymology Hadath Iaat Ghazir Baalbeck Being home to two large springs in the shape of fish Jounieh eyes, the town was called Ouyoun Samak, Arabic for Niha ‘fish eyes’. Other folktales maintain that fish with BEIRUT Zahle Baabda Shtaura Aley Dahr el-Baidar strikingly large eyes used to swim in the town’s large Bhamdoun Anjar expanses of rivers and this is the reason it was given its Deir el-Qamar Meshref Beiteddine Moukhtara present name. Qaraoun Lake Yanta

Jezzine Saida Libbaya Location Aiha Ouyoun Samak is situated in the Qada’a of Mennieh- Nabatiye Hasbaya Marjayoun

Dennieh, north of Lebanon. Geographically speaking, Beaufort Castle the town is sandwiched between Btormaz and Azqy Sour but being a point of convergence between Akkar and Mennieh-Dennieh, Ouyoun Samak is associated administratively with the town of Safinat al-Qaytah in Akkar. It is 120 km from Beirut, at an altitude of 700 meters above the sea level. One can reach the town by heading from Tripoli to Mennieh, from there to Economic life Bhannine and finally to Ouyoun Samak. Residents of Ouyoun Samak live mainly off agriculture. They grow almonds, citrus fruits and peaches. Population Restaurants are set up on the banks of the lake and Ouyoun Samak’s registered population is estimated at provide job opportunities for many of the residents of 1000 people all of whom are Sunni who came from neighboring villages. Safinat El-Qayte’e in Akkar. Problems Local authorities Despite its beautiful nature and water resources, There is not any form of local authority in the town as Ouyoun Samak does not benefit from the state’s tourist it falls under the administrative authority of Safinat al- services. Not only is it situated on mountainous slopes, Qaytah in Akkar. but it also has narrow roads and rough terrains and lacks the basic services, which makes it lacking with other Nature famed tourist destinations in Lebanon. The absence of Ouyoun Samak is known for its abundant springs and an independent municipality in the town dramatically rich water resources of rivers and waterfalls. The As- reduces development opportunities and this is why Sukar spring originating from the upper outskirts of the establishment of an autonomous local authority Dennieh flows into the Ouyoun Samak valley and forms has been in chronic demand in the town to avoid the a large lake stretching across 50,000 square meters. From disputes between the municipalities of Btormaz, Azqy this lake, water eventually merges with the tributaries of and Safinat al-Qaytah. Al-Bared River. Since 1956, the water has been used to generate power providing at certain stages roughly 35 Ouyoun Samak was almost unknown until recently megawatts. However, hydro-electric power has declined when it became the preferred spot to shoot films and over the years and today, has ceased entirely. music videos, particularly for singer Nancy Ajram.

issue 152 | March 2015 36 | Culture, religion & Art Discover the world

Grenada Island of spices and nutmeg

One of the smallest independent countries in the western hemisphere, Grenada is an island of volcanic origin known as the “Island of Spice” due to the massive production of nutmeg and mace crops of which Grenada is one of the world largest exporters.

Location and area With a total area of 344 square kilometers, Grenada is an island country consisting of the island of Grenada and six smaller islands at the southern end of the Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Grenada is located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, northeast of Venezuela and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadine. Its capital is St. George’s and the highest point is Mount Saint Catherine, at 2,757 feet.

Population Grenada’s has an estimated population of about 110,152 (July 2014 est.), comprising citizens of African, East Indian, and European descent. The largest proportion of the population, about 75%, is of African descent.

Religion Roman Catholics make up 53% of the population, while Anglicans account for 13.8%, and other Protestants 33.2%

Language regional share of the tourism market has increased. Strong English is the official language of Grenada, but residents performances in construction and manufacturing, together also speak a Creole language which has two types: with the development of an offshore financial industry, Grenadian Creole English and Grenadian Creole French. have also contributed to growth in national output.

Economy Political system The nutmeg, which appears on the flag of Grenada, drives After 1974 Grenada became an independent nation the economy. Grenada is the world’s second largest within the British Commonwealth. Grenada is now a producer of nutmeg. For many years Grenada’s economy parliamentary democracy with a bicameral national relied entirely on producing agricultural products and Parliament comprised of the Queen of England, the Senate exporting three main crops: bananas, cocoa and nutmeg. and the House of Representatives. Her Majesty, Queen Grenada is a leading producer of several different spices Elizabeth II is the Head of State and is represented locally providing around 20% of the world supply. Reoccurring by the Governor General, who is appointed on the advice natural disasters severely damaged the agriculture sector, of the Prime Minister. General elections are held every five making Grenadine citizens to reduce the over-reliance on years. It is governed under a multi-party parliamentary agricultural exports. Tourism is Grenada’s main economic system whose political and legal traditions closely follow force, with tourism serving as the leading foreign those of the United Kingdom. The Parliament which currency earning sector, ever since the construction of an exercises legislative power consists of the House of international airport in 1985. The tourism sector has seen Representatives and the Senate whereas executive power substantial increases in foreign direct investment as the lies with the Prime Minister and his Cabinet.

issue 152 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Media |37 January 2015 Highlights Security unrest predominated in January 2015; a suicide attack targeted Jabal Mohsen; clashes erupted between the Lebanese Army and the militants in Ersal and Ras Baalbeck and the Resistance launched an operation against Israel in the Sheba’a Farms.

In other highlights, the presidential seat remained vacant; Health Minister Wael Bou Faour persisted in his food safety campaign and dialogue continued between Hezbollah and the Future Movement. Below is the daily digest of news

