The Traveling Government

TA’IF’S GOVERNMENTS BY POLITICAL AND CONFESSIONAL SHARES

CATHOLIC PATRIARCHS July 2011

| BUYING CARS FOR THE GOVERNMENT: THE LAW ALLOWS 11 AND 2,000 WERE 108 PURCHASED!

www.iimonthly.com Published by Information International sal THE MONTHLY INTERVIEWS

issue number LEA SEDNAOUI

THE TRAVELING GOVERNMENT

4 LEADER: THE TRAVELING GOVERNMENT

14 TA’IF’S GOVERNMENTS BY POLITICAL AND CONFESSIONAL SHARES

16 BANKS IN LEBANON, MOST ARE FAMILY OWNED

19 CATHOLIC PATRIARCHS

20 HOW DOES ONE BECOME A MONK OR A PRIEST?

22 MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE

24 BUYING CARS FOR THE GOVERNMENT: Page 34 Page 32 THE LAW ALLOWS 11 AND 2,000 WERE PURCHASED!

26 MILITARY IMMUNITY

27 SYNDICATE OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM AGENCIES

29 PERIPHERAL MANIFESTATIONS BY DR. HANNA SAADAH Page 16 30 BUDDHISTS, YOGIS AND THE TRIBE OF COGNITIVE AND BRAIN SCIENTISTS BY DR. SAMAR ZEBIAN 42 INDICTMENT AND FALSE WITNESSES 31 BOLD EXPERIMENTS IN THE DNA REVIVAL BY ANTOINE BOUTROS 43 MAY 2011 TIMELINE IN LEBANON

32 THE MONTHLY INTERVIEWS LEA SEDNAOUI 46 THE PALESTINE SECURITIES EXCHANGE: STILL SURVIVING! 34 THE GOETHE-INSTITUTE 47 REAL ESTATE INDEX IN LEBANON-MAY 2011 36 POPULAR CULTURE 48 FOOD PRICE INDEX - MAY 2011 37 MYTH #47: AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES 50 DEPRESSION

38 MUST-READ BOOKS: THE BIBLE CAME FROM 50 BEIRUT RAFIC HARIRI INTERNATIONAL ARABIA AIRPORT - MAY 2011

39 MUST-READ CHILDREN’S BOOK: “MARTINE AT 51 LEBANON STATS THE PARK”

40 LEBANON FAMILIES: AAZOURI FAMILIES

41 DISCOVER LEBANON: QARAOUN 3 | EDITORIAL ADMA NASSIF TOPPLES THE CONFESSIONAL SYSTEM

Perhaps she has seen it all: the Baghdad Pact and Gamal Abdel Nasser’s era, the blooming of new ideas in young Arab generations, the emergence of the tribes of Hashid, Bakil, Taghlib and Tamim, and Al Qardawi and Al Jazeera, the widening schism between the “Sunni” and the “Shia’a”, the division of Sudan and Yemen and Iraq and potentially Syria, the rise of Erdogan who is sitting on Iskenderun and more and Netanyahu who is sitting on Palestine and more, the bankruptcy of Egypt and splurging Qatar that is to spend $100 billion on a football game, to Abu Dhabi, who is oblivious to the rights of its migrant workers but is highly concerned about human rights in Syria, to the Ba’ath party’s tedious rhetoric since it gained power in Iraq in 1968 until 2003 and in Syria since 1963, to Ghazi Kanaan and Rustum Ghazaleh ruling with Lebanese Zua’ama who now curse them, to the dissipation of the SSNP that seems to be always fascinated by the genius of Kanaan and Ghazaleh and their heirs, to the proud confrontation with Israel in 2006, to the demise of Ben Ali and Mubarak, and until her last breath in May 2011, Adma Nassif succeeded in bringing down the confessional system.

Adma Youssef Eliyya Nassif was born (Christian) in 1930 in Miqless, now Syria. She grew up in Mar Marita near Al Hosn fortress in Wadi Al Nasara. Had patriarch Howayek (who feared an Orthodox majority) agreed, General Gouraud would have managed to include the Wadi within Greater Lebanon and Mar Marita would have been, along with Homs, Tel Kelekh, Wadi Khaled and Trablous, in ”our glorious country of co-existence.”

She was imprisoned in Mazzeh in Damascus and in Fayyadiyyeh and Al Mir Bachir in Beirut. But she was always free. Adma and Nehmeh Hamadeh (born Shia’a in Hermel, now Lebanon) “made a pact” to achieve a higher cause worthy of their existence. They dreamt of a nation and “generations that are yet to be born.” Nehmeh Hamadeh was a revolutionary in his society, confession and tribe and Adma was his partner even before they met.

Adma Nassif toppled the confessional system without using Twitter or Facebook and she did it 4 !"#"% %&&#'*++/5& when she was told that Islam was the way to rest next to her husband who is buried in the Shia’a Hamadeh Cemetery in Hermel and she answered: Why not?

Adma witnessed a time where accusations of heresy did not play a role, neither did dictatorship or oil. Then she lived to see destruction and oppression but she kept on dreaming of a renaissance.

Adma Youssef Eliyya Nassif: Syrian, Lebanese, Christian, Muslim, Shia’a, a member of the SSNP said no to her party when it failed to meet her expectations and no to confessional institutions, and yes to Jesus and Mohammad, in her own way.

From Miqless, the Eastern mountain of Wadi Al Hosn in Latikiyyah, to Hermel in the Beqa’a valley, &##&%'7& partner and stand by him. Political parties, Arab regimes and tribes and new generations would do well to learn from Adma’s experience, who, for a free Palestine and a united region, crossed all traditional boundaries.

issue 108 - July 2011 4 | LEADER THE TRAVELING GOVERNMENT THE TRAVELING GOVERNMENT

n November 9, 2009, a new Lebanese government was formed presided by Saad Hariri, calling itself “the government of progress and development.” It promised a number of achievements, it did not last long Oand the resignation of one third of its ministers on January 13, 2011, lead to its dissolution. It did not last long and did not achieve much of what it had promised for a number of reasons including \%%&/<=>O% of progress and development” it should have been named “the traveling government.” It was a “traveling government” oblivious to the citizens’ needs.

U&&#&VXX%#&* apologize in advance for the limited missing information concerning Sundays and holidays). Only a limited number of these trips were actually approved by the Cabinet. A large number were unnecessary and it would &#=&# known; perhaps they were for personal reasons or interests, as the Cabinet was often unaware of them and therefore did not approve them.

It is not only ministers who traveled considerably but the PM did so as well. The ministers and the PM were often abroad thus deserving the title of “traveling government.” Following the government’s resignation, Saad Hariri traveled to +7<VVVX'*\!VX5=]& '=%+%&#&= PM Saad Hariri’s trips The Hariri government, which was formed on November 9, 2009, and resigned on January 13, 2011, had a lifespan &^V'=R"`''#'' amounting to a third of the time he spent as Prime Minister.

+&#&#&& visited more than once. What is noteworthy about these trips is that they often fell short of advisers and only a few were accompanied by a ministerial delegation to discuss the Lebanese issues. The law stipulates that a PM or minister should have the permission of the Cabinet before he/she travels. This was not the case for Saad Hariri. Table 1 illustrates PM Saad Hariri’s trips throughout his mandate between November 9, 2009, and January 13, 2011. #&%%&+7#|+}]"'=

PM Hariri’s trips during his mandate Table 1 Departure Arrival Destination Purpose of travel First official visit abroad. He was welcomed by Saudi Minister of Culture and Dec 11, 2009 Dec 14, 2009 Saudi Arabia Information Abdel Aziz Khoja and he met with the King. Presided Lebanon’s delegation to the summit on global climate change. He Dec 15, 2009 Dec 18, 2009 Denmark was accompanied by a delegation of ministers Dec 19, 2009 Dec 20, 2001 Syria Talks with president Bashar Al Assad on his first visit to Syria Dec 24, 2009 Dec 27, 2009 France Private visit Dec 31, 2009 Jan 4, 2010 Saudi Arabia Private visit Jan 6, 2010 Jan 6, 2010 Jordan Official visit with advisers and met with the King Official visit with a delegation of ministers. It included the signature of a Jan 10, 2010 Jan 12, 2010 Turkey number of agreements Jan 17, 2010 Jan 18, 2010 UAE Official visit with advisers Official visit with a delegation of ministers. It included the signature of a Jan 20, 2010 Jan 22, 2010 France number of agreements

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. THE TRAVELING GOVERNMENT LEADER | 5 PM Hariri’s trips during his mandate Table 1 Departure Arrival Destination Purpose of travel Jan 27, 2010 Jan 28, 2010 Egypt Official visit with advisers and met with the president Feb 19, 2010 Feb 21, 2010 Vatican Official visit accompanied by his family and advisers to meet the Pope Feb 28, 2010 March 1, 2010 Qatar Official visit with advisers and met with the prince of Qatar March 7, 2010 March 7, 2010 Kuwait Official visit with advisers and met with the prince of Kuwait March 14, 2010 March 17, 2010 Germany Official visit with advisers March 29, March 28, 2010 Bulgaria Official visit with advisers and businessmen 2010 To offer his condolences following the death of Sheikh Ahmad Bin Zayed Al UAE / Saudi April 2, 2010 April 6, 2010 Nahyan, the brother of Sheikh Khalifa, the president of the UAE. He then went Arabia to Saudi Arabia on a private visit. April 7, 2010 April 9, 2010 Spain Official visit with a delegation of ministers and businessmen April 16, 2010 April 21, 2010 Italy Official visit accompanied by advisers Egypt (Sharm El April 27, 2010 April 27, 2010 Meeting with the Egyptian president Sheikh) May 7, 2010 May 8, 2010 Saudi Arabia To participate in the burial of his wife’s uncle, Bassel Al-Mathfer Al-Morelli May 16, 2010 May 17, 2010 Saudi Arabia Official visit to meet with the Saudi King May 18, 2010 May 18, 2010 Syria Meeting with the Syrian president May 21, 2010 May 21, 2010 Jordan Meeting with the Jordanian King May 22, 2010 May 22, 2010 Egypt Meeting with the Egyptian president May 22, 2010 May 22, 2010 Turkey Meeting with the Turkish prime minister USA To meet the American president with a delegation of ministers and give a May 23, 2010 May 27, 2010 (Washington and speech at the UN Security Council New York) May 31, 2010 May 31, 2010 Syria Meeting with the Syrian president June 8, 2010 - Jordan Meeting with the Jordanian King Egypt (Sharm el June 9, 2010 - Meeting with the Egyptian president Sheikh) June 9, 2010 June 9, 2010 Saudi Arabia Meeting with the Saudi King To participate in the Turkish-Arab economic forum and meet with the Turkish June 10, 2010 June 11, 2010 Turkey PM Official visit accompanied by the Minister of Culture and advisers and met June 24, 2010 June 26, 2010 Tunis with the Tunisian president July 3, 2010 - UAE Meetings with officials in the government Met with the Egyptian president present in France and met with the French - July 7, 2010 France president July 18, 2010 July 19, 2010 Syria Accompanied by a delegation of ministers to sign a number of agreements Private holiday and met with the French president in his family home in Cap Aug 1, 2010 Aug 14, 2010 France Negre Aug 29, 2010 Aug 30, 2010 Syria Met with President Assad over sohour (in Ramadan) Sep 7, 2010 Sep 20, 2010 Saudi Arabia To do Omra and spend the Fitr holiday Sep 25, 2010 Sep 28, 2010 Saudi Arabia Private visit Oct 1, 2010 Oct 3, 2010 Saudi Arabia Consultations with Saudi officials Met with the Egyptian president and the Secretary General of the League of Oct 10, 2010 Oct 11, 2010 Egypt the Arab States Oct 21, 2010 Oct 21, 2010 Cyprus Official visit with a delegation of ministers Oct 30, 2010 Nov 1, 2010 Kuwait Official visit accompanied by the Minister of Emigrants and advisers Official visit accompanied by the Minister of Defense and met with the British Nov 1, 2010 Nov 3, 2010 Great Britain PM Nov 3, 2010 Nov 3, 2010 Morocco Met with the Saudi crown prince Nov 13, 2010 Nov 14, 2010 UAE Accepting the invitation of the crown prince

issue 108 | July 2011 6 | LEADER THE TRAVELING GOVERNMENT

PM Hariri’s trips during his mandate Table 1 Departure Arrival Destination Purpose of travel Official visit accompanied by a delegation of ministers and met with the Nov 14, 2010 Nov 16, 2010 Russia Russian president Nov 16, 2010 Nov 21, 2010 Saudi Arabia Private visit to spend Al-Adha holiday Nov 27, 2010 Nov 29, 2010 Iran Official visit accompanied by a delegation of ministers Nov 29, 2010 Dec 2, 2010 France Met with the French president, PM and other French ministers Dec 2, 2010 Dec 4, 2010 Saudi Arabia Private visit Dec 5, 2010 Dec 6, 2010 Oman Private visit and met with the Sultan Dec 25, 2010 Dec 29, 2010 USA Private visit to check on the health of the Saudi King Dec 29, 2010 Jan 6, 2011 Saudi Arabia Private visit To visit the Saudi King accompanied by advisers, and met with the French Jan 7, 2011 Jan 12, 2011 USA (New York) president, the American president, the American Foreign Secretary and the Secretary General of the UN Jan 12, 2011 Jan 13, 2011 France Meeting with the French president Jan 14, 2011 Jan 14, 2011 Turkey Meeting with the Turkish PM

The number of days spent abroad by PM Saad Hariri is an approximation as the exact number would require knowing the exact time of departure and arrival. Ministerial travel with the approval of the Cabinet In the sessions it held in 2010, the Cabinet approved the trips of ministers to participate in conferences or hold meetings with their counterparts. The ministers would be accompanied by a delegation, of one or more persons, and most often the trip and accommodation would be at the Lebanese government’s expense. It was rather rare for the trip to be at the government’s expense and the accommodation at the inviting party’s expense.

The expenses of the trip vary according to the destination and the number of people in the delegation accompanying the minister. These expenses are paid from the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants and rarely from the budget of the Ministry of the traveling minister.

In the 2010 draft budget law, the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants allocated to “delegat&P/^==

Table 1 lists the trips of ministers that were approved by the Cabinet. The approval is automatic and rarely subjected to discussions. The provisions regarding the trips of ministers are put at the bottom of the agenda, %%#%=# for these trips to have been undertaken by the Ambassadors in Lebanon, provided they would have been given the adequate information and agenda of the issues to be discussed. This would have avoided that travel become a way of wasting money. Table 1 lists the trips of ministers approved by the Cabinet.

Trips of ministers approved by the Cabinet in 2010 Table 1 Minister Destination Date Purpose Interior and UAE Jan 5 - 6 Participate in the Arab Philanthropy forum Municipalities Interior and India Jan 25 - 27 Participate in the celebrations of the parliamentary success in India Municipalities Interior and Qatar - Strengthening the relationship between both countries Municipalities Interior and Tunisia March 13 - 17 Participate in the conference of Arab ministers of Interior Municipalities

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. THE TRAVELING GOVERNMENT LEADER | 7 Trips of ministers approved by the Cabinet in 2010 Table 1 Minister Destination Date Purpose Interior and USA Oct 31 - Nov 5 Receive an award on the success of the 2009 parliamentary elections Municipalities Interior and Qatar Nov 8 - 11 Participate in the 79th session of the Interpol Municipalities Foreign Affairs China May 9 - 17 Participate in the China-Arab Forum Foreign Affairs Brazil May 25 - June 2 Participate in a dialogue forum Foreign Affairs Luxemburg June 15 - 18 Participate in a Lebanese-European partnership meeting Participate in a conference on the disarmament and non-proliferation Foreign Affairs Iran June 17 - 18 on the international level Participate in a conference on prospects for cooperation between the Foreign Affairs UAE June 23 - 14 Arab world and Pacific nations Foreign Affairs Iran Aug 7 - 11 - Labor Saudi Arabia Jan 16 - 21 Participate in an Arab forum on vocational training Labor Bahrain March 4 - 5 Participate in the 37th conference on Arab labor Labor Switzerland June 13 - 20 Participate in the international conference on labor Conduct negotiations on the labor agreement signed between both Labour Egypt Aug 30 countries Agriculture Germany Jan 14 - 18 Participate in the 2nd summit of ministers of agriculture Participate in the Arab-African meeting on the development of Agriculture Egypt Feb 14 - 16 agriculture and food safety Participate in the general assembly of the Arab organization for Agriculture Algeria April 16 - 29 agricultural development Participate in the international conference on agricultural research in Agriculture Syria May 15 - 17 dry regions Agriculture Syria Oct 17 - 18 Participate in an international conference Participate in a conference on agriculture, food safety and climate Agriculture Holland Oct 31 - Nov 5 change Education & Higher Oman March 5 - 11 Participate in the 7th conference of Arab ministers of education Education Education & Higher Austria March 10 - 13 Participate in the global forum of Bologna Education Education & Higher Participate in the conference on the development of education in Bahrain Oct 7 - 10 Education 2010 Activate the relationship between Egypt and Lebanon with regards to Youth and Sports Egypt March 18 - 23 youth Youth and Sports Cuba May 27 - June 2 Exchange of treaties and conventions Youth and Sports Morocco July 12 - 19 Attend the All Africa-Games for youth Youth and Sports Mexico Aug 21 - 27 Participate in the World Youth Conference Participate in the 4th forum of the International Organization for Peace Youth and Sports France (Monaco) Nov 30 - Dec 4 and Sports Culture Qatar Oct 26 - 28 Meeting of ministers in charge of cultural affairs in the Arab world Examine the situation in the Lebanese House at the University Culture France Nov 1 - 7 Campus (La Maison du Liban) Economy & Trade Belarus April 13 - 17 Opening of a Lebanese exhibition Economy & Trade Syria Aug 09 Represent Lebanon in the Lebanese-Syrian joint economic committee Energy & Water Qatar May 9 - 12 Participate in the 9th conference on Arab energy Health Switzerland May 10 - 22 Participate in the 63rd meeting of the World Health Organization Finance USA April 22 - 27 Participate in the IMF and World Bank meeting Finance France June 1 - 5 Participate in the international conference for investment Telecommunications USA April 23 - 27 Participate in a workshop organized by the World Bank

issue 108 | July 2011 8 | LEADER THE TRAVELING GOVERNMENT

Trips of ministers approved by the Cabinet in 2010 Table 1 Minister Destination Date Purpose Participate in the meeting of the Arab Council of Ministers for Social Social Affairs Egypt Jun 30 Affairs Participate in meetings of the permanent committee of the Arab Information Egypt Jan 23 - 25 media Participate in a ceremony hosted by the municipality on the occasion of Information Canada June 15 - 19 the125th year of the arrival of the first Lebanese immigrant to Canada Information Egypt June 20 - 24 Participate in a meeting of the Arab Council of Information ministers Public Works & Philippines June 21 - 24 - Transportation Public Works & Participate in the 37th session of the Assembly of International Civil Canada Sep 28 - Oct 8 Transportation Aviation Participate in the meetings of the Executive office of the Council of Justice Egypt May 24 - 25 Arab Ministers of Justice Tourism Spain Jan 18 - 21 Participate in the tourism forum Participate in the inauguration of a statue of a Lebanese expatriate on Tourism Australia Feb 19 - 25 the occasion of 140 years of Lebanese existence Tourism Germany March 9 - 16 Participate in an exhibition Tourism Saudi Arabia May 23 - 28 Participate in the first forum of Architectural Heritage in Islamic countries Tourism Dubai May 4 - 7 Participate in the Arab forum for travel and tourism Regarding ministers’ trips that obtained Cabinet approval, we relied on the minutes of Cabinet sessions. However, some trips received approval but were not mentionned in the minutes and thus were not included in the article.

