issue number 133 |August 2013
The Republic of void UNDP in Lebanon the monthly interviews Nabil Haddad www.iimonthly.com • Published by Information International sal
Lebanon’s Teachers Incessant Demands for pay Increase
Lebanon 5,000LL | Saudi Arabia 15SR | UAE 15DHR | Jordan 2JD| Syria 75SYP | Iraq 3,500IQD | Kuwait 1.5KD | Qatar 15QR | Bahrain 2BD | Oman 2OR | Yemen 15YRI | Egypt 10EP | Europe 5Euros August INDEX 2013
4 Lebanon’s Teachers: Incessant Demands for pay Increase
11 the Republic of void 15 unDP in Lebanon 20 lebanon’s Municipalities 22 the Green Project
23 jordan’s Parliamentary Elections’ Law P: 26 P: 22
25 calcium and Vitamin D: Dr. Hanna Saadah 26 when Knowledge Takes Us Back to the Unknown: antoine boutros 27 aDoption: Dealing with Adopted Children: Dr. michel nawfal 28 Interview: Nabil Haddad
31 rafik Hariri Foundation- Directorate of Health and Social Services P: 16 33 popular culture 34 Debunking myth#72: Sitting too close to the TV will NOT damage your vision 46 hIstory of Feminism in Syria 35 must-read books: Dime’s Worth of Difference 47 Invasion of Iraq Takes its Toll on Iraqi Women 36 must-read children’s book: Return to the Wilderness 48 us-Arab Relations in a Tumultuous Spring 37 lebanon Families: Families denoting Lebanese Towns (5) 49 real estate prices in Lebanon - may 2013 38 Discover Lebanon: Al-Qasr 50 Did you know that?: Top Ten Densely Populated Countries in the World 39 june 2013 Highlights 51 lebanon’s stats 43 this Month in History- Lebanon Bachir Gemayel Elected President on August 23 45 this Month in History- Arab World Iraq Invades Kuwait |editorial
The Process
Sharif Hussein was sitting in his tent in Hejaz, unaware During this period of revolts and wars with of the role that had been woven for him and his sons Israel, the Gulf region witnessed large-scale changes, and when he started receiving the MacMahon letters along power was handed down from a generation of misers to with the cunning flattery of the “infidels of the West”. He a generation of squanderers; from Shakhbout to Zayed was very content to be the Emir of Mecca, and perhaps in the UAE, Khalifa to Hamad in Qatar, Sultan Said of Hejaz, and did not even dream of becoming overnight Oman to Qabous and King Faisal to King Fahd in the the leader of the Great Arab Revolt. What mattered Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Resounding slogans were most was that Britain had assigned an Emirate named raised in praise of stability, the wars of liberation and Transjordan to his second son Abdullah and a kingdom attrition, the largest airport and highest tower of the world named Kingdom of Iraq to his third son Faisal, and gone and the success in winning the bid to host the World Cup with the wind were all the promises of an independent in 2022. Against the ambiguity of these vague slogans, Arab state. The Sharif Hussein of Mecca ended up there was a crystal clear vision in the decision-making stranded between Cyprus and Jordan and was eventually capitals of the world in London, Paris and Washington. buried in Jerusalem, far from his kingdom and his Hejaz. From feudal lords (1920 until 1949) to army generals His sons and grandsons were assassinated one after the (1949 until 2003) to extravagant Sheikhs, we are standing other, with the last assassination being the massacre in today at a crucial crossroad. Al-Rihab palace in Baghdad in 1958. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said during the Several names were associated with this period of Forum for Future in January 2011 in Qatar that “in too history - the Sick Man of Europe, Sykes-Picot, the many places, in too many ways, the region’s foundations Balfour declaration, the Great Arab Revolt, mandates are sinking into the sand. The new and dynamic Middle and independence, the birth of Israel, etc. The epoch East that I have seen needs firmer ground if it is to take inherited a generation of rulers who were allied with root and grow everywhere.” And so, Bin Ali, Mubarak the Ottomans and who, upon their defeat, turned against and Gaddafi were ousted after the 2003 invasion of Iraq them. It also yielded a number of small states having while Syria plunged into a war that, according to the equivocal borders with disputed legitimacy. Lawrence calculations of General Martin Dempsey, would drag on of Arabia offered a brilliant description of this stage by for no less than a decade. The vision of western powers the concise line “We pushed them to death by thousands, was just as clear in the early twentieth century. They all for the corn, wheat and oil of Mesopotamia.” Today, pitted the Arabs against the Turks with an empty promise the bigger image stands as strong as ever: Rulers+ Israel+ of liberty, then later, used the same lure of freedom to Oil= Civil wars and backwardness. have them fight communism. Once again, their promises vanished into thin air. In 1949, Husni Al-Zaim seized power in a coup d’état, which, according to archives, was orchestrated by the Today, “the process” is one of the most common slogans CIA. It was the first time that people heard of the word making headlines in Washington DC. The US does not “Inqilab” on the radio. His revolt was the opening gambit promise the peoples of the region anything else but “the for an avalanche of coups sweeping across the Arab process”. Mubarak and Morsi are thrown in prison, world. Al-Zaim delivered to his masters: the Israel-Syria hundreds of thousands of victims fall in Syria, dozens armistice Agreement and the Tapline Agreement. are killed in Iraq and tens of settlements are set up in Palestine every year, but the focus remains on the process. Military leaders started successively rising to power: Al- And so that we do not feel alone in this, let us not forget Hennawi in Syria in 1949 followed by Adib Shishakli that Obama had pledged to bring change to the American in 1949 and 1952, the Baath party in 1963 and Assad people too. Therefore, the objectives become stretchy; in 1970. Jamal Abdul Nasser seized control of Egypt in change is process and process is change. 1952, Abdul Kareem Qassem of Iraq in 1959 followed by Abdul Salam and Abdul Rahman Aref in 1962 then Bakr The answer is found in George Orwell’s writings as well and Saddam Hussein in 1968. Gaddafi became President as in the conclusion drawn by Zbigniew Brzezinski: of Libya in 1969 and Boumediene President of Algeria in “In the technotronic society the trend would seem to 1965. In Sudan, Gaafar Nimeiry assumed presidency in be towards the aggregation of the individual support of 1969 and Tunisia came under the rule of Zein Al-Abidine millions of uncoordinated citizens, easily within the reach Bin Ali in 1987. Mauritania has also suffered several of magnetic and attractive personalities exploiting the coups throughout its history. As for those interested in latest communications techniques to manipulate emotions the history of Iran and the region, it would be wise to and control reason.” This is the “roadmap” set for us. look back at the fate that befell Mohammad Mosaddegh, the democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran, when he was replaced by the Shah in 1953. 4 | Leader
Lebanon’s Teachers
Incessant Demands for pay Increase
Lebanon’s teachers are the most active group in claiming higher pay as a fair reward for their noble mission of raising and educating future generations. When compared to employees in other private and public sectors, teachers believe they are not compensated fairly for their contribution, especially that their profession is known to be free of any form of bribery, corruption and favoritism.