January 1 January 4 MP Ibrahim Kanaan reveals on Radio Sheikh Hamza Hommos meets his In an interview on Al-Jadeed TV, Liban Libre that Aoun and Geagea will be captive son Wael, a serviceman held by MP General Michel Aoun reports that meeting in the not-too-distant future. An-Nusra Front, and reveals the list of the Lebanese Forces might accept his Armenian Catholicos Aram terms set by the Front for the families candidacy for presidential elections, I Keshishian holds Christmas mass at the seeking to visit their sons. stressing that he does not challenge the Armenian Church in Antelias. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon nomination of MP Suleiman Frangieh. extends the mandate of the Special January 7 Tribunal for Lebanon for another three January 5 Speaker Nabih Berri adjourns the years starting next March. Hezbollah and the Future Movement 17th session held to elect a president until hold their second dialogue meeting at the January 28 due to lack of quorum. January 2 residence of Speaker Nabih Berri. The The monthly statement of the Maronite Lebanon’s General Security unveils statement issued following the session Bishops calls for comprehensive dialogue, new procedures for the entry of Syrians reiterates working towards defusing the noting that the prolongation of presidential to Lebanon. Sunni-Shia’a tension and promoting vacuum exposes Lebanon to vulnerability. Former PM Omar Karami laid to rest stability. Speaker Nabih Berri announces in Tripoli in the presence of the current Health Minister Wael Bou Faour during Wednesday’s meeting that the and the previous prime ministers. Grand reveals that the sugar warehouses he third dialogue session between Hezbollah Mufti Deryan recites prayers upon the inspected at the Tripoli Port do not conform and the Future Movement is scheduled soul of the deceased. to the safety requirements. He criticizes the for January 16 to resume security plan failure of the Minister of Economy and the discussions. January 3 latter holds a press conference branding the Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea The Karami family continues to measures taken by Bou Faour as a circus. announces that the LF has exchanged two receive condolences over the death of Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil working blueprints with the Free Patriotic former PM Omar Karami. Sympathizers reveals in a press conference that the Movement, stressing that 30 years of include the Army Commander, MP Customs officers at the Beirut Port have political rivalry were enough. Walid Jumblat and a delegation of seized dangerous radioactive components Snow blizzard, Zina, results in blocking Hezbollah. Syrian President Bashar in kitchen items imported from India. mountain roads, disrupting schools and Assad extends condolences over the The arrival of the snow blizzard brings plunging several towns in total blackouts. telephone to former Minister Faisal with it intensifying winds and heavy rain PM Tamam Salam adjourns the Karami and Saudi Ambassador conveys and snow. six-hour Cabinet session following an sincere condolences on behalf of King unfruitful debate over a solution to the solid Abdullah. January 6 waste management crisis. The Phalangists Major General Abbas Ibrahim The storm hits more violently, halting refuse the formulas proposed to solve the reveals in a press conference that air traffic at the Rafic Hariri International crisis and Salam says he will not schedule several explosive-laden cars have been Airport and prompting Education Minister another session unless a solution is found seized cautioning that the threat of car to order closure of schools on Wednesday, for the garbage crisis. bombs is still present. January 7 and allowing universities to The Special Tribunal for Lebanon The Directorate General of decide for themselves whether to suspend resumes its work and listens to the Islamic Awqaf holds a ceremony at classes or not. testimony of journalist Faisal Salam the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque in General Michel Aoun extends who assures that Hariri was keen on his Downtown, Beirut in the presence of condolences to the Karami family in BIEL, relationship with Syria. Muslim religious leaders. Grand Mufti Beirut, and Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah calls Banque du Liban governor, Riad Deryan assures that Lebanon will not Faisal Karami expressing his deepest Salameh, announces on Kalam El-Nas talk be an incubator of terror and sedition. sympathies for the loss of his father. show that his name is among the potential presidential candidates, insinuating that

issue 152 | March 2015 38| Media January 2015 Highlights

the presidency of the republic is a right MP Ibrahim Kenaan meets LF leader cautioning that the disaster is fast reserved for the Maronite poles. Salameh Samir Geagea in Meerab in order to approaching if no president is elected soon. draws a stable image for the financial arrange for a meeting with General Michel Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq situation in Lebanon. Aoun. inspects Roumieh Prison and announces Education Minister extends closure of the allocation of USD 60 million for schools until next Monday due to stormy January 11 the reconstruction of the prison. The weather. PM Tamam Salam hosts a security government will provide half of the After talks with Speaker Nabih Berri, meeting at his residence to discuss the amount and the other half will be collected Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Jabal Mohsen attack. from private donations. Abdul Karim Ali assures As-Safir that the Victims of the Jabal Mohsen attack laid It is rumored that the Saudi-funded Lebanese government will not proceed to rest amidst calls for unity and counter- weapons provided by France to the with the financial requirements for the extremism. Interior Minister Nouhad Lebanese Army are outdated and unsuited entry of Syrians to Lebanon. Mashnouq announces after inspecting to properly arm the Lebanese Army. Head of the Order of Physicians refuses the area that the Hariri Foundation will to license additional med schools. reconstruct all the damage. January 14 The Lebanese rally in Sami Qassir Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq January 9 Square in support of the murdered Charlie visits General Michel Aoun, relaying to Hezbollah’s Secretary General Sayyed Hebdo journalists. him a message from Hariri that reiterates Hassan Nasrallah says during a televised the need for dialogue among Lebanese. speech at the ceremony organized by the January 12 Mashnouq says that dialogue is a definite Al-Emdad Charity that the dialogue with Following an investigation which strategic choice although it is still early the Future Movement is very serious. found that some prisoners had exchanged to speak of any progress in the dialogue Nasrallah welcomes dialogue among phone calls with one of the Tripoli between Hezbollah and the Future Christians, lauds the late PM Omar Karami bombers, the Internal Security Forces Movement. and lashes out at the Bahraini regime. raid Roumieh Prison’ notorious bloc B The Lebanese Forces holds a ceremony Former Minister Faisal Karami resumes under the supervision of Interior Minister at the residence of LF leader Samir political activity pledging to hold high the Nouhad Mashnouq, then transport Islamist Geagea to distribute membership cards torch of his father. Karami appoints a new inmates to another bloc. to new Lebanese Forces recruits in the chairman for Al-Manar Society. The cabinet approves a new solid presence of a Free Patriotic Movement Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara management plan and extends the contract representative. Boutros Al-Rai links between presidential with Sukleen and the Naameh landfill Intelligence Branch arrests Charbel elections and the Sunni-Shia’a conflict, operations by three additional months until Khalil, the suspect accused of murdering noting that both Iran and Saudi Arabia the new concessions are completed. Yves Nawfal in Kfardebian last week. have a say in the election of a president. Lebanon bids farewell to Tripoli’s Walid Jumblatt announces following Al-Rai assures that he has no preferable Mufti Sheikh Taha Sabonji and lays him to an extensive meeting held at his residence candidate and does not mind amending the rest in Al-Mina. in Beirut’s Clemenceau neighborhood, constitution. The Press Federation elects a new his support for the Cabinet’s recent The committee tasked with Moussa board headed by owner and editor-in-chief decision to extend the deadline for closing Sadr case accuses former MP Hassan of daily Ash-Sharq newspaper, Aouni al- the Naameh landfill by three months. Yaacoub, son of Sheikh Mohammad Kaaki. Al-Kaaki who is backed up by the Jumblatt says there won’t be a landfill in Yaacoub, of taking advantage of the case Future Movement won the vote, defeating Sibline asserting that they will conduct to serve his own financial interest. Yaacoub a rival list led by Salah Salam, the editor- environmental restoration to Sibline’s had been in touch with the Gaddafi regime. in-chief of Al-Liwaa. Hezbollah and the factory in 2015. Justice Council sentences Pahalnges Party skipped the elections and The Lebanese Army denies having five brothers from the Shamas family 52 voters attended out of 92. received outdated weapons from France as to death in absentia over the 2007 murders An Arab League delegation chaired alleged earlier and assures that it has not of Ziad Ghandour and Ziad Qabalan. by Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs received until now any arms or munitions arrives in Lebanon to explore ways to help as part of the donation. January 10 Lebanon address the Syrian refugee crisis. Military expert defuses a 10 kilogram Two suicide bombers from Tripoli- Former President Amine Gemayel says bomb on the Zgharta-Tripoli road. Taha Samir Kayyal and Bilal Mohammad that the Cabinet shall abide by unanimous Ibrahim- blow themselves up near a voting, warning against ‘playing with fire’. January 15 popular café in Jabal Mohsen killing 9 PM Tamam Salam receives Patriarch al- The Cabinet approves credits worth LBP people and injuring 37 others. An-Nussra Rai at the Grand Serail. 36 billion to municipalities neighboring Front claims responsibility for the attack the Naameh landfill and endorses the and threatens to attack the strongholds of January 13 security plan for Northern Beqa’a. Cabinet both Hezbollah and the Alawites for their Former President of the Republic discussions cover different disputed items crimes against the Sunni of Lebanon and Michel Suleiman visits the Grand Mufti such the filling of the Beirut Port’s fourth Syria. and the Sheik Akl of the Druze community, basin and leveling off gasoline prices.