Ministers’ trips without Cabinet approval The Cabinet approved the trip of the Minister of Ministers have traveled a number of times without the Health to Switzerland in May 2010 whereas he Cabinet’s approval, as illustrated in Tables 2-30. traveled 11 times (including his trip to Switzerland). In its sessions in 2010, the Cabinet did not approve The Cabinet approved the travel of Minister Tarek any of the trips of the Minister of Defense, Elias Mitri to Canada and Egypt (2 trips) whereas he <*###|+##' = the Cabinet in 2009). The Minister went on 22 trips The Minister of Economy and Trade Mohammad to France and Switzerland and the declared reasons Safadi traveled the most with 32 trips in 2010. for these trips was to receive medical treatment for Only 2 of his trips obtained Cabinet approval and the injuries he sustained following an assassination most of his trips were to Britain and France. #\'VVXX= The Minister of State for Administrative The Minister of State Adnan Al Qassar was not Development, Mohammad Fneish, the Minister assigned any task abroad but he traveled 28 times. of State Jean Ogasapian and the Miniser of State The Minister of Labor Boutros Harb traveled 13 Youssef Saadeh each traveled twice without the times with only 4 trips being approved by the Cabinet’s approval. The Minister of State Adnan Cabinet. Al Sayyed Hussein and Mona Ofeish each traveled The Minister of the Displaced Akram Chehayeb once without the Cabinet’s approval. traveled 6 times and none of his trips were approved The Minister of State Wael Abou Fa’aour traveled by the Cabinet. R##= The Minister of Public Works and Transportation The Minister of Justice Ibrahim Najjar traveled traveled 12 times with only 2 trips being approved 4 times with only 1 trip being approved by the by the Cabinet. Cabinet. The Cabinet did not assign any tasks to the Minister The Minister of Interior traveled 6 times with only of State for Parliamentary Affairs Michel Far’oun 3 trips being approved by the Cabinet. but he traveled 14 times. The Minister of Industry Ibrahim Dadayan traveled ] ## # & < & 3 times to Qatar without the Cabinet’s approval. Youth and Sports Ali Hussein Abdallah whereas he The Cabinet approved one trip of the Minister of = Energy and Water Joubran Bassil to Qatar whereas he traveled 12 times.

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. THE TRAVELING GOVERNMENT LEADER | 9

The Cabinet approved 6 trips of the Minister of Adnan Al Qassar: Minister of State Table 3 Agriculture Hussein Al Hajj Hassan whereas he Departure Arrival Destination traveled 14 times. - Jan 3, 2010 Saudi Arabia The Cabinet approved 6 trips of the Minister Feb 18, 2010 Feb 20, 2010 Turkey of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Ali Al Shami whereas he traveled 12 times. Feb 21, 2010 Feb 21, 2010 Syria The Minister of Education and Higher Education March 22, 2010 - France Hussein Mneimneh traveled 4 times with only 2 - March 28, 2010 Syria trips being approved by the Cabinet. March 31, 2010 April 5, 2010 France / Italy The Minister of Telecommunications Charbel April 12, 2010 April 14, 2010 Belarus &} May 1, 2010 May 1, 2010 Jordan and only 1 trip was approved by the Cabinet. May 16, 2010 - France (Nice) ] < & ] }7 '#%##'= - May 19, 2010 Algeria The Minister of Social Affairs traveled 18 times May 29, 2010 May 30, 2010 UAE with only 2 trips being approved by the Cabinet. June 1, 2010 - Germany The Cabinet approved the trips of the Minister of July 5, 2010 July 6, 2010 Turkey } >''7 |+ } July 13, 2010 July 15, 2010 Syria (Aleppo) whereas she traveled 8 times. July 24, 2010 July 28, 2010 Turkey The Minister of Culture Salim Wardeh was - Aug 3, 2010 Turkey assigned 2 trips by the Cabinet (Qatar and France) and he traveled 8 times. Aug 9, 2010 Aug 15, 2010 Greece ] < & ! August 28, 2010 Aug 30, 2010 Belarus without the Cabinet’s approval. Sep 4, 2010 Sep 6, 2010 Algeria Sep 11, 2010 - Armenia Sep 23, 2010 Sep 25, 2010 Greece Elias Murr: Deputy Prime Minister Table 2 and Minister of Defense Oct 5, 2010 Oct 7, 2010 Turkey Departure Arrival Destination Oct 16, 2010 - Turkey - Jan 15, 2010 France - Oct 19, 2010 Great Britain - Feb 15, 2010 USA Nov 4, 2010 Nov 8, 2010 France March 1, 2010 March 8, 2010 Switzerland - Nov 20, 2010 Belarus March 25, 2010 March 28, 2010 Switzerland - Nov 22, 2010 France April 7, 2010 April 10, 2010 Switzerland Dec 5, 2010 Dec 8, 2010 Bulgaria May 8, 2010 May 12, 2010 France May 19, 2010 - Switzerland Boutros Harb: Minister of Labor Table 4 - May 29, 2010 France Departure Arrival Destination June 12, 2010 June 15, 2010 France - Jan 3, 2010 France July 17, 2010 July 22, 2010 Great Britain - Jan 16, 2010 Saudi Arabia* Aug 18, 2010 Aug 21, 2010 Switzerland March 4, 2010 March 8, 2010 Bahrain* Sep 4, 2010 - Switzerland March 20, 2010 March 25, 2010 Switzerland / France Sep 30, 2010 - Switzerland June 12, 2010 June 20, 2010 Switzerland / France* - Oct 2, 2010 France July 14, 2010 July 18, 2010 Greece Oct 9, 2010 Oct 10, 2010 France Sep 8, 2010 - Cyprus - Oct 25, 2010 Switzerland Oct 23, 2010 Oct 28, 2010 Egypt* Oct 30, 2010 - Great Britain - Nov 17, 2010 France Nov 23, 2010 - Switzerland - Nov 22, 2010 Belgium - Nov 27, 2010 France Dec 12, 2010 - Morocco Dec 16, 2010 - Cyprus - Dec 15, 2010 UAE - Dec 20, 2010 France Dec 28, 2010 - Austria Dec 25, 2010 - Great Britain

issue 108 | July 2011 10 | LEADER THE TRAVELING GOVERNMENT Akram Chehayeb: Minister of the Ali Hussein Abdallah: Minister of Youth Displaced Table 5 and Sports Table 8 Departure Arrival Destination Departure Arrival Destination Jan 14, 2010 Jan 16, 2010 Saudi Arabia July 3, 2010 July 6, 2010 Tunisia / France May 20, 2010 May 25, 2010 Great Britain - Aug 7, 2010 Egypt June 3, 2010 June 7, 2010 Kuwait Sep 12, 2010 - Switzerland Sep 1, 2010 - France Sep 29, 2010 - Germany Sep 26, 2010 Oct 31, 2010 Kuwait - Oct 3, 2010 Nigeria Nov 25, 2010 Nov 30, 2010 Kuwait Oct 14, 2010 - Switzerland Oct 16, 2010 Oct 18, 2010 Egypt Ghazi Al Aridi: Minister of Public Works Table 6 Nov 11, 2010 - Qatar - Nov 22, 2010 Turkey Departure Arrival Destination Nov 25, 2010 Dec 1, 2010 Turkey Jan 14, 2010 Jan 16, 2010 Saudi Arabia Feb 14, 2010 - Qatar Mohammad Jawad Khalifeh: Minister of - March 21, 2010 Saudi Arabia Public Health Table 9 March 31, 2010 April 5, 2010 France Departure Arrival Destination - May 3, 2010 Saudi Arabia March 8, 2010 March 11, 2010 Egypt - May 8, 2010 Kuwait April 1, 2010 April 6, 2010 UAE - May 9, 2010 Jordan May 15, 2010 - Switzerland* June 12, 2010 June 15, 2010 Turkey June 23, 2010 - Great Britain Aug 17, 2010 Aug 18, 2010 Saudi Arabia - June 28, 2010 Turkey - Aug 31, 2010 France Sep 7, 2010 - Great Britain Oct 9, 2010 - Saudi Arabia Sep 23, 2010 Sep 27, 2010 Iran - Nov 22, 2010 France Oct 2, 2010 Oct 3, 2010 Egypt Oct 23, 2010 Oct 24, 2010 Saudi Arabia Michel Far’oun: Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Table 7 Nov 20, 2010 Nov 23, 2010 Germany Dec 25, 2010 - Great Britain Departure Arrival Destination Feb 3, 2010 Feb 6, 2010 Bulgaria / Turkey Tarek Mitri: Minister of Information Table 10 March 10, 2010 March 14, 2010 Switzerland / France Departure Arrival Destination March 20, 2010 March 21, 2010 France / Germany Jan 23, 2010 Jan 24, 2010 Egypt* May 9, 2010 May 10, 2010 Saudi Arabia Feb 7, 2010 Feb 10, 2010 Kuwait May 20, 2010 - Croatia Feb 20, 2010 Feb 22, 2010 Italy - May 23, 2010 Saudi Arabia March 3, 2010 March 8, 2010 Switzerland May 29, 2010 May 29, 2010 Egypt March 18, 2010 March 20, 2010 Saudi Arabia June 2, 2010 June 13, 2010 Saudi Arabia April 7, 2010 April 12, 2010 Switzerland Aug 21, 2010 - Italy May 22, 2010 - France Sep 30, 2010 Oct 2, 2010 France June 21, 2010 June 23, 2010 Egypt* Oct 12, 2010 Oct 16, 2010 France July 2, 2010 July 19, 2010 Morocco Oct 17, 2010 Oct 18, 2010 Saudi Arabia - Aug 7, 2010 Jordan Dec 5, 2010 Dec 6, 2010 Saudi Arabia Aug 19, 2010 Aug 24, 2010 Greece Dec 18, 2010 Dec 21, 2010 France Sep 11, 2010 - Switzerland - Nov 2, 2010 Switzerland Dec 5, 2010 - Saudi Arabia Ali Hussein Abdallah: Minister of Youth Table 8 and Sports Dec 22, 2010 Dec 28, 2010 Switzerland Departure Arrival Destination - Jan 7, 2010 Belarus Mohammad Safadi: Minister of Economy Table 11 Jan 21, 2010 Jan 24, 2010 Sudan / Qatar and Trade March 31, 2010 - Turkey Departure Arrival Destination - April 4, 2010 Tunisia - Jan 4, 2010 Great Britain June 23, 2010 June 24, 2010 France Jan 16, 2010 Jan 17, 2010 Great Britain

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Adnan Al Sayyed Hassan: Minister of State Table 15 Mohammad Safadi: Minister of Economy Table 11 and Trade Departure Arrival Destination Departure Arrival Destination - Nov 27, 2010 Cyprus - Jan 25, 2010 France Jan 28, 2010 Feb 1, 2010 Italy Wael Abou Fa’aour: Minister of State Table 16 Feb 27, 2010 Feb 28, 2010 Great Britain Departure Arrival Destination March 7, 2010 March 13, 2010 USA Jan 14, 2010 Jan 16, 2010 Saudi Arabia April 1, 2010 - Great Britain July 4, 2010 July 5, 2010 Turkey - April 5, 2010 France Sep 28, 2010 Sep 30, 2010 UAE April 15, 2010 April 18, 2010 France - Oct 31, 2010 Egypt April 24, 2010 April 26, 2010 Great Britain - Nov 17, 2010 Cyprus May 2, 2010 - Great Britain - May 4, 2010 Switzerland Ibrahim Najjar: Minister of Justice Table 17 May 15, 2010 - France (Nice) Departure Arrival Destination - May 25, 2010 Egypt - Jan 25, 2010 France June 5, 2010 - Canada May 30, 2010 May 31, 2010 Qatar - June 13, 2010 France (Nice) June 12, 2010 June 19, 2010 France June 14, 2010 June 23, 2010 China Nov 20, 2010 Nov 27, 2010 France July 1, 2010 July 6, 2010 Spain July 9, 2010 July 10, 2010 Saudi Arabia Ziad Baroud: Minister of Interior Table 18 July 11, 2010 July 15, 2010 Italy and Municipalities July 29, 2010 Aug 2, 2010 Italy / Great Britain Departure Arrival Destination Aug 8, 2010 Aug 8, 2010 Syria* Jan 8, 2010 Jordan France (Nice) / Great March 14, 2010 March 16, 2010 Tunisia* Aug 19, 2010 Aug 23, 2010 Britain - June 23, 2010 Spain - Sep 23, 2010 Greece Nov 10, 2010 - France - Nov 20, 2010 USA* Sep 29, 2010 Sep 29, 2010 Egypt Dec 20, 2010 Dec 21, 2010 Saudi Arabia* Oct 6, 2010 Oct 18, 2010 France / Great Britain Nov 6, 2010 - Saudi Arabia Ibrahim Dadayan: Minister of Industry Table 19 - Nov 13, 2010 Belgium Departure Arrival Destination Nov 17, 2010 Nov 20, 2010 Great Britain March 31, 2010 April 4, 2010 Qatar Nov 27, 2010 Dec 1, 2010 Ukraine - Dec 8, 2010 Italy May 22, 2010 May 30, 2010 Qatar France (Nice) / Great Dec 3, 2010 Dec 8, 2010 Qatar Dec 16, 2010 Dec 19, 2010 Britain Joubran Bassil: Minister of Energy and Water Table 20 Mohammad Fneish: Minister of State for Administrative Development Table 12 Departure Arrival Destination Departure Arrival Destination Jan 14, 2010 Jan 15, 2010 Egypt June 5, 2010 June 6, 2010 Qatar Jan 16, 2010 Jan 17, 2010 UAE - Dec 1, 2010 Iran Feb 13, 2010 - Qatar - May 8, 2010 Qatar* Table 13 Jean Ogasapian: Minister of State June 21, 2010 June 21, 2010 Syria Departure Arrival Destination July 14, 2010 July 20, 2010 Turkey - Oct 2, 2010 Germany Sep 8, 2010 - France (Nice) - Nov 3, 2010 Great Britain Sep 30, 2010 Oct 3, 2010 Iran Oct 16, 2010 - Ukraine Table 14 Mona Ofeish: Minister of State - Oct 19, 2010 Turkey Departure Arrival Destination Nov 13, 2010 Nov 17, 2010 Ukraine Sep 30, 2010 Oct 2, 2010 Cyprus Dec 27, 2010 - Great Britain

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Hussein Al Hajj Hassan: Minister of Table 21 Fadi Abboud: Minister of Tourism Table 25 Agriculture Departure Arrival Destination Departure Arrival Destination Jan 15, 2010 Jan 21, 2010 Great Britain Feb 13, 2010 Feb 14, 2010 Egypt* Feb 18, 2010 Feb 27, 2010 Australia* Feb 22, 2010 Feb 27, 2010 Sudan March 7, 2010 March 13, 2010 Great Britain March 6, 2010 - Turkey April 12, 2010 April 14, 2010 Belarus March 13, 2010 March 15, 2010 Qatar May 2, 2010 May 6, 2010 UAE April 12, 2010 April 14, 2010 Belarus May 22, 2010 May 23, 2010 Saudi Arabia* April 26, 2010 April 30, 2010 France / Algeria* May 26, 2010 May 29, 2010 Great Britain June 14, 2010 June 19, 2010 Italy June 23, 2010 June 28, 2010 Great Britain Sep 11, 2010 - Turkey Sep 8, 2010 Sep 11, 2010 Iran Sep 15, 2010 - Tunis Sep 15, 2010 - Italy Sep 25, 2010 - France Oct 13, 2010 Oct 14, 2010 Italy - Nov 9, 2010 France Nov 11, 2010 Nov 13, 2010 Italy Nov 11, 2010 Nov 23, 2010 Great Britain Nov 30, 2010 Dec 3, 2010 Italy Nov 28, 2010 - Iran Dec 10, 2010 Dec 14, 2010 Tunisia / Great Britain Ali Hussein Al Shami: Minister of Table 22 Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Salim Al Sayegh:Minister of Social Affairs Table 26 Departure Arrival Destination Departure Arrival Destination Feb 28, 2010 March 3, 2010 Egypt - Jan 25, 2010 France April 15, 2010 April 18, 2010 Egypt Feb 20, 2010 Feb 21, 2010 France April 30, 2010 May 2, 2010 Iran Feb 21, 2010 Feb 23, 2010 Egypt - May 16, 2010 China* Feb 27, 2010 - Australia June 1, 2010 June 2, 2010 Egypt March 2, 2010 March 6, 2010 France June 3, 2010 June 5, 2010 Saudi Arabia March 25, 2010 March 27, 2010 Italy June 9, 2010 June 10, 2010 Turkey March 31, 2010 April 4, 2010 France June 12, 2010 - France April 7, 2010 April 10, 2010 France June 21, 2010 June 27, 2010 UAE* April 14, 2010 April 20, 2010 France - Aug 8, 2010 Iran* April 27, 2010 May 1, 2010 France Aug 12, 2010 - Tour in Africa June 16, 2010 - France June 27, 2010 - France Sep 14, 2010 - Egypt Sep 14, 2010 - France Hassan Mneimneh: Minister of Oct 16, 2010 Oct 19, 2010 Italy Education and Higher Education Table 23 Nov 2, 2010 Nov 6, 2010 France Departure Arrival Destination Dec 11, 2010 Dec 13, 2010 Egypt - March 10, 2010 UAE* Dec 18, 2010 - France - Sep 22, 2010 Qatar - Dec 22, 2010 Turkey Oct 6, 2010 Oct 9, 2010 UAE / Bahrain* - Dec 10, 2010 Qatar Rayya Al Hassan: Minister of Finance Table 27 Departure Arrival Destination March 22, 2010 March 25, 2010 Egypt Charbel Nahhas: Minister of Table 24 Telecommunications March 29, 2010 March 30, 2010 Kuwait Departure Arrival Destination April 5, 2010 April 8, 2010 Qatar Jan 7, 2010 - France April 21, 2010 April 28, 2010 USA / Great Britain* Feb 13, 2010 Feb 17, 2010 France June 1, 2010 - France* April 21, 2010 - France* July 5, 2010 July 7, 2010 Saudi Arabia Aug 28, 2010 Sep 5, 2010 France Aug 10, 2010 Aug 16, 2010 Germany Sep 29, 2010 Oct 13, 2010 France Oct 6, 2010 Oct 16, 2010 France / USA