As part of their indefatigable quest to achieve Salaries in 1991 better working conditions, teachers have staged Law No. 108 raised on November 7, 1991 the strikes and resorted to boycotting the correction of minimum wage to LBP 75 000 and adopted a pay official exams. Although their activism has been scale for state employees, including teachers, to successful in forcing the government to meet many be considered effective as of January 1, 1991 as of their demands, they still deem the benefits they illustrated in the following Table 1. The salary was receive as insufficient. Rather than addressing hiked by 129% at the lowest step level and by 221% the controversy of whether the Lebanese teachers at the highest one. earn too much or too little considering their skills, efforts and workload, this article will only discuss Teachers’ pay increase (1990- 1991) / Table 1 the evolution of their salaries and grades and the Amounts in LBP Salary in force draft pay scale referred recently to Parliament for Salary in force on starting December 1, New step value December 31, 1990 revision and ratification. 1991 51 575 118 000 7000
52 215 125 000 7000 As part of their indefatigable “quest to achieve better working 57 335 172 000 9 500 conditions, teachers have staged 58 615 181 500 9 500 strikes and resorted to boycotting the correction of official exams 59 895 191 000 9 500 “ 68 895 222 500 11 000 72 755 233 500 11 000 Number of Teachers The pre-university education sector is the second 76 615 244 500 11 000 largest public sector in the Lebanese state after the 89 405 282 500 13 500 military. If we add private sector teachers to the equation, the education sector becomes the leading 93 870 396 000 13 500 labor sector with around 91 000 teachers, a number 98 335 309 500 13 500 equal or slightly superior to that of the military personnel. Teachers in Lebanon are distributed as 102 800 323 000 15 000 follows: 142 985 458 000 15 000
Public schools: 39 604 teachers 147 450 473 000 15 000 Free private schools: 6 826 teachers Private schools: 44 493 teachers 151 915 488 000 15 000 Source: Law No. 108
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Law No. 588 and its Amendments Law No. 588 was issued on August 26, 1996 and intermediate and technical and vocational teachers. amended the pay scale of the teachers, excluding all However, there was no express legal text that other state employees. clearly stipulated the integration of the respective According to this law, the public teachers’ pay allowances within the new salary and the law did increased, starting January 1, 1996 as follows: not compare old salaries to new ones. This has Salaries of Grade 2 teachers at the first (lowest) given rise to law No. 593. step level increased from LBP 480 000 to LBP 1 060 000. Law No. 593 Salaries of Grade 2 teachers at the last (highest) Many pundits criticised law No. 588/96 as being step level increased from LBP 921 600 to LBP 2 a flagrant legislative scandal. Therefore, law No. 470 000. 593 emerged on December 28, 1996 cancelling Salaries of Grade 3 teachers at the first step level its predecessor and indicating explicitly that increased from LBP 390 000 to LBP 860 000. the allowances were inclusive in the new salary Salaries of Grade 3 teachers at the last step level package. The amended pay scale was to be increased from LBP 813 600 to LBP 2 070 000. considered effective as of January 1, 1996 and the Salaries of Grade 4 teachers (1st rank) at the first cancelled allowances were the following: step level increased from LBP 312 000 to LBP A monthly allocation given to public secondary 577 500. school teachers as per law No. 53/66 in return Salaries of Grade 4 teachers (1st rank) at the last for the increased number of teaching hours. step level increased from LBP 705 600 to LBP 1 A raise stipulated by the 1975 draft law enforced 430 000. by virtue of decree No. 10634. Salaries of Grade 4 teachers (2nd rank) at the Allocations assigned by decree No. 9193/1968 first step level increased from LBP 250 000 to to some of the teaching staff in technical and LBP 440 000. vocational schools. Salaries of Grade 4 teachers (2nd rank) at the last step level increased from LBP 597 600 to Law No. 593 listed the old salary as opposed to the LBP 1 160 000. new one without any amendments in the four salary charts organized by grade (Grade2, Grade 3, Grade The new pay scale was supposed to include the 4/1st Rank, Grade 4/2nd Rank) as illustrated in the monthly allowances assigned to the secondary, following tables:
Amended pay scale for Grade 2 teachers- Amounts in LBP Table 2
New step Salary in force on December 31, 1995 Amended salary starting January 1, 1996 Amended step value
1 480,000 1,060,000 50,000
2 499,200 1,110,000 50,000
3 518,400 1,160,000 50,000
8 619,200 1,430,000 60,000
9 640,800 1,490,000 60,000
10 662,400 1,550,000 70,000
11 684,000 1,620,000 70,000
12 705,600 1,690,000 70,000
19 856,800 2,230,000 80,000
20 878,400 2,310,000 80,000
21 900,000 2,390,000 80,000
22 921,600 2,470,000 80,000 Source: Law No. 593
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Amended pay scale for Grade 3 teachers- Amounts in LBP Table 3 New step Salary in force on December 31, 1995 Salary in force starting January 1, 1996 Amended step value 1 390,000 860,000 40,000 2 408,000 900,000 40,000 3 426,000 940,000 40,000 8 518,400 1,160,000 50,000 9 537,600 1,210,000 50,000 10 556,000 1,260,000 50,000 11 576,600 1,310,000 60,000 12 597,600 1,370,000 60,000 19 748,800 1,830,000 80,000 20 770,400 1,910,000 80,000 21 792,000 1,990,000 80,000 22 813,600 2,070,000 80,000 Source: Law No. 593
Amended pay scale for Grade 4/1st Rank teachers- Amounts in LBP Table 4 New step Salary in force on December 31, 1995 Salary in force starting January 1, 1996 Amended step value 1 312,000 577,500 27,500 2 327,600 605,000 27,500 3 343,200 632,500 32,500 8 426,000 795,000 32,500 9 444,000 827,500 32,500 10 462,000 860,000 40,000 11 480,000 900,000 40,000 12 499,200 940,000 40,000 19 640,800 1,260,000 50,000 20 662,400 1,310,000 60,000 21 684,000 1,370,000 60,000 22 705,600 1,430,000 60,000 Source: Law No. 593