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In an interview with Al-Mayadeen TV, including Jihad Mughniyeh, son of Imad January 21 Hezbollah’s Secretary General Sayyed Mughniyeh. Lebanese Army Commander General Hassan Nasrallah expresses his readiness to Maronite Patriarch extends Jean Qahwaji inspects army units in the meet Saad Hariri at the end of the dialogue condolences over the death of the victims outskirts of Ersal and Labwi and asserts sessions, stressing that the resistance is of Jabal Mohsen’s attack, then moves to that the Army is resolved to prevent the capable of entering Al-Jaleel should there Tripoli where he expresses his sympathy expansion of terrorism toward Lebanon be war with Israel and adhering to General for the bereaved family of former PM stressing that, eventually, only the state Michel Aoun as presidential candidate. Omar Karami. Al-Rai commends the would be able to protect Lebanon. Former MP Ghattas Khoury testifies self-restraint of residents in Jabal Mohsen Minister of Justice Ashraf Rifi visits before the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and says that there won’t be peace amidst the Bar Associations of Tripoli and Beirut reaffirming the threats he and Hariri had deprivation and misery. Al-Rai is the first to voice his support to the lawyers who received from the Syrian regime. Maronite patriarch to ever set foot in Jabal were assaulted in Cairo and emphasizes Former PM Fouad Seniora slams Mohsen. Lebanon’s right to prosecute the assaulters. Hezbollah in a keynote speech he delivered Families of the Islamist inmates Head of the Future Parliamentary in the UAE. protest in Tripoli over the alleged abuse Bloc calls Hezbollah’s Secretary Army Intelligence announces the arrest of prisoners in Roumieh. Justice Minister General’s political aide Hussein Khalil to of suicide bombers in North Lebanon and Ashraf Rifi receives a delegation of the offer condolences over the death of the seizes a car laden with explosives in the families, declaring that the trials will be Quneitra victims. outskirts of Ersal. completed in two months. The Shura Council dismisses the Lebanese lawyers clash with Syrian appeal submitted by an environmental January 16 colleagues during a conference in Cairo. NGO to stop the Janna Dam project and The Future Movement and Hezbollah suspend the construction works in the Nahr attend their third dialogue session and their January 19 Ibrahim region. joint statement emphasizes the continuity Hezbollah lays his martyrs to rest and of dialogue. schedules a funeral service for tomorrow. January 22 Nasrallah’s hostile comments on Statements by the March 14 Forces The Cabinet deplores the Quneitra Bahrain draw criticism from politicians, deplore the Israeli operation and criticizes operation and asserts that Lebanon’s particularly Interior Minister Nouhad Hezbollah’s intervention in Syria. The position on regional issues can only be Mashnouq and MP Walid Jumblat. Phalanges Party urges return to the voiced by the Lebanese government. Parliament’s General Secretariat disassociation policy toward Syria. The Lebanese Army defuses a car bomb clarifies in a statement that former MP A sonic bomb explodes in Saida rigged with 25 kilograms of explosives Ghattas Khoury has mixed between causing panic among residents. near the Ain Shaab checkpoint in Ersal. the legislative session to amend the Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara constitution, and the session of electing the January 20 Boutros Al-Rai admitted to Sayyidat Al- President in his testimony before the STL. Dutch diplomat Sigrid Kaagm, the Maounat Hospital in Jbeil after an alleged Former PM Fouad Seniora requests United Nations Special Coordinator for brain stroke. postponement of his STL testimony over Lebanon, officially starts her mission by Parliamentary committees approve the health reasons. visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Food Safety law. Former MP Ghattas Khoury resumes Bassil. Former MP Salim Diab explains in his his testimony and avows that Hariri was Women take to the streets of Tripoli to testimony before the STL how the electoral leading the opposition from behind the protest the alleged abuse of their Islamist campaign of Hariri worked and reveals scenes. sons and relatives in Roumieh Prison. that the Syrians requested the withdrawal The STL continues to listen to the of three Hariri candidates including Bahij January 17 testimony of former MP Ghattas Khoury Tabbara and Mohammad Amin Daouk In reference to Nasrallah’s comments and Judge Sir David Baragwanath states and nominated instead Bahaa Itani, against Bahrain, PM Tamam Salam states that the trials will last two years. Muhieddine Doughan and Adnan Arakji that the position of Lebanon on regional Minister of Finance Ali Hassan Khalil who was close to Rustom Ghazali. issues can only be conveyed through the inspects the Customs at the Rafic Hariri Lebanese government. International Airport and foils a number January 23 Salafist Sheikh Osama Shahabi of attempts to manipulate data, evade fees The Lebanese Army succeeds in threatens the Interior Minister from Ain and smuggle illegal products. regaining control over Tallet El-Hamra El-Helweh camp and announces that the State Commissioner to the Military post which was briefly overrun by An- release of the Islamist inmates is drawing Court Judge Sakr Sakr takes legal action Nusra Front militants. The clashes leave nearer. against 28 suspects in the Jabal Mohsen eight members of the Army dead and a The Internal Security Forces stops suicide attack. Among them are four tragic toll among militants. violations on the Choueifat road. men already in detention on suspicion PM Tamam Salam announces three of belonging to an armed terrorist days of mourning on the death of Saudi January 18 organization. The suspects on the run King Abdullah. Israeli airstrike against a Hezbollah include Shadi Al-Mawlawi and Osama Senior Fatah official Azzam Al-Ahmad convoy near Quneitra leaves six dead Mansour. continues his official visit to Lebanon and

