issue number 116 |March 2012 wage hike Lebanon airports “the monthly” interviews: rita maalouf www.iimonthly.com • Published by Information International sal Rent Act Twelve extensions and a new law is yet to materialize

Lebanon 5,000LL | Saudi Arabia 15SR | UAE 15DHR | Jordan 2JD| Syria 75SYP | Iraq 3,500IQD | Kuwait 1.5KD | Qatar 15QR | Bahrain 2BD | Oman 2OR | Yemen 15YRI | Egypt 10EP | Europe 5Euros March INDEX 2012

4 Rent Act

7 GLC and business owners lock horns with Nahas over wage hike

10 eLections 2013 (2) 12 will Lebanon operate four airports or only one?

14 IDAL 16 thousands of mobile phone lines at the disposal of security forces P: 21 P: 4

17 reopening of Beirut Pine’s Forest

18 vitamins & Supplements: Dr. Hanna Saadah 19 psychological Effects of Impotence on Men in the Middle East: michel nawfal

20 alf, ba, ta...: dr. samar zebian 21 interview: Rita Maalouf P: 12 23 torture - Iridescence 24 nobel Prizes in Physics (2) 39 mansourieh’s High-Voltage Power 28 the Social and Cultural Development Lines Association (INMA) 40 January 2012 timeline 30 how to Become a clergyman in your religion? 43 eGyptian Elections 31 popular culture 47 real estate prices in Lebanon - 32 debunking myth #55: Dreams January 2012 33 must-read books: Corruption 48 food Prices - January 2012 34 must-read children’s book: Camellia 50 venomous Snakebites 35 Lebanon Families: Hawi Families 50 beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport - January 2012 36 discover Lebanon: Chakra 51 Lebanon stats 37 Civil Strife Intro |editorial Assem Salam: The Custodian of Values

The heart aches proudly when you see them, our knights when the demonstrators denounced the Syrian enemy: of the 1920s and 30s, refusing to dismount as if they “Calls for Lebanon’s independence from the Syrian were on a quest or a journey. Although their lives were tutelage and positions against the practices of Syrian full of disappointments they never gave up. They lived and pro-Syrian officials were distorted by the March 14 independently, proud of their heritage, resisting pressure Forces themselves due to their sectarian divisions and from external forces and Zu’ama and holding their heads racist feeling towards the Syrian presence in the country”. high. They had a dream of a nation that, they knew (The Monthly’s issue no. 67 of March 2008) very well, may never flourish. Assem Salam is one of those professional, honorable, quiet and steady knights On another occasion, he told a diplomat at the American who exhibited and practiced chivalry as a professor at Embassy in Beirut: “Banning certain Lebanese from the university, in his architects’ office, as President of entering your country simply because they expressed Lebanon’s Order of Engineers and Architects, and in their opinion is a kind of oppression nowhere near every aspect of his life. Mighty like the cedars of Lebanon, democracy...”. Surprised at his words, she thought that jubilant like Egypt, audacious and polite like the nobles he must be gloating over his tormentors’ punishment, but of the Round Table, rebellious like Algeria, civilized and he proceeded by saying: “Your stance on the Palestinian cultured like Sumer, Assem Salam is a Shami Arabist, an issue is the problem.” “But you are Lebanese?” she aristocrat, a commoner and universal citizen who has an asked, confused. “I am a Palestinian and a Lebanese. ever-present smile for us even in the bleakest of times. And my children are Palestinian,” he answered.

Assem Salam is in hospital, a restless patient and an Assem Salam is a fine knight but a bad investor. He is unyielding knight. His mid-nineteenth century house is a man of the Renaissance in an era of decline. He is a still in Zqaq el-Blat- Batrakieh, surrounded by dominating noble man and I had the privilege of sitting at his round towers of hideous concrete, as if his big heart of gold and the table. The image wouldn’t be complete unless we quote architectural nostalgia he has for Beirut insisted on keeping his words on Solidere: “.. Around 135,000 Lebanese, this house as a witness to an era of hunger, greed and oil. including residents and right holders, were forced to As if he is telling us: this is how I think and how you too leave the area and denied the right to return, and 85% of should think. But as usual, his words fell on deaf ears in the the capital’s urban memory was destroyed, which put an Council for Development and Reconstruction, the Ministry end to the history and unifying role of the downtown”. of Public Works and Transport, the Ministry of Housing (The Monthly’s issue no. 67 of March 2008) and even the Order of Engineers. Neither in A’anjar, nor in Parliament or the Cabinet did they listen to him. Assem Salam has never been far from the events and for the hundreds and thousands of us, he himself is the “There are people in Lebanon who are above and beyond event. He is the custodian of our values. Great men are positions and posts”, he told Abd Halim Khaddam, Ghazi like eagles. They spread their wings in the winds and Kanaan, Rustom Ghazali and their followers at all times. soar high in the skies. Assem Salam, you are the eagle Being blacklisted by them was a beacon of light, not a and the president of both the Order of Engineers and dread to him and a glimmer of hope for this country. He non-engineers. Assem Bek Salam, it is to you we give was forbidden from taking a post, for this would have been the title and the glory. The Cedars of Lebanon, Assi, a threat to the so-called “investors” and “slave traders” of Dijla and Eupherates know you very well and, together this country as well as Solidere. Unfortunately, those who with us, toast you, for aged wine was made for those do not play their Sunni-Beirut card may not be blessed moments. with a moment of peace and tranquility. A noble friend of the late Nassib Lahoud and Walid Jumblat, after the 2005 Assem Salam is in hospital now but forever in our demonstrations against Syria, he did not hesitate to state hearts. 4 | Leader Rent Act Twelve extensions and a new law is yet to materialize

Lebanon has been without an official budget since 2005 and government spending has been managed according to the “twelfth provision rule”, which was accompanied by mounting expenditures that are deemed a flagrant violation of the law. Likewise, Lebanon has been waiting for twenty years of the approval of a new rental law that governs the landlord-tenant relationship especially regarding old rental agreements. Unfortunately, all the attempts aimed at passing a new rental law did not succeed and the extension of the old act has been the norm throughout the years. The collapse of the Fassouh building in Achrafieh in January 2012 re-brought the rents’ issue to the forefront and served as an alarming signal stressing the urgency for a new rent act. Unfortunately, landlords cannot afford property maintenance, for the rentals they receive can barely cover the expenses of minor repairs, and tenants on the other hand refuse to carry out repair works before knowing what the new law has in store for them. Thus, the negligence of both parties results in the fracture of rooftops, collapse of buildings and loss of lives.

Problems with rents rental market and find a partial solution, although the The motto “the tenant is an owner” used to prevail complexity of the contracts signed before July 22, 1992 in Lebanon in the few decades prior to 1992, for the remained unsettled. law used to grant the tenants the right to extend rental agreements against the will of landlords. The law Rent Act also allowed parents to transfer the dwelling to their Law No. 160 was issued on July 22, 1992 and children, which crippled the landlords’ ability to offer highlighted the following: the premises for rent, for fear of losing them should 1- Raising rental fees by half the successive wage hikes they fail to evict the tenants. The inflation and the imposed on the first salary bracket and determined devaluation of the Lebanese pound in 1985 were also by the decrees pertaining to the cost of living as of factors that further aggravated the problem as the rental July 1, 1987. This provision was among the major value became insignificant compared to the value of the highlights of the law. actual building. The rent of an entire building became 2- Giving the landlord the right to regain his property insufficient to cover the cost of living of landlords, should he or a member of his family need the who winded up wallowing in poverty although their dwelling for personal use, provided that he pays the properties were worth a fortune, except those few who tenant a compensation determined by the courts of used to charge a lease premium to secure the minimum not less than 25% and not more than 50% of the amount of profits in the event where the rental value property value. decreases. 3- Increasing rental fees according to the rental agreement year in favor of landlords. This law was New law amended pursuant to Law No. 336. In an attempt to solve this dilemma and find a market for a property lease, Law No. 159 promulgated July 22, Law No.336 1992 cancelled the article 543 of the Code of Contracts Law No. 336 promulgated May 24, 1994 amended and Obligations and stipulated that residential and some articles of the abovementioned Law 160/92. non-residential property be rented on a yearly-contract July 22, 1992 was set as a starting date to determine basis. According to this law, tenants must sign rental rent increases in parallel with wage hikes, and rents of contracts for a three-year period during which landlords residential and non-residential properties changed as cannot raise the rent but preserve the right to subject follows: tenants to their own terms once the contract expires. This law liberated contracts and helped animate the

issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Leader | 5

Residential property rent Ground floors Rental fees of the contracts signed before January 1, Rental fees set in the contracts signed before January 1, 1987 or the contracts whose first contractual duration 1987 or the contracts whose first contractual duration expires before January 1, 1988 shall be increased as of expires before January 1, 1988 shall be increased as of July 23, 1992 according to the following: July 23, 1992 according to the following:  First: rentals before January 1, 1954 are multiplied  Rentals before January 1, 1954 are multiplied by 660 by 165  Rentals between January 1, 1954 and December 31,  Second: rentals between January 1, 1954 and 1961 are multiplied by 520 December 31, 1961 are multiplied by 130  Rentals between January 1, 1962 and December 31,  Third: rentals between January 1, 1962 and 1966 are multiplied by 448 December 31, 1966 are multiplied by 112  Rentals between January 1, 1967 and December 31,  Fourth: rentals between January 1, 1967 and 1972 are multiplied by 332 December 31, 1972 are multiplied by 83  Rentals between January 1, 1973 and December 31,  Fifth: rentals between January 1, 1973 and 1978 are multiplied by 236 December 31, 1978 are multiplied by 59  Rentals between January 1, 1979 and December 31,  Sixth: rentals between January 1, 1979 and 1982 are multiplied by 168 December 31, 1982 are multiplied by 42  Rentals between January 1, 1983 and December 31,  Seventh: rentals between January 1, 1983 and 1984 are multiplied by 96 December 31, 1984 are multiplied by 24  Rentals between January 1, 1985 and December 31,  Eighth: rentals between January 1, 1985 and 1985 are multiplied by 72 December 31, 1985 are multiplied by 18  Rentals between January 1, 1986 and December 31,  Ninth: rentals between January 1, 1986 and 1986 are multiplied by 48 December 31, 1986 are multiplied by 12 Rental fees set in the contracts signed as of January 1, Rental fees set in the contracts signed as of January 1, 1987 or the contracts whose first contractual duration 1987 or the contracts whose first contractual duration expires after December 31, 1987 shall be hiked as of expires after December 31, 1987 shall be increased as July 23, 1992 according to the following: of July 23, 1992 according to the following:  Rentals whose first contractual duration expires  Rentals whose first contractual duration expires before January 1, 1988 are multiplied by 8 before January 1, 1988 are multiplied by 4  Rentals whose first contractual duration expires  Rentals whose first contractual duration expires between January 1, 1988 and December 19, 1988 between January 1, 1988 and December 19, 1988 are multiplied by 6 are multiplied by 3  Rentals whose first contractual duration expires  Rentals whose first contractual duration expires between December 20, 1988 and June 29, 1989 are between December 20, 1988 and June 29, 1989 are multiplied by 4 multiplied by 2.3  Rentals whose first contractual duration expires  Rentals whose first contractual duration expires between June 30, 1989 and December 31, 1990 are between June 30, 1989 and December 31, 1990 are multiplied by 3 multiplied by 1.7  Rentals whose first contractual duration expires  Rentals whose first contractual duration expires between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 1991 between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 1991 are multiplied by 2 are multiplied by 1.3  The increase is calculated based on the rental dues Floors above and below the ground floors paid on December 31, 1986. The rents of the floors above and below the ground floor are three quarter of the ground floor dues. Non-residential property rent Rents of non-residential property were determined as Second: property rented for non-commercial/ industrial follows: purposes

First: property rented for commercial or industrial The rents of the property used for non-commercial/ purposes industrial purposes are three quarter of the rents of the property used for commercial/industrial purposes.

issue 116 | March 2012 6 | Leader

The increase is calculated based on the rental dues paid  The latest decree hiked the first salary bracket by on December 31, 1986. 100%, thus increasing the rents by 50%.

Wage hike Although important, those increases failed to improve Rents were adjusted following the 1992 Rent Act, the rents in favor of landlords. which stipulated the increase of rents by half the hike imposed on the first bracket of the salary. However, the For instance, a residential rent agreement dating back adjusted rents remain far from the prevalent prices in to 1970 and estimated then at LBP 1000 per year, the market. Below is a list of the wage hike decrees witnessed a 20% increase in 1985 and became LBP approved since July 23, 1992 to date. 1200 before it was subject to another 20% that brought  Decree No. 4361 dated January 10, 1994 hiked the it up to LBP 1440. In 1992 the rent was multiplied by first salary bracket by 70%, thus increasing the rents 83 and rose to LBP 119,520. After the issuance of the by 35%. said wage hike decrees, the annual rent would stand  Decree No. 6263 dated January 18, 1995 hiked the today at LBP 390,000. first salary bracket by 20% thus increasing the rents by 10%. Extension  Decree No. 8733 dated July 8, 1996 hiked the first Rent Act No. 160/92 has been extended 12 times since salary bracket by 20% thus increasing the rents by 1996. The following table shows those extensions 10%. noting that the last one expires on March 31, 2012. The  Decree No. 500 hiked the first salary bracket by approval of a new law is unlikely in the near future 66% (LBP 200,000) thus increasing the rents by which means that another extension is looming in the 33%. horizon.

Extensions of the 1992 Rent Act Number and date of issuance of the extension law Extension duration Law No. 171 dated August 29, 2011 From Jan 1, 2011 till March 31, 2012 Law No. 93 dated March 6, 2010 From July 1, 2009 till December 31, 2010 Law No. 24 dated September 5, 2008 From Jan 1, 2007 till June 30, 2009 Law No. 750 dated May 15, 2006 From Jan 1, 2006 till December 31, 2006 Law No. 637 dated November 20, 2004 From July 1, 2004 till December 31, 2005 Law No. 557 dated January 30, 2004 From Jan 1, 2004 till June 30, 2004 Law No. 526 dated July 16, 2003 From July 1, 2003 till December 31 , 2003 Law No.494 dated December 12, 2002 From July 1, 2001 till June 20, 2003 Law No. 206 dated May 26, 2000 From July 1, 1999 till June 30, 2001 Law No. 721 dated November 5, 1998 From Jan 1, 1998 till June 30, 1999 Law No.605 dated February 28, 1997 From Jan 1, 1997 till December 31, 1997 Law No. 504 dated June 6, 1996 From Jan 1, 1996 till December 31, 1996

The awaited law The delay in issuing a new rent act is attributed to the tendency to incorporate an article that allows the gradual liberation of old rent agreements, which would cause a critical social problem for low-income earners. This is especially the case with the absence of a housing policy providing the low-income earners with alternative dwellings or with the possibility to own their current rented property. On the other hand, it is undisputedly agreed upon the urgency of adjusting the outdated contracts due to the injustice they incur on landlords. Against the backdrop of the current economic and political conditions, it is unlikely a new rent act will be formed and rental act extensions will in all likelihood continue being the easiest way to escape responsibility and avoid facing the crisis, which will probably manifest itself in the collapse of further buildings.

issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Public Sector | 7 GLC and business owners lock horns with Nahas over wage hike Raising the minimum wage has always been a constant demand for the General Labor Confederation (GLC) and the Lebanese trade unions, particularly the Teachers’ Union. As soon as talks of a possible salary boost emerge, the prices rise and erode the boost before its approval, thus leading to calls for a new increase. And so, we slide into a vicious circle: salary increase, price increase and then yet another salary increase. However, the most recent salary saga was like no other and it stood unparallel among all the other wage hikes approved in Lebanon over the past decades. Salary boost demands The minimum monthly wage was raised from LBP  Grant a LBP 200, 000 increase to wages below LBP 300, 000 in 1996 to LBP 500, 000 in 2008 pursuant to 1 million and an increase of LBP 300, 000 to wages decree No. 500 dated October 14, 2008. A few months ranging from LBP 1 million to 1.8 million after the approval of the LBP 200, 000 salary increase,  Raise the daily transportation allowance to LBP 10, new voices emerged in demand of further increases but 000 up by LBP 2000 were stifled after the entry into the electoral contest and  Raise the education allowance to LBP 1.5 million the formation, then resignation of the government in 2011. Although the decisions of the Shura Council are non- binding, the government referred the draft settlement First wage hike to this consultative body for further study and opinion. After the formation of the current government, the The Shura Council deemed the decree illegal and wage hike issue was pushed again to the forefront when reported a number of comments on it. The Cabinet the GLC sought to raise the minimum wage to LBP displayed flexibility as regards the comments drafted 1,250 million. The Economic Committees challenged by the Shura Council and formed on October 27, 2011 this endeavor and deemed it unfeasible as it would a ministerial committee to examine the remarks and re- only lead to bankruptcy, unemployment and decline in promulgate the decree. the economic competitive capacity. Therefore, a series of dialogues began between the two parties under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Labor. The Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas had a specific and clear say on a spectrum of issues including the incorporation of the transportation allowance into the basic salary, which yielded many political and economic rifts. Ironically, the GLC sided with the business owners against the Minister of Labor in a move considered the first of its kind in Lebanon and worldwide. Therefore, many wage hike decrees were proposed to no avail.

First attempt Against the will of the Minister of Labor, the Cabinet approved on October 12, 2011 the agreement reached between the GLC and the Economic Committees over wage hikes and decided to:  Raise the monthly minimum wage to LBP 700, 000 http://www.janoubia.com/uploads/image/news/oct%202011/3oml.jpg

issue 116 | March 2012 8 | Public Sector

Second attempt clung to the agreement signed with the GLC in Baabda, On December 7, 2011 the Cabinet convened anew while the Labor Minister insisted along with a number and approved another draft decree, which was at odds of ministers on the settlement reached in the Cabinet. with the proposal submitted by the Minister of Labor Charbel Nahhas. The Cabinet decided to: Wage hike decree  Raise the monthly minimum wage to LBP 600, 000 The three draft decrees did not avail due to political and as of the issuance of the decree economic rifts between the different Lebanese parties,  Raise wages in the 500,000- to 1-million-pound and the Shura Council opposition was but a means to bracket by 30%, provided that the increase does not cover the current political cracks and throw the blame exceed LBP 200,000. at the law. The repercussions of this saga reverberated  Raise wages of more than LBP 1 million by 20%, over the days and manifested themselves in increasing provided that the increase does not exceed LBP the prices of goods even before the approval of the 275,000 hike. Luckily, the unrelenting efforts succeeded in  Raise the education allowance to LBP 1.5 million yielding a compromise suggesting the approval of the hike without integrating transportation and education The Shura Council also opposed this increased package. allowance into the basic salary. And so, Decree No. 7426 was finally issued on January Third attempt 25, 2012 and stipulated the following: Meantime, the GLC and the Economic Committees  Invalidating Decree No. 500 dated October 14, held a meeting at Baabda Palace in the presence of 2008, which raised the minimum wage to LBP the Prime Minister, the Labor Minister and the Health 500,000 and removing the LBP 200,000 cost of Minister and agreed to: living increase approved back then.  Raise the monthly minimum wage to LBP 675, 000  Granting a 100% increase to the first salary bracket  Grant a 35% increase to the first salary bracket (up to LBP 400,000) provided that the increase is no between LBP 500,000 and LBP 1 million provided less than LBP 375,000. that the increase does not exceed LBP 200,000  Granting a 9% increase to the second salary bracket  Grant LBP 50, 000 to the second salary bracket ranging between LBP 400,000 and LBP 1.5 million. between LBP 1 million and LBP 1.5 million.  Grant LBP 50, 000 to the third salary bracket above LBP 1.5 million.  Raise the education allowance to LBP 750, 000 provided that the rise does not exceed LBP 1.5 million. The decree related to education allowance must be issued separately  Keep the transportation allowance at LBP 8000 for each working day

The Cabinet challenged the settlement agreed upon a few hours earlier and gave the decree to voting. 15 ministers voted for the wage hike decree while another 15 voted against it. The Minister of Labor suggested the following:  Raise the minimum wage as of December1, 2011 to LBP 868, 000- a sum that includes a LBP 236, 000 transportation allowance  Grant an 18% increase to the first salary bracket under LBP 1.5 million  Grant a 10% increase to the second salary bracket between LBP 1.5 million and LBP 2.5 million

And so, the wage hike proposal returned to the scratch. The Economic Committees and the Prime Minister

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Luckily, the unrelenting efforts The transportation allowance constituted a key reason succeeded“ in yielding a compromise for the current split between the Labor Minister and suggesting the approval of the hike without his allies on one hand and the Prime Minister and integrating transportation and education his ministerial and economic allies on the other. allowance into the basic salary The former party called for the incorporation of transportation allowance into the basic salary but their demand was met with disagreement as it would ” incur high costs on businesses and inflate end of Evolution of the minimum wage service indemnities. The minimum wage was set at LBP 125 in 1964 and kept growing to settle finally at LBP 675,000 in Transportation allowance was never part of the the beginning of 2012, up by 540,000%. However, basic salary and this has been the case since 1995 in practical terms and after the examination of the when Decree No. 6263 was issued and stipulated the constant prices and the decline in purchasing power, following: the minimum wage has decreased from LBP 125 to  Setting the minimum wage at LBP 250,000 LBP 120.  Granting a 20% cost of living increase provided Evolution of the minimum wage that it falls somewhere between LBP 50,000 and LBP 250,000 Minimum Minimum Minimum wage in Year wage wage constant prices (LBP) (USD) (LBP)  Granting employees a LBP 2000 transportation 1964 125 40.50 125 allowance for each working day. The allowance remains effective for another year should the 1965 145 47.30 143.66 government fail to activate a public transportation 1969 166 49.90 148.25 system. This allowance is not part of the basic 1973 235 89 187.16 salary and no dues or taxes shall be paid to the National Social Security Fund for this sum and it 1975 310 135.20 199.45 also cannot be integrated into the end of service 1980 675 196.50 168.55 indemnities. 1982 925 195.60 161.51  Granting employees’ children education 1984 1,260 193.50 175.74 allowance for the scholarly year 1994-1995. The 1985 1,500 81.1 127.52 allowance remains effective for another year should the government fail to activate public 1-1-1988 15,000 49 48.77 schools. The allowance was set at LBP 200,000 1-10-1988 25,000 71 81.29 for public school students, LBP 500,000 students 1990 45,000 45 50.63 of private schools and universities, and LBP 300,000 for the Lebanese University students. 1992 118,000 64.20 43.22 1994 200,000 121.43 60 Neither public transport or public schools were 1995 250,000 156.60 68.18 activated, and the transport and education allowances kept growing without their integration into basic 1996 300,000 193.29 74.38 salaries or end of service indemnities. Therefore, 1998 300,000 198.93 65.84 changing or correcting this trend, which has been prevailing for seventeen years to day, seems unlikely 2008 500,000 331.67 91.66 in the near future. 2012 675,000 447.76 120 Source: Banque du Liban annual report (1998)

issue 116 | March 2012 10 | Public Sector 2013 Parliamentary Elections(2) Muslims vote for Christian MPs and Christians vote for Muslim MPs

The Monthly has published in its previous issue the first part of an electoral proposal aiming at surpassing sectarian divides, and the second part is to be continued below.