Amended pay scale for Grade 4/2nd Rank teachers- Amounts in LBP Table 5 New step Salary in force on December 31, 1995 Salary in force starting January 1, 1996 Amended step value 1 250,000 440,000 27,500 2 262,400 467,500 27,500 3 274,800 495,000 27,500 8 343,200 632,500 32,500 9 358,000 665,000 32,500 10 374,400 697,500 32,500 11 390,000 730,000 32,500 12 408,000 762,500 32,500 19 537,600 1,020,000 40,000 20 556,800 1,060,000 50,000 21 576,000 1,110,000 50,000 22 597,600 1,160,000 50,000 Source: Law No. 593
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Law No. 661 Pay Hike Excludes Teachers After the separation of the teachers’ pay scale The law No. 717 dated November 5, 1998 raised the from that of the other state employees, law No. minimum wage to LBP 300 000 starting January 1, 661 was issued on July 24, 1997 to merge the four 1999 and amended the pay scale of state employees, salary charts present in law No. 593 into one chart but excluded teachers who already profited from including 41 steps, with the Step 1 salary standing at the special independent increase they were given in LBP 440 000 and Step 41 salary at LBP 2 470 000. 1996. Pay Hike Includes Teachers The first step in the unified salary chart is the lowest Since 1999, the salaries of public personnel have in Grade 4, while the fifteenth is the lowest in remained stable until the issuance of law No. 63 Grade 3 and the twentieth the lowest in Grade 2, as on December 31, 2008, which raised the minimum illustrated in the following Table 6. wage to LBP 500 000 and granted a pay increase of LBP 200 000 to LBP 376 000 to all state employees Teachers’ pay scale as stipulated Table 6 including teachers. The law was to be considered by law No. 661 effective as of May 1, 2008. New step Amended salary Step value 16 Exceptional Steps 1 440,000 27,500 In a bid to improve their pay, teachers had been 2 467,500 27,500 granted in the previous few years several exceptional
3 495,000 27,500 steps. Awarding a year of seniority and 4 steps, the step value being LBP 39 000 at the 1st step level 4 522,500 27,500 and LBP 73 000 at the 19th step level implied a 8 632,500 32,500 pay increase of LPB 175 500 and LBP 328 500 respectively per month. 9 665,000 32,500
10 697,500 32,500 Law No. 244 issued on August 7, 2000 entitled primary and intermediate teachers, as well as Grade 14 827,500 32,500 4 vocational teachers, to three exceptional steps, with 15 860,000 40,000 one given each year from 2001 until 2003. Another 3 steps were given to those in 2009, 2010 and 2011 16 90,000 40,000 by virtue of Law No. 102 dated March 6, 2010. Later 20 1,060,000 50,000 on April 2, 2012, teachers profited according to Law No. 223 from 4 additional steps and a seniority year 21 1,110,000 50,000 in their gradual upgrade. The steps were to be granted 24 1,260,000 50,000 two by two in 2010 and 2011.
25 1,310,000 60,000 Secondary teachers and both Grade 2 and Grade 3 26 1,370,000 60,000 vocational teachers were given the same (4 steps + 1 year of seniority) according to law no. 159 issued 28 1,490,000 60,000 on August 17, 2011. The steps were also to be given 29 1,550,000 70,000 two by two in 2010 and 2011.
30 1,620,000 70,000 The new pay scale draft law has also taken into 31 1,690,000 70,000 consideration teachers in the primary, intermediate, secondary and vocational cycles, qualifying them 33 1,830,000 80,000 as of April 1, 2013 to six exceptional steps, with 34 1,910,000 80,000 one given each year from 2013 until 2018. The following Table 7 illustrates the evolution of 40 2,390,000 80,000 teachers’ salaries between 1999 and 2016. 41 2,470,000 80,000
Source: Law No. 661
issue 133 | August 2013 8 | Leader
Evolution of teachers’ pay (1999- 2016)/ Amounts in thousands of LBP Table 7 Difference Basic salary between Basic salary Basic salary Step value Basic salary Step value Basic salary Step value Basic salary Step value Basic salary Step value Basic salary Step value Step as per the 1st previous and 1/1/1999 1/5/2008 1/5/2008 1/2/2012 1/2/2012 1/1/2013 1/1/2013 1/1/2014 1/1/2014 1/1/2015 1/1/2015 1/1/2016 1/1/2016 draft law current pro- posed pay 1 440 640 29 845 31 852 33 858 35 864 37 895 39 900 5-
2 467 669 29 876 31 885 33 893 35 901 37 934 39 940 6-
7 605 814 29 1.031 31 1.050 33 1.068 35 1.086 37 1.129 39 1.140 11-
8 632 843 35 1.062 39 1.083 39 1.103 39 1.123 39 1.168 39 1.180 12-
9 665 878 35 1.101 39 1.122 42 1.142 44 1.162 46 1.207 49 1.220 13-
10 697 913 35 1.14 39 1.164 42 1.186 44 1.208 46 1.256 49 1.270 14-
14 827.50 1.053 35 1.296 39 1.332 42 1.326 44 1.392 46 1.452 49 1.470 18-
15 860 1.09 42 1.335 45 1.374 49 1.406 52 1.438 55 1.501 59 1.520 19-
16 900 1.130 42 1.380 45 1.423 49 1.458 52 1.493 55 1.560 59 1.580 20-
19 1.02 1.256 42 1.515 45 1.570 62 1.614 66 1.658 70 1.737 73 1.760 23-
20 1.06 1.298 53 1.56 58 1.632 62 1.680 66 1.728 70 1.810 73 1.835 25-
21 1.11 1.351 53 1.618 58 1.694 62 1.746 66 1.798 70 1.883 73 1.910 27-
24 1.26 1.510 53 1.792 58 1.880 62 1.944 66 2.008 70 2.102 73 2.135 33-
25 1.31 1.563 63 1.850 68 1.942 70 2.010 71 2.078 72 2.175 73 2.210 35-
26 1.37 1.626 63 1.918 68 2.012 70 2.081 71 2.150 72 2.248 73 2.285 37-
28 1.49 1.752 63 2.054 68 2.152 78 2.223 81 2.294 84 2.39 88 2.435 41-
29 1.55 1.815 74 2.122 74 2.230 78 2.304 81 2.378 84 2.482 88 2.525 43-
32 1.760 2.037 74 2.344 74 2.468 82 2.556 90 2.644 98 2.765 107 2.815 50-
33 1.830 2.111 84 2.418 84 2.550 90 2.646 96 2.742 101 2.872 107 2.925 53-
34 1.910 2.195 84 2.502 84 2.640 90 2.742 96 2.843 101 2.979 107 3.035 56-
37 2.150 2.447 84 2.754 84 2.910 90 3.030 96 3.146 101 3.300 107 3.365 65-
38 2.230 2.531 84 2.84 84 3 96 3.126 108 3.247 119 3.407 130 3.475 68-
39 2.310 2.615 84 2.922 84 3.096 96 3.234 108 3.366 119 3.537 130 3.605 68-