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calls on addressing the case of suspects in January 27 Strida Geagea says OTV channel has the Palestinian camps patiently. Casino du Liban’s management sacks clearly cut-off the video it shared before Two ISF officers and a number of 191 employees under the pretext that most she could finish the full construction of soldiers sacked for engaging in offences of them were either unproductive or not her comments on the Israeli attacks against inside Roumieh Prison. showing up at work. In response to the Lebanon. sacking, staff members stage a sit-in at the Iranian official Alaeddine Boroujerd January 24 premises of the Casino and demand the arrives in Lebanon to participate in the An official delegation including dismissal of management. ceremony commemorating the Quneitra Speaker Nabih Berri and PM Tamam Patriarch al-Rai hopes that the dialogue martyrs, reiterating support for the Salam as well as LF leader Samir Geagea will facilitate the election of a president resistance and urging calm, and restraint in and former President Amine Gemayel during the meeting of Catholic bishops in Lebanon. arrives in Saudi Arabia to pay condolences Bkerke. The dismissed employees of Casino du on the passing away of Saudi King MP Walid Jumblat visits Speaker Nabih Liban continue with their protest action. Abdullah. The delegation later visits Hariri Berri accompanied by Health Minister Wel MP Walid Jumblat says to An-Nahar at his residence in Riyadh where he held a Bou Faour. that the implementation of the Baabda dinner in their honor. Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq Declaration is impossible today and Shadi Al-Mawlawi reported to have asserts that Shadi Al-Mawlawi is mingling requires a different international climate. fled Ain El-Helweh camp toward Ersal. with An-Nusra Front in Ersal. January 30 January 25 January 28 Hezbollah’s Secretary General Sayyed ‘Any illegitimate weapons used Hezbollah issues a statement in the Hassan Nasrallah says during a ceremony internally would be deemed a terrorist tool name of the Quneitra martyrs where it commemorating the Quneitra martyrs that used to incite sectarian strife’ says Grand announces that it has retaliated against the party no longer recognizes the rules Mufti Abdul Latif Deryan during the an Israeli patrol in the occupied Sheba’a of engagement with Israel stressing that inauguration of Sultan Yaacoub mosque. Farms. Israel confirms that two soldiers Hezbollah does not want a war, but does Army Commander and MP Walid died in the operation and another not fear it either Jumblat arrive separately in Saudi Arabia seven were wounded and responds by Iranian official Alaeddine Boroujerd to pay condolences. bombarding bordering areas in south visits Speaker Nabih Berri, PM Tamam US Embassy in Beirut urges US Lebanon, killing a soldier of the Spanish Salam and Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil citizens to exercise caution and to avoid contingent in UNIFIL. stressing that the regional developments going out, even to areas which are normally The Future Parliamentary Bloc states serve stability in Lebanon. considered less dangerous. that the Cabinet is the only one entitled “We are clear on the condemnation The March 8 and March 14 coalitions to take the decision of war and peace and of the Israeli assault but refuse to embroil unite in one list and win the majority of LF leader Samir Geagea brands what our country in conflict without unanimous seats in the elections of the League of Hezbollah did as ‘unacceptable’. consent”, states former PM Fouad Seniora. Public Secondary School Teachers. The PM Tamam Salam announces Sacked Casino workers continue incumbent chief Hannah Gharib and Lebanon’s adherence to Resolution 1701. their protests and two board members another member manage to grab two seats. Speaker Nabih Berri adjourns the 18th representing the Amal Movement and session held to elect a president until the Free Patriotic Movement tender their January 26 February 18 due to lack of quorum. resignation. Lebanese officials and dignitaries head Minister of Agriculture Akram to Saudi Arabia to pay condolences over the Chehayeb halts the construction works of January 31 death of Saudi king. Sympathizers include the Janna Dam project due to its adverse Former PM Fouad Seniora says during General Michel Aoun, Foreign Minister environmental impact. a ceremony organized by the Issam Fares Gebran Bassil, Education Minister Elias Ahbash member shot dead in the Ain Institute for Public Policy and International Bou Saab, MP Michel Murr and Major El-Helweh Palestinian camp. Affairs at AUB to commemorate General Abbas Ibrahim. Shadi Al-Mawlawi tweets that he has Minister Mohammad Shatah that Sayyed Ghassan Khaled Ajaj, head of the left Ain El-Helweh camp to avoid Muslim Nasrallah’s unyielding position abolishes Internal Security Forces Information bloodshed the will of the people and the constitutional Branch, killed late Sunday evening in the Investigative Judge Peter Jermanos entities. town of Miryata. orders the execution of six people involved The Lebanese Army Directorate of At the end of their fourth dialogue in the murder of Yves Nawfal in Kfardebian. Orientation announces that the army has session, Hezbollah and the Future found a bomb rigged with four kilograms Movement reiterate support for the January 29 of explosives on the Mejdlaya-Zgharta Lebanese Army in the face of terrorism. The Cabinet condemns Israeli attacks road and is working on dismantling it. A Hezbollah parliamentary delegation on Lebanon and reiterates Lebanon’s Casino board members retract their pays condolences to the Saudi Ambassador commitment to Resolution 1701. It also resignations and a committee is formed to Lebanon on the passing away of the approves increasing ISF personnel to to consider the conditions of the sacked King. 35,000 members amidst objection of the workers. Free Patriotic Movement ministers.

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This Month in History- Lebanon First Israeli Invasion of Lebanon and Resolution 425

March 1978 witnessed the first and largest ever Israeli invasion of the Lebanese territory, which was carried out with the stated intent of fending off the perils of the Palestinian organizations in South Lebanon and protecting Israel’s settlements. Yet, the operation’s undeclared objective was to occupy part of South Lebanon by appointing Saad Haddad to proclaim the area and link it to Israel.

Reality In the wake of the 1969 Cairo Agreement signed between Lebanon and the Palestine Liberation Organization, the southern Lebanese towns and villages bordering Israel were transformed into strongholds for the operations launched by Palestinian organizations against Israel. Following the 1975 Civil War and the decline in State authority, the military presence of the Palestinians escalated and Palestinian organizations exercised substitute authority in different areas, specifically in South Lebanon, where they would fire shells at Israeli settlements and incur Israeli retaliations that not only targeted South Lebanon, but also Lebanese towns and villages beyond the southern area. Israel invaded 1100 square kilometers of Lebanese territory, including 358 cities and towns in the Qada’as of Against the deterioration of the situation and the growing Jbeil, Marjeyoun, Nabatieh, Hasbaya and Tyre. threat of Palestinian organizations, Israel resolved to order a military operation against them, code-named Resolutions 425 and 426 Operation Litani, with the aim of forcing them away After five days of fighting and in response to the complaint from its borderline up to the Litani River. lodged by Lebanon at the UN Security Council, the council convened and decided to issue Resolution 425 on Trigger March 19, 1978. Pursuant to this resolution, the Security On March 11, 1978, an armed Fatah group led by Council: female Dalal Mughrabi sneaked from South Lebanon Urged strict respect for the territorial integrity, into Israel and hijacked two buses carrying Israeli sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon passengers. After a lengthy chase and shootout, 37 Israeli within its internationally recognized boundaries; civilians were killed and 76 wounded. This massacre was the proximate cause of the Israeli Operation Litani. Called upon Israel to immediately cease its military action against Lebanese territorial integrity and withdraw Operation forthwith its forces from all Lebanese territory; On the night of 14/15 March 1978, three days after the Fatah operation, the Israeli army mobilized more than Decided, in the light of the request by the Government 25,000 troops and launched a massive attack against of Lebanon, to establish immediately under its authority Lebanon. The operation, which lasted seven days, resulted a United Nations interim force for Southern Lebanon in the displacement of roughly 300,000 Lebanese and the for the purpose of confirming the withdrawal of Israeli death of 1500. 2500 residential units were demolished forces, restoring international peace and security and and another 650 sustained severe damage. Hundreds assisting the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the of businesses- commercial and industrial shops- were return of its effective authority in the area, the Force to disrupted and more than 150,000 trees were burned. be composed of personnel drawn from Member States;

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The resolution was adopted by 12 votes to none, with two abstentions (Czechoslovakia, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).

Resolution 425 paved way for Resolution 426, which stipulated the establishment of a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon consisting of 4000 troops and mandated for an original period of six months that could be extended after consultation.

The Security Council later issued Resolution 427 on May 5, 1978 increasing the strength of UNIFIL from 4,000 to 6,000 troops and requesting Israel to complete its withdrawal.