Voting of the Muslims and Christians of  The March 8 Christian candidates would secure March 8 and March 14 Forces according to 27.3% of the votes or 3 parliamentary seats. the 2009 elections  The March 14 Christian candidates would secure Should the Muslim and Christian voters distributed 72.7% of the votes or 7 parliamentary seats. between March 8 Forces and March 14 Forces vote  The outcome would be 7 MPs for the March 8 according to a proportionality-based law, provided Forces against 12 for the March 14 Forces. that the Muslims would choose Christian MPs and  (Currently, there are 2 pro-March 8 MPs and 17 pro- the Christians would choose Muslim MPs, the results March 14 MPs.) would differ from those yielded in 2009 and two - Beka’a: 23 MPs of whom 14 are Muslim and 9 are options can be assumed: Christian Option 1: if a proportionality law was adopted with  The March 8 Muslim candidates would gain 54% of Lebanon as one district the votes or 8 parliamentary seats.  The March 8 Muslim candidates would gain 51.6%  The March 14 Muslim candidates would gain 46% of the votes or 33 parliamentary seats. of the votes or 6 parliamentary seats.  The March 14 Muslim candidates would gain 48.4%  The March 8 Christian candidates would secure of the votes or 31 parliamentary seats. 68.2% of the votes or 6 parliamentary seats.  The paradox, however, is that 577,410 voters would be  The March 14 Christian candidates would secure voting for 64 MPs, i.e. one MP for every 9,022 voters. 31.8% of the votes or 3 parliamentary seats.  The March 8 Christian candidates would secure  The outcome would be 14 MPs for the March 8 55% of the votes or 35 parliamentary seats. Forces against 9 MPs for the March 14 Forces.  The March 14 Christian candidates would secure  (Currently, there are 10 pro-March 8 MPs and 13 45% of the votes or 29 parliamentary seats. pro-March 14 MPs.)  The paradox, however, is that 955,554 voters would be - North: 28 MPs of whom 13 are Muslim and 15 are voting for 64 MPs, i.e. one MP for every 14,930 voters. Christian  The results would grant the March 8 Forces 68 seats  The March 8 Muslim candidates would gain 50% of the and the March 14 Forces 60 seats. votes or 6 parliamentary seats (with one disputed seat.) Option 2: if a proportionality law was adopted with  The March 14 Muslim candidates would gain 50% every Mohafaza as one electoral district of the votes or 7 parliamentary seats. - Mount Lebanon: 35 MPs of whom 10 are Muslim  The March 8 Christian candidates would secure and 25 are Christian 28.1% of the votes or 4 parliamentary seats.  The March 8 and the March 14 Muslim candidates  The March 14 Christian candidates would secure would secure 5 seats each, given the tied votes. 71.9% of the votes or 11 parliamentary seats.  The March 8 Christian candidates would secure  The outcome would be 10 MPs for the March 8 38.6% of the votes or 10 parliamentary seats. Forces against 18 for the March 14 Forces.  The March 14 Christian candidates would secure  (Currently, there are 3 pro-March 8 MPs and 25 pro- 61.4% of the votes or 15 parliamentary seats. March 14 MPs.)  The outcome would be 15 MPs for the March 8 - South: 23 MPs of whom 18 are Muslim and 5 are Forces against 20 for the March 14 Forces. Christian  (Currently, there are 21 pro-March 8 MPs and 14  The March 8 Muslim candidates would gain 72.5% pro-March 14 MPs.) of the votes or 13 parliamentary seats. - Beirut: 19 MPs of whom 9 are Muslim and 10 are  The March 14 Muslim candidates would gain 17.5% Christian of the votes or 5 parliamentary seats.  The March 8 Muslim candidates would gain 44.7%  The March 8 Christian candidates would secure of the votes or 4 parliamentary seats. 87.6% of the votes or 4 parliamentary seats.  The March 14 Muslim candidates would gain 55.3%  The March 14 Christian candidates would secure of the votes or 5 parliamentary seats. 12.4% of the votes or 1 parliamentary seat. issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Public Sector | 11

 The outcome would be 17 MPs for the March 8 The paradox Forces against 6 for the March 14 Forces. This suggestion poses a paradox lying in the imbalance,  (Currently, there are 21 pro-March 8 MPs and 2 pro- which will continue to prevail whether the law adopted March 14 MPs.) the Mohafazat distribution or Lebanon as one district,  The paradox, however, is that 38,373 voters would noting that the former imposes sharper balance be voting for 18 MPs while 272,691 voters would disturbances in the following districts: be securing 5 parliamentary seats. Mount Lebanon: 136,000 Muslim votes would secure Should the Mohafaza be adopted as an electoral district, 25 Christian seats i.e. one MP for every 5,440 voters the final results would yield 63 pro-March 8 seats and South: 38,000 Christian votes would secure 18 Muslim 65 pro-March 14 seats. seats i.e. one MP for every 2,111 voters Distribution of Muslim and Christian voters according to district and political allegiance Table 2 Number of voters March 14 Christian March 8 Christian March 14 Muslim March 8 Muslim # District (2009) voters voters voters voters Mount Lebanon 1 Matn 96,299 44,617 46,054 1,030 1,630 2 Aley 59,809 14,367 12,396 20,751 9,667 3 Baabda 85,044 20,450 20,878 16,061 24,160 4 Chouf 91,970 16,390 13,437 45,000 7,755 5 Jbeil 50,432 19,900 20,060 466 8,500 6 Kessrouan 60,282 26,804 30,457 121 743 Total 443,836 142,528 143,282 83,429 52,455 Beirut 7 Beirut 1 37,284 16,678 15,604 2,855 1,187 8 Beirut 2 27,787 2,705 2,123 13,878 13,003 9 Beirut 3 103,243 5,570 2,445 71,032 18,941 Total 168,314 24,953 20,172 87,765 33,131 Beka’a 10 Zahle 93,376 25,159 26,450 23,529 14,930 West Beka’a - 11 Rashaya 65,545 5,986 3,978 28,767 23,862 12 Baalbeck- Hermel 127,343 1,436 7,720 12,054 99,590 Total 286,264 32,581 38,148 64,350 138,382 North 13 Tripoli 90,760 4,996 5,138 51,083 25,310 14 Mennieh- Dennieh 55,291 2,320 2,611 35,452 13,525 15 Koura 27,418 10,743 10,540 3,393 1,577 16 Batroun 32,914 16,500 13,081 1,137 618 17 Zgharta 34,699 11,073 15,931 3,830 2,130 18 Bsharri 17,183 12,910 4,089 0 0 19 Akkar 120,647 10,168 17,273 65,621 19,675 Total 378,912 68,710 68,663 160,516 62,835 South 20 Saida 37,453 963 940 23,687 12,972 21 Zahrani 50,663 744 5,476 419 38,757 22 Jezzine 29,225 5,878 11,480 402 3,137 23 Sour 76,333 0 1,585 0 67,206 24 Nabatieh 68,829 0 1,398 0 56,873 25 Bint Jbeil 52,899 0 2,658 0 46,623 26 Marjeyoun- Hasbaya 64,466 2,980 4,271 9,156 13,459 Total 379,868 10,565 27,808 33,664 239,027 26 Overall total 1,657,194 279,337 298,073 429,724 525,830

The difference between the total number of voters and the number of Christian and Muslim voters (March 8+March 14), which amounts to 124,110 votes, is due to the presence of independent voters whose votes were not counted.

issue 116 | March 2012 12 | Public Sector Will Lebanon operate four airports or only one?

There are four airports in Lebanon that can accommodate civil and military aircraft. Those are: Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, René Mouawad Airport in Qulay’at, Riyaq Airport and Hamat Airport. The development strategies, which emerge every now and then for political reasons, propose plans to convert the three military airbases into civilian ones similar to Rafic Hariri International Airport. Will these plans materialize so we can have four civilian airports instead of just one? Beirut Airport The efforts to establish this airport began in 1936. It economic benefits to the Beka’a region, especially that opened to commercial flights in 1938 and was then the expenses of converting it to a commercial airport known as the Bir Hassan Airfield. Given the expansion do not exceed USD 20 million. in air traffic, the airport relocated from Bir Hassan to its current site in Khalde in 1950. The airport witnessed expansion works over the years, namely the 1994 inauguration and all the subsequent improvements which cost roughly USD 700 million. Following the inauguration, the airport was set to handle around 6 million passengers, and in 2011 the registered heavy passenger traffic was about 5.6 million people using this hub. Riyaq Airport Riyaq Airport is a military airbase located 60 km from Beirut in the center of Beka’a. It was established by the German forces in the First World War and was later handed over to the French forces which in turn referred its management to the Lebanese authority after their evacuation in 1949. The Lebanese government improved and rebuilt the airport which served as a Beirut Airport military airbase until 1954. During the Lebanese Google Maps-2012 civil strife, the airport was subjected to shelling and vandalism and had to undergo renovation all over again. Currently the airport is used for helicopters and gliders but its location in a valley squeezed between two mountain ranges hinders its future improvement and adjustment to operate commercial flights. In the best case scenario, the airport can serve as a small field for training and cargo services. It was rumored that the Lebanese Army Command objected to operating this airport for security reasons. On the other hand, many denied the presence of the natural obstacles restricting the function of the airport. They assured that the airport can accommodate small and medium-sized aircrafts easily and without any risk, reiterating that all the security considerations claimed by the Army Command Riyaq Airport may be surmounted because the airbase can offer great Google Maps-2012

issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Public Sector | 13

Hamat Airport would generate a wide economic growth in the North Hamat Airport is a military airbase located 55 km and Akkar. However, its geographical location and from Beirut and 30 km from Tripoli in the Qada of wind patterns would force bigger airplanes to fly over Batroun between Hamat and Wajh el-Hajar. It was first Syrian territories before landing. This cannot happen established by an initiative of the Lebanese Forces and without Syria’s approval, which has never been given the Phalanges in 1976 in order to find a port of entry and is unlikely to be given now, especially against the and exit other than the Beirut Airport. The almost- backdrop of the current Syrian events. complete works at the airport ceased immediately upon the entry of the Arab Deterrent Force to Lebanon, Final decision and the airport became a Syrian military base for The session held by the Cabinet on January 16, 2012 helicopters. Following the withdrawal of Syrian troops ended by a decision demanding the Ministry of Works from Lebanon in 2005, the Lebanese army took over and Public Transport to re-draft a report on René the airport and rebuilt its runway, thus facilitating the Mouawad Airport as a first step towards its operation. landing of helicopters and American carriers of military The decision, at such a particular timing, leaves many equipment for the Lebanese Army. questions as regards its connection with the Syrian events Technical studies reveal that the strategic and unique and makes one wonder if it is part of a plan providing location of the airport makes it suited for landing aircrafts, safe paths to Syria. This decision is a developmental noting that the cost of establishing and improving terminals practice targeting a disadvantaged area in Lebanon, but and runways is fairly small due to the geographical could its wrong timing abort its fulfillment and keep the nature of the region. However, turning this airport into people of Akkar waiting in despair? a commercial hub is not among the government’s top priorities. Some claim that the government intends to convert this airport to a US military base to be used when necessary, especially that the airport is now used to transport equipment to the Lebanese army. Qulay’at Airport Qulay’at Airport is located alongside the northern shore 7 km from the Syrian-Lebanese border and 25 km from Beirut. It was established by the Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC) in 1934 to facilitate the operations of the company’s small aircraft and carry employees across the Arab world (namely between Lebanon and Iraq). In 1966, the Lebanese Army took charge of the airport and turned it into a military base accommodating the French Mirage aircraft that Lebanon had bought from France. Hamat Airport During the Lebanese civil strife, the Lebanese Forces set Google Maps-2012 the Barbara checkpoint, which blocked the linking road between Beirut and Tripoli. This urged Premier Rashid Karami to push for using the airport as an internal transport hub, and the Middle East Airlines started operating flights from Beirut to the airport between 1988 and 1990. The airport stretches along 5.5 million square meters and has two runways, eastern and western, with a length of 3,050 meters and a width of 60 meters each. According to the 2003 estimates, the expansion and operation of commercial flights at this airport would cost roughly USD 90 million. Many demands were raised earlier in the North to open the airport and curb Hezbollah’s dominance over the Beirut Airport, but little if anything was done to meet those demands. This airport Qulay’at Airport is thought to have many benefits and its reconstruction Google Maps-2012

issue 116 | March 2012 14 | Public Sector Seventeen years and IDAL is yet to achieve its objectives

With the aim of promoting the economy and increasing and retaining investments, the post-civil war government initiated the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL). What is the status quo of this Authority and what achievements has it fulfilled after 17 years of service?

Establishment  Donations and grants The Investment Development Authority of Lebanon  Personal revenues in return of the services offered (IDAL) was established in 1994 by virtue of Decree no. 5778. It was later dissolved and replaced by another The allocations set for the IDAL stood at LBP 7.5 billion authority holding the same name by virtue of Law No. in 2011 and most of the loans granted to the Authority 360 dated August 16, 2001. are spent on the support of investment projects, namely those of agricultural exports. Custodial authority and surveillance of the IDAL Structure According to the law, the IDAL is a governmental The IDAL is run by a Board of Directors of 7 members agency enjoying legal personality and financial and appointed for 4 years by virtue of a ministerial decree. administrative autonomy. It reports to the Prime Among those are the Chairman and two full-time Minister who exercises custodial authority over it and members. is subjected to the surveillance of the Accountability Bureau. The IDAL is organized into four directorates including 12 divisions and 23 units: Functions Finance & Administrative Affairs Directorate The Authority aims at promoting investment through:  Secretariat  Proposing legal texts that encourage investment  Chairman Secretariat ventures and opportunities.  Board of Directors Secretariat  Facilitating the issuance of permits and licenses  Financial Affairs Division required for starting and operating a business  Accounting Unit through coordinating with corresponding public  Budget Unit institutions.  Administrative and Human Resources Affairs Division  Providing economic, commercial, legal, industrial  Purchasing and Stock Unit and other information that help investors  Administrative Services Unit  Setting a media scheme for planning advertising  HR Unit campaigns  Legal Affairs Division  Supporting, promoting and marketing Lebanese,  IT Division namely agricultural, products  Participating in the capital of joint-stock companies Studies, Planning, and Statistics Directorate in the fields of media, IT, agriculture and industry  Studies and Strategic Planning Division  Granting fiscal incentives  General Studies Unit  Project Studies Unit Funding  Statistics and Data Division IDAL’s sources of funding are the following:  Statistics Unit  Public budget allocations  Data Unit  Treasury loans

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Information and Promotion Directorate  Marketing and Promotion Division Succeeding Chairmen  External Marketing and Promotion Unit Dr. Youssef Choukair was appointed as the first  Internal Marketing and Promotion Unit IDAL Chairman on January 1, 1994 and remained  Media and Communication Division in office until his resignation on October 16, 1999.  Media coordination Unit  PR and Communication Unit Mr. Kamal Hayek served as Chairman from October  Publications Unit 18, 1994 till January 5, 2002 when he assumed office  Programs Implementation Division as President of Board, Director General of Electricité  Export Support Unit du Liban.

One-Stop-Shop Directorate This post witnessed a transition from the Maronites  Licenses and Incentives Division to the Sunnis when Mr. Samih Barbir was appointed  Industrial Agencies Unit on December 19, 2002. Mr. Barbir served until  Technology Agencies Unit December 15, 2005 when a new Chairman, Mr.  Touristic Agencies Unit Nabil Itani, was appointed. Mr. Itani is still in office  Post-establishment Services Division currently, for no new Chairman was appointed upon  Industrial Agencies Unit the expiry of his term in 2009.  Technology Agencies Unit  Touristic Agencies Unit In its 17-year history, this Authority has proved incapable of achieving but a little of the many Staff missions assigned to it. Its export support program Pursuant to Decree No. 9308 dated December 21, is riddled with holes that have derailed the Authority 2002, IDAL staff includes 76 posts distributed over the from its objectives. Therefore, the government following grades: should either foster its growth and development to  Grade one: 4 (Chairman) help it achieve its goals or dissolve it and spare itself  Grade two: 11 (Chief) an additional burden.  Grade three: 30 (Unit Chief)  Grade four: 10  Grade five: 7  Grade six: 7  Grade seven: 7 Salaries The IDAL staff members receive higher pay than the usual civil servants in the public sector and their salaries can vary from 50% to 160%. For example, the salary of a public director general stands at LBP 3.1 million against LBP 4.7 million for an IDAL director.  Chairman of the Board and Managing Director: LBP 8 million  Full-time member: LBP 6 million  Part-time member: LBP 2.5 million  Director: LBP 4.7 million  Unit chief: LBP 3.2 million  Grade 3 Unit Chief: LBP 2.7 million  Grade four employee: LBP 1.7 million  Grade five employee: LBP 1.3 million  Grade six employee: LBP 1.050 million  Grade seven employee: LBP 900 thousand

issue 116 | March 2012 16 | Public Sector

Thousands of mobile phone lines at the disposal of security forces

The Lebanese government has decided, by virtue of decision No. 30 dated March 8, 1995 and decision No. 47, dated September 29, 1999, to prevent civil servants in public agencies from using mobile phones at the expense of the state. A few years later, the two decisions were revoked and the government chose to grant the army and the security forces mobile phone lines to facilitate the carrying out of their duties.