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. THE TRAVELING GOVERNMENT LEADER | 13

Youssef Saadeh: Minister of State Table 28 The (*) means that the trip was approved by the Departure Arrival Destination Cabinet. Feb 23, 2010 Feb 27, 2010 UAE Some of the ministers’ trips may have been - March 6, 2010 Australia urgent and subsequently approved. If trips were approved by the Cabinet but not Salim Wardeh: Minister of Culture Table 29 found among the ministers’ trips this means that Departure Arrival Destination they traveled for urgent reasons, they traveled Feb 18, 2010 Feb 27, 2010 Australia from where they already were to another state or traveled on a Sunday or a holiday and March 25, 2010 March 28, 2010 France therefore the records were not available. - April 5, 2010 Egypt The travel of ministers for personal reasons, which Oct 16, 2010 Oct 17, 2010 Qatar seems to be the most common, does not require Oct 18, 2010 Oct 22, 2010 Switzerland R###= Oct 25, 2010 Oct 27, 2010 Qatar* Oct 31, 2010 Nov 6, 2010 France* Dec 1, 2010 - Australia Hariri’s days outside Lebanon vs. days in Lebanon before he resigned (November Mohammad Rahhal: 2009-January 2011) Minister of Environment Table 30 Departure Arrival Destination Jan 17, 2010 - UAE

June 19, 2010 - Germany Outside Lebanon - June 26, 2010 Jordan Aug 31, 2010 Sep 5, 2010 Holland / France Inside Lebanon - Nov 4, 2010 Great Britain Nov 22, 2010 Nov 27, 2010 France Dec 18, 2010 Dec 21, 2010 Egypt

Days Following the government’s“ resignation, Saad Hariri traveled to Saudi Arabia, on March 22, 2011, and he has not returned since. [...] It is worth noting that Saad Hariri and during his spend one single whole month in Lebanon.” issue 108 | July 2011 14 | PUBLIC SECTOR TA’IF’S GOVERNMENTS TA’IF’S GOVERNMENTS BY POLITICAL AND CONFESSIONAL SHARES ollowing the formation of the new government on June 13, 2011, talk about political and confessional distribution began. The Ta’if accord listed the number of ministers attributable to each confession but this distribution was not Fcomplied with in the recently formed government where the Shia’a (in agreement with their Zua’ama) obtained 5 ministerial seats instead of the 6 they are entitled to. This seat went to the Sunni confession that now has 7 ministerial seats. Thus, the confessional distribution of ministerial seats changes from one government to another, as illustrated by Table 1.

The following conclusions can be drawn from Table 1: %#&##&=]#/R##%&= `#'%VXX= The Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) was not represented in any government until 2008. ]+/%/'*+//5#%& formed since the Ta’if accord. It was only absent from 2 governments. ]}*}5/%/'#%&% ]R&=]'VXX=

Notes: The PM is not included in the distribution of ministers. %&'<"VXXO#P# according to the parties that nominated them. During the Syrian presence in Lebanon until 2006, “the Independent” ministers were those chosen by the Syrians. We included Ministers Talal Arslan and Elie Hobeika with “the Independents” although they head political parties. “The Independents” include ministers such as Jean Obeid, Elie Ferzli, Mohammad Youssef Beidoun and Mohssen Dalloul and this term is not precise. Distribution of Ministers according to their political affiliation Amal President of # of President’s PM’s Hezbollah’s Government Mandate PM Movement’s the Republic Ministers share share share share 25-11-1989 24-12-1990 Elias Hrawi Salim Hoss 14 4 - 1 - 24-12-1990 16-5-1992 Elias Hrawi Omar Karami 30 4 - 3 - 16-5-1992 31-10-1992 Elias Hrawi Rachid Solh 24 3 1 2 - 31-10-1992 25-5-1995 Elias Hrawi Rafic Hariri 30 5 7 5 - 25-5-1995 7-11-1996 Elias Hrawi Rafic Hariri 30 3 8 5 - 7-11-1996 4-12-1998 Elias Hrawi Rafic Hariri 30 3 8 5 - 4-12-1998 26-10-2000 Emile Lahoud Salim Hoss 16 5 3 3 - 26-10-2000 17-4-2003 Emile Lahoud Rafic Hariri 30 7 7 5 - 17-4-2003 26-10-2004 Emile Lahoud Rafic Hariri 30 6 3 6 - 26-10-2004 19-4-2005 Emile Lahoud Omar Karami 30 8 2 5 - 19-4-2005 19-7-2005 Emile Lahoud Najib Mikati 14 4 - 2 1 19-7-2005 11-7-2008 Emile Lahoud Fouad Siniora 24 3 2 3 2 11-7-2008 9-11-2009 Michel Suleiman Fouad Siniora 30 2 - 3 1 9-11-2009 13-6-2011 Michel Suleiman Saad Hariri 30 5 - 3 2 13-6-2011 ? Michel Suleiman Najib Mikati 30 3 4 2 2

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. TA’IF’S GOVERNMENTS PUBLIC SECTOR | 15

Government formation according to confession +%&]R&\VX%&& which (10) included 30 ministers (including the PM). Two governments were composed of 14 ministers while 2 others were formed of 24 ministers and 1 government was made up of 16 ministers.

In the governments composed of 30 ministers, confessional distribution was as follows: 6 seats to each of the Maronite, Sunni and Shia’a confessions, 4 seats to the Greek Orthodox confession, 3 seats to each of the Druze and Catholic confessions, 2 seats to the Armenian Orthodox confession (sometimes, only 1 seat goes to the Armenian Orthodox while the other goes to the Evangelical confession or other Christian minorities).

%#&V^&&& the Maronite, Sunni and Shia’a confessions, 3 seats to the Greek Orthodox confession, 2 seats to each of the Druze and Catholic confessions, 1 seat to each of the Armenian Orthodox confession and the Christian minorities (Evangelical).

In the governments composed of 14 ministers, confessional distribution was as follows: 3 seats to each of the Maronite, Sunni and Shia’a confessions, 2 seats to the Greek Orthodox confession, 1 seat to each of the Druze, the Catholic confessions and the Armenian Orthodox confessions.

In the governments composed of 16 ministers, confessional distribution was as follows: 3 seats to each of the Maronite, Sunni and Shia’a confessions, 2 seats to each of the Greek Orthodox, the Druze and the Catholic confessions and 1 seat to the Armenian Orthodox confession.

Table 1 Arab Socialist Marada Phalange Future SPP’s SSNP’s LF’s FPM’s Ba’ath Party’s Movement’s Party’s “Independents” Movement’s share share share share share share share share 1- -1-15-- 21 111115-- 21 111110-- 21 11--7-- 21 11--8-- 21 11--8-- -- -1--3-- 41 11--3-- 31 11-17-- -1 11--11-- 1- -1----4 3- --112-6 2- 1-21845 3- -121246 3- 12--48-

issue 108 | July 2011 16 | PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS IN LEBANON BANKS IN LEBANON MOST ARE FAMILY OWNED conomists agree that the banking sector in Lebanon is one of the main pillars of the Lebanese economy given its labor force (around 20,000 employees), the size of bank deposits (more than USD E110 billion), the size of loans to the government and the private sector (around USD 68 billion) and the size of profits (USD 1.6 billion). The major banks have been owned by Lebanese families for decades and in most cases the bank is named after the family who owns it (Audi Saradar, Jammal, Al-Lati, Pharaon and Chiha).

Based on Decision No. 10629 dated January 14, 2011, of the governor of the Lebanese Central Bank, Riad Salameh, there are 68 banks in Lebanon as listed in table 1 based on their number in the Central Bank’s listing:

Name of banks, number at the Central Bank and shareholders Table 1 # at Bank name Central Shareholders Bank Minister Adnan Kassar, Adel Kassar, MP Nehme Tohme, Crédit Agricole (France), DEG/Deutsche Fransabank 1 Investment and Development Group (Germany), Al Fadl Holdings Ltd, the Public Institution for Social Security (Kuwait), Sheikh Abdel Rahman Moumneh, Rafik Sharafeddine, Majida Rizk Banque Misr Liban 3 Owned by Banque Misr Cairo (92.3%) and other shareholders (7.7%) Owned by the Shouman family and Jordanian and Palestinian businessmen, the Hariri family Arab Bank 5 and other shareholders HSBC Middle East 7 HSBC International Rafidain Bank 9 Iraqi bank Banque Libano-Francaise 10 Farid Rophael and French financial and banking institutions Fransabank (74.8%), Sehnaoui Holding (18.8%), Silver Capital Holding (4.8%) and other BLC Bank 11 shareholders (1.6%). NECB (Near East Commercial Bank) 12 Swiss Group Bank of New York Mellon (34.3%), Banorabe (11.8%), Azhari Group (12%), Nada Aoueini BLOM 14 (5%), the Jaroudy family (4.9%) and other shareholders (31%) Federal Bank of Lebanon 16 Ayyoub Farid Saab (49.9%), Farid Michel Saab (49.9%) and other shareholders (0.2%) Alahli National Commercial Bank 17 No longer in operation (Saudi Arabia) SGBL 19 Sehnaoui Group (Antoun Sehnaoui), Société Generale (France) BankMed 22 GroupMed Holding (Hariri family) Audi Saradar Private Bank 27 Bank Audi, Saradar Group BBAC (Bank of Beirut and the 28 The Assaf family, Fransabank Group Arab Countries) Audi Saradar Investment Bank 33 Bank Audi (99.99%), Saradar Group (0.01%) Syrian Lebanese Commercial 34 Commercial Bank of Syria, Syria Insurance, the People’s Credit Bank and other shareholders Bank Banque Pharaon and Chiha 35 Naji Pharaon and other shareholders Banque de Crédit National 36 Abdallah Tamari Byblos Invest Holding – Luxemburg (28.5%), the Bank of New York – USA (11.8%), Byblos Bank 39 International Finance Corporation (8.3%), the Bassil family (6.3%) and other shareholders Banque de l’Habitat (Housing Bank) 41 The Lebanese government (20%), Lebanese banks (80%) Finance Bank of Lebanon 43 Intra Investment Company (98%) Georges Zard Abou Jaoude, Mohamad Hamdoun, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Lebanese Canadian Bank 44 Company, Investment Holding for Jordanian Expatriates (Jordan), Leader Invest Holding and other shareholders (bank recently merged with SGBL) issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. BANKS IN LEBANON PUBLIC SECTOR | 17

Name of banks, number at the Central Bank and shareholders Table 1 # at Bank name Central Shareholders Bank BIT (Banque de l’Industrie et du 48 Laura Bustani, Myrna Bustani, Sté Al Bustaniya SAL Travail) Anler Trading - British Virgin Islands (16.9%), Salim Habib (8%), Merhi Abu Merhi (6.3%), IBL (Intercontinental Bank of Mohamad Abdel Hamid Baydoun (4.4%), Kamal Abi Ghosn (4.2%), Prince Sager Sultan Al 52 Lebanon) Sudairy (4.6%), Sheikh Abdel Aziz Al Barahim (5.7%), Sheikh Khalid Al Barahim (5.7%), other shareholders (44.2%) Egyptian Financial Group (EFG) -Hermes (65%), EFG Investment – Bahrain (14%), EFG – Crédit Libanais 53 Lebanon (11.2%) and other shareholders (9.8%) Bank Audi – Saradar Group 56 Bank Audi, Arab and Foreign Financial Group Fenicia Bank (Bank of Kuwait & 58 Abdel Razzak Ashour and other shareholders the Arab World) NACB (North Africa Commercial 62 Libyan Foreign Bank Bank) Tanal Sabbah, Khater Abi Habib, Hussein Hoballah, Melhem Samara, Hassan Khalil and other Lebanese Swiss Bank 63 shareholders Bank Saderat Iran 67 Islamic Republic of Iran SNBSL (Société Nouvelle de la 68 Ramzi Khoury, Société Nouvelle Financière Holding, Société Nouvelle (Luxemburg) Holding Banque de Syrie et du Liban) National Bank of Kuwait (Lebanon) 73 National Bank of Kuwait – Kuwait Antoun Abdel Masih, Salim Sfeir, Fawaz Nabulsi, Joseph Gharra, Farid Khalil, Prince Bank of Beirut 95 Mohamad Bin Fahed Bin Abdel Aziz, MP Anwar Khalil, International Century Corporation (Holding) - Luxembourg Jammal Trust Bank 80 Jammal family and other shareholders Ahli International Bank 84 Jordan Ahli Bank Pakistani bank: Government of Pakistan (49%), Aga Khan Funf for Economic Development Habib Bank Limited 85 (51%) Arab African International Bank 90 Kuwait Investment Authority (49.3%), Central Bank of Egypt (49.3%) Emirates Lebanon Bank 92 Bank of Sharjah (81%), Banque National de Paris (BNP) (19%) Sharikat Al Istismarat Al Oropia Lil Shark Al Aousat (Holding), Al Bank Al Saudi Al Faransi, Banque Bemo 93 Issam Mohamad Kheiri Kabbani, Yordan Obegi and other shareholders Abdel Hafiz Itani (58.4%), Samer Abdel Hafiz Itani (26.3%), Mohamad Daadouch (18%), Dina Lebanon and Gulf Bank 94 Itani Qaddoura (4.8%) and other shareholders (8.5%) Saudi Lebanese Bank 95 BankMed Standard Chartered Bank 98 Standard Chartered Holding, Standard Chartered Metropolitan Holding Al Mawarid Bank 101 Marwan Khaireddine and other shareholders Tarek Khalifeh (24.6%), Financial Trust Participation Holding (48.5%), Holfiban Holding Credit Bank 103 Company (10.3%) and other shareholders (16.6%) United Credit Bank 104 Closed Al Madina Bank 105 Closed Invest Bank (17.7%), Rami El Nimer (14.7%), Promotion Des Investissements (Holding)(11.9%), First National Bank 108 Khaled Al Sagar (9.2%), United Investment Company (7.9%) and other shareholders (39.5%) Al Baraka Bank 109 MEAB (Middle East and Africa Bank) 110 Kassem Hjeij, Hassan Hjeij BLOMINVEST Bank 111 BLOM MIB (Mediterranean Investment 113 BankMed Bank) CLIB (Crédit Libanais Investment 114 Crédit Libanais Bank)

issue 108 | July 2011 18 | PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS IN LEBANON

Name of banks, number at the Central Bank and shareholders Table 1 # at Bank name Central Shareholders Bank CitiBank N.A 115 CitiBank Arab Investment Bank 118 Arab Bank (66.6%), Al Arabi for Finance Holding (33.3%) Fransa Invest Bank 121 Fransabank Byblos Invest Bank 121 Byblos bank Arab Finance House (Islamic 125 bank) Lebanese Islamic Bank 126 BLOM Development Bank 127 Gaz Invest Financial Holding (55.9%), Gazprombank – Invest (29%), Quantic Invest (9%), Gazprombank Invest (MENA) 128 Quantic Upstream (4%) Jean Riachi (10.9%), Emile Riachi (8.6%), Georges Abu Jaoude (7%), Maria Audi (12.5%), FFA Private Bank 129 Zahiya Riachi Jabr (15.3%) and other shareholders (45.7%) Bank of Beirut Invest 130 Warka Bank for Investment and 137 Finance JSC Bank of Baghdad Private S.A 136 CSCBank 133 Al Bilad Islamic Bank for 134 Investment and Finance IBL Investment Bank 135

Central Bank of Lebanon

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. CATHOLIC PATRIARCHS PUBLIC SECTOR | 19 CATHOLIC PATRIARCHS 21 PATRIARCHS FROM CYRIL VI IN 1724 TO GREGORIUS III IN 2011

he Catholic Church is an independent Christian church linked to the Catholic Church in Rome, which is headed by the Pope. Catholics were the ones who agreed to the decisions made by the Council of TChalcedon in 451. Since the establishment of this Church and their independence from the Orthodox Church in 1724, there have been 21 Catholic Patriarchs. They are:

Cyril VI Al Antaqi (Cyril VI of Antioch) was Eclemendos (Clement) Bohouth was elected Patriarch !V^/&7 =% Catholic tendencies. Pope Benedict XIV welcomed followed, which caused trouble in his confession and his election, which marked the separation of the & % = /# = " ' % Catholic Patriarch following the schism. He died on September 24, 1864. !X= Gregorius Youssef was also a discerning patriarch. Athanasius Jawhar, the previous Patriarch’s nephew. He was elected Patriarch in 1864 and received the #'!= support of Pope Leo XIII, which is why he was to the protests of some bishop, the Pope replaced offered several sultanate grants. He died on July 13, him with Maximus Hakim, the bishop of Aleppo, != /!X= Boutros Jerjiri was elected Patriarch in February Maximus Hakim, he didn’t live long as Patriarch and 1898 and died in 1902. V!= Cyril Jeha traveled to Rome and gave a mass in the Athanasius Dahhan (Theodosius) was elected Church of Saint Boutros (Peter) headed by the Pope Patriarch. However, he was opposed by Athanasius himself as evidence of the Pope’s support of Eastern Jawhar who wouldn’t stop until the Pope interfered. confessions. He died in 1916. != Dimitrios Kadi was elected Patriarch in 1919. He Athanasius Jawhar was legally elected this time after VV= the death of his predecessor, but he didn’t live long Cyril Mghabgheb was elected Patriarch on December !^= V='&# Cyril VII was elected Patriarch for a short period as %&/#=^!= != Maximus IV Saegh was appointed by the Pope as 7%# < / ! deputy after the death of Patriarch Dimitrios. In died in 1812. 1933, he was appointed to Beirut’s archbishopric. Ignatius IV Sarrouf whose reign lasted a few months He was elected patriarch in the bishop’s meeting in only as he died in 1812. 7]`7R'X^!= Atnas Matar, his reign was short and he died in 1813. != Makarios IV Taweel was patriarch for three years <"/! and died in 1816. and was one of the patriarchs who spent a long time %R!' in the patriarchy (33 years). He resigned in 2000 for death in 1833, in contrast with the previous years health reasons at the age of 92. He died eight months where 3 patriarchs were elected in 4 years. later. Maximus III Mazloum was a knowledgeable The current patriarch, Gregorius III Lahham, was patriarch. He was elected on March 24, 1833, and born in Syria in 1933. Patriarch Hakim appointed #&/# him patriarchal administrator and deputy patriarch to be called “Patriarch of Antioch, Alexandria of Jerusalem following the arrest of Bishop Ilarion and Jerusalem.” He obtained the independence of Kabouji. He was elected bishop of Jerusalem in 1981 his confession from the Ottoman Sultanate at the and then elected Patriarch on October 29, 2000. beginning of 1848.

issue 108 | July 2011 20 | PUBLIC SECTOR HOW DOES ONE BECOME A MONK OR A PRIEST? HOW DOES ONE BECOME A MONK OR A PRIEST?

eligious men, Muslims and Christians, play an important role in their societies. Some people believe that they have the keys to heaven and thus they exaggerate their honoring and glorification. In turn, Rthese religious men surround themselves with a halo of education and piety in order to gain the respect of the people and their followers. How one becomes a religious figure and the privileges it entails are the subject of this article that will cover the religious figures of the Maronite and Catholic confessions given their similarities. Other confessions will be covered in later articles. ] % % < After the completion of this stage, the student then confessions are divided into monks, who follow a moves on to his university education in one of the #%##& Christian universities in Lebanon: a bishop. |+\" 7|' Monks in religious Orders 7|' Students wishing to become monks are accepted in one of the schools related to the religious Order to ' # which they would like to belong between the ages of to continue his university education in a university in V^=]'''' }'&|+= school. This school is known as “minor seminary”, or # & ' & “al eklirikiyyah al sughrah”, where the student studies which the student obtains a degree in Philosophy and religion, the history of the religious Order they belong ]%'=`# to, the mission of the religious Order, prayers, the Holy designated as deacon, which allows him to continue (if Book, the rules of the religious Order, the principles he so wishes) his education for a period of 2 years to get of spiritual life, the ways of worship, individual and his Masters degree in one of the following specialties: group prayers, and spiritual counseling. This stage is History of the Church considered an introduction to the psychological and Canon Laws spiritual education of the student. After the completion Theology of secondary studies, the “starting phase” or what is Ecumenical meeting (Maskouniat) known in Arabic as “ibtidaa” begins. It is 1 year where Liturgy the student studies religion and at the end of which he Holy Book makes temporary vows and holds the title “brother”. There are 3 vows: After that, the student can proceed with a Ph.D in the Poverty: entails not owning anything and same specialties listed, which lasts between 3 and 10 detachment from wealth following the example of years until the preparation of the thesis. Jesus Christ Chastity: entails not getting marryied or committing It should be noted that the Order is directly linked to the adultery and preserving his body and dignity; Holy See in the Vatican and there is no authority over not being tempted by lust and staying away from it. This is in contrast with the authority of the bishop, impurity and commitment to holiness. which only covers the parish and not the Order within it. Obedience: entails obeying the leaders of the Order. The degrees of Church ministry This goes on for 3 years and is renewed for 6 years, at There are 3 degrees: the end of which the student makes a permanent vow Deacon:&## (identical to the temporary vows). Once he becomes the bishop to move to the second stage. a monk, he cannot leave the Order except in very Priest: people in this stage might be elected to the third stage. exceptional cases. The Holy See in the Vatican has the Bishop: after he is elected, he resigns from the Order sole authority to decide on these cases. he belongs to.

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. HOW DOES ONE BECOME A MONK OR A PRIEST? PUBLIC SECTOR | 21

The title of archimandrite is granted by bishops to their The Orders in Lebanon deputies and to the heads of the Orders. The Maronite and Catholic Orders are distributed over 9 Orders that contain around 820 priests. Most of the Parish Priests Orders suffer from a lack of priests due to death and a The parish priest is under the authority of the bishop lack of students each year. These Orders are: of the diocese that the parish is geographically related to. The bishop chooses him and appoints him. A parish The Maronite Order priest may be unmarried or married and have a family The Lebanese Maronite Order was established and children. He does not take the 3 vows that the monks in 1693. It is located in Mar Antonios monastery have to take. He can become a parish priest at any age. ` V #= ] & For example, some retirees become priests once they monasteries and centers related to it are 64 in have retired. He can also be a priest for more than one = town based on what the bishop allocates him. Given the shortfall in the number of priests, the bishop can ask the The Mariamiah Maronite Order was separated from diocese to provide him with the name of priests who <!!X= may be eligible to become good parish priest. in Deir Sayyedet Louwayzeh in Keserouane and has 96 priests. It has 18 monasteries and centers related As for the study of religion received by those who wish to it. to become priests, it is in most cases basic education (prayers, giving mass and reading the Holy Book). The Antoniah Maronite Order was established in !X= <"` " The exact number of priests is not known but is estimated and has 120 priests and 28 monasteries and centers at around 800. Those who would like to become priests related to it. '&#&#=|" a monk, a priest may also resign if he so wishes. The Assembly of Maronite Lebanese Missionaries = Financial revenues of the Clergy #! The Order takes care of the monks’ expenses in to it. the monastery (residence, food, transportation) and provides them with personal compensation between The Catholic Order / XXXXX M !XXXXX #% The Basilian Moukhalasiah Order was established of the Order. Monks who serve the parish also get an in 1683 and is located in Joun (Chouf). It has 88 additional salary, which is agreed on with the bishop priests and 18 monasteries and centers related to it of the diocese that the parish belongs to. This salary in Lebanon and abroad. % / ^XXXXX M XXXXX # based on the size of the parish. The Aleppo Basilian Order was separated from the Basilian Order of Brothers in 1829. It is located in It is known that the revenues of each parish steam from: Deir Mar Youhanna Shweir and has 40 priests and 6 Donations monasteries and centers. Revenues from land and real estate they own Families who donate money to the church instead of The Basilian Order of Brothers was established wreaths (in funerals) !X= X # Money collected during Sunday mass and holidays centers.

&&#&# The Association of Al-Mursalin Al-Bolisiyyeen was gets money from donors of other towns. Priests and established in 1899 in Harissa. Its main branch is "%&## <=^# in marriage ceremonies and funerals. Most often, the centers. parish priest resides in the church extension and gets a monthly salary from the bishop, which differs based on (The term Basilian is used to refer to Saint Basil the the priest’s family status. It currently ranges between VM!=5 / = = ] # % money either from the parish or from donations.

issue 108 | July 2011 22 | PUBLIC SECTOR MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORITY IS IN THE HANDS OF THE ARMY COMMANDER NOT THE MINISTER he Ministry of National Defense is different from all the other ministries. It is considered a sovereign ministry, but effectively, it is the Ministry of the Army and real authority and power lie in the hands of the Army Commander and Tnot the Minister of Defense (to whom the ministry’s institutions, including the army, are subject). Moreover, this ministry lacks the structure present in other ministries.

The Concept of National Defense and the The Geography Authority Ministry’s Duties The Health Authority 7 & & = ! * The Financial Authority amendments, especially Legislative Decree No. 102/83) The following institutions: the economic institution, < V^ ! # & &R defense as follows: “National defense aims at enhancing & R the capacities of the state, developing its ability to resist any institution, the civil employees’ mutual aid institution. attack or aggression on its territory and ensuring the citizens’ sovereignty and safety…” & & # ' 'R& Inspector who shall have the rank of colonel or higher “The Ministry of National Defense shall be in charge of and be directly linked to the Minister of Defense. The preparing the country’s defense strategy to protect the &&#&% territory of the Republic, maintaining the integrity of the state The Secretariat against any internal or external aggression and preparing the ]]%+#R#& nation to defend the country.” ]U#R#& The Ministry performs its duties through: ]#& Forming an army of land, air and naval forces that meet ]7 # & & the defense needs of the country equipment and funds Taking effective measures to prepare the country’s capabilities The military council formed of: Guiding a youth culture and preparing it towards military A President: the Army Commander (Maronite) service A Vice President: the chief of staff (Druze) The army’s high command is linked to the Minister of 4 members: the Director General of Administration National Defense who is responsible for the implementation Shia’a), the General Inspector (Roman Orthodox), the of the ministry’s duties. Director General of Higher Defense Council (Sunni) % & ## ' *> Structure Catholic). According to Legislative Decree No. 1/84 (the amendment This council’s structure takes into account the confessional of Legislative Decree No. 102 dated September 16, 1983), structure of Lebanon so that the 6 main confessions are the Ministry of Defense is composed of the following represented. institutions: The Army The Military Chamber was newly established in the Ministry of Defense. It headed by a colonel or someone The Directorate General of Administration headed by the having a higher rank, and composed of: Director General who shall have the rank of colonel or The Secretariat higher and be directly linked to the Minister of Defense. The Public Relations and Media Department The Directorate General is made up of the following: The Lebanese Military Attachés’ Abroad Department Secretariat The Legal Affairs and Military Judiciary Department The Equipment Authority The Former Military Members’ Department The Guardianship Authority The Engineering Authority

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE PUBLIC SECTOR | 23 Budget In the 2010 draft budget law (not yet adopted at the end on June 2011), the Ministry of National Defense’s budget reached LBP =& 7'/^= <'/V= '/= Directorate General of Administration: LBP 13.4 billion #&/VV= <'/=

The largest budget following the budget allocated to the Army is that of the Directorate General of Administration, which is distributed as follows: #*&##'5/V Consumer services (cleaning, post, ads): LBP 212 million Allowances, salaries, wages and annexes: LBP 12.4 billion %&/!X

Successive ministers Since independence in 1943 and until the formation of the government on June 13, 2011, there have been 80 ministers in the Ministry of National Defense. Majid Arslan occupied the post for the longest term.

Bechara El Khoury’s mandate:<7*V5M7M777R<7*5M 77M>'<7M`7"M+R+M}

Camille Chamoun’s mandate:M+R+M77<7*5M}M ++<7M>'M++

Fouad Chehab’s mandate: > *V5 M 7 R<7M+R+<7M Al Awni

Charles Helou’s mandate: 77 *V5 M > M < ' M } M 7 <RM77M>'<7 - Hussein Al Awni - Majid Arslan (2) +}R+M+ <7M}M<&M\#+"&& M"M>M

Elias Sarkis’s mandate:}M'M Joseph Skaff (2)

Amine Gemayyel’s mandate: 'M7 M<7

Elias Hrawi’s mandate:7<M<< *V5M<*5

Emile Lahoud’s mandate:`RMM <M7><M<*V5

Michel Suleiman’s mandate: < *V5 M }'` Ghosn

issue 108 | July 2011 24 | PUBLIC SECTOR BUYING CARS FOR THE GOVERNMENT BUYING CARS FOR THE GOVERNMENT: THE LAW ALLOWS 11 AND 2,000 WERE PURCHASED!

ublic debt is increasing year after year and so is the budget deficit as a result of the increase in spending compared to a decline or stability in revenues. Many of the expenditures are not necessary Pand can be avoided or replaced with less costly solutions. The purchase of cars for the government and staff to perform their duties is one of these unnecessary expenses. An '%%%'%% =7%&%=|%##%' "#==V!\'#& are entitled to buy cars with the approval of the Council of Ministers. It is true that this decree is old and has not been amended but buying a car with the approval of the Council of Ministers as is the case nowadays is considered illegal.

Examples of cars bought in 2010 &X#/V!XXXX 25 cars for the Consumer Protection Directorate ' / !XXXX ' / V amounting to LBP 600 million annually. But the inspectors will not work 330 days a year The Ministry of Economy requested LBP 600 million to *&%&' 'V''% and weekends). In addition, inspectors working in the &|+!XX=] same area may use one car. It is worth mentioning that the %|+^^X& &'&%#&# |+VXVX or the lack of cars available to inspectors but rather to ^]%|+XX& reasons pertaining to the organizations’ work. |+!VXX V`%|+XX 1 car for the Keserouane Foutouh Public Hospital &|+XX The administration of the Keserouane Foutouh Public %|+V!X Hospital requested the purchase of a tourist four wheel vehicle by way of a limited public bidding (the bid is to The remaining amount of the LBP 600 million, which &##5= amounts to LBP 42 million, is to be used for maintenance request as follows: “the road to the hospital is narrow and the purchase of spare parts. and the functions of the hospital have expanded, which requires hospital staff to perform daily tasks that require ]<'&'& going to several places outside the hospital to ensure that ' '% O <' VX the hospital’s needs are met (from stationary to electrical inspectors to monitor consumer protection to ensure the wires, payment of bills, follow up with the Ministry &'&#%%%\= of Public Health).” In fact, these reasons are not that The performance of their duties by public transport is more important and do not occur on a daily basis. The hospital expensive to the Ministry than purchasing cars (according also stated that the cost of transportation reached LBP to a ministerial statement).” However, the Ministry did XXXXX'& &''#*|+ purchasing a car. The more important question is: if there 32,000) or even new cars (2011 models). Furthermore, do really is a need for a car then why should it be a four new cars really need maintenance and spare parts to be wheel vehicle, since its price is higher, it uses more petrol allocated LBP 42 million? and has a more expensive maintenance cost?

The Ministry exaggerated the cost of public transport as 2 cars for the Ministry of Industry a substitute for purchasing cars. The cost of one inspector Two cars (Nissan Xtrail, 2010 model) were purchased who performs monitoring functions in Beirut and Mount & <' & ' & / ! Lebanon, as one administrative district, and the remaining million. The ministry’s 2 old cars were sold (a <&`/VXXX'=] < XX ! !

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. BUYING CARS FOR THE GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SECTOR | 25

5=]&#& Those legally entitled to cars was that employees are performing inspections and = V! \' investigations of industrial organizations. The question following administrations are entitled to request a car once again is: why purchase these expensive cars as from the government: these tasks can be performed in less expensive cars? The Presidency: 3 cars including 1 for protocol The Prime Ministry: 2 cars including 1 for protocol 2 cars for the Ministry of Tourism The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants: 2 cars Two Renault Megane cars, 2009 model, were purchased for protocol for the Ministry of Tourism by way a consensual Internal Security Forces: 1 car %&/=] Gendarmerie: 1 car after selling the ministry’s 2 old cars at LBP 18 million. General Security: 1 car Thus, the amount paid for the new cars reached LBP Police: 1 car 38 million. The state bears the expenses of repairing the 35 cars for the Directorate of General Security abovementioned cars. It also pays for the fuel expenses The Directorate of General Security requested the within the following limits: #&''&#%= 2,000 liters/months for the 2 presidency cars. its request by saying that its cars are old and have been All the fuel expenses of the cars used for protocol used for over 10 years, which means they are often in provided consumption is proved by a statement of the need of repair and this leads to high expenditures on distances traveled and the purpose of the trips. The maintenance. statement is authenticated at the end of each month by the PM, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants 1 car for the Central Inspection and the Director General of the Presidency. The Central Inspection Bureau requested the purchase 1,200 liters/month for the ISF car and the Gendarmerie of one new car provided that its cost does not exceed car. |+VXXX&%O !X&&+' currently at the disposal of the Bureau is constantly and the Police car. in need of repair and its maintenance cost has become The PM is given a monthly lump sum compensation (LBP expensive. There is a need for a new car to be used for 400) for the fuel expenses of the car at his disposal. &"=P# A number of cars may be placed at the disposal of the Inspection Bureau is an entity that is legally entitled to ISF, so long as it is for the performance of their duties, a vehicle. following a decision of the Cabinet stating the number and type of cars. 1 car of the Ministry of the Displaced Article 4 of the decree stipulates that cars used by the Following a consensual agreement, a Jeep Chevrolet, Presidency are not subject to the taxes imposed on fuel. 2009 model, was bought for the Ministry of the It is prohibited to purchase cars for administrations other #&/^==]' than those mentioned in the decree. # ' % ' The Army’s vehicles do not fall within the jurisdiction of damage caused by the civil war and the July 2006 war this decree. and the ministry’s cars are old. It should be noted that 20 old cars belonging to the ministry, mostly four wheel Thus, the legal number of cars to be put at the disposal & ! of administrations amounts to 11 whereas they currently &|+X= amount to over 2,000. In a bid to limit the purchase of & < = ! 1 car for the Druze Confessional Council July 28, 1999, provided that no administration is to buy The Confessional Council of the Muwahhadine Druze a car without its prior approval. However, this approval requested the purchase of 1 four wheel vehicle, a remains illegal as the law stipulates which administrations /VXX# are entitled to vehicles. Thus, the Council of Ministers |+VXXX='% should abide by the law instead of trying to overcome it “it will enable the Council to support its charities, and or work on amending it though Parliament, given that the other social and religious organizations.” #&X'=

issue 108 | July 2011 26|LEGISLATION, JUDICIARY & CRIME MILITARY IMMUNITY MILITARY IMMUNITY ilitary men are subject to a special law, the Code of Military Justice, which defines the specific measures to pursue and prosecute them. They cannot be prosecuted for crimes falling under the Military Courts’ Mjurisdiction without obtaining prior authorization from the relevant authorities. According to Article 36 paragraph 5 of the Code of Military Justice, the Internal Security Forces and the General Security Forces members can only be prosecuted for crimes they commit after consulting the Director-General of the ISF or the Director-General of the General Security. If the latter do no agree on prosecution, the government commissioner then presents the case to the Public Prosecutor to decide whether to prosecute.