New facts The first UNIFIL troops arrived in the area on March Qada’a of Marjeyoun: Khiam, Blida, Mhaibib, 23, 1978. Israel started its withdrawal in April but Qoulaya’a, Burj Al-Mlouk, Kfarkela, Deir Mimes, maintained control over a 700 kilometer long border Markaba, Oudeissy, Rabb Et-tlatine, Tallousah, Bani strip including 46 towns and cities under the command Hayyan, Al-Tibeh, Al-Wezzani of Major Saad Haddad. It was decided that the Lebanese Army should be deployed in this area, but the opposition Qada’a of Bint Jbeil: Bint Jbeil, Beit Yahoun, Aitroun, of the PLO backed by different Lebanese political Einata, Debel, Ain Ebl, Rmeich, Maroun Ras, Yaroun, forces, particularly the Jumblat-led PSP, hampered Rshaf, Hanine, Serbine, Ramieh, Beit Lif, Qawzah army deployment. Jumblat argued that the existing Lebanese Army formations were not qualified to handle Qada’a of Tyre: Naqoura, Alma Shaab, Dhaira, Byout any security responsibilities as they did not observe the Syed, Yarin, Zloutieh, Merwehin, Em Tout, Tayr Harfa, real national balance in the country. Al-Boustan, Al-Jbin, Biyyada, Shayhine, Shame’e.

The zone remained under the command of the This strip expanded after the 1982 invasion, stretching Israel-backed Saad Haddad who later declared the along 900 kilometers and covering 165 towns and establishment of the Free Lebanon State in the Southern villages. The resistance led by Hezbollah guaranteed areas he controlled. This zone expanded after the 1982 the withdrawal of Israel from this zone in 2000 when invasion and Resolution 425 remained unimplemented all Israeli units were pulled back to Israeli territories. until 2000 when Israeli forces finally withdrew from South Lebanon. The Sheba’a Farms, a disputed small piece of territory at the junction of Lebanon, Israel and Syria border, remained a subject of controversy inside Lebanon and between Lebanon and Israel.

Border strip After the withdrawal of Israeli forces in 1978, 46 towns and villages remained under disguised Israeli occupation through the Lebanese Major Saad Haddad. This area was known as the border strip and consisted of the following towns:

Qada’a of Hasbaya: Kafarshouba, Al-Maril Wal Majidiyi and Halta

issue 152 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Arab World Focus|43

This Month in History- Arab World Birth of Samira Moussa, the Miss Curie of the East, on March 3, 1917

Samira Moussa was an Egyptian female scientist known for her research in the nuclear industry. Her purpose was to harness this science in the service of medicine but she fell victim to her excellence and nuclear aspirations.

Samira Moussa was born on March 3, 1917 in Senbo al- Kubra in Egypt’s Gharbia Governorate. Her father had a high profile among his fellowmen and his house was like a council where the villagers would meet to discuss all kinds of topics.

Samira was no ordinary girl. Throughout her school years, Samira was awarded accolades of excellence. In 1935, she became the first female student to rank first in the countrywide secondary school certificate examination. This was an unprecedented achievement, as girls were only allowed to take this exam at home, a ruling that changed in 1925.

She was sent to Britain where she furthered he nuclear Samira Moussa radiation studies and obtained a PhD in radiology and the effect of X-ray radiation on various materials. Although Three months after the declaration of the state of Israel in the duration of the mission was three years, she completed 1948, she founded the Atomic Energy Commission and her PhD in less than two, thus becoming the first Arab participated in the Student Society for Public Education, woman to ever obtain a doctorate. She was then dubbed which aimed at eradicating illiteracy in rural Egypt. the Miss Curie of the East. Enemies did not want to derive benefit from the genius Samira Moussa believed in having equal rights to possess of the Egyptian scientist acknowledged worldwide. And nuclear weapons so that no nation could impose its power so, scientist Samira Moussa was assassinated in a car on another, for in order for any country to effectively accident that remains a mystery. The incident took place advocate peace, it should be able to speak from a position following an invitation she received to visit a nuclear of power. She noted Israel’s interest in acquiring nuclear plant in a Californian suburb on August 15, 1952. While weapons in its pursuit to become the only nuclear travelling on a high cliff road en route to California, a power in the region. This further advanced her idea on truck suddenly appeared and hit the car, pushing it off the importance of keeping up with progress and being the cliff. The driver of the car in which Samira was privileged with the same weapons, especially after the riding managed to get out of the vehicle and disappeared. woeful wars she witnessed and the nuclear bombing of Investigation showed that the driver was using a false Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. She hoped that atomic ID and that the management of the nuclear plant had not energy would be harnessed for the good of man especially sent anybody to collect Samira. The media still has a big in the field of medical treatment. Samira volunteered to interest in the Samira Moussa case and observers claim help treat patients at the Qasr Al-Aini hospitals. that the assassination was masterminded by the Israeli Mossad to prevent Moussa from transporting nuclear In 1951, Sameera Moussa was awarded a scholarship energy to Egypt and the Arab World. to study up-to-date atomic research at the University of California. In recognition of her unmatched intellect and In her last letter she wrote: “I have been able to visit talent, she was allowed access to the secret US atomic nuclear plants in America, and when I return to Egypt, facilities. She turned down offers to stay in the US and I will be of great service to my country and will be able acquire American nationality and instead assured that to serve the cause of peace.” On her return, Samira had Egypt was waiting for her. intended to set up her laboratory in the Al-Haram area.

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Terrorist groups pretending to stand for Islam (2) The Houthis: Terrorists or Reformists?

For many decades, the name of the Houthis has come up at one time or another in connection with armed action in Yemen. In recent years, as the political and tribal conflict has intensified, the Houthis have dominated the Yemeni scene, culminating their entering Yemeni capital, Sanaa, on September 21, 2014, and forcing Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to step down as a prelude to seize power.