46 2.880 3.203 84 3.510 84 3.768 96 3.990 108 4.199 119 4.447 130 4.515 68-
47 2.960 3.287 84 3.594 84 3.864 99 4.098 114 4.318 129 4.577 144 4.645 68-
48 3.040 3.371 84 3.678 84 3.963 99 4.212 114 4.45 129 4.721 144 4.795 74-
51 3.280 3.623 84 3.930 84 4.260 99 4.554 114 4.834 129 5.153 144 5.245 92-
52 3.360 3.707 84 4.014 84 4.359 99 4.668 114 4.963 129 5.297 144 5.395 98-
Source: Draft law amending the pay scale
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Leader | 9
Evolution of teachers’ pay (1999- 2016)/ Amounts in thousands of LBP Table 7 Difference Basic salary between Basic salary Basic salary Step value Basic salary Step value Basic salary Step value Basic salary Step value Basic salary Step value Basic salary Step value Step as per the 1st previous and 1/1/1999 1/5/2008 1/5/2008 1/2/2012 1/2/2012 1/1/2013 1/1/2013 1/1/2014 1/1/2014 1/1/2015 1/1/2015 1/1/2016 1/1/2016 draft law current pro- posed pay 1 440 640 29 845 31 852 33 858 35 864 37 895 39 900 5-
2 467 669 29 876 31 885 33 893 35 901 37 934 39 940 6-
7 605 814 29 1.031 31 1.050 33 1.068 35 1.086 37 1.129 39 1.140 11-
8 632 843 35 1.062 39 1.083 39 1.103 39 1.123 39 1.168 39 1.180 12-
9 665 878 35 1.101 39 1.122 42 1.142 44 1.162 46 1.207 49 1.220 13-
10 697 913 35 1.14 39 1.164 42 1.186 44 1.208 46 1.256 49 1.270 14-
14 827.50 1.053 35 1.296 39 1.332 42 1.326 44 1.392 46 1.452 49 1.470 18-
15 860 1.09 42 1.335 45 1.374 49 1.406 52 1.438 55 1.501 59 1.520 19-
16 900 1.130 42 1.380 45 1.423 49 1.458 52 1.493 55 1.560 59 1.580 20-
19 1.02 1.256 42 1.515 45 1.570 62 1.614 66 1.658 70 1.737 73 1.760 23-
20 1.06 1.298 53 1.56 58 1.632 62 1.680 66 1.728 70 1.810 73 1.835 25-
21 1.11 1.351 53 1.618 58 1.694 62 1.746 66 1.798 70 1.883 73 1.910 27-
24 1.26 1.510 53 1.792 58 1.880 62 1.944 66 2.008 70 2.102 73 2.135 33-
25 1.31 1.563 63 1.850 68 1.942 70 2.010 71 2.078 72 2.175 73 2.210 35-
26 1.37 1.626 63 1.918 68 2.012 70 2.081 71 2.150 72 2.248 73 2.285 37-
28 1.49 1.752 63 2.054 68 2.152 78 2.223 81 2.294 84 2.39 88 2.435 41-
29 1.55 1.815 74 2.122 74 2.230 78 2.304 81 2.378 84 2.482 88 2.525 43-
32 1.760 2.037 74 2.344 74 2.468 82 2.556 90 2.644 98 2.765 107 2.815 50-
33 1.830 2.111 84 2.418 84 2.550 90 2.646 96 2.742 101 2.872 107 2.925 53-
34 1.910 2.195 84 2.502 84 2.640 90 2.742 96 2.843 101 2.979 107 3.035 56-
37 2.150 2.447 84 2.754 84 2.910 90 3.030 96 3.146 101 3.300 107 3.365 65-
38 2.230 2.531 84 2.84 84 3 96 3.126 108 3.247 119 3.407 130 3.475 68-
39 2.310 2.615 84 2.922 84 3.096 96 3.234 108 3.366 119 3.537 130 3.605 68-
46 2.880 3.203 84 3.510 84 3.768 96 3.990 108 4.199 119 4.447 130 4.515 68-
47 2.960 3.287 84 3.594 84 3.864 99 4.098 114 4.318 129 4.577 144 4.645 68-
48 3.040 3.371 84 3.678 84 3.963 99 4.212 114 4.45 129 4.721 144 4.795 74-
51 3.280 3.623 84 3.930 84 4.260 99 4.554 114 4.834 129 5.153 144 5.245 92-
52 3.360 3.707 84 4.014 84 4.359 99 4.668 114 4.963 129 5.297 144 5.395 98-
Source: Draft law amending the pay scale
issue 133 | August 2013 10 | Leader
In order to calculate the value of these exceptional steps, In 2016, the salary would become LBP 2 482 000 and it might be useful to look at the following three examples: each teacher would profit from both a regular and an exceptional step of LBP 88 000 each. The total pay Example No. 1: Evolution of the salary of a teacher at would thus reach LBP 2 658 000. the 1st step level In 2017, the pay of a teacher at the 25th step level The basic salary of a teacher at the 1st step level stood would go as high as 2 765 000 after his receiving an on May 1, 2008 at LBP 640 000 to be raised to LBP exceptional step of LBP 107 000. 845 000 as of February 1, 2012. In 2018, the teacher at the 25th step level would qualify In 2013, the salary would increase to LBP 852 000 and to both a regular and an exceptional step of LBP 107 each teacher at the 1st step level would be granted an 000 each, which would push his pay up to LBP 2 979 exceptional step of LBP 33 000, bringing their pay up 000. to LBP 885 000. The value of the six exceptional steps would thus In 2014, the salary would increase to LBP 893 000 amount to LBP 527 000 in addition to three regular and each teacher would be granted both a regular and steps equaling LBP 266 000, i.e. a total of LBP 793 an exceptional step of LBP 35 000 each, pushing their 000. Consequently, the basic salary of a teacher at the pay up to LBP 963 000. The teacher is entitled to a 25th step level will have soared by 2018 from LBP 1 regular step every two years. 563 000 to LBP 2 979 000, i.e. a hike of 90.6% or LBP In 2015, the salary would increase to LBP 975 000 and 1 416 000. each teacher would be granted an exceptional step of LBP 37 000, hiking the pay up to LBP 1 012 000. Example No. 3: Evolution of the salary of a teacher at In 2016, the salary would become LBP 1 051 000 and the 43rd step level each teacher would profit from both a regular and an The basic salary of a teacher at the 43rd step level stood exceptional step of LBP 39 000 each. The total pay on May 1, 2008 at LBP 2 951 000 to be raised to LBP would thus reach LBP 1 129 000. 3 258 000 as of February 1, 2012. In 2017, the pay of a teacher at the 1st step level would In 2013, the salary would increase to LBP 3 480 000 go up to 1 168 000 after his receiving an exceptional and each teacher would be granted an exceptional step step of LBP 39 000. of LBP 96 000, bringing their pay up to LBP 3 576 In 2018, the teacher at the 1st step level would qualify 000. to both a regular and an exceptional step of LBP 49 In 2014, the salary would increase to LBP 3 774 000 000 each, which pushes his pay up to LBP 1 256 000. and each teacher would be granted both a regular and The value of the six exceptional steps would thus an exceptional step of LBP 108 000 each, pushing amount to LBP 222 000 in addition to three regular their pay up to LBP 3 990 000. steps equaling LBP 123 000, i.e. a total of LBP 345 In 2015, the salary would increase to LBP 4 199 000 000. Consequently, the basic salary of a teacher at the and each teacher would be granted an exceptional step 1st step level will have increased by 2018 from LBP of LBP 199 000, hiking the pay up to LBP 4 318 000. 