The prosecution of military personnel for crimes sought refuge in Spain. None come back to Lebanon committed against one of their own, for crimes not & \ V^ !^= ] # involving civilians, for crimes committed during the immediately after they returned with a request for a performance of their duties or related to the latter and retrial. They were acquitted from their charges and involving a civilian, or for crimes related to army 7#! personnel, takes place only after directly submitting all return to the army. the relevant documents to the army’s leadership, which # On August 10, 2006, Israeli forces entered the to the government commissioner. Marjayoun Barrack and detained members from the joint security forces headed by General Adnan Daoud For the prosecution for \ , the law of the ISF. Although the act committed by General distinguishes between army members and other security Daoud fell under the Penal Code, the then acting forces: < & In cases of \ , the government Inspectorate of the ISF to conduct an investigation commissioner has the right to directly take hold of on the incident. The result of the investigation was the lawsuit, whoever the perpetrators and victims announced by Minister Fatfat on August 19, 2006, are, to follow-up on it and transfer the case to the and stated that “General Daoud did not commit competent authority without obtaning any previous any major procedural mistake and his behavior fell or subsequent prosecution authorization. He should within his mandate and was adequate given the however notify the authority to which the prosecuted circumstances.” The government commissioner person belongs as soon as possible. did not take any action to prosecute General Daoud despite the fact that disciplinary sanctions do Army members cannot be prosecuted for crimes not preclude criminal prosecution if the required committed \ unless such crimes evidence is available. are committed against army members during the performance of their duties or stemming from such 7# VXX! ' duties and involved a civilian. military court to imprison Sergeant B.T of the ISF for 28 days. The decision stipulated that the act of the Examples of prosecution +%OP&7^ At the beginning of the mandate of President Suleiman of the Penal Code which stipulates that “whoever } & & + causes the death of someone due to negligence, arrested and dismissed from their functions. They were lack of precaution or the inobservance of laws or !='% regulations shall be punished by imprisonment from Hrouk, Sami Khatib and others were prosecuted and six months to three years.” The court reduced his detained in a military barrack for 60 days in addition to sentence to 28 days due to extenuating circumstances. their appearance before the Disciplinary Board, which & !V & #' Military immunity is important given the tasks reasons. On the other hand, Edgar Maalouf and Michel undertaken by the army and the security forces Khoury were prosecuted without being dismissed especially during internal crises, which usually result in from the army. They were soon after referred to the civilian casualties. However, this immunity weakens in military court, which issued sentences against them the event of unlawful attacks on civilians. in absentia. Some escaped to Syria whereas Lahoud

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. SYNDICATE OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM AGENCIES PRIVATE SECTOR|27 SYNDICATE OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM AGENCIES

The Syndicate of travel and tourism agencies was established on June 25, 1949, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 6848. It is composed of 215 licensed tourism and travel agencies spread in the different Lebanese Mohafazat. The Syndicate’s organization The Syndicate’s activities The Syndicate’s board is currently formed of: Jean Since its establishment, the Syndicate of travel and Abboud (president), Mahmoud Al Khatib (vice tourism agencies has exercised several local, Arab and #5 ] '` *'5 7 " international activities. It has also worked to develop the (treasurer) and the members: Suhail Abu Asli, tourism sector. Among its most important activities, we Muhammad Barakat, Walid Challita, Ali Ftouni, Fayez mention: Rahhal, Ghassan Saad, Randa Zouk and Ziad Zarkout. On the Lebanese level, it is a member of: The General Assembly is composed of the members The Tourism Advisory Committee, Ministry of who have paid their subscription fees on time. It meets Tourism (since its establishment) once a year (in April) to approve the reports of the The National Committee for Transport and Trade president, secretary and treasurer. It also convenes for Facilitation in the Lebanese Republic, Ministry of elections once every two years. According to the bylaws Public Works (associate member). of the Syndicate, an extraordinary general assembly The National Body for Health Tourism, Ministry of meets whenever necessary. Public Health (founding and associate member) ] | & ' & The current situation of travel and tourism Lebanon (founding member) agencies The Monitoring Board of the International Air X Transport Association (IATA) in Lebanon (APJC/ tourism agencies, half of which work effectively. With LD) (member) the decrease of the number of incoming organized groups The Association of Lebanese businessmen (founding due to the unstable political and security situation, work and associate member) & "% It also receives heads and members of regional and which is considered a seasonal activity. global tourism syndicates and unions and delegations &&% This intermittent activity suffers from many crises and leads their workshops, seminars and training & = 7 sessions. commission is imposed by these agencies on half the price of the tickets, while the other half includes the On the Arab level: total amount of taxes and fees collected by the agencies It played a leading role in the establishment, sponsorship for the airline companies and the state without any and management of the affairs of the Arab tourism return. On January 1, 2010, it was renamed “the agency organizations by hosting the latter and their employees &=P]'% in its headquarters in Beirut for many years. These with Middle East Airlines (MEA) while the other airline organizations are: companies active in Lebanon did not abide by it. The Association of travel and tourism agencies 7 *& ^ # The ticketing sales market has became an open forum activities from Beirut) for non-licensed parties or representatives of airline ] | & 7 % *& companies, hotels and other tourist and non-tourist !V&5 companies directly dealing with sales, in contradiction with the provisions of Decree No. 4216 limiting the right to sell to travel agencies.

issue 108 | July 2011 28|PRIVATE SECTOR SYNDICATE OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM AGENCIES

The Syndicate’s demands agencies to parties who have graduated from the The Syndicate considers that the interests of travel #&]|' agencies and other tourism sector institutions will only or its equivalent so as to prepare the Syndicate to be reached once the state recognizes the importance of become a specialized profession (ORDRE). this sector as an independent industry enjoying rights and having duties. Accordingly, the Syndicate requests The undertaking of tourist trainings in cooperation the following: with ESCWA and other organizations such as the The increase of the budget of the Ministry of U ] %` | ]&&'& Conference on Trade and Development, the World promotion, marketing, presence and participation in Tourism Organization, Arab tourism organizations #\ and other professional bodies (SRI). the decisions of the parties organizing and guiding touristic tours. The involvement the municipalities in the tourism development process by improving the infrastructure The reactivation of the work of the National Council and holding seminars, events, ceremonies, festivals for the Development of Tourism and involve the and competitions. tourism unions in its structure, work and activities and expand its network to also include: the union of % & * +' tourism enterprises and trade unions to which it is Jordan) of the IATA for many years. The Syndicate &<7%` wants to draw attention to the surprising decision of commerce, banks, Casino du Liban and other " ' %` VXX! & similar institutions. &7\#& the situation in Lebanon. Therefore, the Syndicate The private tourism sector to share its expertise of %'& development and modernization plans. 7%=

The exemption of non Lebanese nationals from visa The agencies’ right to a service return, the protection requirements (similar to what happened in Turkey of their interest, their moral and material rights with recently), facilitate the entry and exit of tourists and hotels, accommodation establishments, restaurants exempt them from airport tax or reduce its value. and various institutions that provide services.

The Ministry of Interior to equip the roads The support of the owners and employees of agencies & % % #&&& export their publications as well as travel to increase well as impose deterrent penalties against offenders. the number of their associates and participate in fairs and conferences. The activation of monitoring activities, stabilize and control prices and sanction offenders. The increase of the number of cards of the travel % > The Ministry of Telecommunications and Ogero Airport. to reduce the cost of travel and tourism agencies’ calls or adopt a global communication system that is ] & # & direct and cheap similar to that of many companies agencies in the arrival hall where they would receive and institutions. tourists and provide the necessary procedural services. The effective use of the internet to publish continuous tourist information. The allocation of parking spots to tourism agencies’ at the airport, similar to that provided to airline The amendment of tourism laws and regulations companies’ employees, for them to receive and drop so that they comply with regional and international off tourists. changes and developments. The organization of the work of taxis and the control The limitation of licenses of travel and tourism of their prices.

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. HEALTH | 29 PERIPHERAL MANIFESTATIONS OF NERVE, ARTERY, AND VEIN DISORDERS Dr. Hanna Saadah

A. Neuropathy is a nonspecific term that means disease of nerves. Nerve diseases lead to disturbances of sensations and/or to weakness of muscles. a) Mono-Neuropathy is the disease of one nerve. A common example is the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome where the Median Nerve is trapped at the wrist leading to numbness and weakness of the hand on the side of the thumb. It often wakes up one from sleep and is relieved by shaking the hand. When it becomes severe, it may require injections or surgery to free the trapped Median Nerve. b) Peripheral Neuropathy is disease of the ends of the long nerves that supply the edges of the body. A common example is Diabetic Neuropathy where, due to chronic high sugar, the nerve endings are progressively damaged. Patients begin to feel numb in the feet and this numbness climbs up the legs and may also involve the hands and arms. With the numbness come foot ulcers and joint deformities due to diminished position sensations. The best treatment is preventive, which is to keep diabetes in good control at all times. c) Neurogenic Claudication means that the longer one walks, the more numb, more painful, and more weak one’s leg muscles become until one is forced to stop walking. This condition is caused by entrapment of the nerves in the bony canals of the vertebral column after they emerge from the spinal cord. These spinal bony canals can narrow down with time until they start to choke the emerging nerves. Because this choking is made worse by walking, it causes the syndrome of neurogenic claudication, which reverses after one sits down and rests his legs a while. Again, blood supply to the legs is usually good. d) Neuralgia means nerve pain. The causes are numerous but the common causes are few. Trigeminal Neuralgia, for example, is face pain generated by the Trigeminal Nerve, which comes out of the brain and supplies the face with sensation. The pain is sharp, electric, and comes in flashes if the face is touched or moved. Post Zoster Neuralgia is the regional nerve pain that follows a shingles attack and may last for weeks, months, or years. B. Arterial Insufficiency or poor blood supply is caused by clogged arteries. The feet may become ischemic (lacking in oxygen), pale, cold, and pulseless. Walking is limited by the diminished blood supply, which causes a syndrome known as Intermittent Claudication. a) Intermittent Claudication is similar to Neurogenic Claudication because the feet and leg muscles become painfully sore and weak the longer one walks until one is forced to stop and rest. Here, unlike neuropathy, the nerves are intact but the blood supply and arterial pulses to the feet are impaired. 5|&&'###'"### necrosis and gangrene. The toes and feet may turn black and become mummified. Amputations may be the only option unless the blood supply can be reestablished with surgical bypass or stenting. Arterial pulses cannot be detected on examination of the feet. C. Venous Insufficiency is caused by damaged veins. The function of veins is to return blood from the body to the heart. Blood is propelled by muscle movements and the blood flow is directed centrally by valves strategically placed inside the veins. However, when the valves become damaged or when the veins become so dilated that they prevent the valves from locking, Venous Insufficiency occurs. a) Varicose Veins are the commonest cause of Venous Insufficiency to the legs. When the Venous Insufficiency becomes severe, venous ulcers may develop on the calves, shins, or feet. Below-knee support hose that limit venous dilatation can help stabilize the condition. b) Post Phlebitis Venous Insufficiency occurs, as the name implies, after the leg veins are attacked by blood clots. Blood clots destroy the vein valves, which protect the central blood flow. The absence of valves promotes back flow of the blood, which leads to swelling and ulceration of legs and feet. Below-knee support hose and blood thinners are the main treatments. www.hannasaadah.com - www.information-international.com - [email protected] issue 108 | July 2011 30 | THE AMAZING BRAIN 2 BUDDHISTS, YOGIS AND THE TRIBE OF COGNITIVE AND BRAIN SCIENTISTS OVER COFFEE OR OVER GREEN TEA, THEY ALL AGREE THAT THE MIND IS THE ROOT OF ALL THINGS (PART II) Samar Zebian & Aaed Ghanem1 that spread to the prefrontal cortex. The EEG also recorded (guest columnist) bursts of theta oscillation. Furthermore and when TM meditators Last month we explored why Buddhists, recited mantras there was a decrease in the processing of sensory psychologists and neuroscientists have and motor activity as well as a general decrease in mental collaborated to examine the efficacy activity. These patterns of brain wave activity may underlie and application of meditative practices. meditators’ phenomenological reports that it is easy to block |' information from coming into awareness. They also report that enhancement and ridding the mind of the mind is relaxed and unoccupied. Meditators with 10,000+ chaotic thoughts, harmful emotions and hours of meditation under their belts (no pun intended) who personal suffering. Before reading on, were engaged in focused attention meditation and hooked up please consider the following challenge. In what follows there to an EEG showed a thirty-fold increase in gamma brain waves is a need to invoke lots of brain anatomy and technical terms. It compared to novice meditators and university students. These is very important to map out the areas of the brain that seem to waves are associated with optimal concentration and cognitive accompany meditative states. Without this kind of knowledge we functioning. In addition, monks’ brain waves oscillated at 40 can not go on to consider the therapeutic benefits of meditation cycles/second, an oscillation cycle associated with feelings of and to make full use of the knowledge embodied in ancient happiness, more energy and heightened awareness. Meditators systems of meditation. The biological basis of meditation is a with similar levels of experience but who were engaged in significant (but not the only) bottleneck for understanding the compassion meditation showed common activation in the most complex biological organism in this universe.Regular, striatum anterior insula, somatosensory cortext, anterior deep and skillfully conducted meditation (all modifiers are up %&#&M for contestation) seems to change the brain in positive ways2. in feeling states, planning of movement and positive emotion. The studies summarized below examine different meditative Beyond brain anatomy (and if you’ve read this far without practices each of which emphasize different techniques. skipping over the last 3 paragraphs, we congratulate you!), The method of Mindful-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has growing evidence reveals that a “mind-on-meditation” ushers been used to help chronic pain patients and those with major broader mind-body benefits: stress reduction, inner awareness, depression distinguish between primary sensory experience improved sleep, heightened creativity, expanded learning, and secondary cognitive reactions to these experiences. physical vitality, lowered blood pressure and feelings of These cognitions are important for countering cognitions and compassion4. Of course nothing close to the full story has been behaviors involved in withdrawal and isolation. They are also ' ' & & M important for countering habitual aversion responses to physical research. Lots of interesting questions remain: how do the or psychological pain. Two months of MBSR training followed brains of long time meditators-or any other wise happy virtuous by MRI scans revealed an increase in cortical thickness3 people, light up the way they do? How are the subjective specifically in areas associated with attention and sensory experiences associated with meditation, such as feelings of processes. These findings suggest that MBSR changed brain compassion, wholeness and peace, nurtured over time? What functioning in areas important for primary sensory experience. role does experience and other personality traits play in the |%# efficacy of meditation? Exactly which specific meditative increased rhythmic alpha waves followed by slow frequencies practices are giving rise to brain changes? What dimensions of

1- Aaed has been practicing yoga and meditation 14 years and teaching for five. He has re- meditation have not been studied by yet? ceived training and guidance from Swamis in Sivananda Ashram, Kerala, India. He espouses We need the answers to these questions to better understand the the Sivananda moto: “Health is wealth, Peace of mind is Happiness, Yoga and Meditation show the way”. brain but we also have practical goals. One goal for some is to 2- There are few studies which report specific negative effects of meditation. There are also develop an effective way to technologically induce meditative anecdotal cases about hallucinations and mediation related depression although these states may also have premeditative origins. Skilled meditators warn enthusiastic students about the states. Is it possible to plug into luminous consciousness or dangers of advancing through meditative practices too quickly and using short cuts to seek nirvana? This is the topic for the next article in this series. higher meditative states. 3- Cortical thickness was measured by examining the aborization of individual neurons, glial 4- It is important to note that these benefits have received varying amounts of empirical volume and regional vasculature. support. issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. [email protected] - www.information-international.com EYEING HORIZONS | 31 BOLD EXPERIMENTS IN THE DNA REVIVAL Antoine Boutros he success of the process of reviving extinct plant or animal species depends on the success of scientists in extracting a specific molecule from the amino Tacids present in the nucleus of the cell and containing the genetic code (DNA). If this molecule is still capable of multiplying and if it was possible to read its instructions, science is then considered to have taken a giant step toward the control of the genetics factors.

In fact, the appropriate tools to extract an ancient DNA molecule and then maintain it are not yet available. Currently, it is only possible to “read” the genetic code very slowly with an average of one nucleotide per hour. The nucleotide is a trisection from the DNA molecule and serves as “one word”. This means that the process of reading is very slow and does not allow printing the full code of the organism. For example the mosquito’s complete code constitutes the number 1 next to which come 6,020 zeros. “Manufacturing” one mosquito requires “printing” millions of nucleotide sequences. It is noteworthy that the sequence of the genetic “words” is in itself a part of the code

+''&%#&' 7&&\'=&'"'%' "#%%=&'R## %#O%P#&=]''# &%#=]'#&&' “publish” the text in the form of chromosomes and inject the latter inside a cell nucleus and then, they provide this #*%%5OP= *7U>%5&"'|'% the DNA in a mammoth ( a kind of elephant covered with long hair that lived for a long time two and a half million years ago and became extinct ten thousand years ago ) . While some of the mammoth tissues had remained alive, the cell membranes were degraded and disintegrated to the extent that most of the cellular materials were destroyed keeping about one over a hundred thousand of the total DNA molecules that were believed to be originally present in the mammoth. These experiments gave hope to the possibility of the success of scientists and eventually to the isolation of the genetic materials in extinct organisms to study them in laboratories and revive them later on. Another support for &&#'++/&|##|' OP#"&%7&%'#'%^XXX' %'=]#'%7& human being or organism. As for the assumption of stopping the experiments at the discovery of a very small amount of genetic codes '&#&&&&# intellectual-theological controversy concerning the extinction notion and capable of causing the reconsideration of many presuppositions.