Who are they? These armed groups were named after their former some respects. The main reason for this discrepancy between commander, Hussein Badreddin Al-Houthi, who was the Shia’a and the Zaidis despite their shared origin and their reportedly killed in June 2004. From a religious and doctrinal descent from a common ancestor, Imam Ali, is that Imam perspective, the Houthis are ‘Zaidis’ i.e. followers of Imam Jaafar used to encourage self-restraint among his fellows Zaid Bin Ali Bin Hussein Bin Ali Bin Abi Taleb. and advocates, cautioning against fighting the Umayyad rule to avenge the blood of Imam Hussein and his loved ones It is commonly known that Ali Bin Abi Taleb, cousin of while Imam Zaid used to mobilize supporters for an uprising Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), married the Prophet’s daughter, against the Umayyad dynasty. Imam Zaid staged a failed Fatima, and had many daughters and sons with her. Relying rebellion against King Hisham ibn Abdul Malik ibn Marwan on the sayings of the Prophet, the Shia’a faction believed that resulted in his death in 740. that Ali was the rightful Caliph who should succeed Prophet Muhammad, contrary to the view held by other Muslims. For the Zaidis, he is not an Imam who inherits the Imamate from his predecessor (father or brother) in writing; rather, After the death of the Prophet in 630, the Caliphate was passed they hold that the Imam is the person who can revolt against down to his companion Abu Bakr As-Seddiq who was seen tyrannical rulers, promote virtue and prohibit vice and work by the Sunni community as a good man and a true believer. on spreading Islam. In this context, Imam Zaid is quoted as Umar Ibn Khattab was made Caliph for ten years after the saying: “He is not an Imam who sits at home and refrains passing away of Abu Bakr in 634. After Umar’s death in from jihad. An Imam is he who fights for the sake of Allah, 644, Uthman Ibn Affan held the position of the Caliph and defends his subjects and guards his women.” was given the nickname Dhu-Nnoorayn (‘the man with two lights’). The reason for this nickname was because Uthman That the Imam should be present to revolt against tyranny is was married to two daughters of the Prophet. When Uthman a cornerstone of the Zaidi doctrine. In contrast, the Twelver Ibn Affan died in 656, Ali Bin Abi Taleb succeeded him. Shia’a are staunch adherents to the idea of Occultation and The Shia’a Muslims argued that the first three caliphs were believe that the twelfth Imam Al-Mahdi who has been in usurpers and that Ali Bin Abi Taleb was the only rightful occultation since 941 is still alive and will reappear to make successor to the Prophet. peace and justice at the end of time. The murder of Caliph Ali in 661 marked the beginning of Although Zaid was the founder of Zaidism, it was his the Imamate of his son, Hasan. Hasan was poisoned, and disciples and supporters who laid down the Zaidi political Ali’s second son, Hussein, succeeded his father to the office. school of thought, which was shrouded with ambiguity Hussein died in 680 in the Battle of Karbala fought against and contradiction, specifically with respect to the Imamate, the forces of Yazid ibn Mu‘awiya ibn Abi Sufyan. Ali ibn the main bone of contention between Zaidis and Twelvers. Hussein, known as Zayn al-Abidin became the fourth Shia’a The assertion of Imam Zaid that the Imamate was passed in Imam after his father Hussein, his uncle Hassan and his writing solely to Ali and his two sons Hassan and Hussein, grandfather Ali. Following Zayn al-Abidin’s death in 712, not to twelve Imams, was uncontested. the Imamate was handed over to his son Muhammad who Another point of discord arose when Imam Zaid acknowledged was given the title ‘al-Baqir’, which means the splitter of the caliphate of Abu Bakr As-Seddiq and Umar Ibn Khattab, knowledge. After his passing away in 732, a dispute over saying that they had served both in word and in deed, unlike power arose between his son Jaafar and his brother Zaid who the Twelvers who disavowed the two caliphs. were the same age. Zaidi doctrine Some, the Zaidis, viewed that Zaid was the rightful claimant The Zaidi doctrine rests on many Islamic schools of thought, to the Imamate after his brother. Others, the Shia’a, argued which makes it open to different Islamic cults, even if it that his son Jaafar was more eligible to assume office. voices overt support to Imam Ali Bin Abi Taleb and Ahl Therefore, it can be seen that the Zaidis, in their political al-Bayt. Noteworthy is that the Zaidis had also a role in the beliefs, are part of the Shia’a school of thought but differ in Shafi’is spread in Yemen.

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Real Estate Prices- January 2015 Towards

Real estate transactions in January 2015 Prices of some apartments sold in January 2015 Table 2 increased by 2% compared to the previous 2 2 month and by 5% compared to the same period last year. Region Area (m ) Price (USD) USD/m This encouraging start suggests a potential recovery in Beirut the real estate market, especially if political stability Mathaf 140 532,000 3,800 continues to bring an end to the current presidential Ain Teeneh 300 1,050,000 3,500 vacuum. Further momentum is expected in the sector Sanaeh 300 1,200,000 4,000 should the situation at both local and regional levels Mar Elias (Tal’et Shahadi) 110 242,000 2,800 improve. So far, there does not seem to be any impact Al-Thareef 150 300,000 2,000 from the decline in oil prices neither on the real estate market nor on the remittances of the Lebanese expats. Ras Nabe’e 165 346,500 2,100 Msaytbeh 180 378,000 2,100 Prices have largely remained stable but moving Sodeco 220 990,000 4,500 slightly upward for small and medium size properties. Baabda Price increases varied between 1% and 5% depending Hazmieh (Mar Taqla) 125 275,000 2,200 on the size and the worth of the property. Baabda (Brazilia) 200 480,000 2,400 Baabda 225 495,000 2,200 Tables 1 and 2 illustrate the prices of some estates and apartments sold in January 2015. Hadath 180 270,000 1,500 Beer Abed 200 160,000 800

Prices of some estates sold in January 2015 Table 1 Furn Chebbak 115 184,000 1,600 Harat Hreik 100 115,000 1,150 Region Area (m2) Price (USD) USD/m2 Matn Beirut Broummana 240 444,000 1,850 Rawche 830 11,620,000 1,4000 Antelias 165 313,500 1,900 Bashoura 550 2,860,000 5,200 Mansourieh 148 229,400 1,550 Baabda Zalqa 170 229,500 1,350 Hazmieh 800 1,160,000 1,450 Dekwaneh 150 255,000 1,700 Naqash 160 240,000 1,500 Matn Jisr El-Basha 125 202,500 1,620 Sin El-Fil/ Habtour 1,000 3,500,000 3,500 Aley Al-Hayek Roundabout 730 1,825,000 2,500 Aramoun 157 180,550 1,150 Beit Mery 950 1,140,000 1,200 Aramoun 120 120,000 1,000 Aley Bshamoun (Madares) 170 153,000 900 Aley (Industrial zone) 1,000 150,000 150 Doha Aramoun 140 168,000 1,200 Choueifat (Al-Qebbeh) 1,250 250,000 200 Bshamoun (Yahoudiyeh) 125 112,500 900 Deir Qoubel 150 150,000 1,000 Kessrouan Kessrouan Zouk Mikhael 1,100 990,000 900 Zouk Mikhael 150 165,000 1,100 Ajaltoun 1,400 700,000 500 Sahel Alma 225 315,000 1,400 Faraya 1,200 180,000 150 Adonis 240 240,000 1,000 Shaileh 1,300 650,000 500 Adma 180 288,000 1,600 Source: Compiled by Information International- January 2015 Sarba 160 208,000 1,300 Source: Compiled by Information International- January 2015

issue 152 | March 2015 46| prices

Prices of 100 food and consumer products in 2014 Towards

The year 2014 featured a decline in the prices of the majority of the 100 food products we track annually. 48 food commodities registered lower prices, 31 maintained stable prices and the remaining 21 recorded a slight increase.

In contrast, the year 2013 was marked by an increase in the prices of the majority of items. The products whose prices soared totaled 46 against 32 items at stable price rates and 22 at lower rates. In 2012, there was a rise in the prices of 60 commodities, a decline in the prices of 23 items and no fluctuation in the prices of the remaining 17 items.

Dairy products, Tahina, canned tuna, cooking oil, rice, sugar, tissues, potatoes, bananas and cucumbers were among the items whose prices decreased. The prices of ketchup, butter, margarine and canned sardines remained unchanged while olive oil, powder milk, wheat, meat, cereals and lemons registered higher prices.

According to these prices, the cost of a nutritious basket of food for a family of four rose by LBP 160,000 to LBP 175,000 in 2014.