The number of those lines has witnessed an exponential Distribution of ISF mobile phone lines increase over the years, rising from only a few hundred Unit Number of Number of mobile to reach thousands of lines today. sections phone lines Central administrations 57 57 Number of mobile phone lines Deputy chiefs 16 16 There are around nine thousand security forces’ mobile Section chiefs 37 29 phone lines distributed as follows: ISF operation rooms 17 68  1500 lines granted to the Lebanese Army by virtue Prosecutor General 50 of decision No. 88 dated August 24, 2006. This Ministry of Interior 100 number rose later to 6000. Apparatus  1000 lines granted to the Internal Security Forces Switchboard network 329 (ISF) by virtue of decision No. 47 dated September Total 507 1000 15, 2006  1500 lines granted to the ISF by virtue of decision Cost No. 213 dated February 20, 2007. The duration of According to the 2012 draft budget, the cost of calls use for those 2500 mobile phone lines was extended (both mobile phones and landlines) stands at LBP 32.1 by two years by virtue of decision No. 3, dated billion, of which LBP 16.3 billion or around 51% are February 7, 2008. It was later extended for three the expenses of the ISF. years pursuant to decision No. 29 issued on January  General Directorate of State Security: LBP 1.3 13, 2010, which highlighted the ongoing need for billion those lines.  ISF: LBP 4 billion  250 additional lines granted to the ISF, of which 100  General Security: LBP 1.2 billion were allocated to the Lebanese army intelligence  The Lebanese Army: LBP 10 billion unit, 50 to newly graduated Lebanese army officers, and 100 for urgent operations and conferences. ISF lines ISF mobile phone lines are distributed over all ISF divisions but the lion’s share goes to the intelligence unit. The following Table 1 shows the distribution of the 1000 lines granted to the ISF at the first stage.

Distribution of ISF mobile phone lines Number of Number of mobile Unit sections phone lines Intelligence unit 6 150 Regional gendarmerie 254 137 Beirut police 20 33 Judicial police 48 130 Mobile battalion 7 39 Embassies’ Security Apparatus 45 62

issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. LAW |17

Reopening of Beirut Pine’s Forest The Lebanese, especially those residing in Beirut, complain about a near-complete lack of green spaces and parks for those residents wishing to spend time off the beaten track and inhale some fresh air so as to avoid the traffic jams and the commotion and harassment that pedestrians usually suffer on the streets and sidewalks of the city. The concept of public spaces, more precisely the citizens’ right to access and enjoy those spaces, has become alien to our Lebanese culture after it has been paid little, if any, attention by those in charge of urban policies in public agencies.

Does anybody remember that green lush area at the heart money may be considered a public property in the event of the capital, which was known as the forest of holidays that two criteria are met: or miracles? That was Beirut Pine’s Forest when it was The funds should belong to a public body, which is valid open for the public and people of different backgrounds in our case since the property belongs to the Municipality used to visit it. of Beirut The forest, which in the past was meticulously taken care The funds should be designated for a public utility that of to embrace a large number of visitors, is still bound by serves public interest as per the definition. a previous permit/decree from the Municipality of Beirut, Classifying money as public property provided that the which retains ultimate discretionary authority to decide abovementioned is fulfilled remains effective regardless who is “eligible” or “ineligible” to visit the forest. Upon of the owner’s will. This was clearly evident in the enquiring about the standards followed on visiting rights, jurisprudential thoughts that tackled this issue: the guard replies: “It is preferable that the visitor be a “There is no legal validity to the administration’s refusal thirty-something married Beirut resident. But nothing to classify a certain real estate as a public property as long guarantees his receiving the permission and no time as the property meets in form and content the requirements limit is set for the answer.” Thus, many have taken their and elements of this classification. The property will be chances and have attempted to obtain permits of entry. deemed a real public property despite the objection to it.” Some have struck it lucky while others have been left It is common knowledge that the forest was restored disappointed. As for the good few who have resigned to thanks to the support of the regional council of “L’Île-de- the impossibility of surpassing the Lebanese bureaucratic France” in the beginning of 1990. This support continued hurdles, they have chosen not to fight a losing battle. over the years through the cooperation agreement signed between the council and the Municipality of Beirut in 1999 This story is remarkable because of the public’s absolute and renewed in 2009. New promenades were introduced acceptance of and compliance with the inevitability and inside the park and various trees and flowers were planted legality of the measures imposed by the administration. to further promote the public use of the forest. Beirut When asked about the legal grounds for visitor access, Pine’s Forest is an environmental, educational and public officials at the Municipality and the Mohafaza of Beirut utility that serves the public interest and constitutes a respond with the same answer: “The forest is a private cornerstone in defining public property. municipal property and the municipality may run it the way it sees fit.” Therefore, obtaining a prior permit to enter the forest stands at odds with the basic principles regulating the As a matter of fact, classifying Beirut Pine’s Forest as a use of public properties and summarized in the decision municipal private property lacks legal precision because issued by the Lebanese Shura Council in 1996 as follows: the forest fulfills all the conditions necessary to have the “the use of public utilities is a free right granted equally status of a public property and the administration must to all individuals without the need of prior permits and therefore grant everybody unconditional, free and equal may not be limited except for reasons of public order access to its premises. and security.” Hereby, the municipality should right the wrong and open the forest’s gates to everybody as the Article 1 of Decision No. 144/c issued during the French current adopted measures violate the laws and serve no Mandate on June 10, 1925 regulated public property in public interest. Finally, there is always a possibility to Lebanon and stipulated that “all the things set in nature resort to the judiciary, namely the Shura Council, which to serve a public interest are labeled as public property.” has the authority to redefine the concept of public spaces Jurisprudence interpreted this article by stating that and promote people’s rights to accessing and using them.

issue 116 | March 2012 18| Health

|Dr. Hanna Saadah| Vitamins & Supplements

The first Chinese emperor and unifier of China, Qin Shi Huang, ruled from 246 B.C. to 210 B.C. In his 35-year reign, massive construction projects included the first part of the Great Wall of China and the 8000 clay-soldier Terracotta Army with horses and chariots, which guarded his tomb. He also purged China of all schools of thought that disagreed with his own notions, burning books, burying 460 scholars alive, and stoning another 700 scholars to death. In his quest for immortality he became obsessed with finding the elixir of life. In response, the court doctors and alchemists concocted a number of potions many of which contained quicksilver (Mercury), which hastened the emperor’s death.

Even though we have become technically far more advanced, Vitamin C + vitamin E failed to reduce the risk of cancer in emperor Qin Shi Huang’s history remains as pertinent today as an 8-year study while in another study the combination also it was 2256 years ago because we are still ‘burning, burying, and failed to prevent cardiovascular disease. In 30 pooled trials, stoning’ the evidence that disagrees with our own notions about vitamin C failed to reduce the risk or the severity of common the elixirs of life. The vitamin and supplement industry has colds. High doses of vitamin C cause diarrhea and might also become a multi-billion-dollar establishment and remains, with increase the risk of kidney stones. very few exceptions, non-evidence based. By non-evidence Vitamin B12 when given in high doses to persons who do based I mean lacking the double-blind, placebo-controlled not have a proven deficiency may increase the risk of cancers. studies that would substantiate its elixir-of-life claims. Folic acid prevents brain and spinal cord defects only in Laboratory evidence shows that, when studied, the women of child-bearing age but high doses of folic acid may ingredients in supplements may be many times more or many cause brain and spinal cord degeneration in those who are times less than the labeled amounts. Moreover, impurities, deficient in vitamin B12. adverse effects, and the details of the manufacturing processes Vitamin B6 given with folic acid and B12 failed to reduce the remain largely concealed from the eye. And, in spite of the risk of stroke and cardiovascular events in multiple trials. In 12 fact that these pills and powders come in bottles and are sold pooled studies, vitamin B6 appeared to reduce colon cancer but on shelves, many of them are labeled ‘natural’ as if pills and in two controlled studies it did not reduce any type of cancer. powders actually grow on trees. Multivitamins +/- Iron, magnesium, zinc, or copper—when At the present time, the medical sciences have enough data studied in 40,000 women—showed an increased mortality rate. to say the following about certain over-the-counter vitamins Before taking any supplement, and there are hundreds of and supplements, as recently reported in The Medical Letter of unstudied supplements on the shelves, one needs to examine December 12/26, 2011. the controlled studies that substantiate the claims made on Vitamin E in food is mainly gamma-E and acts as an the labels. Controlled studies mean that, unbeknownst to antioxidant while vitamin E in supplements is mostly alpha-E, them, some persons received a placebo while others received which may block gamma’s antioxidant activity, may have a the intended supplement. If there are no published studies pro-oxidant effect, and may interfere with clotting and platelet on whose basis supplements are promoted, it means that the function. In 26 pooled clinical trials, supplementation with claims made are not sanctioned by science. It also means that vitamin E +/- vitamin A increased mortality risk. In 9 pregnancy the chances of harm resulting from the impurities or the active trials, vitamin E and C increased the risk of high blood pressure ingredients themselves have not been safely excluded to the and premature rupture of membranes. In 9 stroke trials, vitamin satisfaction of scientific scrutiny. E increased the risk of hemorrhagic stroke by 22%. In a large, With very few exceptions, there is little reason to take 7-year controlled trial, men who took vitamin E had a 17% multivitamins, or vitamin E or A or C or B. A good clue to increase in prostate cancer. remember is this. If a supplement is labeled to be good for so Vitamin A is an antioxidant but it may also have pro- many things and not bad for anything because it is ‘natural’, oxidant effects. Multiple studies have shown that vitamin A ask for the published controlled studies, read them carefully, supplements increase lung cancer and men with high vitamin A and discuss them with your medical scientist. If there are no levels have a higher rate of prostate cancer. studies, then taking supplements based only on what the label Vitamin D3 800-1000 units/day plus calcium 1200 mgs/day says would be like the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang, reduce fractures and falls while vitamin D 500,000 units given who was poisoned by mercury because he believed that it was once/year increased fractures and falls. the elixir of life.

issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. www.hannasaadah.com - www.information-international.com - [email protected] eyeing horizons |19

Psychological Effects of Impotence on Men in the Middle East |Michel Nawfal|

Patriarchy is the social system that has historically manifested itself in the social, political and economical organization of Middle Eastern societies. Having males as the primary authority figure implies their privilege, power and influence over women. The concept of masculinity has been given grave significance due to its association with strength, courage and integrity. One of the main Middle Eastern criteria of masculinity is a man’s sexual performance. However, what happens if a man’s sexual performance is inadequate?

Sexual dysfunctions are difficulties experienced by Furthermore, men with erectile dysfunction suffer from individuals during sexual activities. One type of male guilt. This increased sense of guilt is linked to their sexual dysfunction is erectile dysfunction, commonly inability to sexually satisfy their partner. The partner’s known as impotence. Impotence is defined as the male’s disappointment induces feelings of despair, frustration inability to get or maintain an erection for a complete and anger in the man often leading them to depression. sexual activity. An erection is due to a sexual stimulation which causes certain chemicals and hormones to increase Due to the fact that men are usually more introverted, they the blood flow to the penis. Disruptions in the functioning prefer keeping their feelings to themselves without truly of these chemicals and hormones will impair an erection, expressing them. Impotence, often leads men to become thus indicating impotence. emotionally distant from their partners because they are terrified to talk about their weaknesses. Moreover, their Impotence is a very common condition among men feelings of self-blame and embarrassment pushes them to and can occur because of a variety of medical or deny the existence and need to discuss their sexual problem. psychological reasons. Some of the general physical causes of impotence include: high blood pressure, In addition to denying their impotence, feelings of defeat diabetes, obesity or side-effects of medications. On the might push men to cope by unconsciously desexualizing other hand, various psychological causes can include: their partner. By projecting their problem on their partner, exhaustion, depression, relationship problems, sexual men will be able to protect themselves against the fears preferences or anxiety. of abandonment and being perceived as a failure in the eyes of others. Despite the physical disadvantage, impotence imposes a huge psychological effect on men diagnosed with it. Sexual dysfunctions in men are considered a disgrace This could be traced back to the fact that impotence has and a shame in Middle Eastern societies. This social traditionally been a high social stigma in the Middle stigma creates enormous emotional pressures on men East. As a result, erectile dysfunction is a lapse of dignity who fail to meet the masculine gender roles set by for men suffering from it. Countless men, directly couple norms and cultures. As a result, customs of secrecy and their sexual performance to their self-esteem. Thus, the protectiveness are constructed in order to shield what’s inability to maintain a sexually adequate performance left of their perceived manhood. However, this fear of might leave a negative impact on a man’s confidence and sexual failure mixed with performance anxiety will only his sense of masculinity. lead to a cyclic and constant erectile dysfunction.

Impotence often drives men to feel scarce in their roles creating feelings of hopelessness and humiliation. Thus, these men tend to physically isolate themselves from their partners and steadily become withdrawn. This isolation is based on the fear that any physical affection will initiate a desire for intercourse from their partner. In turn, this request will set off a reminder of their inability to achieve an erection.

issue 116 | March 2012 20| the amazing brain

|Dr. Samar Zebian| Alf, Ba, Ta….. Literacy is much more than reading and writing: Brain and psychological perspectives on the illiterate mind Part 1 of 3

The estimated illiteracy rate as of 2008 for individuals world. In addition to the social contexts, there are more over 15 years old in the Arab world was 70 million*. This individualistic reasons for illiteracy. For a subgroup of means that approximately 1 in every 4 individuals do not illiterates, learning difficulties, cognitive limitations, brain have functional literacy skills, i.e. the literacy skills that damage and significant motor and/or sensory problems enable an individual to participate in political, civil and may account for their failure to learn to read. social life. Women and girls make up more than 60% of To provide a concrete sense of the board categories of our 70 million illiterates. The magnitude of this gender regional initiatives to bring about conducive conditions for disparity is also observed globally in fact it is slightly the alleviation of illiteracy consider the following: family higher at the global level. education programs, establishing legal frameworks for The percentage of illiterates in the Arab world varies quite social justice issues related to literacy, making community dramatically in different countries. It reaches up to 60% resources accessible to learners, psycho-social educational in 6 countries: Iraq, Mauritania, Egypt, Sudan, Morroco programs for women, coordinating literacy programs and Yemen. The illiteracy rate ranges from 20-39% in the objectives with market demands, building an infrastructure following countries: Libya, K.S.A., U.A.E., Syria, Oman, for non-traditional teaching, using technology to Tunisia, Algeria, Djibouti. In the third bracket, there is 10- broadcast literacy lessons and raise awareness; build 19% illiteracy in the following countries: Palestine, Jordan, research infrastructure to study illiteracy and to assess the Bahrain, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Qatar. effectiveness of existing programs; the establishment of an Some Arab states are working towards halting their educational equivalence system between literacy programs increasing illiteracy rates. Many other states are at least and mainstream education, establish financial partnerships on record stating their commitment to reducing illiteracy. between the government and the private sector to fund Achieving this goal will involve much more than finding programs, support for post literacy programs and there is ways to help individuals read and write because literacy is so much more to be added. not simply about Alf, Ba, Ta. In fact, the very concept, what Given that literacy involves acquiring the skill of it means to be “literate” and “illiterate”, is undergoing a reading and writing but also much more, as we can see radical reconceptualization1 . Today we are thinking about from the variegated initiatives above, my question is what multiple literacies (academic literacy, number literacy, perspective can brain scientists contribute? I think that the technological literacy, business literacy, oral literacy) and overarching contribution will involve making the thought shifting away from the idea that literacy is an acquired skill. skills and behaviors of illiterates clear to stakeholders. We are moving towards the idea that literacy is a social This is an important contribution because societal level practice. This means that to improve literacy we need to initiatives come to have a life of their own and can very facilitate illiterates’ engagement in literacy practices rather easily over run or abstract out the individuals they purport than “teach” them how to read and write. to serve. With the current knowledge, brain science’s Other scholars are questioning the view that literacy, contributions can involve answers to the following two the new found magic bullet for human and economic questions:1) is the illiterate brain different than the literate development, will inevitably enhance cognitive skills, brain? 2) given our current understanding of the basic brain improve economic prospects and make people better mechanisms that subserve literacy, how can we help adult citizens and healthier. For some, alleviating the socio- illiterates learn more effectively? These questions will be economic conditions that perpetuate illiteracy are what taken up in the next two articles. governments should be working on rather than teaching “literacy”. There is some merit to this view because there 1 The New Literacy Studies perspective offers broader is a robust statistical association between poverty, hunger conceptualizations of literacy beyond the ability to read and write. The main proponents are Brain Street and James Gee. and under nourishment, women’s health and gender inequality and group level illiteracy rates in the Arab

issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. [email protected] - www.information-international.com Interview |21 The Monthly interviews Rita Maalouf A forensic science consultant and a court- sworn expert.

Holder of a Master’s degree in Forensic Science from George Washington University, USA and a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Georgetown University, USA, Rita Maalouf decided to return to Lebanon in 2008 with the aim of completing her career and sharing her forensic expertise rita maalouf with the relevant authorities.

How do you define forensic science and what is the specific Based on you current experience in Lebanon, to which role of forensic experts? extent are those expertise applicable in the pertinent “Forensics includes a broad spectrum of sciences or scientific bureaus and departments? In other terms, how do you skills that may come in handy during a judicial investigation evaluate the status quo as to the application of this science seeking the truth and the disclosure of unwavering facts. This in Lebanon? expertise is often employed in forensic investigations aimed at “When I decided to return to Lebanon, I was fully aware exploring all the circumstances and dimensions surrounding a of the current state with regards to forensics and how limited certain crime. our experience was in this field. I also knew that expanding Forensic scientists are usually appointed by investigators, the horizons of this science would take time, effort and judges or even lawyers to reveal, collect, sort and analyze perseverance from the relevant authorities. This is a primary physiological and biological evidence at crime scenes. challenge in my profession and I perceive it as a motive that Furthermore, they are responsible for the preservation of propels me to go forward in my experience. Currently, I am evidence in order to facilitate and further the investigative focusing my entire efforts and attention to find the proper process to reach fact-based outcomes and conclusions. methodology through which I can employ my specialty and Thanks to their ramified and comprehensive skills, expertise in favor of the Lebanese courts and the local experts. forensic scientists strive to crack all the mysteries and the As regards the current situation in Lebanon, it should be facts associated with the crime that has been committed. It is noted above all that Forensics is still absent from both private worthwhile to underline here the critical role they play in the and public Lebanese universities save the new initiative taken investigation process as regards the guidance and orientation by the American University of Science and Technology of other specialists and technicians and their ability to mold and which may pave the way for specialization in this major area formulate adequate and integrated conclusions that encircle in the near future. On the other hand, the expertise available at the criminal activity from every angle and help reveal the truth the courts and the relevant Lebanese bodies is only restricted fairly and precisely. Therefore, forensic scientists should have to medical examiners with an almost total absence of forensic all the capacities and skills necessary for the fulfillment of scientists with the requisite degree and experience. As a those tasks in addition to sufficient scientific knowledge that matter of fact, this is exactly what drove me to the backstage can only be acquired through a high-level education.” of the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice and I became the

issue 116 | March 2012 22| Interview

first court-sworn expert for this specific area of specialization. may also be used to determine parental genetic matches and It is essential to highlight along the same lines a pioneer to differentiate between human and animal DNA. step achieved in 2009 when a scientific investigation The DNA works like a blueprint that holds unique department was introduced in Thakanat al-Helou under genetic instructions distinguishing between people. No the control of the Ministry of Interior. The services of this two people share the same DNA type except for identical central investigation laboratory cover all Lebanese territory twins. Therefore, the DNA profiling assists to a great and serve the Internal Security Forces, the judiciary, extent (99.9%) in the identification of individuals and the the Lebanese Army and other security apparatuses. conviction or acquittal of the suspects. It is composed of a forensic laboratory and a central This technique has been successful in recognizing investigation office and has branch bureaus distributed potential suspects as much as it has facilitated the acquittal over the Mohafazat. Those bureaus are responsible for ID of some prisoners like James Bain, an American convict verification, explosives and DNA profiling. who was exonerated and released after 30 years of prison This center maintains a high level of professionalism for a crime he did not commit. and has the needed scientific knowledge, which should Saving DNA records and databases is a must, for it be accompanied by sufficient human resources in supports scientific and medical research as well as forensic order to solve enigmatic cases and benefit from the investigation. Such databases provide forensic scientists accomplishments that can be fulfilled in this respect.” with ample assistance as to the identification of suspects, which moves the judicial process at a faster pace and You mentioned that the center adopts the DNA enables better understanding of the case. profiling or the genetic fingerprinting technique. This technique has also a positive impact to the early Can you brief us on the definition, establishment diagnosis of illness, the medical treatment of patients with and significance of this technique especially after the genetic diseases and the tracing of missing and abducted major role it played in identifying the identity of the persons.” perpetrator of Ketermaya’s crime in 2010? “The Deoxyribonucleic Acid or DNA is an essential What is the cost of using those DNA testing services? hereditary material present in human cells. The DNA “The growing competition has led to lowering the cost profiling technique has constituted a revolutionary of DNA profiling as well as the time needed to conduct the discovery that has contributed substantially to science, tests. The cost has drastically fallen after the American corp. medicine and criminology. Practically speaking, it is the Life Technologies announced on January 10, 2012 that it strongest and most paramount factor in applied sciences. will introduce a bench top Ion Proton Sequencer priced at This method was first used in the US a quarter of a century USD 149 000. The new instrument is designed to sequence ago and has since become the most reliable and the most an entire individual genome in less than one day for only employed technique in crime investigations in a number USD 1000, noting that it has replaced many sequencers that of countries. Forensic DNA fingerprinting has replaced work both at a slower pace and higher cost.” largely the traditional biological tests although those are still prevailing in many other countries over the world. And finally…? “ The nature of my work makes me one of those entrusted What are the elements that may be tested and analyzed with revealing the truth while investigating crimes. thanks to this technique? Heedful of the challenges and sensitivities that accompany “Reference samples are always present at crime scenes in this specialization, I reiterate the need for consistency and different forms and sizes. Of those we mention: blood, semen, perseverance in flourishing and developing this field to saliva, bile, sweat, skin, hair, fingernails, teeth, bones, skull, better serve the path of investigation. feces and vomit. Therefore, my mission goes beyond a mere assistance DNA may be extracted from any of the above elements, in deciphering a crime or reaching numerical data or either from the victim or the crime scene. Victims can be technical results and is rather aimed at protecting rights identified by extracting skin samples from under their and securing justice. This goal cannot be achieved save fingernails or in the worst case scenarios, by exhumation. through knowledge, specialization and determination On the other hand, samples from living individuals can be to convey the highest levels of professionalism and obtained by swabbing the inside of their cheeks. DNA testing credibility.