640 000 to LBP 1 256 000, i.e. a hike of 96.2% or LBP In 2016, the salary would become LBP 4 577 000 and 616 000. each teacher would profit from both a regular and an exceptional step of LBP 144 000 each. The total pay Example No. 2: Evolution of the salary of a teacher at would thus reach LBP 4 865 000. the 25th step level In 2017, the pay of a teacher at the 43rd step level The basic salary of a teacher at the 25th step level stood would go as high as 5 009 000 after his receiving an on May 1, 2008 at LBP 1 563 000 to be raised to LBP exceptional step of LBP 144 000. 1 850 000 as of February 1, 2012. In 2018, the teacher at the 43rd step level would qualify In 2013, the salary would increase to LBP 1 942 000 to both a regular and an exceptional step of LBP 144 and each teacher would be granted an exceptional step 000 each, which would push his pay up to LBP 5 297 of LBP 40 000, bringing their pay up to LBP 2 012 000. 000. The value of the six exceptional steps would thus In 2014, the salary would increase to LBP 2 081 000 amount to LBP 755 000 in addition to three regular and each teacher would be granted both a regular and steps equaling LBP 396 000, i.e. a total of LBP 1 151 an exceptional step of LBP 71 000 each, pushing their 000. Consequently, the basic salary of a teacher at the pay up to LBP 2 223 000. 43rd step level will have soared by 2018 from LBP 2 In 2015, the salary would increase to LBP 2 294 000 951 000 to LBP 5 297 000, i.e. a hike of 79.5% or LBP and each teacher would be granted an exceptional step 2 346 000. of LBP 84 000, hiking the pay up to LBP 2 378 000.
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Public Sector | 11 the Republic of void
The government resigns yet no new government surfaces to take charge. Parliament’s term expires yet no new elections occur and the legislature extends its mandate by 1 year and 5 months. Thousands of military, civil and judiciary posts are vacant- some of them for years- yet no serious efforts are made to fill the vacancies. Unsurprisingly, vacuum has become the most prominent attribute of the Lebanese Republic, so are we heading towards a void in the Presidency of the Republic when May 25, 2014 approaches?
Government Resignation After a stormy government session fraught with take the post. Should the attempts to form a government turbulence and disagreement over the term extension fail, Basbous will serve as acting Director General of of ISF Chief, Ashraf Rifi, and the formation of the the ISF until the date of his retirement on June 5, 2014. Electoral Supervisory Committee, Premier Najib Mikati announced on Friday, 22nd of March 2013, the The ISF Command Council consists of 11 members and resignation of his government. Hence, the government has 5 vacant posts currently: continued to operate under the caretaker system until Sunni post of the ISF Director General held currently the formation of a new government by PM-designate, by acting Brigadier General Roger Salem. Tamam Salam. However, the attempts to form a new Maronite Gendarmerie Chief Joseph Doueihi. government have proved fruitless in the past three Druze Judicial Police Commander, Brigadier months, which have translated into further paralysis and General Naji Masri. void in the state apparatus. Sunni Beirut Police Chief, General Dib Tbaili. Sunni Head of the ISF Training Institute, Brigadier Parliament General Ibrahim Basbous. June 20, 2013 marked the end of the term of Parliament Greek Catholic Head of the General Inspectorate, elected in 2009. As no agreement was reached over a new Brigadier General Roger Salem. electoral law, and under the pretext of critical security Shia’a Head of Central Administration, acting reasons, Parliament convened a secret session on Friday, Brigadier General Assad Toufaily appointed following 31st of May, 2013 and approved law No. 246 whereby the referral of Brigadier General Mohammad Qassem the mandate of Parliament was extended exceptionally to retirement on February 26, 2013. until November 20, 2014. However, the extension of the Maronite Head of Social Services, acting Brigadier legislature’s term is tantamount to void amid the skepticism General Elias Habib, appointed following the referral surrounding the compelling security reasons for it. of Brigadier General Lahoud Tannouri to retirement on January 11, 2013. Directorate of the Internal Security Forces Maronite Head of the ISF Mobile Forces Unit, acting Having reached the age of 59, the compulsory retirement Brigadier General Elias Saadeh, appointed following age for major generals, ISF Chief, General Ashraf Rifi the referral of Brigadier General Robert Jabbour to retired on the 1st of April 2013. His term of office was retirement on November 10, 2012. supposed to be prolonged either by amending the law to Greek Orthodox Chairman of the Joint Chiefs raise the current retirement age or by virtue of a decree. of Staff, acting Brigadier General Pierre Nassar, Neither of these options materialized and Rifi left his appointed following the referral of Brigadier General post and no successor was appointed to assume his Joseph Al-Hajal to retirement on October 26, 2012. office. Being the highest in rank, the post was handed Shia’a Head of the Embassies’ Security Apparatus, down to the Greek Catholic Brigadier General Roger Brigadier General Mahmoud Ibrahim, referred to Salem in defiance of the usual norm, which allocates retirement on April 1, 2013. this post to Sunni officers only. On June 28, Brigadier General Roger Salem will retire and Sunni Brigadier The decisions of the ISF Command Council require 8 General Ibrahim Basbous is the most likely person to votes out of 11 to become effective.