7'"7#'&' &&&#=]7&%X=^' million years. However, the DNA extracted from the cell but from the outside of the nucleus, as the part known as <%V''= ]#\*#5#&&% will remain there for a few decades, which is a relatively short time, until science becomes able to provide the means to extract the great mystery in their abdomens. Humanity and not only science wait eagerly and patiently for that time when “information” will become not only a new resource and entity but also a new concept that will usher a new age of adventures.

www.irthsumer.com - www.information-international.com - [email protected] issue 108 | July 2011 32|INTERVIEW THE MONTHLY INTERVIEWS LEA SEDNAOUI FOUNDER OF THE RUNNING HORSE GALLERY

t age 25, Lea Sednaoui took the initiative of establishing the Running Horse gallery, Aan exhibition space dedicated to modern Art. Containing a large open room and closed sections for film exhibition, the gallery has hosted many artists, local and international. The Monthly interviews Lea Sednaoui to further inquire about the gallery. When did you open the Running Horse gallery? What triggered you to do so? The Running Horse was established on May 4, 2009, in the Quarantine area in Beirut. I found that a platform to communicate art that is different and yet inexperienced is necessary in today’s society, especially that the MENA region is booming in terms of Art. The gallery specializes in contemporary art, from painting and photography to video and installation. Our artists’ are free and our scope covers local as well as international artists. The “Running Horse” is a symbol of permanent evolution. It is a metaphor for the artist’s continuity and LEA SEDNAOUI constant action. How would you describe the audience’s interest in Art? Some people come in and out in a minute while others stay for three hours, so I cannot precisely measure the audience’s interest. But given that Art in Lebanon and the region is going through a phase of interesting development, we see rising activity amongst galleries and collectors. Art today deals with human subjects and the topics %%%=}' that the subject of “the feminine” is rich and I go to great lengths such as exhibiting nudity and politics. Whenever presented in ‘new’ techniques and ‘new’ % 7 " aesthetic realm in such a swift manner that the barriers of the mind bend to communicate with the topic in question.

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. INTERVIEW|33 What is the ‘new’ you refer to? The ‘new’ here is relative to the context and the era. I aiming to gain credibility and widen the scope of seek media (in terms of technique, size of canvas, use my audience through organizing as many exhibitions of color, art direction, etc) that the local scene has not as possible. I would like to be able to expand to an been exposed to. international level. In terms of exposure, we have a publication that What about your artists? Who are they? communicates our activities and exhibitions. You can Most of our artists are women and most of their topics #'%%`OP are related to the feminine. Their art is very different. and “L’Orient Le Jour”, etc. U #% ' but we also see large bulky sculptures. Do you organize any activities other than In terms of exclusivity, today’s galleries share a exhibitions? small pool of artists. Most galleries have their own We organize “brunches” that the artist attends. Coffee base of artists and they don’t share them unless they is offered, light music is played while the audience agree on cooperation with other galleries to promote meets with the artist in a casual setting. They get to them through a show or two. Today’s galleries select know the artist personally and ask about their art or their artists according to their concept and their line perhaps hold discussions. We only invite people who of thought. I seek artists that live in their time and are on our mailing list, to keep the event intimate and represent issues that are related to the present in order casual. to maintain an ongoing stream of contemporary visual We also organize art classes for children from 8 to communication. 12 years of age. There are 2 cycles. We cover art history readapted for children, we teach children about various eras (from prehistoric art to modern running a gallery? What are your long-term art). Each class is accompanied by craft workshops. plans? We supply all art materials and a show is organized at My age and my endeavors towards the new have the end of each cycle where the children can exhibit played for and against me. My experience is still their work. under construction. There are several established galleries lead by more experienced people. I am

THE RUNNING HORSE GALLERY

issue 108 | July 2011 34 | ART & CULTURE THE GOETHE-INSTITUTE THE GOETHE-INSTITUTE DEALING WITH CULTURAL DIVERSITY CONSTRUCTIVELY History of the Institute ] & = culture than about inventing exciting new programs, cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany, developing ideas and implementing works of art which operates worldwide (currently there are 149 together”, says Fareed Majari, the director of the X & Goethe-Institute in Lebanon. countries) and sets internationally recognized standards The Goethe-Institute works to promote an in the teaching and learning of German as a foreign understanding of Europe at a global level and language. develop common European perspectives.

The Goethe-Institute in Beirut organizes and supports a Code of Ethics broad spectrum of cultural events that present German ]#& culture and promote international cultural exchange. but it mainly believes in dialogue as the most important The Goethe Institute offers German language courses tool to ensure understanding among different cultures, and concentrates on training workshops and seminars #' for teachers of German as a foreign language. It also cultures. The Institute considers that people need to get offers a comprehensive examination program. in touch and know more about each others. |"O} P' It believes in civil society, equal human rights, mutual linked to the French embassy, the Goethe-Institute is respect, and the necessity of cultural communication, a registered association (comparable to a charitable and considers that Germany has many things to offer society) independent from the German embassy. The in this respect. Goethe-Institute is funded mainly by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs and income from its Education language courses. The federal system of education applied in Germany is not applied at the Goethe-Institute. It does not have Mission Statement a formal education system like schools might have. ] \ & But instead, it has a course system oriented by the image of Germany abroad. It provides access to Common European Framework of Reference. This German language, culture and society, and promotes document is a European framework which regulates international cultural cooperation. According to the the systems of European language centers abroad, and administration, the Institute has 3 main objectives: sets the standardization of the levels and courses. It Foster the learning and teaching of German abroad has been used by all European partners who teach their and to strengthen its position within the diversity languages abroad. of foreign languages, through offering language The European Frame Book Reference organizes the classes on its premises and supporting institutions levels from A1 as a beginner class, ranking to C2, which already teach German through vocational which is a professional level. training for teachers, and holding seminars in In addition to language teaching, the Goethe-Institute Germany, Lebanon, and other countries. in Lebanon and in other countries, have libraries which The Goethe-Institute’s cultural programs aim at are linked to language classes and offers books and fostering international cultural cooperation and information in German that can be used by students bringing together artists and scholars from Germany and teachers. and its host country. This happens through residency programs or workshops. The Goethe-Institute Course Level System makes important developments in the cultural scene The course level system at the Goethe-Institute is of Germany accessible to audiences in its host detailed in the below table, starting form level A1 =O#&\'# (beginner class) till level C2 (Professional level). notch artists from Germany for one or two days than to facilitate an exchange of thoughts and ideas over a longer period. It’s less about showcasing German

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. THE GOETHE-INSTITUTE ART & CULTURE | 35

Levels Units Activities The Goethe-Institute concentrates on youth. It brings A1.1 60units A1 German and Lebanese youth and encourages them to sit A1.2 60units together to discuss issues of interest. A2.1 40units This year, the cultural program, which targets young people and everybody interested in culture, focused on A2 A2.2 40units Elementary gender and sex education to reach an understanding of A2.3 40units the main themes of this topic. B1.1 40units The Institute offers German literature in Arabic and English languages, and helps librarians get in touch with B1 B1.2 40units the Institute by organizing bilateral projects and vocational B1.3 40units training for them. B2.1.1 40units The Institute participates in many of the festivals held in Lebanon, such as the European Film Festival, and brings B2.1.2 40units high quality performers to Lebanon B2.1.3 40units The Institute brings trainers for young documentary and B2 " # B2.2.1 40units training and help them develop their talents and skills. Intermediate B2.2.2 40units The Institute concentrates on architecture, urban planning, B2.2.2 40units and climate change by holding workshops and seminars on green technology. C1.1 40units In early 2009, the Institute signed a memorandum with the C1 C1.2 40units Lebanese Ministry of Higher Education aiming at introducing C1.3 40units German as a foreign language in Lebanese schools. 200 units or Advanced C2 C2 more Characteristics The Institute’s concern is a laboratory communicative approach for students by focusing on dialogue, and offering Course Tuition the best teaching materials, environment, and motivation. The tuition fees for the courses offered vary by type For that purpose, the Institute offers very dense and intensive of course and number of units. It is detailed as per the teacher training for people with an academic background table below: who want to become German teachers. It takes a year, and after they get the diploma, they can teach at the Institute. Tuition Fee Course Type Units (LBP) Extensive course type 1 units 60 310,000 Extensive course type 2 units 40 200,000 Intensive course units 120 580,000 Special courses for family units + 176 1,100,000 reunion books + exam Number of students and Staff In 2009, around 1,000 students were enrolled in the Goethe- Institute in all levels. The number of students per course varies from one level to another. There are currently 18 permanently employed staff members at the Institute and a varying number of teachers whose number may increase according to demand. However, the Institute && & " & #' that in Lebanon there are no private German universities. Goethe Institute

issue 108 | July 2011 36 | ART & CULTURE POPULAR CULTURE POPULAR CULTURE

My mother lost it

Listen O Reda!

You want me to tell you about the village: the color of the car that took me to school, our food, holidays, and the home I was born in. You want me to go back, way back to remember the oldest thing I can remember.

I will tell you about everything, stories of the village, stories of mothers and fathers and all. However, I have one request from you. Do not ask me to tell you about the oldest thing I remember. Do not ask me to go back in time and remember the oldest thing I can remember. The oldest thing I remember is scary. Scary and painful stories get stuck in children’s memories more than the happy and cheerful stories…

I do not remember how old I was, but I was very young…I do not remember the day, but I remember it was fall… I remember it was before sunset. Suddenly, my mother jumped on her feet and her color changed. She jumped to the door bare foot and went out screaming… I stood watching her screaming like a crazy person, like a monster released from its cage. She was screaming: My son!... I saw two men holding my father while he cried like a baby: My son!

I do not remember what happened. It is a vague picture I cannot put together. All I remember is that I was taken away from my home… Fall was over and winter came. The winter was harsh… My mother did nothing but cry… She would cry until my dad came back home. One day I pulled my courage and asked: - Why are you crying? Stop crying! She kissed me and smiled: - You have a brother in Brazil, an older brother. Don’t you remember him? Your brother Youssef. Your brother died and went to the sky. - If he went to the sky, why are you crying? Stop crying. She cried a bitter cry and then she hugged me and cried again.

Reda jumped from beside me: Oh! This story is depressing! And he left the room.

Sources translated from: Anis Freiha, Isma’a ya Rida - First Edition 2006, Dar Nawfal, Beirut

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. DEBUNKING MY TH #47 ART & CULTURE | 37 AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES

Violent Video Games DO NOT increase children’s aggression MYTH: level. A well known myth promoted by the media and entertainment industries is that violent and aggressive video games DO NOT increase children’s aggressiveness level (Passer & Smith, 2010).

FACT: Violent Video Games DO Increase Children’s Aggression level

In reality, several studies conducted within the framework of aggression and hostility revealed a positive causal association between hostile video games and aggression (Anderson et al==VXX^%'7VXXVXX^5= For example*5'%&!'#' aggressive or non-aggressive games. The children who were exposed to the hostile game showed interpersonal aggression and also aggression towards inanimate objects. Moreover, a recent meta-analysis showed strong evidence that exposure to violent video games is a causal risk factor for increased levels of aggressive behavior, cognition, and affect, and for decreased levels of empathy and prosocial behavior (Anderson & Bushman, 2001). The study also showed that there are no cultural or sex differences in vulnerability for the effects of violent video games on aggressive behavior, aggressive cognition, and aggressive affect.

The causal effect of violent video games on aggressiveness levels was also detected in implicit aggressive self-concept. In fact, Bluemke, Friedrich, & Zumbach (2010) found that the adults who played violent games, as opposed to peaceful or abstract%%#%%&# to playing a peaceful game. From cross-cultural perspective, a%'|+\# violent games’ effect in students aged 13 to 18=]%%%#'% games is a %"&&#''%% behavior and that this violent video game effect on youth can be generalized across different cultures (Yukawa et al., 2008).

Based on the current research results, the effect of playing aggressive video games on aggressiveness seems more like a reality rather than just a myth. Recent meta-analyses revealed a clear causal relation between playing violent video games and increased aggressiveness (Anderson & Burman,2001). This relation can be explained within the General Aggression Model (GAM; Anderson & Bushman, in press) framework. Aggressive acts are largely based on the learning, activation, and application of aggression-related shcemas and models , and also by priming aggressive cognitions (including previously learned aggressive scripts and aggressive perceptual schemas) through increases in arousal, or creating an aggressive affective state (Anderson et al., 2001).

However, more research is still needed to better determine the various moderators and mediators of the relationship, to examine the interaction of various variables, and to further validate the conclusions.

References: Anderson, Craig, & Bushman,. B. (2001). Psychological Science, .12( 5), 553-560. Bluemke, M, Friedrich, M., Zumbach, J. (2010). The influence of violent and nonviolent games on implicit measures of aggressiveness. Aggressive Behavior, Vol 36(1), 1-13. Anderson, Craig A.; Carnagey, Nicholas L.; Flanagan, Mindy; Benjamin, Arlin J., Jr.; Eubanks, Janie; Valentine, Jeffery C. (2004). Violent Video Games: Specific Effects of Violent Content on Aggressive Thoughts and Behavior. In Zanna, Mark P. (Ed), (2004). Advances in experimental social psychology, Vol. 36, (pp. 199-249). San Diego, CA, US: Elsevier Academic Press, x, 438 pp. Craig A. Anderson, Akiko Shibuya, Nobuko Ihori, Edward L. Swing, Brad J. Bushman, Akira Sakamoto, Hannah R. Rothstein, Muniba Saleem (2010). Violent Video Game Effects on Aggression, Empathy, and Prosocial Behavior in Eastern and Western Countries: A Meta-Analytic Review. Psychological Bulletin, 136(2), 151-173. Gentile, D.A., Lynch, P.J., Linder, J.R., & Walsh D.A. (2004). The effects of violent game habits on adolescent hostility, aggressive behaviors, and school performance. Journal of Adolescence, 27, 5, 22.

issue 108 | July 2011 38 | ART & CULTURE THE BIBLE CAME FROM ARABIA: THE HYPOTHESIS THAT REQUIRES ARCHEOLOGICAL EXPEDITIONS1

Defying all the hostile positions of scholars of the The end of the sons of Torah, the media, the western and Zionist academic Israel departments and even the Arabic ones, Kamal Salibi In Palestine, the Philistines presents his new hypothesis refuting all traditional named some of their theories. He adopts a comparative linguistics’ method of settlements, such as Gaza studying history, comparing the exact names of places and Ashkelon, after places in the Torah in the Hebrew language and the names of in the Western Arabian historical or current places in the southern Hijaz, taken Peninsula from which from old geographers and geographic encyclopedias of they came; just as the the region. When Salibi began his research, he studied Canaanites gave names the names of places in the Arabian Peninsula and he was from the Western surprised to learn that they matched with the biblical Arabian Peninsula to names, whether %''' their new settlements from Sarat (Sawrat mountains) and the other mountains such as: Sour, Sidon, Byblos and of Tihama in the west, to the inland areas between the Lebanon. Furthermore, when the sons of Israel began to valley of Wadi Najran and Wadi Turba all the way to migrate to Palestine, they named their settlements after the valley of Ta’if in the east. some names of the Western Arabian Peninsula (such Moreover, Salibi focuses on the neglect of the as Jehovah, Iroshlim and Bethlehem ...). The sons of vowelization of the texts. In fact, the Masuriyyine Israel immigrated to Palestine as a result of invasions (people of tradition who constitute a class of Jewish by the Assyrians and Babylonians who occupied the rabbis) checked and edited the biblical texts in static Arabian Peninsula, rich in natural resources. letters ( W /M* c), and then added the accents randomly, ]%## go back to wars between the which % R ' Kings of “Judas” and the Kings of “Israel”, reinforced their meaning. Salibi found out that if he ignores the by the successive invasions of the Kings of Assyria `&&'# and Babylon, between the 9th and 6th centuries BC. that many cities, rivers and valleys would be located +#'!V7' king “Sargon II” in Western Arabia. Moreover, he asserts that the three wiped out the Kingdom of Israel and occupied its capital +%%M*% “Samaria” and imprisoned its inhabitant in Persia. and Phoenician languages), Aramaic (including the ' "% O``P +' %%5 7 M coexisted in biblical conquered the Kingdom of “Judah” in the Western times. So, what is the meaning of this hypothesis? Arabian Peninsula and imprisoned thousands of Jews in Babylon. After the collapse of the Babylonian state, Israel displaces the Palestinians of ancient Asir the Achaemenid Persian state took over and managed Judaism was born in the Western part of the Arabian to unite the ancient Near East and turned the trade Peninsula, in ancient Asir, where people used to be routes from the south to the north, abolishing the trade polytheist but then became monotheist. The sons of caravans heading to the peninsula, considered to be the Israel believed in one God and they developed their base of the Israelis’ life. Despite the return of many of primitive union into a deep religion of sacred books. This the Israeli prisoners from Persia to the Western Arabian happened after they established their Israeli kingdom Peninsula, they were unable to rebuild their community. at the expense of other societies such as the Philistines Thus, the historical novel of the Hebrew Torah ended and the Canaanites, who were residents of that land here, in addition to the linguistic changes that lead to originally. There, and in the Asir region in particular, forget the origins of Judaism in the Western Arabian caravans loaded with the trade of the Indian Ocean met Peninsula. However, Salibi admits that his argument is a with those loaded with the trade of Persia, Iraq and the hypothesis that needs further proof that can be achieved countries of the eastern Mediterranean basin. by archeological expeditions in the Western part of Saudi Arabia. 1. The book was published for the first time in English in 1985 by J. Cape in London.

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. ART & CULTURE | 39 “MARTINE AT THE PARK”

“Martine at the Park” is a short story about a little girl called Martine who spends the day at the park with her friends. The book teaches children about fun activities at the park. These include crossing a splendid waterfall and then playing with toys in the whirlpool, sitting on a bench, constructing sand %#'%%% puppet show and riding a carriage around the park.

The story is illustrated with colorful images that resemble real photographs in order to help the readers relate to the places and characters and help them learn new vocabulary. The book is recommended for children at the elementary level.

“Martine at the Park” or “Martine au Parc” is part of the French collection “Martine” published by Casterman in 2004. The collection “Martine” includes:

Martine à la Ferme Martine Petite Maman Martine se Déguise Martine Fête son Anniversaire Martine et les Quatre Saisons Martine et l’Ane Cadichon Martine dans la Forêt

issue 108 | July 2011 40 | ART & CULTURE LEBANON FAMILIES AAZOURI FAMILIES All of them are Maronites

Many Lebanese families have the same surname but belong to different confessions. Others are limited to one region only or belong to one confession, such as the Aazouri family that belongs to the Maronite confession.