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Torture: An Awful Iridescence

Technique Our Lebanese society is notorious for being vain. Lebanon is culturally and naturally rich and vibrant, but sadly our Since the beginning of utilization of torture in interrogations, society has become decadent because of the fact that our it has evolved into many different forms. Some of the forms generation is being characterized as shallow. Some may say are the attention grab, the attention slap, the belly slap, long it is unfair, and others may call it untrue, but the ugly truth is time standing,the cold celland Water Boarding. Torture has evident. Of course, we should not stop that from giving us become a common technique of interrogation in the CIA hope for the upcoming generations, and ours as well. among other intelligence agencies. But, among other things, Our youth’s cares, nowadays, are no longer revolving the increasing rate of occurrence of acts of terror has led around our education or hobbies, but they are mostly about to doubt in the effectiveness of torture as an interrogation the hottest looks, fashion trends, music, electronics etc… technique. Henceforth, suspects must not be tortured during As a young member of our generation myself, I do not interrogations unless it is certain that the suspects have speak critically about my peers because I will not deny that dangerous information which they wouldn’t disclose unless at some point I was absorbed in such things. I also won’t say they are tortured. They shouldn’t be harmed since torture that every member of our youth in Lebanon is absorbed in promotes animosity and produces misleading information. them, that being a cruel generalization, but I will say that the The first reason for why torture shouldn’t be utilized in majority of friends I have met are so. My observation does interrogation is the fact that the former promotes hatred not necessarily mean that our Lebanese youth is only like between different sides of a community leading to dangerous that, but I also have come across adults who are engrossed outcomes. People who observe the torture that suspects are in vanity. being subjected to get an emotional boost which encourages Lebanon is also characterized by its smart and able citizens them to fight the torturers with all means necessary. For that are scattered around the world making a change. instance, Major Alexander of the US army, who conducted Some are even making a change in our country, but sadly hundreds of interrogations in Iraq, states that “the reason that front is overshadowed by the characterization of our cited by the great majority [of terrorists] for coming to Iraq society being “vain”. I personally do strongly believe that was what they had heard of the torture in Guantanamo and we, as Lebanese citizens, can change that by educating our Abu Gharib. These abuses… had provoked so many of upcoming youth and changing it ourselves. We should not be the foreign fighters volunteering [in Al Qaeda] to become fooled by materialistic things such as the latest purse, or the suicide bombers” (as cited in Cockburn, 2009). Hence, the newest phone. Also, god has created everyone differently, limits of effects of torture surpass the borders of a certain and if one does not like something about oneself because community to reach the entire globe. he or she believes that it is different from other members Moreover, torture might produce misleading information of our society, then that should not be enough motive to so that it stops. Neurobiologist Shane O’Mara of Trinity change that about oneself. On the contrary, we should be College Dublin argues that in order to remember “you proud of our differences. So what if your hair isn’t the right must activate a number of areas, especially the prefrontal length or your skin isn’t the perfect color? It does not matter cortex (site of intentionality) and hippocampus (the what you, or I for that matter, look like on the outside, for a door to long-term memory storage)” (as cited in Horton, person’s heart is the most important thing about them. 2009). She also claims that “stress such as that caused by When fine tapestry is woven with many vibrant colors, we torture releases the hormone cortisol, which can impair may be surprised to see bland ones when it is turned. A cognitive function, including that of the prefrontal cortex human being is also the same, for what really counts and and hippocampus”(as cited in Horton, 2009). Therefore, what defines them is something we cannot always see unless the act of remembering might be impaired during torture we explore what is on the inside; the side that is not easily producing inaccurate information. Even if torture produced seen. I have hope for our society, and I believe that one day any correct information, it would be minimal. we will change that stereotype that people have appointed All in all, inducing hatred and obtaining false information us. Doctors are not successful based on their good looks, nor are some factors which make torture ineffective as an do scientists become world renowned because they wear interrogation technique. The solution lies in using regular brands, in fact our role models are inspiring because they interrogation techniques. We should not forget our humanity have overcome vanity and began to see the bright future for, even in cases of danger. not only our country, but for the world. . Abbas Abou Daya - Ahliah School - Grade 12 Tala Talili - Ahliah School - Grade 10

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Nobel Prizes in Physics (2) Between 1901 and 2011, the Nobel Prizes and the Prize in Economic Sciences were awarded 549 times to 853 people and organizations. With some receiving the Nobel Prize more than once, this makes a total of 826 individuals and 20 organizations. Below, you can view the second part of the list of laureates who received the Nobel Prize for their discoveries and breakthroughs in Physics. Nobel prices in physics 1971-1901 Year Name Nationalitiy Born Division of Prize Purpose For his invention and development of the 1971 Dennis Gabor Hungary 1900 holographic method Hannes Olof Gösta For fundamental work and discoveries in Sweden 1908 Was divided equally magnetohydro- dynamics with fruitful applications Alfvén in different parts of plasma physics 1970 between Hannes Olof Gösta Alfvén and Louis Eugène for fundamental work and discoveries concerning Louis Eugène Félix France 1904 Félix Néel antiferromagnetism and ferrimagnetism which have Néel led to important applications in solid state physics for his contributions and discoveries concerning 1969 Murray Gell-Mann USA 1929 the classification of elementary particles and their interactions for his decisive contributions to elementary particle physics, in particular the discovery of a 1968 Luis Walter Alvarez USA 1911 large number of resonance states, made possible through his development of the technique of using hydrogen bubble chamber and data analysis for his contributions to the theory of nuclear 1967 Hans Albrecht Bethe Germany 1906 reactions, especially his discoveries concerning the energy production in stars for the discovery and development of optical 1966 Alfred Kastler Germany 1902 methods for studying Hertzian resonances in atoms Sin-Itiro Tomonaga Japan 1906 was awarded jointly to for their fundamental work in quantum Sin-Itiro Tomonaga, Julian electrodynamics, with deep-ploughing 1965 Julian Schwinger USA 1918 Schwinger and Richard P. consequences for the physics of elementary Richard P. Feynman USA 1918 Feynman particles Charles Hard one half awarded to Charles Townes USA 1915 Hard Townes Nicolay for fundamental work in the field of quantum 1964 Gennadiyevich Russia 1922 the other half jointly to electronics, which has led to the construction of Basov Nicolay Gennadiyevich oscillators and amplifiers based on the maser- Aleksandr Basov and Aleksandr laser principle Mikhailovich Australia 1916 Mikhailovich Prokhorov Prokhorov for his contributions to the theory of the atomic one half awarded to Eugene nucleus and the elementary particles, particularly Eugene Paul Wigner Hungary 1902 Paul Wigner through the discovery and application of 1963 fundamental symmetry principles Maria Goeppert the other half jointly to Mayer Poland 1906 for their discoveries concerning nuclear shell Maria Goeppert Mayer and structure J. Hans D. Jensen Germany 1907 J. Hans D. Jensen Lev Davidovich for his pioneering theories for condensed matter, 1962 Landau Azerbaijan 1908 especially liquid helium for his pioneering studies of electron scattering in atomic nuclei and for his thereby achieved Robert Hofstadter USA 1915 was divided equally discoveries concerning the structure of the between Robert Hofstadter nucleons 1961 and Rudolf Ludwig Mössbauer for his researches concerning the resonance Rudolf Ludwig Germany 1929 absorption of gamma radiation and his discovery in Mössbauer this connection of the effect which bears his name

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Nobel prices in physics 1971-1901 Year Name Nationalitiy Born Division of Prize Purpose 1960 Donald Arthur Glaser USA 1926 for the invention of the bubble chamber Emilio Gino Segrè Italy 1905 was awarded jointly to 1959 Emilio Gino Segrè and for their discovery of the antiproton Owen Chamberlain UK 1920 Owen Chamberlain Pavel Alekseyevich Russia 1904 Cherenkov was awarded jointly to Pavel Il´ja Mikhailovich Alekseyevich Cherenkov, for the discovery and the interpretation of the 1958 Frank Russia 1908 Il´ja Mikhailovich Frank and Cherenkov effect Igor Yevgenyevich Igor Yevgenyevich Tamm Tamm Russia 1895 Chen Ning Yang China 1926 was awarded jointly to Chen for their penetrating investigation of the so-called 1957 Tsung-Dao (T.D.) Ning Yang and Tsung-Dao parity laws which has led to important discoveries Lee China 1922 (T.D.) Lee regarding the elementary particle William Bradford Shockley UK 1910 was awarded jointly to William Bradford Shockley, for their researches on semiconductors and their 1956 John Bardeen USA 1908 John Bardeen and Walter discovery of the transistor effect Walter Houser Houser Brattain Brattain USA 1902 for his discoveries concerning the fine structure of Willis Eugene Lamb USA 1913 was divided equally the hydrogen spectrum 1955 between Willis Eugene Lamb and Polykarp Kusch for his precision determination of the magnetic Polykarp Kusch Germany 1911 moment of the electron for his fundamental research in quantum Max Born Poland 1882 was divided equally mechanics, especially for his statistical 1954 between Max Born and interpretation of the wavefunction Walther Bothe for the coincidence method and his discoveries Walther Bothe Germany 1891 made therewith for his demonstration of the phase contrast 1953 Frits (Frederik) The Netherlands 1888 method, especially for his invention of the phase Zernike contrast microscope Felix Bloch Switzerland 1905 was awarded jointly to Felix for their development of new methods for 1952 Bloch and Edward Mills nuclear magnetic precision measurements and Edward Mills Purcell USA 1912 Purcell discoveries in connection therewith Sir John Douglas was awarded jointly to Sir Cockcroft UK 1897 for their pioneer work on the transmutation of 1951 John Douglas Cockcroft atomic nuclei by artificially accelerated atomic Ernest Thomas and Ernest Thomas Sinton particles Sinton Walton Ireland 1903 Walton for his development of the photographic method 1950 Cecil Frank Powell UK 1903 of studying nuclear processes and his discoveries regarding mesons made with this method for his prediction of the existence of mesons on 1949 Hideki Yukawa Japan 1907 the basis of theoretical work on nuclear forces for his development of the Wilson cloud chamber 1948 Patrick Maynard UK 1897 method, and his discoveries therewith in the fields Stuart Blackett of nuclear physics and cosmic radiation for his investigations of the physics of the upper 1947 Sir Edward Victor UK 1892 atmosphere especially for the discovery of the Appleton so-called Appleton layer for the invention of an apparatus to produce 1946 Percy Williams USA 1882 extremely high pressures, and for the discoveries he Bridgman made therewith in the field of high pressure physics for the discovery of the Exclusion Principle, also 1945 Wolfgang Pauli Austria 1900 called the Pauli Principle for his resonance method for recording the 1944 Isidor Isaac Rabi Poland 1898 magnetic properties of atomic nuclei for his contribution to the development of the 1943 Otto Stern Poland 1888 molecular ray method and his discovery of the magnetic moment of the proton

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Nobel prices in physics 1971-1901 Year Name Nationalitiy Born Division of Prize Purpose No Nobel Prize was 1942 awarded this year No Nobel Prize was 1941 awarded this year No Nobel Prize was 1940 awarded this year for the invention and development of the cyclotron 1939 Ernest Orlando USA 1901 and for results obtained with it, especially with Lawrence regard to artificial radioactive elements for his demonstrations of the existence of new radioactive elements produced by neutron 1938 Enrico Fermi Italy 1901 irradiation, and for his related discovery of nuclear reactions brought about by slow neutrons Clinton Joseph Davisson USA 1881 was awarded jointly to 1937 Clinton Joseph Davisson for their experimental discovery of the diffraction George Paget and George Paget Thomson of electrons by crystals Thomson UK 1892 Victor Franz Hess Switzerland 1883 was divided equally for his discovery of cosmic radiation 1936 between Victor Franz Hess Carl David Anderson USA 1905 and Carl David Anderson for his discovery of the positron 1935 James Chadwick UK 1891 for the discovery of the neutron No Nobel Prize 1934 for physics was awarded this year Erwin Schrödinger Austria 1887 was awarded jointly to for the discovery of new productive forms of 1933 Paul Adrien Maurice Erwin Schrödinger and Paul atomic theory Dirac UK 1902 Adrien Maurice Dirac for the creation of quantum mechanics, the 1932 Werner Karl Germany 1901 application of which has, inter alia, led to the Heisenberg discovery of the allotropic forms of hydrogen No Nobel Prize 1931 for physics was awarded this year Sir Chandrasekhara for his work on the scattering of light and for the 1930 Venkata Raman India 1888 discovery of the effect named after him Prince Louis-Victor 1929 Pierre Raymond de France 1892 for his discovery of the wave nature of electrons Broglie Owen Willans for his work on the thermionic phenomenon and 1928 Richardson UK 1879 especially for the discovery of the law named after him Arthur Holly was divided equally Compton USA 1892 for his discovery of the effect named after him 1927 between Arthur Holly Charles Thomson Compton and Charles for his method of making the paths of electrically Rees Wilson Scotland 1869 Thomson Rees Wilson charged particles visible by condensation of vapour for his work on the discontinuous structure 1926 Jean Baptiste Perrin France 1870 of matter, and especially for his discovery of sedimentation equilibrium James Franck Germany 1882 was awarded jointly to 1925 James Franck and Gustav for their discovery of the laws governing the Gustav Ludwig Hertz Germany 1887 Ludwig Hertz impact of an electron upon an atom Karl Manne Georg for his discoveries and research in the field of 1924 Siegbahn Sweden 1886 X-ray spectroscopy Robert Andrews for his work on the elementary charge of electricity 1923 Millikan USA 1868 and on the photoelectric effect Niels Henrik David for his services in the investigation of the structure 1922 Bohr Denmark 1885 of atoms and of the radiation emanating from them for his services to Theoretical Physics, and especially 1921 Albert Einstein Germany 1879 for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect

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Nobel prices in physics 1971-1901 Year Name Nationalitiy Born Division of Prize Purpose in recognition of the service he has rendered 1920 Charles Edouard Switzerland 1861 to precision measurements in Physics by his Guillaume discovery of anomalies in nickel steel alloys for his discovery of the Doppler effect in canal rays 1919 Johannes Stark Germany 1874 and the splitting of spectral lines in electric fields in recognition of the services he rendered to 1918 Max Karl Ernst Germany 1858 the advancement of Physics by his discovery of Ludwig Planck energy quanta Charles Glover for his discovery of the characteristic Röntgen 1917 Barkla UK 1877 radiation of the elements No Nobel Prize 1916 for physics was awarded this year Sir William Henry Bragg UK 1862 was awarded jointly to Sir 1915 William Henry Bragg and for their services in the analysis of crystal William Lawrence William Lawrence Bragg structure by means of X-rays Bragg Australia 1890 1914 Max von Laue Germany 1879 for his discovery of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals for his investigations on the properties of matter 1913 Heike Kamerlingh The Netherlands 1853 at low temperatures which led, inter alia, to the Onnes production of liquid helium for his invention of automatic regulators for use in 1912 Nils Gustaf Dalén Sweden 1869 conjunction with gas accumulators for illuminating lighthouses and buoys for his discoveries regarding the laws governing 1911 Wilhelm Wien Russia 1864 the radiation of heat Johannes Diderik for his work on the equation of state for gases and 1910 van der Waals The Netherlands 1837 liquids Guglielmo Marconi Italy 1874 was awarded jointly to in recognition of their contributions to the 1909 Karl Ferdinand Guglielmo Marconi and Karl development of wireless telegraphy Braun Germany 1850 Ferdinand Braun for his method of reproducing colours 1908 Gabriel Lippmann Luxembourg 1845 photographically based on the phenomenon of interference for his optical precision instruments and the 1907 Albert Abraham Poland 1852 spectroscopic and metrological investigations Michelson carried out with their aid in recognition of the great merits of his theoretical 1906 Joseph John UK 1856 and experimental investigations on the conduction Thomson of electricity by gases Philipp Eduard 1905 Anton von Lenard Slovakia 1862 for his work on cathode rays for his investigations of the densities of the most 1904 Lord Rayleigh (John UK 1842 important gases and for his discovery of argon in William Strutt) connection with these studies in recognition of the extraordinary services he Antoine Henri France 1852 one half awarded to Antoine has rendered by his discovery of spontaneous Becquerel Henri Becquerel radioactivity 1903 Pierre Curie France 1859 the other half jointly to in recognition of the extraordinary services they Pierre Curie and Marie have rendered by their joint researches on the Marie Curie (born Poland 1867 radiation phenomena discovered by Professor Sklodowska) Curie (born Sklodowska) Henri Becquerel Hendrik Antoon The Netherlands 1853 was awarded jointly to in recognition of the extraordinary service they 1902 Lorentz Hendrik Antoon Lorentz and rendered by their researches into the influence of Pieter Zeeman The Netherlands 1865 Pieter Zeeman magnetism upon radiation phenomena in recognition of the extraordinary services he has 1901 Wilhelm Conrad Germany 1845 rendered by the discovery of the remarkable rays Röntgen subsequently named after him

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The Social and Cultural Development Association (INMA): 15 years and a long road still lies ahead There are many Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) licensed by virtue of a notification system in Lebanon but only a few are committed to serving the mission they set for themselves. At the forefront of those is the Social and Cultural Development Association (INMA), which operates across Lebanon from the farthest North to the deepest South and covers various areas including health, culture, agriculture and environment. INMA’s work trespasses the boundaries of regional and religious boundaries and strives to surmount all man-made artificial obstacles. Establishment INMA is a Beirut-based association that was established pursuant to the notification of formation No. 149 dated December 10, 1997.  Establishing the Environmental Police stipulated in Objectives the Environmental Protection Act. INMA’s main objective is to provide human and  Helping in the recruitment and development of the community services by achieving the following: manpower necessary for the fulfillment of these objectives - Raise environmental and health awareness for Lebanese citizens through various legal means Activities - Assist and support citizens in medical, cultural INMA’s 15-year history was marked by major and educational arenas sustainable achievements that served the community - Weave sublime and civilized relations between and helped the association grow and gain wider citizens and their country and environment by: credibility. Of those the following programs and activities can be mentioned:  Conducting studies, holding seminars and launching public awareness and guidance campaigns on well-  Beekeeping workshop that targeted 20 women documented national history in Akkar with the cooperation of the Ministry of  Reminding the public of influential Lebanese Agriculture figures who have made history  Seeking administrative reform by highlighting  Expanding Economic Opportunity project in rampant corruption and drawing attention to the cooperation with SRA international and under importance of the role of public authorities in the USAID sponsorship (2003) surveillance of public administration  Urging security forces to respect human rights  Seven workshops for Lebanese olive growers in during the investigation and arrest processes. cooperation with SRA International, the Ministry  Aspiring to ensure judiciary independence and of Agriculture and the Institute for University accelerate verdict rendering Cooperation (Rome). The workshops aimed at  Pressing for the approval of an electoral law that raising awareness to healthy farming practices in guarantees fair representation order to reduce production costs and improve olive  Supervising the performance of municipal and oil quality (September 2003) public agencies through reports underlining administrative and political violations  Printing and distribution of tourist brochures for  Protecting the environment and promoting national around 300 Lebanese towns and villages. The heritage brochures aimed at offering a glimpse into the history  Conducting and sponsoring environmental campaigns of these towns by highlighting their archeological on pollution risks and the implementation of green laws and natural landmarks (September 2004)