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Lebanese Armed Forces Command and Military Council
The LAF Military Council consists of 6 members: Commander in Chief (Maronite) Chief of the General Staff (Druze) General Inspector (Greek Orthodox) Chief Administrator (Shia’a) Secretary General of the Higher Defense Council (Sunni) Full-time Member of the Council (Greek Catholic)
Three out of the six above posts have become vacant recently: Post of the General Inspector vacated after Major General Michel Mounir was sent to retirement on May 1, 2013. Post of the Full-time Member of the Council vacated after Major General Nicolas Ibrahim retired on May 2, 2013. Post of the Chief Administrator vacated after Major General Abdul Rahman Chihaitli retired on May 24, 2013. Chief of Staff, Major General Walid Salman will withdraw from service on August 7, 2013, just like the Commander in Chief, General Jean Qahwaji who is to retire on September 23, 2013. And so, the one position that remains occupied is that of the Secretary General of the Higher Defense Council, Mohammad Khair who is expected to remain in service until February 22, 2015. Grade 1 Vacancies The number of the Grade 1 public posts, or their equivalent, amounts to 155 in Lebanon. 48 of them are yet to be occupied, which brings the vacancy rate at this grade level to 31%. The vacant posts are distributed by date and sect as illustrated in the following Table 1.
Vavany posts by date and sect Table 1
Post Date of Vacancy Previous Director General
Director General of Real Estate Affairs February 2013 Beshara Karkafi
Director General of Customs 2010 Assaad Ghanem
Director General and President of the Public Housing Institute 2007 Antoine Chamoun
Member of the Higher Council of Customs 2006 Jean Halabi
Director General of the Ministry of Oil 2002 Samih Rayyes
Social and Agricultural General Inspector 2011 Elias Kamil Tannous El-Khoury
Director General of the Sugar Beet and Wheat Office 2008 Antoine El-Khoury
Director General of Archaeology March 2010 Frederic Husseini (resignation)
Director General of National Archives April 2010 Fouad Obeid Vice President of the Council for Development and January 2011 Alain Kurdahi (death) Reconstruction Director General of Coops at the Ministry of Agriculture March 2010 Joseph Tarabay (referred to the Disciplinary Council)
Director General of the Lebanese Standards Institute 2006 Antoing Semaan (dismissed from his post) Elie Assaf (held office as Director General at the Director General of the National Institute of Administration 2008 Presidential Palace) Vacant Posts Reserved by Convention to the Maronite (13)
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Vavany posts by date and sect Table 1 Post Date of Vacancy Previous Director General Yaacoub Sarraf (resigned after his appointment as Governor of Beirut 2005 minister) Director General of the Ministry of Labor 2000 Ratib Saliba
General Inspector at the Central Inspection January 2012
Vacant Posts Reserved by Convention to the Greek Orthodox (3) Director General of Roads and Buildings at Ministry of Public November 2010 Fadi Al-Nammar (resignation) Works and Transport President of the Beirut Stock Exchange 2009 Fadi Khalaf (resignation)
President of the Social and Economic Council 2008 Roger Nasnas (expiry of term)
Vacant Posts Reserved by Convention to the Greek Catholics (3) Governor of the South January 2010 Malek Abdul Khalek
Director General of Committees and Sessions in Parliament April 2013 Riad Ghannam
Director General of the Ministry of the Displaced 2002 Khaled Abdul Samad
Vacant Posts Reserved by Convention to the Druze (3) Director General of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce 2005 Fadi Makki (resignation)
Director General of the Ministry of Social Affairs 2005 Neemat Kanaan
President of the Higher Council of Customs June 2011 Akram Chdid Director General of Political and Refugees Affairs at the Ministry 2005 Atallah of Interior and Municipalities Director General of the Social and Economic Council April 2011 Farouq Yaghi
Director General of Parliament 2005 Adnan Daher (acting Director General currently) Head of Legal Affairs Department at the Presidency of the 2007 Othman Dalloul Council of Ministers Vacant Posts Reserved by Convention to the Shia’a (7) Director General of the Internal Security Forces April 1, 2013 Ashraf Rifi Director General of the Personal Affairs at the Ministry of Interior June 2011 Nada Al-Kasti and Municipalities President of the Civil Service Board February 2013 Khaled Qabbani
General Prosecutor June 2013 Hatem Madi
Governor of Mount Lebanon 2002 Adnan Doumyati (dismissed from his post)
Director General of the National Institute of Administration 2008 Walid Al-Khatib
Member of the Higher Council of Customs 2005 Oussama Al-Baba
Director General of Civil Aviation December 2010 Hamdi Chawq
Member of the Council for the South 2005 Nazih Raad
Director General of Urban Planning 2005 Josep Abdul Ahad, successor of the Sunni Saad Khaled Mohammad Hamdan (dismissed from his post). This post Director General of Ogero 2005 is held currently by acting Director General of Investment and Maintenance at the Ministry of Telecommunications Director General of the Legal and Administrative Affairs at the 2006 Farouq Qabalan Presidency of the Republic Vacant Posts Reserved by Convention to the Sunni (12)
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Seven Grade 1 jobs have been introduced recently but we are yet to find out their sectarian distribution. The new positions are the following: Governor of Akkar Governor of Baalbeck and Hermel Mediator of the Republic Head of the Liban Telecom company Director General of the economic zone of Tripoli Director General for the establishment and management of the industrial assembly centers Head of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (held previously by an evangelical and is likely to be handed down to a Maronite)
Terms of the Tele Liban Director General and the presidents and members of the Council for Development and Reconstruction and the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon have also expired. Yet, they all continue to carry out their duties until finding the alternatives.