The Aazouri family originates from the Bassil family. The Bassil family comes from Smar Jbeil in Batroun. Some of the family members came from Maarab in Keserouane in VX= & &' Abou Yousef Abdallah Bassil, moved to Aazour in Zgharta Balamand Roads ¨R\``V= A‘arjes Ehden Becharre The Cedars The Aazouri families are distributed in different Batroun Hadet Hasroun Ras Baalbeck regions but they come from the town of Aazour, Deir el Ahmar Maqne where the majority of them live. There are 620 Qasr el-Banat

members of the Aazouri family. Hadath Jbail Iaat Baalbeck Aazour (Jezzine): 413 members Jounieh Ghazir Borj Hammoud (North Matn): 28 members Niha 7*5V! BEIRUT Zahle Rmeil (Beirut 1): 24 members Baabda Shtaura Aley Dahr el-Baidar Mina El Hosn (Beirut 3): 21 members Bhamdoun Msaitbeh (Beirut 3): 20 members Anjar Deir el-Qamar Dar Mreiseh (Beirut 3): 11 members Meshref Beiteddine *<5! Moukhtara Qaraoun Lake Yanta There are other members in Saida, Zahrieh (Trablous), Sour and Chiyyah. Saida Jezzine Libbaya Aiha Of the significant figures of this family is Najib Aazouri, one of the leaders of Arab nationalism Hasbaya Nabatiye & O7|77P Marjayoun (Awakenings if the Arab Nation) published in Paris Beaufort Castle X=]%'=

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. DISCOVER LEBANON ART & CULTURE | 41 QARAOUN Trablous Zgharta Balamand Roads A‘arjes its dam is a source of electricity and water Ehden Becharre The Cedars Batroun Hadet Hasroun Ras Baalbeck Deir el Ahmar Maqne Etymology V!!VVXX Qasr el-Banat Jbail Hadath Iaat Baalbeck In his book “Names of Lebanese towns and villages”, /VXX=VXX! Jounieh Ghazir

Anis Freiha mentions that the origin of the name / X^ Niha BEIRUT Zahle Qaraoun dates back to a Syriac word “qarunta” that million. The municipality has three Baabda Shtaura Aley Dahr el-Baidar Bhamdoun Anjar comes from the word “qaruna” and means a small mukhtars, Mohamad Chahine, Deir el-Qamar Meshref Beiteddine Moukhtara Qaraoun Lake Yanta pumpkin. Nasser Tabaja and Fadi Abu Fares, Qaraoun Saida Jezzine and a 3 member ikhtiyariah body. Libbaya Aiha Location Hasbaya Nabatiye Marjayoun Qaraoun is located on the eastern chain of Mount Educational institution Lebanon on the banks of the Litani river on which the ]¨ dam was built. It is located in the Western Beqa’a in Qaraoun Intermediate Public <&`&R&X school, Qaraoun Public School, =!"'&X"& Islamic Maqased school, Sabil school, Qaraoun the center of the Qada’a and 42km from the center of International College. <&`&=V! &M¨ Economy M&'+M\``M<%M¨= The people of Qaraoun mostly depend on the revenues sent by the town’s emigrants. The town’s economy Population namely relies on agriculture, especially of grains and The number of registered inhabitants is estimated at %"%&"= VXX ' * 5 %% &"= +&=]*5 %*V5=] Qaraoun lake V!%X %% " % shops. XX= = 12km2 and takes up around 220 million cubic meters Voters of water when it is full during the spring season. It 'VXXX&^& # & whom 1,669 cast their ballots. This number increased from the mountains surrounding it. The dam is 60m ^VVXX&= deep, 1,090m long and 162m wide. The water is used VXX !! V^X^ % % ' % !XXX their ballots. They are distributed according to the hectares of agricultural land in the South and the following families: Beqa’a. Orthodox families: }` V^ + ! 7X<7< Challenges V^+VX}`+ The people suffer from several problems like an Hourani: 18, Wakim: 6, Abu Faris: 13, Ammar: 9 inadequate sewage system, a lack of electricity and V!*5= water although the dam is located within its premises. Sunni: 7 & V V^^ & % # % } ! ¨ V ^V \ '|+7` 164, Dbaja: 118, Hatem: 102, Fadel: 99, Sid: 82, other countries in South America, and later extended <7 to the Gulf. The immigration trend means the town V+!!+&= is mostly composed of an elderly population. On the '& Local authorities town due to the building of luxurious homes and the Qaraoun’s municipal council is currently composed of presence of wealthy residents who contribute to the ''<= projects being undertaken. Its share in the independent municipal fund was LBP

issue 108 | July 2011 42|MEDIA INDICTMENT AND FALSE WITNESSES INDICTMENT AND FALSE WITNESSES e Figaro and Der Spiegel presented a scenario that involved Hezbollah in the assassination of Rafic Hariri. This scenario soon turned into an issue of conflict between two sides. One side insisted that the international Ltribunal was politicized and trying to get rid of Hezbollah and the resistance. The other side continued to consider that the tribunal was fair, not politicized, aims to achieve justice and put an end to assassinations. Discussion regarding the false witnesses resurfaced during the investigation, with one side requesting they be sent to trial and the other considering that the Lebanese judiciary could not do anything in this case.

Stances of some March 14 members «G U' R # of the false witnesses and see why they appeared in the Saad Hariri: “Some people mislead the investigation investigation?” (Interview with Al-Jazeera, September harming the relationship between Syria and Lebanon 18, 2010). and politicizing the investigation” (Al Sharq Al Awsat, +#VXXR% Suleiman Franjieh: “After the indictment’s accusation existence of false witnesses). of Hezbollah in Hariri’s assassination, war will break out in Lebanon” (Al-Akhbar September 24, 2010). Samir Geagea: “The International Tribunal has not charged anyone yet and we are waiting for the Walid Jumblat: “The July war was a must to rid the indictment. It is not possible to discuss the false resistance of its weapons and neutralize Lebanon. When witnesses before the indictment is issued” (Al #&> Mustaqbal, September 26, 2010). was the best solution for Lebanon and for a settlement in /=«G]'&> Amine Gemayyel: “The consequences of the # indictment, whatever they are, are better than doing the truth about the false witnesses and do away with the away with the indictment and the International Tribunal. International Tribunal that is being used by states for […] The issue of the false witnesses should be raised to P*77"V!VXX5= 'P*7 7"+#V!VXX5= Najah Wakim: “The indictment that is about to be issued by Bellemare is one of the most dangerous Farid Makari: “We don’t even know if there were false decisions that may cause a major rift in Lebanon (…)” witnesses. Will the indictment take into consideration the *7+VXX5= statements of those who are said to be false witnesses? We see that he who fabricated them meant to mislead the Nabih Berri: “Enough is enough. The country is investigation, challenge the tribunal and then fabricate headed towards destruction and the council of ministers through them accusations that March 14 were behind the % % «& false statements” (Al-Nashra, October 6, 2010). witnesses]. […] The case does not need the council of ministers because the prime minister and the minister of Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Sfeir: He announced that he knows justice can request that the prosecutor proceed with the nothing about the false witnesses and has no relationship investigation of the false witnesses. From my end, I will with them adding that he who gives false statements should not sit and watch the destruction of the country and this be punished. (Al-Nashra, October 8, 2010) is what I told President Michel Suleiman” (Al-Nashra, !VXX5= Stances of some members of March 8 including Walid Jumblatt Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah: “Does the indictment lead to the truth or to confusion, forging and putting the crime on the Michel Aoun: “When false witnesses appear in an back of someone who has not caused it, acquitting the killer investigation, the investigator should inquire about their and criminalizing the friend and brother with the support of appearance. There is not one false witness, but eight or some people… We have requested the Lebanese government nine… They appeared to mislead the investigation and #&& take it in the wrong direction. Why was the investigator fabricated them and who stands behind them because this silent about them especially that their statements resulted will assist the investigation. We don’t want revenge. We # & & & & & ' want to know what happened” (October 11, 2010).

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. MAY 2011 TIMELINE MEDIA|43 BERRI: “MISERABLE AND HOPELESS AND I AM IN A BAD CONDITION” AND AOUN “THE COUNTRY’S CONDITION IS HOPELESS” Salameh: “The Central Bank continues to fund the state”; Bellemare modifies the indictment again; Spiritual summit in Bkirki; Targeting of the UNFIL near Saida; Commemoration of the Nakba in Maroun Al Ras with a number of casualties; Berri: “The Cedar Revolution took us 60 years backwards”, Geagea: “It brought back Berri and his allies”; Feltman and Shibani in Lebanon; Collapse of the state in the Ministry of Telecommunications; Jumblatt: “Hezbollah doesn’t want to form a government” May 3 May 5 Aoun in an interview with PM designate Najib Mikati described Aoun as “comical” and a Manar TV: “The president of the in front of Arab and foreign news “funny character.” Republic and Prime Minister are agencies: “The situation in the region The the documents published working not to form a government.” and the internal issues require the about Aoun stated that Hezbollah was Two gatherings in Riad Al-Solh quick formation of a government.” using Israel’s occupation of the Shebaa square: one in support of the Initiation of removal of farms to justify keeping its weapons. government and the other against. violations in Ouza’i and Sour. Minister of Interior and The commander of the May 6 Municipalities in the caretaker Southern Suburb police Colonel Maronite Patriarch Bechara government Ziad Baroud announces Ali Hassounah was shot in the Al-Rai returns from the Vatican and that he had informed the President waist while visiting the Directorate declares: “I am in favor of forming of the Repubic three months ago that General of the Internal Security technocratic government in order he doesn’t want the responsibility }7=7' to facilitate the issues of the people of a ministry. He said that during the Directorate explained that the that do not deserve to suffer from the a dialogue at the 2011 Business shooting was a mistake. Reports of \'=P Exhibition in Biel. \ Central Bank Governor Riad % > % Salameh during the opening of a May 4 violations in Ouza’i Center for Lectures and Training at Former PM Omar Karami: Tthe Meeting between Berri and the Beirut Traders Association: “the green light to form a government Aoun in the Parliament and Aoun Central Bank shall remain involved has not come yet.” stated: “Speaker Berri did not say in providing funds for the state Speaker Berri in front of that he was miserable and hopeless, in different currencies to protect Arab and foreign news agencies but rather that the situation of the Lebanon’s reputation.” participating in the conference of country was.” The destruction of 130 buildings the National Agency for Information Meeting at the Ministry of in Beirut and the southern suburbs, in Lebanon: “I am miserable and Interior in the presence of the minister which had been built in violation of hopeless and my condition is and the governors and mayors and regulations over the past few weeks. bad… I refuse the linking between representatives of the security forces the indictment of the international to remove advertising billboards that May 9 tribunal and the delay in forming a violate the regulations starting. Speaker Berri during the yearly government.” charity dinner for the Lebanese The return of most of the Syrian May 5 Welfare Association for the families to their town in Tel Kelkh ] O># M 7 Handicapped in Biel announces: days after they had left to Wadi Jomhouriah” newspaper published “what is standing in the way of Khaled. Wikileaks documents that stated that state building is the attachment to A security meeting in Sour VXX! <" VXX! privileges and disregarding of the decides to remove violations after Hezbollah as “cancerous” and called Ta’if agreement and not the weapons giving a 48 hour notice to trespassers. for the removal of the state within of the resistance.” the state that Hezbollah has built in Prayers on the soul of Ousama order to preserve Lebanon. He also Bin Laden after Friday prayers in a

issue 108 | July 2011 44|MEDIA MAY 2011 TIMELINE number of mosques in Trablous and between Suleiman-Aoun-Mikati on Stances for MP Mohamad the North in response to a call by handing the Ministry of Interior and Kabbara in support of the Syrian +%#= Municipalities to retired Brigadier opposition. He later withdraws his 7XX+" General Marwan Charbel. statements and considers them a in Al-Salam mosque in Trablous “in personal opinion. support of the Syrian people against May 13 Lebanon hands over 3 Syrian the regime and the crimes that are Islamic-Christian spiritual army men who received treatment in being committes against them.” summit in Bkirki supports upholding Lebanon. justice, unity and dialogue. The indictment and forwards it to Higher Islamic Shia’a Council keeps May 19 Fransen. %% The Minister of Finance reaches the resistance and the right of the an agreement with the public May 10 state to free its land. transportation drivers that offers each MP Walid Jumblatt visits public transport car or owner of a van President Michel Suleiman and May 14 VX&##& Mufti Mohamad Rachid Qabbani. The general summit of the months subject to renewal. The drivers He writes in his weekly stances Lebanese Forces begins. cancelled the strike as a result of this. in Al-Anba’ newspaper: “It is not The arrival of 110 Syrian families A teachers’ strike paralyzes most logical anymore for the Progressive \%]"+'7R"" of public and private schools. Socialist Party and the National as a result of the troubles there. Struggle Front to cover up this May 20 stalling and disruption of the so May 16 MP Walid Jumblatt returns from called “new majority” that has Palestinians march at the France where he held talks with proved its drastic failure in the Lebanon-Israeli boarders in Maroun the Minister of Foreign Affairs, formation of the government,” Al-Ras on the occasion of the 1948 Alain Juppé, and the diplomatic adding that Mikati has answered Nakba. They are faced by the Israeli counselor of the French president most of the political requests. army with gun shots that result in the on the situation in Syria and its During a ceremony honoring death of 10 people and the wounding consequence on Lebanon. Judge Joseph Maamari. the Minister of tens of others. The arrival of the Assistant of of Justice Ibrahim Najjar states: Increase in the number of |+ +' & + \&&' O & displaced Syrians to the region Feltman to Lebanon. indicates that the tribunal is ongoing of Wadi Khaled as a result of the and that the ones who buried it were situation in Syria. May 21 betting on things that did not happen.” The arrival of Iranian Deputy May 17 Foreign Minister, Mohammad Rida May 11 The ISF, with the support of the Shibani, to Lebanon. He meets with +#" |+\ Army, does away with the building &%%= talks about Maurice Gemayyel. violations on the airport road. Jeffrey Feltman visits Lebanese Amine Gemayyel returns from &

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. MAY 2011 TIMELINE MEDIA|45 May 24 May 30 France’s ex-Prime Minister and >R&' General Jean Kahwaji, representative at the Francophonie, and withdraw from the building. Lebanon’s army commander, visits Jean-Pierre Raffarin, visits Lebanon O] ># M 7 his village Baadaran in Chouf where and states: “France does not have Jumhouriah” newspaper publishes his name is given to one of the a strategy towards the Lebanese Wikileaks statements quoting town’s streets. He then went to the government… we hope for a speedy Aoun’s offensive talk about the Moukhtara Palace where he met MP exit from the governmental crisis.” Sunni confession and Aoun denies. Walid Jumblatt and other MPs. Jamil Al Sayyed appeals During a televised speech on the President Michel Aoun requests Fransen’s decision (on requesting occasion of Liberation Day in Nabi that the Minister of Justice Ibrahim Bellemarre’s to grant Al Sayyed Shit, Secretary General of Hezbollah Najjar take measures against documents excluding essential ones) +'' 7&> before of the Court of Appeal. his support to Syria as being a Telecommunications’ building. country that wants reform and May 25 dialogue with the opposition. He May 31 Re-conducting of the meeting adds that he is in favor of the rapid During his speech in in solidarity with the Syrian people formation of government and that % after moving it from Bristol to a hall the number of rockets that they have martyr of the Shia’a, Nabih Berri in Sin El Fil. is not 12,000 as stated by Netanyahu states: “the Cedar Revolution has Gatherings in Hamra, some in in the Congress, as his information taken Lebanon 60 years backwards”, support of Syria and anothers is old so he should have increased warning against the creation of against. the number. tension between Syria and the North. The Lebanese army arrests The Phalanges announce their Speaker Nabih Berri invites MPs the Secretary General of the Arab offering of help to the displaced to attend a general parliamentary Islamic Council Sayyed Mohamad Syrians in Wadi Khaled. \=]\ Ali Husseini on charges of dealing around its legitimacy and legality. with Israel. It is common knowledge May 28 Bellemare does not appeal % % MP Walid Jumblatt during Fransen’s decision on providing is opposed to Hezbollah, Iran and a discussion with Al-Akhbar: Jamil Al Sayyed with evidence and Syria. “Hezbollah doesn’t want to form documents in the investigation. An American C 130 plane lands a government and it is putting the 7&> & # President of the Change and Reform of the ISF, considers that what in Northern Lebanon carrying Bloc Michel Aoun at the forefront.” happened at the Telecommunications’ equipment and tools to install a tent Maronite Patriarch Mar building does not deserve the reaction for the maintenance of helicopters of Bechara Boutros Al Rai starts his that occurred because what “we did the Lebanese Army. pastoral visit to Zgharta and gathers was legal and our duty.” the different political leaders. May 27 The Lebanese army takes over June 1 Members of the Information the Telecommunications building in The Director General of Ogero, Branch stationed at the Ministry of Adlieh after the withdrawal of the Abdel Meneem Youssef, returns from Telecommunications’ building in members of the Information Branch France following the incident at the Adlieh forbid the Directors General &V\= Ministry of Telecommunications. He of the Ministry along with Minister A bomb in Rmeileh near Saida meets with the Army Commander and Charbel Nahhas from entering the %|}R "'&V\& V \ & % resulting in 9 injuries, 6 of the Italian the ministry’s building in Adlieh. cellular network equipments are forces and 3 civilians. Samir Geagea criticizes the available. They justify this by stating <7O& #% % > they received orders from Ashraf security forces behaving like a including the President’s referral of > # % militia and rebelling against the >'& on a request from Ogero’s General constitutional authority.” He hopes with the only free institution of Manager, Abdel Meneem Youssef. that President Michel Suleiman will the state. He adds that the Cedar The Minister of Interior Ziad Baroud take appropriate measures against Revolution returned Berri and his withdraws from the case following >= allies 60 years backwards.

issue 108 | July 2011 46|ARAB WORLD FOCUS THE PALESTINE SECURITIES EXCHANGE: STILL SURVIVING!