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 Internet connected centers equipped with computers  Enclosing the property surrounding the fort by and photocopy and fax facilities in Masoudieh 600m of fencing and setting entrance and exit (Akkar), Batroun, Abou el-Ousoud (Sour). gates.  Restoring the stairs leading into the fort  Relief centers for those displaced during the 2006  Providing accommodation for fort keepers and July war. INMA received in-kind donations from the establishing visitor toilets Lebanese and Arab expats in KSA and the UAE and  Introducing two boards summarizing the fort’s offered other contributions from its own personal history fund. The aid amounted to USD 8 million with over ten thousand beneficiary families. Furthermore,  Opening a visitor information center at the ABC urgent assistance was granted to Rab Tlateen mall- Ashrafieh with the cooperation of the ABC by supplying the town with a 130 kV (kilovolt) group and the Ministry of Tourism (2008) generator.  Opening an IT center in Bab Tebbaneh- Tripoli with  Participation in organizing and funding the Eureka the cooperation of Yadan Biyad Association (2008) Fair for hospitality and food industries  Training seminars and entertainment activities for  Joint-sponsorship with SRA International for 21 Iraqi children in Lebanon with the cooperation USAID-funded marketing, tourist and environmental of Save the Children Sweden (May 2008) activities such as the 2007 Garden Fair at the Beirut Hippodrome and Al-Tayyeb Market in Byblos  Capacity building program in Akkar with the where housewives competed to bake bread. cooperation of Ghawth al-Awlad union. The program lasted from May till July 2007 and completed the  Launching of WWW.lebanonmaps.net with the activities that stretched along 2005 and 2007 cooperation of SRA International. This website includes over 15,000 archeological, religious,  Distribution of 385 toys for the Beddawi Camp cultural and natural landmarks in addition to children with the cooperation of Ghassan Jdeed museums and shopping and entertainment centers. Foundation and Mr. Badr Hajj (September 2010)

 USAID-funded project aimed at introducing seed-  Workshop on media laws for 15 Arab and foreign free grapes and kiwi-fruit to the North and Akkar. journalists in Beirut (12 to 14 April 2011) An agreement was signed with the Ministry of National Economy and Commerce on October 2,  Workshop on media and human rights for 12 Iranian 2007 for this project. journalists in Beirut (20 to 30 September 2011)

 INMA has also started in mid-October an  Distribution of 1,436 school bags for the Beddawi agricultural project targeting 50 farmers and aimed Camp KG students with the cooperation of Ghassan at preparing land for plantations between November Jdeed Foundation and Mr. Badr Hajj (October 2011) 15 and December 15. This project, which has just started to bear fruit, stands alongside past initiatives INMA continues to work in full earnest to fulfill its undertaken by INMA to support Lebanese farmers comprehensive and sustainable development vision and boost their income. Of those we mention the and offer a contribution, however small, to meet the 2004 USAID-funded project to grow kiwi-fruit and demands of people and satisfy their needs. artichokes in the South.

 Renovation of the Msaylha Fort in cooperation with SRA International. The 2007 renovation works were estimated at USD 70, 000 and included:

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How to Become a clergyman in your religion?

The terms and mechanisms requisite for a person to become a clergy member or a spiritual leader differ from one religious sect to another, and sometimes even within the sects of the same religion. The Monthly has dedicated in its previous issues ( July 2011 to December 2011) detailed articles that shed light on the recruitment and preparation of the clergy in each sect. The following article will wrap up the mechanisms and draw a brief comparison between them. Age and certificate Social status The age and certificate required of students seeking A Catholic clergyman may either be a celibate monk religious studies vary from one sect to another as shown living inside the monastery or a married priest dwelling in in Table 1. a separate neighborhood, and the unmarried priests may Age and certificate Table 1 also run the parish. On the other hand, marriage is a must Sect Minimum age Certificate for priesthood in the Armenian Orthodox Church while Catholic sects celibacy is mandated for those wishing to undertake a (Maronite, Greek 12-14 Certificate of primary monastic vocation. Most priests of the evangelical sect are Catholic, Armenian education married and all Muslim clergymen are bound to matrimony. Catholic) Certificate of Greek Orthodox 20 secondary education Spiritual leaders Each Lebanese religious sect has a spiritual leader Certificate of primary Armenian Orthodox 13 elected by a certain electoral committee. education  Evangelical 18 Baccalaureate II The Catholic Patriarch is elected for life by the bishops.  The Armenian Catholicos is elected for life by an Sunni 12-14 Brevet diploma electoral committee representing indirectly the Some religious Shia’a 12-14 schools require a Armenian Orthodox community. Brevet diploma  The Head of the Supreme Council of Evangelical Churches in Syria and Lebanon is elected for four Duration of religious education years by a general assembly including representatives Religious education lasts between 3 and 10 years, and in of all churches; the term is renewable. some cases more. There is no unified center for religious  The Mufti of the Lebanese Republic is elected by the education and students may obtain their religious studies Islamic electoral council composed of Sunni religious, in Lebanon or overseas as shown in Table 2. political, judicial and professional figures. His term expires Duration and place of religious education Table 2 at the age of 72 but he usually stays in office for life.  The Head of the Islamic Shia’ite Supreme Council is Sect Minimum Education center education years elected by a committee composed of religious, political, Religious schools affiliated judicial and professional figures. His term expires at Catholic with the monasteries- Saint sects 3 years Joseph University- Overseas the age of 68 but he usually stays in office for life. universities in France and Italy Clergy population Greek Saint John of Damascus Orthodox 4 years Institute of Theology- There are around 3100 clergymen in Lebanon Balamand distributed over the following religious groups: Armenian Theological Seminary of  Orthodox 8 years Bikfaya Maronite: 620  Greek Catholic: 230 Evangelical 3 years Near East School of Theology  Greek Orthodox: 250 Al-Azhar Institute (Lebanon-  Sunni 3 years Egypt- KSA) or other Islamic Armenian Orthodox: 60 (in Lebanon’s parishes) faculties  Evangelical: 100  Shia’a 3 years Religious schools in Lebanon, Sunni: 890 Iraq and Iran  Shia’a: 950

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“Quickly Children! Brummana Boarding School Is Waiting For You!”

Being a pious man, the school principal dedicated himself to raise a righteous generation endowed with good morals. His ever-smiling wife used to take care of us, the little ones. She used to enter our bedrooms in the morning and at night. In the morning to check if we had made our beds and at night to make sure we tucked ourselves in and stopped talking. At meal times, she used to circulate between the tables to inspect if the little ones had finished their plates, for not finishing them was not an option. But who among us would have ever left food on the plate anyway?!

I remember the names of some of the teachers. The first teacher, Najib Chamoun, used to teach Arabic to the older children. The English teacher was called Mr. Nash and the Math teacher was Suleiman Saad and hailed from Ras el-Matn. I also remember the French teacher, Labib Banat. He was an elegant fellow who took meticulous care of his appearance. He used to wear lipstick and apply blush like girls. Mr. Banat exerted epic efforts to teach us to pronounce the letter “u” in a French manner but to no avail. He used to say: “round up your lips and make the sound U”- but we used to round them and pronounce the “I”, which drove him mad. As Christmas approached, he started the second lesson called “Allons Enfants”, and by Easter time we had managed to learn the meaning of the French Anthem.

I remember Christmas. It was a unique day. The wife of Asperdoun Mnassa, the pharmacist of the association, invited my sister and I to spend the afternoon at her place. It was the first time I laid my eyes on a beautifully-furnished house, a candle-lit Christmas tree and chocolate bars wrapped in blue, red and yellow foil! The maid showed up with a tray of excellent sugar-coated nuts and was off only to reappear again with chocolate cookies in her hand. It was a day to remember for we did not know such things existed in our poor village.

Finally, I felt a bitter longing to return to the village of my mother and father. I asked teacher Suleiman Saad: “when are we returning to Ras el-Matn?” “In 36 days”, he answered. So I squeezed thirty-six roasted chickpeas in a small bag and started to eat one everyday and count the remaining.

issue 116 | March 2012 32 | Culture, religion & Art debunking myth #55 Dreams Are They Really Always Strange?

Myth: Dreams are always very strange A common misconception about dreams is that they are always strange.

Reality: Dreams are not as strange as imagined

Some dreams are bizarre. However, dreams generally are not as strange as they are stereotyped to be. Dreams reflect the waking life in terms of characters, social environments, interactions, and activities (Domhoff, 2005). In fact, a research analyzing 1000 dream reports highlighted the orthodoxy of dreams; the researchers found that most dreams occur in familiar environments and frequently with familiar people (Passer & Smith, 2010).

More to the point, cross-cultural studies analysing dreams showed that dream themes are more similar than different. The most common themes include being chased, falling, flying, failing an examination, being unable to find a toilet or restroom (Schredl, et al., 2004). However, there are also large individual differences usually linked to the dreamer’s worries and interests in waking life (Domhoff, 2005). In fact, the dream content is largely influenced by current worries (Bulkeley & Kahan, 2008). For example, during exams periods, students usually would have dreams with many exam or university themes, and pregnant women would have dreams with various pregnancy themes (Passer et al., 2010). Moreover, Galea et al. (2002) examined the dream content of 1000 Manhattan residents after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. They found that 1 in 10 experienced stressful dreams about the attacks.

Furthermore, unlike the stereotype of “blissful dreaming, dreams usually contain negative content (Domhoff & Schneider, 2008). In a study conducted by Hall and Van de Castle (1966), results showed that 80% of dream reports contained negative emotions, nearly half contained aggressive acts, and approximately the third involved some misfortune. Also to add, that in the dreams involving aggressive content, the dreamer most often is the victim rather than the perpetrator (Domhoff & Schneider, 2008).

A general pattern of gender differences is also present in dreaming. Overall, women dream about men and women characters equally, and their dreams usually contain themes of depression and aggression turned inwardly, whereas almost two thirds of men’s dreams involve men characters, and the themes evolve around physical aggression and sexuality. These differences highlight the continuity between waking life and dreaming since in waking life, men are more aggressive and women are more vulnerable to depression (Scredl et al., 1998).

References

Bulkeley, K., & Kahan, T.L. (2008). The impact of September 11 on dreaming. Consciousness and Cognition: An International Journal, 17, 1248-1256. Domhoff, G. W. (2005). The content of dreams: Methodologic and theoretical implications. In M. H. Kryger, T. Roth, & W. C. Dement (Eds.), Principles and Practies of Sleep Medicine (4th Ed., pp. 522-534). Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders. Domhoff, G.W., & Schneider, A. (2008). Similarities and differences in dream content at the cross-cultural, gender, and individual levels. Consciousness and Cognition: An International Journal, 17, 1257-1265. Passer, W.M., & Smith, E.R. (2010). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behavior (5th edition). New York McGraw-Hill International Edition. Scredl, M., Sahin, V., & Schafer, G. (1998). Gender differences in dreams: do they reflect gender differences in waking life? Personality and Individual Differences, 25(3), 433-442. Schredl, M., Ciric, P., Gotz, S., & Wittmann, L. (2004). Typical Dreams: Stability and Gender Differences. The journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied, 138(6), 485-494.

issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. must-read books Culture, religion & Art | 33

Corruption Directorate-General of Culture: Study of a sample of rampant corrupt practices in public administration

In her book, Corruption, Directorate-General of Culture: public libraries’ books was made study of a sample of rampant corrupt practices in public through exclusive agreements administration, author Layla Barakat shares her experience with some contractors who in the backstage corridors of the Ministry of Culture where set their prices higher than the she served as a general coordinator of “Beirut: World Book market price. Capital City” program. After designating Beirut as the World Book Capital in April 2009, Layla Barakat found herself Following her appointment as fighting alone against the corruption of the Directorate- a general coordinator, Layla General of Culture officials who were resolved to employ Barakat laid down a full strategy for the program, which had part of the funds distributed to run the cultural events no funds at the time, and asked the then Minister of Culture proposed by civil community to serve their personal interest. Tamam Salam, to ensure the provision of credits from the Her work at the Directorate-General was tantamount to an Cabinet. The transfer of the credits to the program’s account ongoing ordeal battling the crooked corrupt practices of the triggered a number of problems especially that the Director Director General and other employees. After ensuring the General was trying to weave a fertile web for corruption and success of the program and the protection of the funds to was provoked by the transparency shown by Layla Barakat. refine the image of Lebanon during international events, Layla Barakat thought it was time to expose the other side This book documents the experiences Layla Barakat had of the coin and reveal the real face of rampant corruption in in the Ministry of Culture during her management of the the cultural sector. For that end, she filed a comprehensive program in order to launch a new movement of reform in financial report to the pertinent censorship offices explaining the Directorate General of Culture. The author presents her experience with the Director General of the Ministry documents and files providing numerical data, in addition to of Culture, Dr. Omar Halablab, and insisting that all IT invoices and bills in connection with the achieved projects equipment be returned to the office of the State Minister for and activities and the exchanged books alongside all the Administrative Affairs and all the remaining funds (around reports and minutes of meetings. USD 600 000) to the State Treasury. The program lasted until May 22, 2010 and included In her book, Layla Barakat tries to reveal the paradox 567 projects and over 1200 cultural activities forming an between the corruption embodied by Dr. Omar Halablab and unprecedented cultural event in the history of Lebanon. the transparency that she exemplifies, noting that minister Tamam Salam had warned her upon her selection to run this Layla Barakat admits that she had a hard time accepting event that she should stand firm right through to the end. or absorbing the rampant corruption in the cultural sector The author does not complain about the misuse of budget because culture is the civilized façade of any country and funds but rather the prevalence of unrestrained corruption certain standards of values and ethics must be met to present in the Directorate-General of Culture and the nightmare of it at its best. This book was not an attempt to retaliate against having someone like Dr. Omar Halablab in the Executive any previous personal insults but rather a humble endeavor Committee Secretariat, which made her exhaust all her to protect future cultural projects from likely corruptive energy in order to protect public money. Although she trends, reveal the truth, document the experiences, transform succeeded in safeguarding public money, Layla Barakat left the misuse of public money into an area of study, and unify the Ministry of Culture enraged. She’s not afraid of the loss public opinion over a common national cause. of the program’s achievements but rather hopes to attain transparency and live up to the civilized image of Lebanon The author lists the various corrupt practices crippling the we have been trying to convey through “Beirut: World Book Directorate-General including favoritism, patronage, power Capital City”. She, like all Lebanese, dreams of a ministry abuse, negative bribery, embezzlement and squandering. handled by real honest men, not a bunch of illegal crooks. She also brings up the incident of the “Reading Week” as an example of the misuse of money whereby the purchasing of NB: The Monthly cannot vouch for the validity and accuracy of any information posted in the book. issue 116 | March 2012 34 | Culture, religion & Art must-read children’s book

Camellia By Nancy Delvo and Alin De Patini. Arabic translation by Maher Mehyou. Camellia series is published by Al Maaref Publishing House, 2009.

Camellia Visits the Doctor Camellia was telling Teddy that her mother is going to take her to the doctor to get a shot/an injection. Camellia was afraid because her friend told her it is going to hurt and the doctor will give her candies afterwards. Upon arrival, Camellia asked her mother if the needle is going to leave a pore in her arm and she entered the clinic shivering with fear. The shot was over as soon as the doctor counted to three and Camellia hardly felt any pain. Although the doctor did not offer her any candies, she had brought the candies that her grandmother had given her.

“You know Teddy, mom is going to take me to the doctor in a while. She said to me that I’m going to get a shot and I will not feel any pain at all. But I am sure it is going to hurt me because my friend Chadia told me so. She also said that the doctor gave her candies after the shot, but my grandmother offers me candies without giving me any shots.”

Camellia Says a Bad Word Camellia became used to utter obscene words like “shit” because all her friends at school used them. Her father told her that she should not use such language in mixed Camellia company. The series Camellia is provided with audio and video One day, she was playing with her friend Chadia. Each CDs and is aimed at children between 4 and 8 years old. one of them would run down the stairs, rush to the It contains the following stories: bathroom then come out after a while. When the parents asked what was going on and what were Camellia  Camellia and Teddy and Chadia doing in there, Camellia darted into the  Camellia Wets Her Pants bathroom and shouted: “Shit! Damn this stupid luck!  Camellia Has a Nightmare This is bullshit! That’s what we were doing in there.  Camellia Doesn’t Want to Take a Shower Damn these pencils! They fell to the floor! Shit!”  Camellia at the Park “What was that Camellia? You know full well that  Camellia and Her New Boots swearing is forbidden!”  Camellia Returns to School “But I can’t help it! The words force their way out of  Camellia Doesn’t Want to Share Her Toys my mouth! I swear this is not my fault! All my friends at  Camellia Can’t Fall Asleep school say the same words… even Fadi.”  Camellia Commits a Blunder “First, we are not at school here. Second, bad language is  Camellia Spoiled by Her Parents indecent and should not be used in anyone’s presence.”  Camellia Goes to the Hospital “Can I use this language when I’m all by myself in a  Camellia Forgets Teddy small corner where nobody can hear me?”  Camellia and Boni “Yes, if you so wish my dear.”  Camellia and Her New Friend

issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Lebanon Families Culture, religion & Art | 35

Hawi Families Mostly Shia’a from Bteghreen Zgharta Balamand Roads A‘arjes Ehden Becharre The Cedars Hawi is an Arab name meaning a person who first Batroun Hadet Hasroun Ras Baalbeck Deir el Ahmar renders the snake motionless, then picks it up and Maqne Qasr el-Banat shows it to people. Both Muslims and Christians carry Hadath Jbail Iaat the family name Hawi although the origins of the Baalbeck Jounieh Ghazir Hawi Muslim families remain unknown. However, the Niha

Hawi Christian families hail from Bteghreen from the BEIRUT Zahle Baabda Shtaura Aley Dahr el-Baidar Saliba family whose ancestor was called Hawi because, Bhamdoun Anjar according to oral tradition, he used to blow people’s Deir el-Qamar Meshref Beiteddine minds with his legendary tales. The family has branches Moukhtara in Al-Choueir and Hasbayya and ramifies into sub- Qaraoun Lake Yanta Saida Jezzine families such as Hammam and Ataya. Rumor has it that Libbaya Aiha a part of the family moved from Bteghreen to Amyoun Hasbaya in Koura although some assert that the opposite is Nabatiye Marjayoun correct and the family hailed originally from Amyoun Beaufort Castle and migrated to Bteghreen at a later stage. The Hawi family has 1,769 members belonging to different Lebanese sects and regions.