Vacancies in Other Grades Grade 2: there are 568 Grade 2 jobs in Lebanon, of which 345 are vacant. The vacancy rate is as high as 60% in the Grade 2 public posts. Grade 3: there are 4160 Grade 3 jobs in Lebanon, of which 2273 are vacant. The vacancy rate stands at 54% in the Grade 3 public posts. Grade 4: there are 14243 Grade 4 jobs in Lebanon, of which 10425 are vacant. The vacancy rate jumps to 73.2% in the Grade 4 public posts. Grade 5: there are 2903 Grade 5 jobs in Lebanon, of which 2393 or a staggering 80% are vacant.
The vacancy rates in public services show no signs of declining as days go by, especially amid disagreement over the public appointments due to the presence of rampant sectarian and political quotas. During its 20 months in power, Mikati’s government approved only 25 public appointments, noting that the country is expected to face further vacancies in the upcoming months due to the referral of many public employees to retirement. The possibility of filling the vacancies remains far-fetched amid failure to form a new government and chances are it might all wait until after the presidential elections in 2014, while serious fears arise over a potential vacuum in the country’s highest position should the political divides escalate. So will the Republic of Lebanon become a Republic of Void?
Grade 1 jobs Grade 2 jobs Grade 3 jobs Grade 4 jobs Grade 5 jobs
ant ant ant ant ant ac ac ac ac ac v v v v v 31% 60% 54% 73.2% 82%
107 223 1887 3818 510
48 345 2273 10425 2393
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Public Sector | 15
UNDP in Lebanon Quasi-Equivalent to Public Authorities and Portal for Employment
Through its varied programs and institutions, the United Nations extends support and assistance to public ministries and administrations as well as civil society organizations in developed countries to help them grow and meet the needs of citizens. Lebanon is no exception to this rule as it is home to several UN agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme, whose purpose, efficiency and cost have become the subject of a heated debate. It isargued that UNDP’s projects aren’t serving their declared objectives anymore as the organization has become just another platform to reap gains and hire employees, foreign or Lebanese, with salaries incommensurate with their performance and competencies, yet exceeding those paid to general directors in public agencies.
Projects’ assessment In October 2011, the Cabinet formed a ministerial Most of the programs failed to transfer their committee headed by the State Minister for expertise to the relevant administrations upon Administrative Development and including the completion of the projects. Minister of Labor and all ministers who carry out projects in cooperation with UNDP, in order to The shortage of personnel in some ministries and evaluate the projects in question. The report drafted administrations makes UNDP a suitable alternative by the committee revealed the following: for employment.
Some of the projects undertaken in partnership Ministry of Energy and Water with UNDP exceeded the lifespan set for them. The UNDP was responsible for 7 projects within the In many cases, the duration of these projects was Ministry of Energy and Water. At the top of these extended to the point that they have somehow projects are the following two: become permanent and the state had to undertake partial or complete financing thereof. The Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation: A project that supports the purchase of solar water Disputes and conflicts in tasks arose between heaters and lasts from 2009 until 2014. UNDP’s workforce and the administrative authorities in certain ministries and administrations, The Lebanese Center for Water Conservation and thus turning UNDP into a parallel administration. Management whose duration stretches from 2011 until 2013. Some programs were converted into a means to fill the vacancies impossible to fill according to The following Table 1 illustrates UNDP’s projects at the conditions of employment in the public sector. the Ministry of Energy and Water:
Experts with insufficient competence were summoned to work on projects although certain public administrations do not lack the needed skills and expertise.
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UNDP’s projects at the Ministry of Energy and Water Table 1 Total Total Total Total Total Total No. of Total salaries Government Foreign salaries salaries salaries salaries salaries salaries employees (2010) contribution contribution (2008) (2009) (2011) (2012) (2013) (2014) USD USD USD USD USD USD USD 3.3 13-18 USD 525,000 USD 500,000 481,000 450,000 940,000 630,000 560,000 186,000 million Source: Minutes of Cabinet meetings Ministry of Administrative Development The UNDP is running a project to promote the public services and institutional development in partnership with the Ministry of Administrative Development as shown in the following Table 2.
UNDP’s projects at the Ministry of Administrative Development Table 2 No. of Total salaries Total salaries Total salaries Government Total salaries (2008) Foreign contribution employees (2009) (2010) (2011) contribution
USD 4.61 29-35 USD 1.2 million USD 1.6 million USD 1.6 million USD 1.5 million USD 992000 million Source: Minutes of Cabinet meetings
Ministry of Justice The UNDP and the Ministry of Justice carried out two joint projects, which are the following: Promotion of Transparency and Efficiency Improving Access to Justice
The following Table 3 illustrates the budget allocated to the above projects as well as the workforce and the local and foreign shares of funding.
UNDP’s projects at the Ministry of Justice Table 3 No. of Total salaries Total salaries Total salaries Government Total salaries (2010) Foreign contribution employees (2008) (2009) (2011) contribution
3-4 USD 70,800 USD 78,000 USD 26,300 USD 135,300 USD 380,000 USD 378,600
The projects expire in 2013. Their total cost stands at roughly USD 2 million, of which 70% is covered by the EU, 11% by the UN and 19% by the Lebanese government Source: Minutes of Cabinet meetings
Ministry of National Defense The UNDP cooperated with the Ministry of National Defense in the process of de-mining through two projects: Capacity Building for the Lebanon Mine Action Center Support the National De-mining Office
The following Table 4 details the cost of the above projects:
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UNDP’s projects at the Ministry of National Defense Table 4 Total salaries Total salaries Total salaries Total salaries Government No. of employees Foreign contribution (2008) (2009) (2010) (2011) contribution USD 1,355,000 offered by the European Commission 3-14 USD 178,200 USD 306,400 USD 566,800 USD 304,000 - and the Italian and Belgian governments Source: Minutes of Cabinet meetings
Ministry of Finance The UNDP’s support of the Ministry of Finance was rendered through two projects: Capacity Building in Financial Management Reform Technical Assistance in Financial Management Reform
These projects are among the largest ones managed by the UNDP inside the Lebanese ministries as one may infer from the following Table 5.