The Palestine Securities Exchange (PSE), often known that trade on the PSE and its main trading activity. as the Nablus Stock Exchange, was incorporated In 2006, the number of listed companies increased from 28 in Nablus within the Palestinian Authority with its major to 33 and in 2010, this number reached 40 companies (46 investors being the Palestine Development and Investment companies in May 2011), spanning a wide range of sectors, Company (PADICO) and the economic institution of the including pharmaceuticals, utilities, telecommunications Palestine Liberation Organization (SAMED). On February =]%& companies !/+% session after (13 companies) listed on the Palestine Exchange belong signing an agreement with the Palestinian Authority in order to*V5&'X# &%&"% take in the*V5!#%% place. In February 2010, it became a public shareholding to the banking *!5= ] " company and it was named the Palestine Stock Exchange |+V=. The stock exchange is managed by a in September 2010. This article sheds light on the securities &! members presided by Rami Hamadallah. Trading Activity of the Palestine Securities Market Table 1 exhibits the monthly trading activity of the Palestine Securities Market in 2010. Total Monthly Trading Activity from January to December 2010 Table 1 Number Value of Market % of increase/ Volume of trading Transactions Indicator stock ($) capitalization decrease sessions January 10,117,254 20,965,047 20 5,203 2,409,067,998 502.43 1.91% February 33,321,492 70,292,521 20 7,014 2,501,276,950 525.18 4.53% March 18,563,562 43,728,192 23 6,508 2,420,244,532 503.17 -4.19% April 19,721,903 30,601,760 21 8,314 2,436,154,640 501.72 -0.29% May 27,305,023 41,027,685 21 10,913 2,430,190,983 491.58 -2.02% June 38,511,878 76,804,789 22 12,743 2,545,343,935 515.84 4.94% July 13,802,919 24,974,679 21 6,284 2,491,106,469 501.5 -2.78% August 10,277,596 16,736,748 23 5,647 2,442,441,013 491.83 -1.93% September 12,225,024 26,975,941 19 4,904 2,501,537,169 503.74 2.42% October 18,005,287 21,623,395 21 5,545 2,452,397,751 491.48 -2.43% November 9,859,580 33,454,692 18 3,970 2,408,815,270 480.88 -2.16% December 18,804,852 44,023,080 20 5,580 2,449,901,545 489.6 1.81% Total 2010 230,516,370 451,208,529 249 82,625 2,449,901,545 Annual Growth -0.69% Source: The Palestine Securities Exchange (http://www.p-s-e.com/)

The number of shares trading on the PSE decreased from around 238.88 million in 2009 to VX=VVXX=]% appears to be volatile, varying from month to month. The total value of traded securities on the PSE also decreased, by X&VXXVXX*&®XX=^VXX^=V in 2010). <"#`®V=January 2009 and rose to $2.409 billion by January 2010, %®V=^X billion by December 2010. In comparison, NASDAQ market capitalization stood at $3.1 trillion in December 2010, while the Egyptian Exchange capitalization stood at $82 billion and the Jordanian Exchange capitalization reached $30.8 billion. In addition, it should be ##!&the total market capitalization, #'/]*=5"&/*V=5U'/<]#' (12.18), Palestine Development & Investment (X=5/*V=^5= The PSE market index is known as the Al-Quds Index. According to Haaretz, “the record year for the Al-Quds Index was 2004 when it reached 1,128 points” (compared with 492.49 points in April 2011). Despite the harshest set of political and economic conditions in the region and the World Financial crisis of 20087¨%&=VVXX=VVXX=

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. INDEX|47 REAL ESTATE INDEX – MAY 2011

he real estate market started witnessing a decrease Prices of some apartments sold in May 2011 Table 2 in prices, especially in Beirut and the suburbs. Price Region Area (m2) USD/m2 TThis comes as a result of real estate investors from (USD) the Gulf selling parts of their investments for several reasons including profit-making before prices continue Beirut to drop and wariness given the instability in the region Badaro 200 420,000 2,100 and in Lebanon in light of the absence of government. Achrafieh 240 619,200 2,580 Based on real estate specialists’ comments, the market will either witness an increase or stability in Achrafieh (Sassine) 400 1,100,000 2,750 prices in the next few months or prices will further Achrafieh 110 209,000 1,900 decrease depending on the events and developments in Lebanon. Salim Slam 200 400,000 2,000 Saifi (Solidere) 180 792,000 4,400 Tables 1 and 2 list the prices of a number of estates and apartments sold in May 2011. Rawche (Australia) 160 512,000 3,200 Hamra (Lyon) 170 425,000 2,500 Baabda Prices of some estates sold in May 2011 Table 1 Baabda 420 1,000,000 2,380 Region Area (m2) Price (USD) USD/m2 Baabda 300 630,000 2,100 Beirut Hazmieh (Mar Taqla) 210 462,000 2,200 Basta 800 5,200,000 6,500 Hazmieh (Mar Taqla) 300 555,000 1,850 Ain Roummaneh 190 260,300 1,370 Achrafieh 450 3,600,000 8,000 Matn Baabda Sin El Fil 190 338,200 1,780 Hazmieh 1,750 2,100,000 1,200 Mansourieh 170 204,000 1,200 Matn Rabweh 220 396,000 1,800 Broumana 1,500 930,000 620 Antellias 160 264,000 1,650 Sin El Fil (Horch Broumana 250 200,000 800 950 3,990,000 4,200 Tabet) Awkar 230 230,000 1,000 Ain Saadeh 2,600 1,820,000 700 A’aley Dbayeh 1,500 450,000 300 Aramoun 280 249,200 890 Aramoun 150 150,000 1,000 A’aley Chouifat (Omara) 140 119,000 850 A’aley 5,000 2,250,000 450 Doha Aramoun 150 180,000 1,200 Aramoun 1,200 576,000 480 Dohat Hoss 300 450,000 1,500 Chouifat (Dhour) 6,200 558,000 90 Bchamoun 170 170,000 1,000 Keserouane Khaldeh 200 200,000 1,000 Faraya 1,300 650,000 500 Keserouane Sahel Alma 250 312,500 1,250 Faqra 800 480,000 600 Adma 200 330,000 1,650 Ghadras 2,500 350,000 140 Adma 225 303,750 1,350 Kfour 1,500 480,000 320 Suhayleh 180 144,000 800 A’ajaltoun 2000 400,000 200 Adonis 160 147,200 920 Ballouneh 130 130,000 1,000 Source: Information International – May 2011 Source: Information International – May 2011

issue 108 | July 2011 48|INDEX FOOD PRICE INDEX OF 100 PRODUCTS: MAY 2011

Price of products during May 2011 (in LBP) Table 1 uring the month of May 2011, prices remained Prices Prices stable in accordance with the previous month’s % of beginning beginning Dtrend, with 61 products maintaining the same Item and brand price of April of May price, 10 witnessing a decrease and 29 an increase. change The reason behind this stagnation, despite the increase 2011 2011 in real estate prices, the cost of transportation and the Dairy Products euro, is the recession and the decline in sales in view Candia full cream milk of the strong competition in the markets, which has 2,450 2,450 0% lead store owners to limits their profits to a minimum (1 liter) Candia full cream yoghurt especially given the situation in Lebanon and the 2,500 3,000 +20% region. Some even limit their profits to 1% whereas (2 kg) normally they range between 3% and 10%. Bonjus labneh (1 kg) 3,990 3,990 0% Taanayel labneh 5,650 4,650 -17.6% Table 1 lists the price of products in May 2011. (500 g) Candia labneh (500 g) 3,600 4,500 +25% Price of products during May 2011 (in LBP) Table 1 Prices Prices Taanayel yoghurt % of 3,000 3,500 +16.7% beginning beginning (1 kg) Item and brand price of April of May Smeds cheese (400 g) 4,450 4,450 0% change 2011 2011 Picon cheese (360 g) 3,850 3,850 0% Oil Picon cheese (160 g) 1,950 1,950 0% Afia corn oil (3.5 liters) 13,900 14,500 +4.3% Double-crème cheese (1 kg) 5,750 5,750 0% Mazola corn oil 13,750 13,750 0% Fresh country cheese (3.5 liters) 7,700 8,250 +7.1% Mazola corn oil (1 kg) 7,450 7,450 0% Khashkawan cheese (1.8 liters) 11,000 13,750 +25% Slim corn oil (2 liters) 7,250 7,500 +3.5% (1 kg) Wesson corn oil Lurpak butter (200 g) 2,750 2,750 0% 7,500 7,500 0% (2 liters) Tatra butter (200 g) 2,400 2,750 +14.6% Ghandour soya oil Al-Maalaqtain margarine 11,500 12,000 +4.3% 7,950 8,500 +6.9% (3.8 liters) (2 kg) Alfa corn oil (4 liters) 13,000 14,500 +11.5% Al-Baqara al-Haloub Al-Wadi Olive Oil 31,850 33,000 +3.6% 6,750 7,000 +3.7% margarine (2kg) (1/2 liters) Vegetaline margarine (2 kg) 14,790 16,750 +13.2% Ketchup and Sauces Nido full cream milk (bag) Libby’s Ketchup 21,850 21,850 0% 1,500 1,500 0% (2,250 g) (567 g) Nido full cream milk 26,250 26,250 0% Extra Ketchup (340 g) 980 980 0% (2,500 g) Extra Ketchup (2.2 kg) 5,500 5,500 0% Tatra full cream milk Dolly’s Mayonnaise (500 18,500 18,500 0% 3,950 3,950 0% (1,800 g) ml) Fruits and Vegetables Al-Wadi Mayonnaise (500 4,300 4,300 0% ml) Orange (1 kg) 1,500 1,500 0% Al-Bsat Tahina (900 g) 6,860 6,860 0% Tomatoes (1kg) 700 500 -28.5% Al-Bsat Tahina (450 g) 6,890 3,500 0% Cucumbers (1kg) 750 500 -33.3% Taous tomato sauce 770 770 0% (70 g) Bananas (1kg) 1,500 1,500 0% Taous tomato sauce (425 g) 3,425 3,425 0% Lemons (1 kg) 650 500 -23% Tala tomato sauce 3,250 3,250 0% Apples (1 kg) 2,000 2,000 0% (675 g) Potatoes (1 kg) 900 600 -33.3%

issue 108 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. INDEX|49

Price of products during May 2011 (in LBP) Table 1 Price of products during May 2011 (in LBP) Table 1 Prices Prices Prices Prices % of % of beginning beginning beginning beginning Item and brand price Item and brand price of April of May of April of May change change 2011 2011 2011 2011 Cereals Meat, Fish and Eggs Khater white lentils 3,750 3,750 0% Zwan chicken (200 g) 2,450 2,550 +4% (1 kg) Zwan beef (200 g) 2,450 2,550 +4% Khater chick-peas fahli 3,500 3,650 +4.3% (1 kg) Luncheon meat beef (198 g) 1,800 1,800 0% Al-Mona chicken Khater beans (1 kg) 1,950 1,750 -10.2% 2,100 2,100 0% Peeled wheat (1 kg) 2,350 2,350 0% (200 g) Pineal Lima Bean Al-Taghzia beef 3,250 3,500 +7.7% 1,925 1,925 0% (1 kg) (200 g) Brown Fine Burgul Al-Taghzia chicken (200 g) 1,750 1,750 0% 1,800 1,800 0% (1 kg) Geisha sardine (125 g) 1,100 1,100 0% Egyptian rice (1 kg) 1,950 2,000 +2.5% Deli sardine (125 g) 1,100 1,100 0% American rice (1 kg) 1,850 2,100 +13.5% Italian rice (1 kg) 2,700 2,750 +1.8% Milo sardine (125 g) 1,100 1,100 0% Al-Wadi Hommos Tahina Geisha tuna (200 g) 3,500 3,600 +2.8% 1,340 1,340 0% (380 g) White Bell tuna (200 g) 2,220 2,500 +12.6% Chtaura Hommos Tahina 1,100 1,100 0% (380 g) White Diamond tuna (200 g) 2,250 2,250 0% California Gardens beans Skipper tuna (185 g) 1,750 1,750 0% 1,100 1,100 0% (450 g) Eggs (30 eggs) 5,500 5000 -9% Al-Wadi beans (450 g) 950 950 0% Beef (1 kg) 15,000 14,000 -6.6% Chtaura beans (480 g) 1,150 1,150 0% Libby’s corn (340 g) 1,750 1,750 0% Sheep (1 kg) 25,000 23,000 -8% Pasta Coffee and Tea Barilla spaghetti 2,100 2,300 +9.5% Najjar coffee (1kg) 16,000 16,000 0% (500 g) Brazil coffee (1 kg) 14,000 14,000 0% Antonio Amato spaghetti 2,200 2,200 0% (500 g) Al-Hisan tea (180 g) 2,750 2,750 0% Monte spaghetti Nestle (250g) 2,350 2,350 0% 2,150 2,250 +4.6% (500 g) Halvah and Jam Sugar and Salt Al-Wadi halvah (454 g) 4,250 4,250 0% Sugar (2 kg) 2,950 3,100 +5% Al-Ousra Sugar (5 kg) 9,250 9,250 0% Al-Bsat halvah (450 g) 3,150 3,150 0% Chtaura apricot jam Salt (700 g) 350 350 0% 5,500 5,750 +4.5% Box of salt (738 g) 1,400 1,400 0% (1 kg) Al-Wadi apricot jam 4,500 4,500 0% (1 kg) Tissues and Detergents Mimosa tissues (500 g) 2,750 2,750 0% Fine tissues 1,350 1,350 0% (200 tissues) Primo tissues 1,200 1,200 0% (200 tissues) Gipsy tissues 2,750 2,750 0% (300 tissues) Mimosa toilet papers 3,100 3,250 +4.8 % (4 rolls) Yes detergent (900 g) 2,200 2,200 0% Clorox (1 liter) 1,500 1,500 0% Persil (4 kg) 18,250 18,750 +2.7% Ariel (4 kg) 19,000 16,000 -15.8%

issue 108 | July 2011 50| Did you know that? Statistics from around the World Depression 7 out of 100 people suffer from depression 30 % of teenagers suffering from depression after the age of 18 at some point in their lives. tend to develop substance abuse. 1 out of 33 children and 1 out of 8 teenagers 15 % of teenagers suffering from depression suffer from depression. tend to develop a more serious mental health problem called bipolar disorder. 2 women will develop depression for every 1 man who develops depression. 80 % of teenagers can easily get over depression if they seek help from health 50% or more people caring for an older experts and therapists, and undergo a series relative show clinically significant depressive of treatment and medication. symptoms. 90 % of suicides have a diagnosable mental 50% of teenagers with depression inherit the illness and it is usually a depressive disorder. illness from their parents. 80 % of people who are currently experiencing 6 million people are affected by late life depression symptoms are not receiving depression, but only 10% ever receive treatment. treatment. 6-12 % of men will experience depression 15 % of chronic depression cases will end in during their lifetime. suicide. 80 - 90 % of all depression cases can be effectively and successfully treated within 4 to 6 weeks (American Psychiatric Association). Source: www.depressiontreatmenthelp.org Beirut International Airport Rafik Hariri International Airport – May 2011 Monthly decline of 10% and yearly draw back of 1% The airport traffic at Rafic Table 1 shows the traffic during the month of May 2011 compared to the month of April 2011 and May 2010. Hariri International Airport declined during the month Airport traffic in May 2011 compared to April 2011 and May 2010. Table 1 of May 2011 compared to of change April % of change May % the previous month with Traffic Apr-11 May-11 Apr-10 46,175 less passengers, a and May 2011 2010 / May 2011 9.9% decrease. Compared Arriving airplanes 2,456 2,511 2,617 2.2+ 4- to the traffic in May 2010, the Departing airplanes 2,456 2,493 2,624 1.5+ 5- total number of passengers Total No. of airplanes 4,912 5,004 5,241 1.8+ 4.5- remained stable with Arriving passengers 236,939 216,283 220,464 8.7- 1.9- 420,464 compared to 420,159 arriving passengers Departing passengers 224,851 199,905 196,026 11- 1.9+ in May 2010, an increase of Transit passengers 4,849 4,276 3,669 11.8- 16.5+ 305 passengers only. Total No. of passengers 466,639 420,464 420,159 9.9- 0.07+ Imported goods The total number of 3,616 3,537 3,766 2.2- 6- passengers reached during (per ton) the first 5 months of 2011 Exported goods 2,440 2,786 2,968 14.2+ 6.1- was 1,911,847 compared to (per ton) 1,931,644 during the same Total amount of goods 6,056 6,323 6,734 4.4+ 6.1- time last year, a decrease of (per ton) 19,797 passengers or a 1% decline. Source: Information International and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation

issue 108 - The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Stats & Numbers | 51 StatsNumbers&

95,047 cars were imported to Lebanon in 2010 compared to 100,278 in 2009. 30% of those cars were new and this percentage increases annually.

LBP 35 million was the cost of packing the central laboratory in Ain Al Tineh in Beirut in 2007 and transporting it to a private warehouse in Borj Al-Barajneh, which resulted in the closure of the lab after Speaker Nabih Berri worked on rehabilitating it and making it part of his headquarters.

LBP 290 million is the cost purchased clocks for the Saida Port monitoring of business hours and central internal telephones of the new Ministry of Education building in the UNESCO area. Publications $ 14 billion is the value of gold Publications by Publications by INMA (in Arabic): owned by the Lebanese Central Information International (in Arabic): 1- “I am Responsible, All of Us are Responsible” Bank in mid May 2011. This 1- Salaries and Remunerations in the Public Sector 2- “Our Environment is Our Home” amount considerably increased 2- Public Seaside Properties 3- “My Society is My Responsibility” 3- Lebanon’s Parliamentary History 1920-2000 4- “My Society is My Responsibility” Workbook due to the global increase in 4- Taxes and Fees 5- “I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards the price of gold. By May 2008, 5- Lebanon in Figures 1992-2002 State Building” the Central Bank’s value of gold 6- Lebanon in Figures 2003-2004 6- “I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards 7- Lebanon in Figures 2005-2006 State Building” Workbook did not exceed $ 8 billion, which 8- Lebanon in Figures 2007-2008 7- “Lebanon Wars, why?” shows the soundness of the 9- Lebanon’s MPs and Lebanese Parliamentary 8- Discrimination in Lebanon Bank in not selling its reserves. Elections 1960 - 2009 10- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate and confession-North District LBP 1,748 billion (approximately 11- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, $ 1.2 billion) was the total value of candidate and confession-Beirut District 12- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, insurance policies in 2010, while candidate and confession-Mount Lebanon the number of insurance policies District sold reached 3 million, 791,000 of 13- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate and confession-Beqa’a District which are life insurance policies. 14- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate and confession-South and Nabatiyeh LBP 722 million is the cost of District 15- Municipal Elections 2010 the planting and maintenance of trees on the Ba’albeck-Hermel Publications by Kutub (in Arabic): To subscribe: road in 2011. 1- Trablous Al-Sham Al-Borj Building, 4th Floor, Martyrs Square 2- Jeniyat Al-Nabi Beirut Central District 3- Mokhber Al-Konsoliya Telephone: 961-1-983008/9 961-3-262376 4- Antoun Saadah 1932-1949 Fax: 961-1-980630 [email protected] www.iimonthly.com www.information-international.com © Information International SAL All rights reserved License No. 180/2003 Responsible Director: Hala Saghbini Bee Series

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