Table 1 shows the prices of all 100 food products in January 2015 compared to January 2014 and January 2013 and the percentage of change.

issue 152 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. prices |47

Prices of all 100 food products in January 2015 compared to January 2014 and January 2013 and the Table 1 percentage of change (Prices in LBP) Prices first of Prices first of Prices first of % of change % of change Item and brand January 2013 January 2014 January 2015 during 2013 during 2014 Al-Bsat Tahina (450 g) 3,900 5,350 4,500 +37.2 -16 Taous tomato sauce (70 g) 730 890 950 +21.2 +6.7 Taous tomato sauce (425 g) 3,200 3,900 3,650 +22 -6.4 Tala tomato sauce (675 g) 3,300 3,000 3,000 -10 0 Dairy Products Candia full cream milk (1 liter) 2,600 2,900 2,750 +11.5 -5.2 Candia full cream yoghurt (1 kg) 3,000 3,750 3,250 +25 -13.4 Bonjus labneh (1 kg) 5,000 5,000 5,000 0 0 Taanayel labneh (500 g) 5,700 6,000 5,750 +5.2 -4.2 Candia labneh (500 ) 5,150 5,350 5,350 +3.9 0 Taanayel yoghurt (1 kg) 3,750 3,500 3,750 -6.7 +7.1 Smeds cheese (400 g) 4,850 4,750 4,250 -2 -10.5 Picon cheese (360 g) 3,900 4,250 4,100 +8.9 -3.5 Picon cheese (160 g) 1,975 2,000 1,750 +1.2 -12.5 Double-crème cheese (1 kg) 11,000 9,250 7,500 -16 -18.9 Fresh country cheese (1 kg) 11,500 11,500 11,000 0 -4.3 Kashkawan cheese (1 kg) 13,500 15,000 15,000 +11.2 0 Lurpak butter (200 g) 2,750 3,250 3,250 +18.2 0 Tatra butter (200 g) 2,600 2,900 2,900 +11.5 0 Al-Malaaqtain margarine (2 kg) 9,450 9,450 9,450 0 0 Al-Baqara al-Haloub margarine (2 kg) 35,000 35,000 35,000 0 0 Vegetaline margarine (2 kg) 18,900 20,000 18,000 +5.8 -10 Nido full cream milk (bag) (2,250 g) 21,850 24,000 25,000 +9.8 +4.2 Nido full cream milk (bag) (2,500 g) 26,250 29,250 30,350 +11.4 +3.7 Tatra full cream milk (1,800 g) 20,500 23,000 23,500 +12.2 +2.2 Cereals Khater white lentils (1 kg) 3,750 3,750 3,750 0 0 Khater chick-peas (1 kg) 3,750 4,500 5,000 +20 +11.1 Khater beans (1 kg) 2,000 1,850 1,500 -7.5 -18.9 Peeled wheat (1 kg) 2,000 2,000 2,350 0 +17.5 Pineal Lima Bean (1 kg) 3,750 4,100 4,350 9.4 +6 Brown Fine Burgul (1 kg) 1,750 1800 1,250 0.3 - 30.6 Egyptian rice (1 kg) 1,790 3,250 1,750 +81.5 - 46.1

issue 152 | March 2015 48| prices

Italian rice (1 kg) 2,350 2,250 2,000 -4.2 -11.2

Al-Wadi Hommos Tahina (380 g) 1,500 1,750 1,650 +16.7 -5.7

Chtoura Hommos Tahina (380 g) 1,500 1,500 1,500 0 0

California Gardens beans (450 g) 1,500 1,100 1,250 -26.7 +13.6

Al-Wadi beans (450 g) 1,200 1,450 1,450 +21 0

Chtoura beans (480 g) 1,250 1,150 1,100 -8 -4.3

Libby’s corn (340 g) 1,450 2,000 1,800 +38 -10

Pasta

Barilla spaghetti (500 g) 2,250 2,250 2,200 0 -2.3

Antonio Amato spaghetti (500 g) 2,200 2,200 2,150 0 -2.3

Monte spaghetti (500 g) 2,300 2,300 2,300 0 0

Sugar (2 kg) 3,200 2,800 2,200 -12.5 -21.4

Al-Ousra sugar (5 kg) 7,500 7,750 6,750 +3.4 -12.9

Salt (700 g) 500 350 450 -30 +28.5

Box of salt (738 g) 1,500 1,770 1,500 +18 -15.2

Meat, Fish and Eggs

Zwan chicken (200 g) 2,550 2,950 2,750 +15.7 -6.8

Zwan beef (200 g) 2,500 2,650 2,250 +6 -15

Luncheon meat beef (198 g) 2,100 2,100 2,100 0 0

Al-Mona chicken (200 g) 2,000 2,000 2000 0 0

Al-Taghzia beef (200 g) 1,950 1,925 1,950 -1.3 +1.3

Al-Taghzia chicken (200 g) 2,000 1,950 1,750 -2.5 -10.2

Geisha sardine (125 g) 1,500 1,500 1,500 0 0

Deli sardine (125 g) 1,250 1,100 1,100 -12 0

Milo sardine (125 g) 1,400 1,250 1,250 -10.7 0

Geisha tuna (200 g) 3,000 4,750 4,000 +58.4 -15.8

White Bell tuna (200 g) 3,100 2,750 2,500 -11.3 -9

White Diamond tuna (200 g) 3,000 3,000 2,500 0 -16.7

Skipper tuna (185 g) 2,850 2,850 2,250 0 -21

Eggs (30 eggs) 8,000 7,750 8,000 -3.1 +3.2

issue 152 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. prices |49

Lamb (1kg) 22,000 24,000 27,000 +9 +12.5

Coffee and Tea

Najjar coffee (1 kg) 17,200 17,200 17,000 0 -1.1

Brazil coffee (1 kg) 15,000 15,000 15,000 0 0

Al-Hisan tea (180 g) 2,750 3,000 2,750 +9 -8.4

Nestle (250 g) 2,000 2,000 2,000 0 0

Halvah and Jam

Al-Wadi halvah (454 g) 4,500 5,000 5,000 +11.2 0

Al-Bsat halvah (450 g) 3,800 4,400 4,500 +15.8 +2.2

Chtoura apricot jam (1 kg) 6,000 5,500 6,500 -8.4 +18.2

Al-Wadi apricot jam (1 kg) 4,750 6,000 5,750 +26.3 -4.2

Tissues and Detergents

Mimosa tissues (500 g) 3,000 3,000 3,000 0 0

Fine tissues (200 tissues) 1,500 2,000 1,250 +33.4 -37.5

Primo tissues (200 tissues) 1,500 1,500 1,100 0 -26.7

Gipsy tissues (300 tissues) 2,900 2,900 2,900 0 0

Mimosa toilet paper (4 rolls) 6,000 6,000 5,250 0 -12.5

Yes detergent (750 g) 2,600 2,800 2,750 +7.7 -1.7

Clorox (1 liter) 1,560 1,650 1,500 +5.7 -9

Persil (4 kg) 20,000 20,000 20,750 0 +3.7

Ariel (4 kg) 20,500 17,450 20,500 -14.9 +17.5

Fruit and vegetables

Oranges (1 kg) 750 1,250 1,250 +66.7 0

Tomatoes (1 kg) 1,250 1,500 1,500 +20 0

Cucumbers (1 kg) 1,500 2,000 1,500 +33.4 -25

Bananas (1 kg) 1,250 1,250 1,000 0 -20

Lemons (1 kg) 750 750 1,000 0 +33.3

Apples (1 kg) 2,000 2,000 2,000 0 0

Potatoes (1 kg) 1,500 1,500 1,000 0 -33.3

issue 152 | March 2015 50| Did you know that?