Shia’a: there are 1,041 Shia’a members distributed Jdita (Zahle): 52 members in the following regions: Msaytbeh (Beirut 3): 36 members Maalaqa Chemali (Zahle): 155 members Hasbaya Hay el-Ein: 14 members Jwaya (Sour): 137 members Tal Abbas el-Gharbi (Akkar): 8 members Mazra’at Mechref (Sour): 134 members Qeb Elias el-Fawqa (Zahle): 7 members Chakra (Bint Jbeil): 109 members Achrafieh (Beirut 1): 4 members Kherbet Selem (Bint Jbeil): 80 members Al-Sawani (Marjeyoun): 69 members Sunni: there are 222 Sunni members distributed in Kfarkala (Marjeyoun): 59 members the following regions: Brayke’ (Nabatieh): 45 members Hawsh al-Oumara (Zahle): 168 members Zqaq el-Blat (Beirut 3): 45 members Al-Qebbi (Tripoli): 25 members Hawsh al-Oumara (Zahle): 41 members Al-Remmani (Tripoli): 10 members Srifa (Sour): 41 members Maalaqa Chemali (Zahle): 10 members Bachoura (Beirut 2): 32 members Kerk (Zahle): 3 members Bazourieh (Sour): 25 members Jwar (Northern Matn): 3 members Mjadel (Sour): 22 members Haddadine (Tripoli): 3 members Ansarieh (Saida): 20 members Majdal Selm (Nabatieh): 14 members Maronite: there are 39 Maronite members Ghoubairi Hay el-Jame’ (Baabda): 10 members distributed in the following regions: Mazra’a (Beirut 3): 3 members Hadsheet (Bsharri): 35 members Hemlaya: 4 members Greek Orthodox: there are 454 Greek Orthodox members distributed in the following regions: Greek Catholic: there are 13 Greek Catholic Amyoun Gharbi (Koura): 160 members members distributed in the following regions: Choueir (Northern Matn): 109 members Hasbaya Hay el-Ein: 7 members Bteghreen (Northern Matn): 69 members Hasbaya Hay el-Saray: 6 members

issue 116 | March 2012 36 | Culture, religion & Art Discover Lebanon

Chakra: Qada’a of Bint Jbeil Etymology Local Authorities There are many stories surrounding the origin of the The municipal council is currently composed of 15 members word Chakra. In his book Names of Lebanese Towns and headed by Rida Ashour. Its share in the Independent and Villages, Aniss Freiha mentions that some trace back Municipal Fund was LBP 321,655 million in 2005. It rose its origin to the Aramaic word “shiqra”, which means to LBP 375,539 million in 2006 and then decreased to LBP lies and deceit while others believe it originated from the 356,458 million in 2007 to rise once again to LBP 387,751 Syriac root “shuqra” with the same meaning. A good few million in 2008 and LBP 515,192 million in 2009. suppose it stems from the Arabic term “shaqra’a” and The town has also 4 Makhateer: Ibrahim Khodr Ali, that it was named after the molasses it used to produce. Hassan Mohammad Salman, Mohammad Khalil Moussa, Adnan Jawad el-Amin, and a 3 member Ikhtiyariah body. Location Chakra is located in the Qada’a of Bint Jbeil in the Nabatieh Educational institutions Mohafaza at an altitude of 620 meters above the sea level. The town has three public schools, which have in total The town lies 120 km from Beirut, 13 km from the Qada’a 712 students and 67 teachers and staff in the scholarly center, and 45 km from the Mohafaza center. Chakra spreads year 2009- 2010. They are: across 1,725 hectares and is considered the largest town in the  Chakra Official Primary School consisting of 68 Qada’a. It may be reached through two different roadways: students and 13 teachers and staff  Sour- Tebnin- Bint Jbeil  Sayyed Mouhsen el-Amin Secondary School  Nabatieh- Ghandourieh- Qalwiyi consisting of 379 students and 35 teachers and staff It is bordered on the east by Hawla, Khraj and Mays  Chakra Official Primary School 2 consisting of 265 al-Jabal, on the south by Braashite, on the north by students and 19 teachers and staff Talousa and Majdal Selm and on the west by Safad el- Bateekh and Jmayjmi. Archaeological sites The town’s sites include Dubieh’s fortress, Roman Population sarcophagi, Crusader-era tombs and old large wells. The number of registered inhabitants at the town’s Personal Status Register is estimated at 8,500 people, Economic activities most of whom are Shia’a. There are around 1,286 Chakra’s residents depend mainly on expat remittances houses and 150 non-residential institutions in Chakra. for survival. Some make their living through industrial activities, commercial shops or independent professions From Marjeyoun to Bint Jbeil while a few resort to growing tobacco and seeds. Chakra was part of the Marjeyoun Qada’a until 1954. It was later added to the Bint Jbeil Qada’a upon its establishment in NGO’s 1953 despite the opposition of some Marjeyoun political figures The town has 9 non-governmental organizations who wanted to keep the town within their sphere of power.  Abou el-Fekr Cultural Center established in 2010  Mawasem el-Khayr established in 2008 Voters  Agricultural Industry Co-op established in 2004 In the year 2000, the number of voters was 4,636 of whom  Socio-cultural Forum established in 2004 2,315 cast their ballots. This number increased to 5,230  The Association for the Development of Chakra and in 2005 of whom 2,285 cast their ballots. In 2009, the Dubieh established in 2004 number reached 5,969 with 2,626 casting their ballots.  Chakra’s Charity Association established in 2003 Voters are distributed according to the following families:  Al-Risala Sports Club established in 1995 Amin (411 voters), Habbalah (278), Deeb (225),  Al-Deeb Social and Charitable Union established in 1992 Wayzani (319), Ashour (263), Ali (260), Salman  Agricultural Co-op established in 1991 (192), Ghamloush (165), Zein (75), Atwi (156), Khalaf (140), Ghareeb (134), Nassar (74), Kareem Problems: Like most Lebanese villages, Chakra (109), Youssef (102), Foua’ani (96), Awada (111), suffers from power cuts, severe water shortage and Aqiqa (81), Hakeem (102), Saleh (95), Khateeb (83), waste management problems, not to mention the unrest Hadi (31), Ismail (85), Hawi (65), Haydar (58). it witnesses given its location near the borders.

issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Culture, religion & Art | 37

Civil Strife Intro Assassination of Maarouf Saab (1) The Lebanese civil strife did not erupt on the spur of the moment on April 13, 1975 but had various events leading to it, of which we will enclose in the following the assassination attempt of Saida’s former MP Maarouf Saab as narrated by An-Nahar newspaper on Thursday 27th February 1975.

“Fishermen’s Day” in Saida grew yesterday into an appalling injured including Mr. Maarouf Saad, Mr. Ahmad Jalal Eddine, tragedy claiming the lives of an army corporal and a Mr. Mostafa Bezri, a national who remained anonymous and Palestinian national and injuring 7 other people including two health care employees (Mr. Mostafa Youness and Mr. former MP Maarouf Saad. Saadoun Bzei’) who were rushed to Ghassan Hammoud’s Since the early morning, Saida had complied with the Hospital. As for Mr. Maarouf Saad, his advocates carried him to fishermen’s call for strike and protest. The support was large Labib Medical Center where he was admitted to the OR to treat in scope as it included all popular, political and commercial the injuries in his foot and upper thigh. His four-hour emergency sectors and was marked by many statements championing the operation was complicated by an incessant loss of blood, which fishermen’s demands. compelled Dr. Nazeeh Bezri and Dr. Labeeb Abou Dahr to All the stores were shut down in the city, and all the roads summon an AUH specialist to help save his life. Immediately, a between Saida and Beirut, and Saida and Sour were blocked. helicopter was sent to fetch Dr. Ibrahim Dagher, Dr. Azouri, Dr. The fishermen and their families burned caoutchouc tires and Maurice Saba and Dr. Panosian while supporters of the former set up roadblocks to prevent vehicles from running down the MP flocked to the hospital to donate their blood. Fortunately, the streets while explosives and sticks of dynamite blasted in the air. bullet was extracted from his thigh. Meantime, armored vehicles affiliated with the army engaged in patrol rounds in order to open the roads and large troops One corporal dead and two soldiers injured gathered in Jamal Abdul Nasser Square. Terrorism tightened its grip on Saida and explosives kept At nine o’clock in the morning, protesters headed en masse to erupting from every direction. At 10:30 am, an army the area between Al-Qamli neighborhood and Abdul Nasser jeep arrived near Shahrazad Cinema and was targeted Square in the middle of Riad As-Solh Street. As the crowds by dynamite sticks followed by a heavy gunfire and RPG grew bigger, military police intervened to put out the fires and rockets that killed the Engineering Battalion Corporal disperse protesters. The police managed to contain the riots Ahmad Al-Moussawi and injured Hanna Hanna and Hussein and take over the Square. They multiplied their patrols on Abdul Ghani, the fuel tanker driver who was forced out of the alert for the protest that was scheduled to start from the the vehicle, battered and shot at by the armed men. Fishermen’s Syndicate office in the port. Demands of the forces and parties A rainy protest At 3 pm, Saida’s national and progressive forces and Just before the protest, heavy rainfalls poured down and forced parties held a meeting that called for the following: protesters to scatter in different directions while the army  Immediate withdrawal of the army from the city maintained its upright position especially around the municipal  Continuance of the strike until the fulfillment of the palace. Despite the rain, the protesters kicked off their march following demands: towards Riad As-Solh Square supported by workers and party  Incessant support of the fishermen with the aim members and headed by MPs Nazih Al-Bizri and Maarouf Saad. of withdrawing the license of the Protein Co. The crowd kept away from Al-Awqaf Street to avoid clashing  Investigation into the shooting of the former MP with the army and opted for Al-Shakiriya Street from which Maarouf Saad and prosecuting those responsible for it they proceeded to Al-Jabana then right towards Riad As-Solh.  Therefore, a committee was formed to meet with the As soon as they arrived at the entrance of the municipal palace, Prime Minister and convey to him the demands of they started chanting slogans against the state and demonstrated the city. Mr. Maarouf Saad was transferred at 5pm further enthusiasm as the armored vehicles rolled towards yesterday by an ambulance to the AUH accompanied them. But when the dynamite explosives started blasting and by Saida’s doctors and surgeons together with the blending with gunfire, protesters stampeded in panic. Unlike the doctors dispatched to treat him from Beirut. The fortunate who succeeded in fleeing, a Palestinian national called resistance delegation informed that Mr. Saad will Ali Jeddawi was killed during the riots and many people were remain under risk for the next 72 hours.

issue 116 | March 2012 38 | Culture, religion & Art

Statement of MP Nazeeh Al-Bizri have hidden the truth from you. This was all planned up That same evening, Saida’s MP Dr. Nazeeh Al-Bizri broadcasted beforehand for the army had taken to the streets since early the following statement: “I and my fellow Maarouf Saad were morning before anything happened.” at the forefront of the protest when the army opened fire to stifle Premier Solh interrupted him by saying: “I will tell you the the voice of the people. Unfortunately, their bullets shot through information that I have received. I was told in the morning that our fellow’s body and flung him, and many others, to the floor.” the roads are blocked in Saida and that the police and the security He added: “severe sanctions should be imposed on the responsible, forces have lost control over the protest. Therefore, I commanded whoever they were, namely those who ordered a crackdown on the intervention of the army to restore order. I was in the middle a peaceful protest protecting the right to life. The strike shall of a meeting at the Ministry of Defense when I learned by phone continue until our demands are met and the withdrawal of the that Mr. Maaroof Saad and two army members were injured. license of the Protein Co. Those in power should pull out their I instantly called Abou Ammar who dispatched Abou Moussa troops from Saida and release all the arrested protesters. May to Saida to work on settling things down. I have ordered the God bless this country and protect our fellow Maarouf Saad and withdrawal of the army from Saida, just an hour ago but troops restore him, and all his injured companions, to good health soon. are still deployed around the Serail and the municipality.” I will soon make an appearance in a press conference to unveil “You were tricked into summoning the army. There were not the circumstances behind this heinous crime.” many protesters and Maarouf Saad was marching with a few in front of him when suddenly, bullets shot out 20 meters from the Official data Nejme Square and hit Mr. Maarouf after the men in the forefront A military spokesperson stated the following: dispersed in panic exposing him to the fire”, Mr. Bsat said. “Former MP Maarouf Saad and the Nasserite Organization “What about the firing at the army? When did that occur?”, Party headed an unlicensed protest yesterday whereby As-Solh asked. protesters blocked the Saida-Beirut road near Al-Eslah Public “The firing started half an hour after rumors circulated about School, burned caoutchouc tires, threw explosives and fired Maarouf Saad’s death. Saida’s residents are highly anxious from different weapons under the pretense of defending the and they’re awaiting the measures that the government will rights of the fishermen. At 9:30 am, an army force was officially take to punish the responsible for this mess.” Al-Bsat said. commanded to head to the protest site to prevent any riots. As “Our main concern now is the recovery of Maarouf Saad”, soon as the army jeep arrived at Shahrazad Cinema, it was hit As-Solh replied. by dynamite sticks and heavy gunfire which caused the death He then called the governor of Saida and inquired whether of the Engineering Battalion Corporal Ahmad Al-Moussawi or not the army had withdrawn from the city. “I want the city and injured Hanna Hanna and Hussein Abdul Ghani, the fuel clear in 15 minutes. I don’t want any trace of any soldier,” he tanker driver who was forced at gunpoint out of his vehicle told the governor with a decisive tone. Some of Saida’s men and suffered serious injuries after he was shot by gunmen. Fire gave me a picture nowhere near reality. Stay in your office. was reciprocated with fire and resulted in the slight injury of I’m heading to the Serail and I’ll call you from there.” former MP Maarouf Saad, who was rushed to the hospital, and He then glanced at the delegation and said: “We sent you an another person whose identity remains unknown. Afterwards, ambulance to rush Mr. Saad to Beirut. Did you see it ?” protesters dispersed and infiltrated into the old souks of Saida Meantime, Minister Abbas Khalaf phoned As-Solh and while disguised gunmen with RPG missiles appeared on the the latter briefed him on the news he had heard from the rooftops of some houses opening fire in all directions and delegation and said: “I will see you at the Serail and we will detonating explosives that stirred riots in the area. talk.” He then called the American University Hospital at around 6 pm and learned that Mr. Saad had arrived and was Saida’s delegation under a close supervision. A Saida delegation composed of Bahaa Bsat, Bassam Zaatari, Al-Bsat demanded As-Solh to withdraw the license of the Mehyidine Hashisho, Ghassan Eid, Habib Badee’ , Salim Protein Company which was the reason behind this problem Sawsan, Samih Safadi, Zouheir Ghezzawi, Mostafa Dandashli, but the latter’s reply was that “licensing was not approved Sarrouf Bouji, Mahmoud Lkabi and Deeb Kaeen visited during my term.” yesterday the Premier Rachid Solh to deplore the incident that Al-Bsat: “We are calling for a solution because the license is occurred earlier that day and called for the dismissal or transfer the root of the problem.” of Mr. Henry Lahoud, the South’s governor, and the transfer of The delegation reiterated that the injury of Maarouf Saad was General Ahmad Zak and Colonel Abdul Ghani Samad. intended because although Dr. Nazih Bezri was right beside Mr. Bsat spoke in the name of the delegation: “It is sad that him, he himself was not wounded. They also complained they haven’t given you the full picture of the events and about the radio station and demanded the ceasing of all broadcasts attacking Maarouf Saad. issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Media |39 Mansourieh’s High-Voltage Power Lines Are they safe?

“Residents of Mansourieh- Ain Saadeh took to the streets and blocked the road in the presence of activists and MPs of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) and representatives of the Phalanges in protest of the high-voltage power lines which pose a threat to their safety.”

The whole picture has today turned upside down, and MP Ghassan Mkhayber: “We are fed up with the those same residents are now repeating the protest objections and we will not accept that the absence actions but with the participation of officials in the of the government will be exploited to install high- Lebanese Forces and the MPs Sami and Nadim Gemayel. voltage power lines in the area. The continuance of Ironically, since Mr. Gebran Bassil has assumed office as such practices is totally unacceptable and the solution Minister of Energy and Water (in November 2009), the is known and clear: burial of the transmission lines FPM political figures are staying quiet or asserting that underground.” (March 2009) the power lines pose no danger to public health. After Story from the start MP Sami Gemayel: “We will continue to raise our The story of Mansourieh’s high-voltage power lines voice against the installation of these lines as long began in 1997 when Decree No. 10009 dated March 17, as the government hasn’t provided the residents with 1997 was issued. The decree considered the installation of scientific and technical evidence asserting that no a 220 kW high-voltage power line in Bsaleem- Aramoun harm will befall them. The residents will not place as a public utility project and required the appropriation their children at risk and power lines will not be of the near-by property for the execution of works. The installed before the submission of a clear study and the appropriation, however, did not include those houses summoning of foreign experts.” (August 5, 2011) whose owners were at risk of absorbing electromagnetic radiation. Thus, serious action was taken to abort the MP Nabil Nicolas: “There are over 25 power stations project whose actual execution began in February 2007 in Lebanon and nobody living in their vicinity has with the dig-ins and the installation of pillars. Minister ever suffered from cancer. I call for the submission Bassil deemed the termination of works as a major factor of radical alternative solutions, and Minister Gebran worsening the shortage in power supply. Bassil is willing to endorse them.” (August 5, 2011)

Before Minister Gebran Bassil: “ There is no health-related MP Ibrahim Kanaan addressed, in the name of all Matn hazard resulting from what is known as the Mansourieh MPs, a letter to the Minister of Energy and Water Alain line but the psychological factor is coming into play. Taborian urging him to take immediate measures aiming Not one kilowatt of electricity can be added before the at uncovering the truth and halting any attempts to install completion of this line.” (February 2011) the power lines. Mr. Kanaan judged that the project should be reconsidered in the Cabinet and submitted two Former Minister Salim Al-Sayegh (The Phalanges): studies, one conducted by the Council of Development “High-voltage lines are an organized crime against and Reconstruction, which estimated the cost of people. They are dangerous and the government installing underground power lines at USD 34 million. should not reach the point of clashing with the people.” The other study by the Exa Co. estimated the work at (October 2011) USD 13 million. Mr. Kanaan threw the responsibility at the Premier Fouad Siniora and wondered why the The question to be asked is: “What if someone who government does not avoid the risk, however minimal, was on good terms with the Phalanges or the Lebanese and resort to installing the lines underground to avoid Force handled the Ministry of Energy and Water? incidents of brain cancer and leukemia. (January 2009) Would we then witness a shift in stance?”

issue 116 | March 2012 40| Media January 2012 timeline Is there Al-Qaeda in Lebanon? Wage hike approval, Launching of the Litani project, Collapse of the Ashrafieh building, Telecoms data and protests over power shortage

January 3  Appointment of the Major General statement triggers a series of reactions.  “The situation in Syria cannot be Paolo Serra of Italy as Head of Mission  “I don’t want any rapprochement resolved through security forces and and Force Commander of the United with the violent Syrian regime and the solution requires a radical regime Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Prior Bashar Assad must fall,” former Premier change,” Jumblat said in his weekly to this assignment, Maj. General Serra Saad Hariri said via Twitter. statement to Al-Anbaa newspaper, served in Kosovo and Afghanistan and adding that “bare-chested protesters was an Army Attaché at the Embassy of January 10 will save the world.” Italy in Washington, D.C.  President Michel Suleiman asserts  President Michel Suleiman during a conference on proportionality meets with Dubai’s governor Sheikh January 6 held at the Phoenicia hotel that he Mohammed Bin Rashed during his  “I am ready to engage in a serious supports a proportionality-based law unofficial visit to the UAE. dialogue with all parties under the Taif because the 1960 law does not secure a  MP Suleiman Frangieh asserts the umbrella, and the talks about the presence fair representation anymore. presence of Al-Qaeda in Lebanon and of Al-Qaeda in Lebanon are fabricated  The General Labor Confederation stresses that the army intelligence is by Syria’s intelligence”, former Premier (GLC) and economic committees meet aware of that. Saad Hariri said via Twitter. with Michel Aoun then Premier Najib  A Phalanges delegation headed  Robbery at Byblos Bank in Mikati and consent to approving the by MP Elie Marouni visits Ersal to Choueifat and the missing amount is wage hike next week. show support and another delegation over LBP 165 million.  The Parliamentary Defense composed of MPs from Zahle and the  The army dismantles a bomb Commission listens to the testimony of Lebanese Forces visit the town for the containing around one kg of explosives Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn on Al- same purpose the next day. in a parking lot in Saida and arrests a Qaeda’s presence in Lebanon. Ghosn Palestinian suspected of planting the bomb assures that his information is derived January 4 which was targeting the pro-Hezbollah from sources in the Lebanese army and  The Shura Council describes Sunni cleric, Sheikh Sahib Halabi. underlines the presence of Al-Qaeda the wage hike decision as illegal thus  “I will not sign any decrees that perpetrators in Ersal. delaying the approval of the hike. violate the Constitution and discards  Patriarch Al-Rai told Bkerki’s the urgency of protecting and correcting journalists that the Maronite patriarchate January 5 salaries,” Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas has engaged in a dialogue with Hezbollah.  The Cabinet convenes at the Serail told the Democratic Gathering while and approves executive decrees for oil slamming the socio-economic policies. January 11 excavation laws  The Cabinet convenes in Baabda  “Our major concern is the fragile January 9 to discuss the management of spending security status”, the Maronite bishops  A Future Movement delegation on in the absence of a state budget. reported after their regular monthly a supportive visit to Ersal.  929 illegal motorcycles confiscated meeting. The bishops called on the  A group of independent Christian in one day after the implementation government to carry out the decisions figures hold a meeting at the Shrine decision was put in action. of the National Dialogue Table as of Our Lady of Lebanon to discuss regards the weapons. national affairs and the situations the January 12  “The meeting with Saad Hariri Christians are going through.  Economic committees and labor was marked by concurrence on general  Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya MP Imad syndicates fail to reach a final wage hike principles”, head of the Lebanese Hout reveals during a speech he gave formula at the Ministry of Labor. Labor Forces’ Executive Committee in Bebnin-Akkar the presence of Al- Minister Charbel Nahhas stresses that Samir Geagea said to Alrai Kuwaiti Fajr Brigades, which he described as a he won’t sign any decree keeping the newspaper. resistance group against Israel and his minimum wage below LBP 800 thousand.

issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. January 2012 timeline Media |41

 Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour the Speaker, the Premier, Mr. Fouad of the Lebanese state should the leaves for Libya at the head of a Seniora and Mufti Qabalan. Oglu government breach the contract. delegation including Mr. Sadreddin also receives MP Walid Jumblat and  “We are keen to re-initiate Sadr and seeking truth in the case of Hezbollah’s MP Mohammed Raad. dialogue and I’m committed to Imam Musa Sadr.  ESCWA holds a conference in Beirut international resolutions,” President  The Lebanese army intelligence on reform and transition to democracy Michel Suleiman said to a delegation arrests a retired Ogero employee in the presence of U.N. Secretary- from the Lebanese diplomatic corps. named Elias Youness for spying for General Ban Ki-moon, Arab and foreign  The Ethiopian plane crash final Israel for over 35 years. ambassadors, Turkey’ Foreign Minister report holds the pilot accountable for  Minister Ghazi Aridi hosts dinner and Premier Najib Mikati. the accident. for PSP and Hezbollah officials to discuss  Hezbollah Secretary General means of cooperation and coordination. Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah makes a January 19 televised speech in commemoration of  The Cabinet approves raising the January 13 the 40th of Imam Hussein during which minimum wage to LBP 675 thousand  Patriarch al-Rai meets with the he expresses joy over Ban Ki-moon’s and giving a 100% hike on the first committee tasked with following up the worries and urges the government to salary bracket set up to 400,000 and a dialogue between Bkerki and Hezbollah. tackle social issues. 9% hike on the second salary bracket  Head of the Lebanese Forces between LL400,000 and LL1.5 million Executive Committee Samir Geagea January 17 while transportation and education heads for Erbil- Iraqi Kurdistan on an  Fassouh building collapse death allowances remained unchanged. official visit. polls rise to 26.  A secret dinner between Premier  The MEA hits a record number of  The Cabinet approves LBP 30 Najib Mikati and General Michel Aoun 2 million passengers in 2011. million to the family of each victim of settles the wage hike conflict.  Explosion at a liquor store in the Fassouh building and decides to  Syrian Ambassador Ali Abdul Sarafand. provide accommodation for those who Karim Ali visits Premier Mikati and lost their homes through the Higher conveys Syria’s displeasure with the January 14 Relief Committee during a session held chaos at the borders.  U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki- in Baabda Palace. moon arrives in Lebanon for an official  “The continuing bloodshed in January 20 visit and meets with the President, the Syria can plunge the country in civil  “The needed constitutional Speaker and the Premier. During a press war,” Jumbalt said in his weekly amendments do not conflict with conference at the Phoenicia Hotel, Ban statement. the Taif Accord,” President Michel Ki-moon called for the disarmament of  Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmad Suleiman said in remarks to a visiting Hezbollah and urged Lebanon to abide Daoud Oglu meets with former President delegation from the Editors Syndicate. by international resolutions and protect Amin Gemayel then leaves Lebanon.  MP Walid Jumblat returns to Syrian refugees.  UN Secretary General appoints Lebanon after a visit to Qatar where he  Commander of the U.S. Central British Ambassador to Lebanon Dereck met with Prince Hamad bin Khalifa Al Command Gen. James Mattis arrives in Plumbly as his special coordinator for Thani. Jumblat reiterated his warning Lebanon and holds talks with the President, Lebanon. of Syria sliding into civil war because the Speaker, the Premier, the Minister violence yields nothing but violence. of Defense and the Army Commander, January 18  Singer Lara Fabian cancels her reiterating his government’s commitment  Launching of the Kuwait-funded concert scheduled on the 14th and to support Lebanon’s stability. Litani Irrigation Project at the Grand 15th of February after anti-Israeli  Snowfall reaches Lebanese Serail in presence of Premier Najib campaigners rallied against her visit. regions at 700 meter above sea level. Mikati, Speaker Nabih Berri and Mr. Fouad Seniora. The first phase of the January 21 January 16 project will cost USD 330 million.  Labor Minister signs the wage  Fassouh building collapse in  Interior Minister Marwan Charbel hike decree as approved by the Ashrafieh kills 11 people and injures 11. reveals, during the meeting of the Cabinet but restrains from signing the  Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmad Telecoms Parliamentary Committee, transportation and education allowance Daoud Oglu continues his visit to that the fingerprint data becomes a decree and deems it illegal. Lebanon and meets with the President, property of the company rather than  Popular and parliamentary Future

issue 116 | March 2012 42| Media January 2012 timeline

Movement figures hold meetings in shut for the sake of everyone. of the International Union of Democratic Akkar and demand the opening of the  STL Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare centrist parties and the Phalange party. Qulay’at Airport. heads to Lebanon on a farewell visit  Zahle political parties and figures  The Military Appeals Court gather in a reconciliation effort sponsored January 23 presided by Judge Alice Chabtini by the city’s bishop, Issam Darwish in the  Syrian navy releases two fishermen sentence Brigadier General Fayez absence of MP Elie Marouni who refused and hands over the body of a third after Karam to two years in prison without to attend the ceremony on grounds of his clashing with them in the northern stripping him of his civil rights. hostility with former MP Elie Skaff. village of Arida. The victim was buried  “The Defense Office will summon amid calls to topple the Syrian regime. false witnesses to court”, the STL Head January 30  Iran denies reports over statements of Defense Office replied via Twitter.  Renewal of the controversy as associated with the commander of the regards the Telecoms data withheld Iranian Revolutionary Guards General January 26 from the ISF. Qasim Sulaimani over the Iranian power  The Cabinet approves the  Protests in Tripoli against the and control of Iraq and Lebanon and the installation of high-voltage lines in arrest of Sheikh Abdallah Hussein by issue stirs a series of reactions in Lebanon. Mansourieh amid a verbal clash during the army intelligence. Sheikh Hussein  Former Premier Saad Hariri the session between Labor Minister was released after the intervention of undergoes a surgery at the American Charbel Nahhas and Interior Minister Premier Najib Mikati. hospital in Paris after he injured his left Marwan Charbel over the former’s  UNIFIL transfer of authority during leg while skiing in the French Alps. demand of penalizing Lebanon’s a special ceremony held in Naqoura in Police Chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi presence of Hezbollah representatives. January 24 over the issue of the second floor of the  President Michel Suleiman briefs telecom ministry building. Increasing January 31 ministers during a Cabinet session in the number of Gendarmerie from 4000  Barja residents block part of the Baabda on his meeting with the Iranian to 6000 was also approved. Beirut-Saida highway after a soldier ambassador and the latter’s denial  The Accountability Bureau starts from the village disappeared. It was of the statements of the commander investigation into the fuel oil scandal later known that the soldier missed of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and the squandering of $15 million of duty for personal reasons. General Qasim Sulaimani. The Cabinet state money in payments to traders and  Former President Amin Gemayel adjourns 2012 budget discussion. distribution companies. asserts maintaining contact with the  Protesters block roads in Na’ameh  Speaker Nabih Berri reconciles Syrian opposition and reports that and Saida over electricity shortage. the rivals of the Finance and Budget he received information on Boutros  The Publications Court headed by Committee after March 14 MPs Khawand from the Head of the Syrian Judge Roukoz Rizk forces ambassador boycotted the last 10 sessions. National Council Burhan Ghalioun. Johnny Abdo and journalist Faresh Khashan to pay a fine of LBP 50 million each in a January 27 February 1 session over the slander and defamation of  “It is shameful to go back to the  The Cabinet convenes in Baabda former President Emile Lahoud. 1960 electoral law,” Patriarch al-Rai and agrees to extend the contracts of  On a visit to the Association of said to a visiting delegation from the the two mobile operators. Banks, Premier Najib Mikati reveals Editors Syndicate.  A delegation from the Parliamentary the establishment of a fund from  Investigations continue into the Media and Telecommunications revenues generated through gas and oil subsidized fuel oil issue. Committee, including Interior Minister and stresses that the fund is aimed at  The wage hike to be effective as and Telecommunications Minister, visits lowering Lebanon’s public debt. of February 2012 after the decree was the telecom control room in Adliyeh and published in the official gazette. agrees to a mechanism that provides the January 25  Future Movement honors former ISF with the data they need.  General Michel Aoun calls on minister and MP Sami Khatib at Biel.  The head of Hezbollah’s people to protest in support of electricity parliamentary bloc MP Mohammed projects and accuses President Michel January 28 Raad receives the Bkirki committee Suleiman of conspiring against the FPM.  “Any resistance that challenges composed of MPs Boutros Harb,  Head of the Baath Party Fayez state building lacks legitimacy,” George Adwan, Sami Gemayel and Shokr asks Jumblat to keep his mouth Gemayel said during a Joint Conference Alain Aoun and former ministers Ziad Baroud and Youssef Saadeh. issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Arab World Focus|43 Egyptian Elections: 48 million voters and 358 Islamist MPs

Egyptians turned out in large numbers between November 28 and January 11, 2012 to cast their ballots for the first round of what is expected to be the freest election so far in their lifetimes. Major attention was given to this historic vote which followed the Revolution of 25 January and moved the country from the autocratic rule of President Hosni Mubarak to an era of pluralism and democracy. Electoral Law Voter turnout The new parliamentary electoral law stipulated that: The number of registered voters stood at 48 million of  All Egyptian citizens who are at least 18 years old whom 29.5 million or around 60% cast their votes. are eligible to vote  All Egyptian citizens who are at least 25 years old Election victory and have completed their primary level education if As stated earlier, some districts were covered by the born after 1970 or are literate if born before 1970 individual candidacy system and others by the party are eligible to run for any of the seats. list system.  Two thirds of the seats (332 MPs) are to be elected Individual candidates should muster the absolute proportionally from lists and one third (166 MPs) is majority of votes (50% + 1) in their district to win the to be elected by first-past-the-post (FPTP) vote. elections. A second round of elections is repeated after  The total number of seats is 508 of whom 498 one week in the cases where: are elected and 10 are appointed by the Supreme The candidates fail to secure the said percentage Council of Armed Forces (SCAF). The candidates score equal votes  Egypt will be divided into 129 districts of which Half of the winners do not belong to the farmers/ 46 would adopt proportional representation and 83 workers class would use the FPTP vote. Each district has right to On the other hand, securing seats in the party list two MPs of whom one at least is a farmer or a worker. districts necessitates that the parties or political  The maximum limit for spending on electoral movements receive at least 0.5% of the votes, after campaigns is LE 500,000 (USD 85,000). In the case which a number of seats is determined proportionally of candidates campaigning for re-election, the cap for each list. There are no second rounds under this on spending will be LE 250,000. system.  Eligible Egyptian voters who abstain from voting Table 1 shows the electoral distributions and the for no valid reason will be fined LE 500. number of voters and seats.  Members of the Egyptian People’s Assembly will serve a term of five years. Electoral distributions and the number of voters and seats Table 1 Governorate FPTP districts Individual candidacy system PR districts Party/ Coalition list system # of voters # of # of # of # of seats districts seats districts  Freedom and Justice Party: 10  New Wafd Party:4  Al Thawra Mostamera:2  Freedom and Justice Party: 12  Labor Party:1 Tgammu’ Party:1    Cairo 18 9 Freedom Party: 1 36 4 Central Party:2 Dignity Party:1 5,343,000  Independents:4  Civilization Party:1 Al-Nour Party:4  Free Egyptians Party:1  Free Egyptians Party:4  Authenticity Party:2  Democratic Alliance: 1  Egyptian Social Democratic Party:3  Freedom and Justice Party:6  Freedom and Justice Party: 4  New Wafd Party:2 Alexandria 8 4  Independents:3 16 2  Al Thawra Mostamera:1 2,787,000  Al-Nour Party:1  Free Egyptians Party:2  Al-Nour Party:5   Freedom and Justice Party: 1 Freedom and Justice Party:1 Port Said 2 1  4 1  Central Party: 1 Al-Nour Party:1 380,000 Independents: 1  New Wafd Party:1

issue 116 | March 2012 44|Arab World Focus

Electoral distributions and the number of voters and seats Table 1 Governorate FPTP districts Individual candidacy system PR districts Party/ Coalition list system # of voters # of # of # of # of seats districts seats districts  Freedom and Justice Party: 3   Damietta 4 2 Freedom and Justice Party: 3 8 1 Central Party: 1 690,000  Independents: 1  Al- Nour Party3  New Wafd Party:1  Freedom and Justice Party: 3  Freedom and Justice Party: 2  Reform and Development Party: 1   Kafr el- 6 3 Al-Nour Party: 2 12 2 Dignity Party:1 1,620,000 Sheikh  Al-Wafd Party: 1  Egypt National Party:1  Egypt National Party:1  Al-Nour Party: 4  New Wafd Party:2  Freedom and Justice Party: 5  Egypt Freedom Party:1  Faiyum 6 3  12 2 Al Thawra Mostamera:1 1,412,000 Freedom and Justice Party: 6  New Wafd Party:1  Al-Nour Party:3  Central Party:1  Freedom and Justice Party: 6  Construction & Development Party:1  Freedom and Justice Party: 6  Asyut 8 4  16 2 Al-Nour Party:3 1,900,000 Construction & Development  Reform and Development Party: 1 Party:2  New Wafd Party:1  Egyptian Social Democratic Party: 4   Freedom and Justice Party: 1 Freedom and Justice Party: 2 Luxor 2 1  4 1  Tgammu’ Party:1 583,000 Egypt Freedom Party:1  Al-Nour Party:1   Freedom and Justice Party: 1 Freedom and Justice Party: 2 Red Sea 2 1  4 1  Egyptian Citizen Party: 1 20,000 Egyptian Citizen Party: 1  Free Egyptians Party:1  Freedom and Justice Party: 7  New Wafd Party:2  Al-Nour Party:6 Giza 10 5  Civilization Party:1 20 2  Egyptian Social Democratic Party: 1 3,883,000  Dignity Party:1  Central Party:2  Free Egyptians Party:1  Freedom and Justice Party: 4  Dignity Party:1   Beni Suef 6 3 Freedom and Justice Party: 4 12 2 Al-Nour Party: 4 1,280,000  Al-Nour Party:2  Egyptian Social Democratic Party: 1  New Wafd Party:1  Al Thawra Mostamera:1   Freedom and Justice Party: 5 Freedom and Justice Party: 4  Dignity Party:1  Independents: 2  Monufia 8 4  Al-Nour Party:1 16 2 Al-Nour Party:4 2,020,000   Egypt National Party:1 Reform and Development  New Wafd Party:3 Party:1  Reform and Development Party: 2  Freedom and Justice Party: 8  Egyptian Social Democratic Party: 1  Al-Nour Party:5 Sharqia 10 5  Freedom and Justice Party: 10 20 2  Central Party:1 3,210,000  New Wafd Party:3  Free Egyptians Party:1  Arab Egyptian Ittihad Party:1   Freedom and Justice Party: 1 Freedom and Justice Party: 2 Ismailia 2 1  4 1  Al-Nour Party:1 508,000 Al-Nour Party:1  New Wafd Party:1  Freedom and Justice Party: 1  Freedom and Justice Party: 1 Suez 2 1  Construction & Development 4 1  Free Egyptians Party:1 283,000 Party:1  Authenticity Party:1 Al-Nour Party:1  Independents: 1  Freedom and Justice Party: 1 Aswan 2 1  Construction and Development 4 1  Al-Nour Party:1 New Wafd Party:1 732,000 Party:1  Tgammu’ Party:1  Freedom and Justice Party: 5  Central Party:1  Freedom and Justice Party: 3  Al-Nour Party:5  Independents: 3  Egyptian Social Democratic Party: 2 Sohag 10 5  Construction & Development 20 2  Construction & Development Party:1 2,076,000 Party: 3  Free Egyptians Party:1  Al-Nour Party:1  Reform and Development Party: 1  Egyptian Citizen Party: 1  New Wafd Party:2

issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Arab World Focus|45

Electoral distributions and the number of voters and seats Table 1 Governorate FPTP districts Individual candidacy system PR districts Party/ Coalition list system # of voters # of # of # of # of seats districts seats districts  Freedom and Justice Party: 6  Ittihad Party :1  Freedom and Justice Party: 6  Dignity Party:1 Beheira 10 5  Al-Nour Party: 3 20 2  Al-Nour Party:8 2,942,000  Independents: 1  New Wafd Party:2  Egyptian Citizen Party: 1  Free Egyptians Party:1  Freedom and Justice Party: 7  Egyptian Social Democratic Party: 2  Freedom and Justice Party: 4  Al-Nour Party:3 Minya 8 4  Al-Nour Party:3 16 2  Construction & Development Party:1 2,920,000  Independents: 1  New Wafd Party:1  Egypt Freedom Party:1  Central Party:1  Freedom and Justice Party: 10  Egyptian Social Democratic Party: 1 Qalyubia 6 3  Al-Nour Party:1 12 2  Al-Nour Party: 3 2,614,000  Reform and Development Party: 1  New Wafd Party:2  Freedom and Justice Party: 9  Al-Nour Party:7  Freedom and Justice Party: 8  Dakahlia 12 6  Independents: 3 24 3 New Wafd Party:3 3,110,000   Al Thawra Mostamera:3 Al-Nour Party:1  Egypt National Party:1  Democratic Peace Party: 1   Freedom and Justice Party: 1 Freedom and Justice Party: 2 North Sinai 2 1  4 1  Al-Nour Party:1 190,000 Independents: 1  Reform and Development Party: 1   Al-Nour Party:1 Freedom and Justice Party: 2 South Sinai 2 1  4 1  Reform and Development Party: 1 116,000 Independents: 1  New Wafd Party:1   Freedom and Justice Party: 1 Freedom and Justice Party: 1 New Valley 2 1  4 1  Al-Nour Party:2 115,000 Al-Nour Party:1  Democratic Arab Nasserite Party:1  Matruh 2 1  4 1 Freedom and Justice Party: 1 177,000 Al-Nour Party:2  Al-Nour Party:3  Freedom and Justice Party: 4  Freedom and Justice Party: 3  Egyptian Social Democratic Party: 1   Qena 6 3 Construction & Development 12 2 Al-Nour Party:3 1,425 Party:2  Egypt Freedom Party:1  Independents: 1  New Wafd Party:2  Ittihad Party :1   Freedom and Justice Party: 6 Freedom and Justice Party: 7   Reform and Development Party: 1 Ghabiya 10 5 New Wafd Party:1 20 2  2,735  Al-Nour Party:1 Al-Nour Party:6   Free Egyptians Party:2 Independents: 2  New Wafd Party:4  Freedom and Justice Party: 118  Al-Nour Party:86  New Wafd Party:40  Egyptian Social Democratic Party: 16  Freedom and Justice Party: 100  Free Egyptians Party:14  Independents: 26  Reform and Development Party: 9  Al-Nour Party:21  Central Party:9  Construction & Development  Al Thawra Mostamera:8 Party:11  Dignity Party:6  New Wafd Party:2  Egyptian Citizen Party: 4 Total 166 83  Justice Party:1 332 46  Authenticity Party:3 45,252  Egyptian Citizen Party: 1  Egypt National Party:3  Civilization Party:1  Construction & Development Party:3  Reform and Development  Egypt Freedom Party:3 Party:1  Tgammu’ Party:3  Egypt Freedom Party:1  Ittihad Party :2  Egypt National Party:1  Labor Party: 1  Democratic Alliance: 1  Civilization Party: 1  Democratic Arab Nasserite Party:1  Democratic Peace Party: 1

The official results of the last round of the three-phase elections in Egypt revealed that the Freedom and Justice Party won 218 of the seats against 107 for the Salafist Al-Nour Party while major historic parties failed to win a single seat. Table 2 shows the distribution of seats by party. issue 116 | March 2012 46|Arab World Focus