The Top Five Most Powerful People in the World 2014

Vladimir Putin: the 61-year-old Russian president world’s population, not to mention that China retains its (since 2000) tops the list as the most powerful man in position as the largest foreign creditor to the US, holding 2014 as a result of the nuclear warheads he controls, an estimated USD 1.3 trillion in American government his permanent seat on the UN Security Council and debt. his influence in the course of events in the Middle East, particularly in Syria and Egypt. Putin also controls a Pope Francis: the first Latin America pontiff was listed vast stock of oil and gas as the fourth most powerful person in the world. He preaches compassion for the poor and a greater role Barack Obama: the 52-year-old US President took the for women while signaling the church to quiet its focus second spot for his ObamaCare legislation. Although on “only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the rule of the US President deteriorated during his the use of contraceptives.” He has embraced social second term, Obama maintained his position within media, regularly using Twitter to dispense religious the top five most powerful people around the world as advice. he sits comfortably as head of the world’s best military, political and economic superpower. German Chancellor Angela Merkel ranked fifth on the list. She is the most powerful woman around the Xi Jinping: the 60-year old General Secretary of world and the backbone of the EU, which consists the Communist Party of China, the President of the of 27 member states. Merkel bears the responsibility People’s Republic of China and the Chairman of the of maintaining the stability of the euro. She’s been Central Military Commission ranked third. He rules a chancellor of Germany since 2005 and is the first nation of 1.3 billion people, roughly 20% of the total woman ever to hold this position.

 Beirut International Airport Beirut International Airport  Rafic Hariri International Airport Traffic- January 2015

Passenger traffic rose Airport traffic in January 2015 compared to December and January 2014 Table 1 in January 2015 by % of change % of change 11.4% compared to December January January Traffic December 2014/ January the same period last 2014 2015 2014 January 2015 2014/ 2015 year. The Rafic Hariri International airport Arriving airplanes 2,794 2,553 2,473 -8.6 +3.2 served 502,041 Departing airplanes 2,793 2,551 2,463 -8.6 +3.5 passengers up from Total no. of airplanes 5,587 5,104 4,936 -8.6 +3.4 450,476 in January 2014. Compared to Arriving passengers 299,509 225,479 200,024 -24.7 +12.7 the previous month, Departing passengers 272,387 275,432 249,498 +1.1 +10.4 passenger traffic declined by 12.4% Transit passengers 1,333 1,130 954 -15.2 +18.5 in January this year. Total no. of passengers 573,229 502,041 450,476 -12.4 +11.4 Table 1 illustrates airport traffic in January Imported goods (per ton) 4,520 3,608 4,407 -20.1 -18.1 2015 compared Exported goods (per ton) 2,687 2,171 2,502 -19.2 -13.2 to December and Total amount of goods (per ton) 7,207 5,779 6,909 -19.8 -16.3 January 2014. Source: Information International based on the Directorate General of Aviation Stats & Numbers |51

SNumberstats& Publications

LBP 50.7 billion is the worth Publications by Publications by Kutub (in Arabic): Information International (in Arabic): of credits allocated to the 1- May Ziadeh, Evolution of a Free Female Thinker Internal Security Forces in 2015 1- Salaries and Remunerations in the Public Sector 2- Mission in Hijaz - Lion Roche to secure the hospitalization of 2- Public Seaside Properties 3- aleppo Cuisine ISF members and their families 3- Lebanon’s Parliamentary History 1920-2000 in 138, both public and private, 4- from An-Nabk to Florida 4- Taxes and Fees hospitals. Hôtel Dieu de France 5- institution of Aesthetic Discourse -Saad el-Kassab 5- Lebanon in Figures 1992-2002 received the highest share of 6- Al A’mal Al She’rya Al-Kamila -Kamal Keir beik credits at LBP 4.5 billion. 6- Lebanon in Figures 2003-2004 7- Majhoulat Gibran 7- Lebanon in Figures 2005-2006 LBP 6.7 billion is the advance 8- Lebanon in Figures 2007-2008 8- Shweir and Its Hills, A phtographic record allocated to the Higher Relief 9- Lebanon’s MPs and Lebanese Parliamentary 9- The Wars of Lajat 1837-1838 Committee to compensate for Elections 1960 - 2009 10- New Funerary Phoenician Stelae, Private Collection the damages suffered in Ersal 10- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, 11- harakat Al Hadasa fi Al-She’r Al-Arabi Al-Mo’aser candidate and confession-North District during clashes between the -Kamal Keir beik Army and terrorist militants in 11- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, 12- Al Tanassot Ala Al Hatef fi Lebnan 1947-1958 early August 2014. candidate and confession-Beirut District 13- Beirut Daw’ Ala Warak 1850-1915 12- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, 14- Shukri Al-Asali Articles and Documents 71 is the number of banks candidate and confession-Mount Lebanon District registered in Lebanon according 13- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate and confession-Beqa’a District to the complete list of banks 14- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate issued by Banque du Liban in and confession-South and Nabatiyeh District early 2015. 15- Municipal Elections 2010

LBP 3 billion is the amount Publications by INMA (in Arabic): of the sugar beet subsidies 1- “I am Responsible, All of Us are Responsible” provided in 2013. 2- “Our Environment is Our Home”

19 is the number of army 3- “My Society is My Responsibility” colonels who were promoted 4- “My Society is My Responsibility” Workbook to the rank of Brigadier General 5- “I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards State Building” To Subscribe: in early 2015 pursuant to Decree 6- “I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards Al-Borj Building, 4th Floor, Martyrs Square State Building” Workbook Beirut Central District no.1163. Telephone: 961-1-983008/9 961-3-262376 7- “Lebanon Wars, why?” Fax: 961-1-980630 [email protected] 144 is the number of suicides 8- Discrimination in Lebanon www.monthlymagazine.com committed in 2014 compared 9- najma men Biladi www.information-international.com © Information International SAL All rights to 111 in 2013 and 108 in 2012. 10- aklam men Biladi reserved License No. 180/2003

Shukri Al-Asali Articles and Documents

Dr. Fandi Abou Fakhr’s book, which was recently released by Kutub, showcases a series of articles of the late Syrian journalist and politician Shukri Al-Asali. Abou Fakhr embarked on collecting the works written by Al-Asali under the Ottoman era and has been careful to arrange them in chronological order by the date of their appearance in Al-Muqtabas and Al- Qabas. His purpose is to enlighten readers about the vast reservoir of intellectual knowledge amassed by Al-Asali and to remind them of the noble Arab endeavors he upheld, lived by and died for. The articles published in the book shed light on the different intellectual and political struggles that marked Al-Asali’s biography including but not restricted to his resistance to the Ottomans, his fight against tyranny and corruption and his staunch opposition to Zionism and to the sale of land to the Jews, which eventually backfired at him and cost him his life.

Now In bookstores

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