Shows the distribution of seats by party Table 2 Issam Sultan is among its most significant members) Party # of seats Ittihad Party: established by the former secretary Freedom and Justice Party 218 general of the dissolved National Party Mr. Houssam Al-Nour Party 107 Badrawi following the Revolution of 25 January. It is New Wafd Party 42 currently headed by Mr. Badrawi. Independents 26 Reform and Development Party: established by Mr. Egyptian Social Democratic Party 16 Anwar Osmat al-Sadat (current head of the party) Construction and Development Party 14 and others like Mr. Rami Lakah (businessman). The Free Egyptians Party 14 establishment of the party was declared on January 6, Reform and Development Party 10 2009 during a protest staged in front of the State Council SCAF appointees 10 building over gas exportation to Israel. Central Party 9 Construction and Development Party: the political wing Al Thawra Mostamera Party 8 of the Islamist Group (Al- Gama’a al-Islamiya). It was Dignity Party 6 Egyptian Citizen Party 5 established following the Revolution of 25 January in 2011. Egypt National Party 4 Liberty Party: it was established following the Egypt Freedom Party 4 Revolution of 25 January by the members of the Authenticity Party 3 dissolved National Party who have a strong presence in Tagammu’ Party 3 their districts given their tribal belonging. Civilization Party 2 Democratic Arab Nasserite Party: it was formally Ittihad Party 2 licensed by the Supreme Administrative Court on April 19, Justice Party 1 1992. It endorses the Arab Nasserite movement. Democratic Peace Party 1 National Party of Egypt: it was founded following the Labor Party 1 Revolution of 25 January by the late Talaat Al-Sadat. Democratic Alliance 1 Egyptian Citizen Party: it was established following Democratic Arab Nasserite Party 1 the Revolution of 25 January and it includes liberal Total 508 members from different political currents. Free Egyptians Party: a liberal party established on Embassy of Egypt in Beirut July 4, 2011. It includes high ranking figures such as Press Office writer Mohammad Selmawi, Mr. Jamal Ghitani, poet Ahmad Fouad Najm, director Khaled Youssef, engineer Freedom and Justice Party: the political wing of Najib Sawiris and Dr. Farouq Baz. Muslim Brotherhood. Egyptian Social Democratic Party: a movement Al-Nour Party: the strongest Salafist political wing. including public figures holding liberal, social, democratic It ranks second to the Freedom and Justice Party as to and socialistic beliefs. Among its founders we mention Dr. representation in the Egyptian’s People Assembly. Mohammad Abou Ghaz, Dr. Mohammad Ghounaim and Al-Wafd Party: a liberal party established in 1918. It was director Daoud Abd Sayyed. the majority party before the Egyptian Revolution of 1952. Authenticity Party: an Islamic Salafist party aimed at It changed its name to Al-Wafd in 1978. protecting the Islamic Arab identity. It is supported by Al-Tagammu’ Party: the strongest leftist party in Egypt. Salafist preachers such as Dr. Mohammad Abd Maqsoud It was established by Former Officer Khaled Mohieddine Afifi, Sheikh Mohammad Hassan and others. in 1976. It is headed currently by Dr. Refaat Said. Civilization Party: an ethical party founded in October Dignity Party: a Nasserite party established in 2011. 2011. Former minister Mohammad Abdul Menem Sawi The Dignity Party participated in the strike of April 6. is a member of this party. Labor Party: it started as a socialist party in 1978 Democratic Alliance Party: a political coalition established then took an Islamist turn. The party does not find any in June 2011 by an initiative of Al-Wafd Party and the conflict between Arabism and Islam. Freedom and Justice Party. It is currently composed of Al Thawra Mostamera Party: an alliance that includes eleven Egyptian parties belonging to different movements the following parties: the Socialist Popular Alliance, the like the Freedom and Justice Party affiliated with the Muslim Socialist Egyptian Party, the Egyptian Current Party, the Brotherhood, the Nasserite Dignity Party, the liberal Ghad Coalition of the Youth of the Revolution, the Freedom Al-Thawra Party and the Islamic Labor Party. Egypt Party, the Equality and Development Party. Justice Party: its establishment was declared in May 2011 Center Party: an Islamist political party established by a group of intellectuals and political activists belonging to mainly by members of the Muslim Brotherhood (MP various movements such as the April 6 Youth Movement , the issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Kefaya Movement and the National Association for Change. prices |47

Real Estate Prices Towards January 2012

Real estate prices have been witnessing a downslide, which continued to prevail during the first month of Prices of some apartments sold in January Table 2 the year 2012. The transactions varied depending on 2012 the region and the value of the property. Apartments Price whose prices exceed USD 3 million decreased by Region Area (m2) USD/m2 10% to 15% while those ranging between USD 1 (USD) million and USD 3 million decreased by 5% to 10%. Beirut Apartments between USD 500 thousand and USD Ashrafieh 200 560,000 2,800 1 million dropped by 3% while the prices of the (Sioufi) apartments below USD 500 thousand maintained Ashrafieh (Rizk) 160 424,000 2,650 stable levels. Ashrafieh Land prices registered a 5% decrease given the (Sassine) 250 962,500 3,850 scarcity of offers. It is forecast that the prices will Ashrafieh continue this descending movement given the (Hotel Dieu) 180 432,000 2,400 situation reigning in Lebanon and the region. Saqiyat al- Janzeer 150 420,000 2,800 Tables 1 and 2 list the prices of a number of estates and Clemenceau 230 874,000 3,800 apartments sold in January 2012. Qouraytem 190 760,000 4,000 Bristol 280 980,000 3,500 Prices of some estates sold in January 2012 Table 1 Ein el-Mrayse 170 603,500 3,550 Region Area (m2) Price (USD) USD/m2 Baabda Beirut Ein el- Remmani 150 270,000 1,800 Ashrafieh (Sofil) 970 6,547,500 6,750 Hadath 145 130,500 900 Ashrafieh Hazmieh (Mar 200 400,000 2,000 (Hotel Dieu) 430 2,193,000 5,100 Taqla) Tariq al- Hazmieh (Mar 180 279,000 1,550 Jadida 370 1,480,000 4,000 Roukoz) Baabda Yarzi 270 675,000 2,500 Baabda 1,500 1,200,000 800 Matn Yarzi 1,100 2,585,000 2,350 Jal el-Deeb 180 234,000 1,300 Kfarshima 800 400,000 250 Broumana 140 224,000 1,600 Matn Awkar 400 680,000 1,700 Antelias 100 140,000 1,400 Qornat 1,780 1,780,000 1,000 Shahwan A’aley Zalqa 1,250 875,000 700 Doha 170 187,000 1,100 Beit Meri 1,500 870,000 580 Aramoun Dbayyeh 1,200 4,800,000 4,000 Doha Hoss 200 380,000 1,900 Dbayyeh 5,800 8,700,000 1,500 Bshamoun 150 165,000 1,100 A’aley Khalde 140 182,000 1,300 Aramoun 1,750 665,000 380 Kessrouan Kessrouan Adoniss 160 224,000 1,400 Adoniss 1,000 1,000,000 1,000 Sahel Alma 180 216,000 1,200 Faraya 800 520,000 650 Adma 190 380,000 2,000 Source: Information International Source: Information International

issue 116 | March 2012 48| prices

Prices of 100 Food Towards Products in January 2012

The 100 food items we track every month witnessed Prices of food products during January 2012 no major fluctuations in price in January 2012. Table 1 The prices of 42 products maintained stable levels. (in LBP) 34 items including detergents and beans registered Prices Prices beginning beginning % of lower prices while the prices of some 24 items Item and Brand of January of February price including oil and dairy products headed slightly 2012 2012 change upward. Dairy Products Candia full cream milk Table 1 shows the prices of products during January (1 liter) 2,500 2,500 0 2012. Candia full cream yoghurt (2 kg) 2,500 2,500 0 Prices of food products during January 2012 Bonjus labneh (1 kg) 4,250 4,750 +11,7 Table 1 (in LBP) Taanayel labneh (500 g) 5,500 5,500 0 Prices Prices beginning beginning % of Candia labneh (500 g) 5,000 5,600 +12 Item and Brand of January of February price 2012 2012 change Taanayel yoghurt (1 kg) 3,000 3,750 +25 Oil Smeds cheese (400 g) 4,850 4,650 -4,1 Afia corn oil (3.5 liters) 16,000 16,750 +4,7 Picon cheese (360 g) 3,800 3,800 0 Mazola corn oil(3.5 liters) 17,000 17,850 +5 Picon cheese (160 g) 1,950 1,950 0 Mazola corn oil 8,500 8,950 +5,3 Double-crème cheese (1.8 liters) (1 kg) 9,250 9,250 0 Slim corn oil(2 liters) 8,500 8,750 +2,9 Fresh country cheese (1 kg) 10,100 9,250 -8,4 Wesson corn oil (2 liters) 8,500 8,750 +2,9 Khashkawan cheese (1 kg) 13,000 13,000 0 Ghandour soya oil 16,900 12,100 -28,4 (2 liters) Lurpak butter (200 g) 2,500 2,700 +8 Alfa corn oil (4 liters) 15,750 16,750 +6,3 Tatra butter (200 g) 2,500 2,450 -2 Al-Wadi olive oil (1/2 liters) 6,750 6,500 -3,7 Al-Maalaqtain margarine (2 kg) 8,650 7,450 -13,8 Ketchup and Sauces Al-Baqara al-Haloub 35,000 35,000 0 Libby’s Ketchup (597 g) 1,600 1,600 0 margarine (2kg) Vegetaline margarine Extra Ketchup (340 g) 1,050 1,000 -4,7 (2 kg) 15,950 18,250 +14,4 Extra Ketchup (2.2 kg) 5,500 5,250 -4,5 Nido full cream milk (bag) (2,250 g) 21,850 21,850 0 Dolly’s Mayonnaise (500 ml) 4,000 4,000 0 Nido full cream milk (2,500 g) 26,250 26,250 0 Al-Wadi Mayonnaise (500 ml) 4,100 3,650 -11 Tatra full cream milk (1,800 g) 20,100 20,100 0 Al-Bsat Tahina (900 g) 6,850 6,650 -2,9 Cereals Al-Bsat Tahina (450 g) 3,900 3,450 -11,5 Khater white lentils (1 kg) 3,750 3,500 -6,6 Taous tomato sauce (70g) 770 770 0 Khater chick-peas fahli (1 kg) 4,100 4,250 +3,6 Taous tomato sauce (425 g) 3,450 3,450 0 Khater beans (1 kg) 1,750 1,750 0 Tala tomato sauce (675g) 3,250 3,250 0 Peeled wheat (1 kg) 2,250 1,750 -22,2

issue 116 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. prices |49

Prices of food products during January 2012 Prices of food products during January 2012 Table 1 Table 1 (in LBP) (in LBP) Prices Prices Prices Prices beginning beginning % of beginning beginning % of Item and Brand of January of February price Item and Brand of January of February price 2012 2012 change 2012 2012 change Pineal Lima Bean (1 kg) 3,850 3,450 -10,3 White Diamond tuna (200 g) 2,650 2,750 +3,7 Brown Fine Burgul (1 kg) 1,850 1,750 -5,4 Skipper tuna (185 g) 1,900 2,250 +18,4 Egyptian rice (1 kg) 1,750 2,100 +20 Eggs (30 eggs) 7,900 7,500 -5 American rice (1 kg) 1,650 1,750 +6 Beef (1 kg) 17,000 15,000 -11,7 Italian rice (1 kg) 2,350 2,350 0 Sheep (1 kg) 25,000 20,000 -20 Al-Wadi Hommos Tahina Coffee and Tea (380 g) 1,500 1,500 0 Chtaura Hommos Tahina Najjar coffee (1kg) 16,000 14,500 -9,3 (380 g) 1,450 1,450 0 Brazil coffee (1 kg) 15,200 14,000 -7,9 California Gardens beans (450 g) 1,250 1,250 0 Al-Hisan tea (180 g) 2,750 2,750 0 Al-Wadi beans (450 g) 1,100 1,250 +13,6 Nestle (250g) 2,350 2,250 -4,2 Chtaura beans (480 g) 1,250 1,500 +20 Halvah and Jam Libby’s corn (340 g) 1,750 1,500 -14,3 Al-Wadi halvah (454 g) 4,150 4,150 0 Pasta Al-Bsat halvah (450 g) 3,150 3,000 -5 Barilla spaghetti (500 g) 2,200 2,200 0 Chtaura apricot jam (1 kg) 6,000 6,000 0 Antonio Amato spaghetti Al-Wadi apricot jam (1 kg) 5,590 5,590 0 (500 g) 2,200 2,150 -2,2 Tissues and Detergents Monte spaghetti (500 g) 2,300 2,300 0 Mimosa tissues (500 g) 2,750 2,100 -23,6 Sugar Fine tissues (200 tissues) 1,400 1,400 0 Sugar (2 kg) 2,750 3,200 +16,3 Primo tissues (200 tissues) 1,300 1,400 +7,7 Al-Ousra Sugar (5 kg) 9,500 9,500 0 Gipsy tissues 2,850 2,850 0 Salt (700 g) 350 400 +14,3 (300 tissues) Mimosa toilet papers (4 Box of salt (738 g) 1,800 1,500 -16,6 rolls) 4,250 4,250 0 Meat, Fish and Eggs Yes detergent (750 g) 2,400 2,500 +4,1 Zwan chicken (200 g) 2,500 2,450 -2 Clorox (1 liter) 1,500 1,500 0 Zwan beef (200 g) 2,500 2,450 -2 Persil (4 kg) 19,500 19,000 -2,5 Luncheon meat beef Ariel (4 kg) 19,250 17,500 -9 (198 g) 2,000 2,000 0 Fruits and Vegetables Al-Mona chicken (200 g) 2,250 2,150 -4,4 Orange (1 kg) 1,000 1,000 0 Al-Taghzia beef (200 g) 1,950 1,950 0 Tomatoes (1kg) 700 700 0 Al-Taghzia chicken (200 g) 1,750 1,950 -11,4 Cucumbers (1kg) 2,000 1,500 -25 Geisha sardine (125 g) 1,250 1,250 0 Bananas (1kg) 1,000 1,000 0 Deli sardine (125 g) 1,200 1,200 0 Lemons (1 kg) 700 700 0 Milo sardine (125 g) 1,100 1,100 0 Apples (1 kg) 2,500 2,000 -20 Geisha tuna (200 g) 3,600 2,700 -25 Potatoes (1 kg) 950 950 0 White Diamond tuna Source: Information International (200 g) 2,250 2,800 +24,5

issue 116 | March 2012 50| Did you know that? Venomous Snakebites

 Venomous snakes occur throughout many  Snake bites, particularly in rural Bangladesh, regions of the world and are a threat to public are a major cause of death. health, especially in the rural tropics where they  People involved in agricultural activities such are most abundant. as tending crops or gardens, fishing, and  Out of more than 3000 species of snakes in plantation or wood collection are the most at the world, some 600 are venomous and over risk. 200 are considered to be medically important.  Most snake bites occur during the monsoon  An estimated 5 million people are bitten by season from June to October. venomous snakes each year with 2.5 million  The majority of the snakebite victims are of needing treatment. young age and this reflects that the active  Bites by venomous snakes can cause paralysis population is at higher risk of snakebites. that may prevent breathing; bleeding disorders  Bites are fairly common with the victims while that can lead to fatal hemorrhage. People may walking on rural foot paths or while sleeping on also suffer kidney failure and tissue damage the floor. that can cause permanent disability and may  Most bites happen while working either in the result in limb amputation. agricultural field or in water.  Most deaths and serious consequences from snakebites are entirely preventable by making antivenom more widely available. The problem is that very few countries produce snake venoms of adequate quality for antivenom manufacture. Source: World Health Organization (2009).

Beirut International Airport Rafic Hariri International Airport Traffic- January 2012

Passenger traffic at Rafic Airport traffic in January 2012 compared to December 2011 and January 2011 Table 1 Hariri International Airport % of change % of change increased in January 2012 by Traffic December January January December 2011/ January 2011/ 16.4% (60,737 passengers) 2011 2012 2011 January 2012 January 2012 compared to the same Arriving airplanes 2,535 2,314 2,258 - 8.7 + 2.5 period last year. However, the traffic was down by Departing airplanes 2,539 2,314 2,259 - 8.8 + 2.4 3.4% (15,496 passengers) Total No. of airplanes 5,074 4,628 4,517 - 8.8 + 2.4 compared to December Arriving passengers 247,811 182,973 155,533 - 26.1 + 17.6 2011. The airport registered a remarkable increase of Departing 193,272 241,768 210,035 + 25.1 + 15.1 25.1% in the number of passengers departing passengers who Transit passengers 4,885 5,731 4,167 + 17.3 + 37.5 had visited last month to Total No. of spend Christmas and New passengers 445,968 430,472 369,735 - 3.4 + 16.4 Year in Lebanon. The number Imported goods of arriving passengers (per ton) 4,201 3,120 2,738 - 25.7 + 14 decreased by 26.1%. Exported goods 3,015 2,381 2,106 - 21 + 13 Table 1: Airport traffic in (per ton) January 2012 compared to Total amount of 7,217 5,501 4,844 - 23.8 + 13.6 December 2011 and January goods (per ton) 2011. Source: Information International and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Stats & Numbers |51

SNumberstats&

 LBP 1.5 billion is the loan amount granted by the government to the Ministry of PublicWorks and Transport to cover the expenses of the Arab Labor Organization Conference to be held in Beirut in March 2012.  LBP 468 billion are the Independent Municipal Fund revenues that were distributed over municipalities in 2010, with the biggest share, LBP 61 billion, Photo by: Alaa Sakr going as usual to the Municipality of Beirut.  LBP 30 billion are the dues paid by the government to secondary teachers in public Publications high schools pursuant to Law No. 159/2011, which stipulated Publications by Publications by INMA (in Arabic): granting teachers in secondary Information International (in Arabic): 1- “I am Responsible, All of Us are Responsible” and vocational schools four 1- Salaries and Remunerations in the Public Sector 2- “Our Environment is Our Home” 2- Public Seaside Properties 3- “My Society is My Responsibility” salary steps. 3- Lebanon’s Parliamentary History 1920-2000 4- “My Society is My Responsibility” Workbook  4- Taxes and Fees 5- “I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards USD 5 million is the cost of 5- Lebanon in Figures 1992-2002 State Building” purchasing and maintaining IT 6- Lebanon in Figures 2003-2004 6- “I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards equipment for the Ministry of 7- Lebanon in Figures 2005-2006 State Building” Workbook 8- Lebanon in Figures 2007-2008 7- “Lebanon Wars, why?” Finance. 9- Lebanon’s MPs and Lebanese Parliamentary 8- Discrimination in Lebanon  Elections 1960 - 2009 USD 20.1 billion is the value of 10- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, the goods imported by Lebanon candidate and confession-North District in 2011, while the exports stood 11- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate and confession-Beirut District at roughly LBP 4.2 billion with the 12- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, trade balance recording a deficit candidate and confession-Mount Lebanon District of USD 15.9 billion. The U.S. 13- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate and confession-Beqa’a District ranked first among Lebanon’s top 14- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, exporters with items amounting candidate and confession-South and Nabatiyeh to USD 2 billion. District 15- Municipal Elections 2010  1,684 is the number of stolen Publications by Kutub (in Arabic): vehicles in Lebanon in 2011 with 1- Trablous Al-Sham To Subscribe: only 771 vehicles recovered, 2- Jeniyat Al-Nabi Al-Borj Building, 4th Floor, Martyrs Square which brings a total of 913 thefts 3- Mokhber Al-Konsoliya Beirut Central District 4- Antoun Saadah 1932-1949 Telephone: 961-1-983008/9 961-3-262376 compared to 434 in 2010. 5- Antoun Saadah, A Biography, Volume 1. The Youth Years Fax: 961-1-980630 [email protected] www.iimonthly.com www.information-international.com © Information International SAL All rights reserved License No. 180/2003

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“Alone, Together”

Is a collection of poems in two languages that resulted from a correspondence that started by post and continued virtually. Aida Y. Haddad lives in Washington DC. She used to live in Athens. She writes in Arabic. Mishka Mojabber Mourani lives in Beirut. She writes in English. They have been sharing their writing, and translating each other’s work, across continents and years. This book began as an airmail correspondence between them when Aida lived in Greece. The letters eventually became emails and traveled between the USA and Lebanon. Dualities of space, time and language are very much a part of “Alone, Together”.

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