UNDP’s projects at the Ministry of Finance Table 5 Total salaries Total salaries Total salaries Total salaries Government No. of employees Foreign contribution (2008) (2009) (2010) (2011) contribution USD 33-42 USD 1,563,000 USD 1,569,000 USD 1,620,000 USD 2,293,000 USD 3,735,000: EU 1,653,000 Source: Minutes of Cabinet meetings
Ministry of Interior and Municipalities Two projects were managed by the UNDP at the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities. The first began in 2007 and is expected to be completed by 2013. It is worth USD 9.7 million and is co-funded by the EU and the Spanish government. The second addressed civil defense capacity building and stretched from 2007 until 2010. The French government provided funds worth 2 million euros for the project. Ministry of the Displaced Only one project was delivered in collaboration with the UNDP at the Ministry of the Displaced. The socio- economic project aimed at promoting the return of the displaced to Mount-Lebanon throughout 2010 and 2011. The project worth USD 957,000 was financed by the UNDP. Ministry of Environment The joint projects between the UNDP and the Ministry of Environment amounted to 14. They addressed a multitude of sectors and aspects that fall within the ministry’s scope of work and cost in total around USD 2.2 million. The 5-year projects are illustrated in Table 6.
UNDP’s projects at the Ministry of Environment Table 6 Total Total Total Total Total No. of salaries salaries salaries salaries salaries Government Foreign contribution employees (2008) (2009) (2010) (2011) (2012) contribution USD 110,000: UNDP USD 573,000: Global Environment Facility USD USD USD USD USD USD 78000: EU 9-15 358,900 252,100 477,600 556,200 556,200 USD 853,100 USD 31,300: SOLIDERE USD: 554,600 : Multilateral Fund for Montreal Protocol Source: Minutes of Cabinet meetings
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Ministry of Agriculture Five projects were delivered by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the UNDP from 2008 until 2011. The total cost amounted to USD 580,000 as illustrated in the following Table 7.
UNDP’s projects at the Ministry of Agriculture Table 7 No. of Total salaries Total salaries Total salaries Total salaries Government Foreign contribution employees (2008) (2009) (2010) (2011) contribution USD 149,000: UNDP 6-8 USD 72,000 USD 163,300 USD 163,000 USD 181,700 USD 94,400 USD 31,600: Brazilian government USD 305,000: Global Environment Facility Source: Minutes of Cabinet meetings
Ministry of Social Affairs The Ministry of Social Affairs and the UNDP from 2008 until 2011 implemented a project titled “Capacity Building for Poverty Reduction”. Its total cost reached USD 552,000 as illustrated in the following Table 8.
UNDP’s projects at the Ministry of Social Affairs Table 8 Total No. of Total salaries Total salaries Total salaries (2010) salaries Government Foreign contribution employees (2008) (2009) (2011) contribution USD 4-5 USD 93,900 USD 129,100 USD 89,400 14,600 USD 458,500 USD 93,600: UNDP Source: Minutes of Cabinet meetings Ministry of Education and Higher Education The project performed by the UNDP at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education focused on providing technical assistance to the Ministry from 2010 until 2012. The cost of the project amounted to USD 795,000 and was divided as illustrated in Table 9.
UNDP’s projects at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Table 9 Total No. of Total salaries Total salaries Total salaries salaries Total salaries Government Foreign contribution employees (2008) (2009) (2010) (2011) (2012) contribution USD 1-7 USD 30,900 USD 191,000 USD 191,000 191,000 USD 191,000 USD 720,000 USD 75,000: UNDP Source: Minutes of Cabinet meetings
Ministry of Economy and Trade Two projects were launched in collaboration with the UNDP at the Ministry of Economy and Trade: Support to the Ministry of Economy and Trade- Phase I (2008-2010) Institutional Assistance for Economic Policy and Trade- Phase II (2011- 2013)
The following Table 10 summarizes the cost of the projects as well as the size of the labor force and the sources of funding.
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UNDP’s projects at the Ministry of Economy and Trade Table 10 Total Total Total No. of Total salaries salaries salaries Total salaries salaries Total salaries Government Foreign employees (2008) (2009) (2010) (2011) (2012) (2013) contribution contribution USD USD USD 7-26 USD 605,500 597,400 672,900 USD 593,700 593,700 USD 593,700 USD 3.6 million USD 42,000 Source: Minutes of Cabinet meetings
Based on the above, we may conclude that the gross cost of the projects executed by the UNDP in collaboration with the public ministries reaches as high as USD 40.6 million. The Lebanese government covers 35% of this amount (USD 14.4 million) while the UNDP and other foreign parties fulfill the remaining 65%, worth USD 26.2 million.
It would be unfair to deny the role that some of the projects have played in improving the performance of some ministries. Yet, those still need a precise assessment to verify whether or not the yielded benefits are proportional to the high costs.
Total cost of projects Table 11
Recipient Project cost (USD) Government funding (USD) Foreign funding (USD)
Ministry of Energy and Water 3.8 million 500,000 3.3 million Office of the Minister of State for 5.6 million 4.61 million 992,000 Administrative Reform Ministry of Justice 2 million 380,000 1.62 million
Ministry of National Defense 1.355 million - 1.355 million
Ministry of Finance 6 million 2.3 million 3.7 million Ministry of Interior and 12.3 million - 12.3 million Municipalities Ministry of Displaced 957,000 - 957,000
Ministry of Environment 2.2 million 853,100 1.350 million
Ministry of Agriculture 580,000 94,400 485,600
Ministry of Social Affairs 552,000 485,500 93,600 Ministry of Education and Higher 795,000 720,000 75,000 Education Ministry of Economy and Trade 3.65 million 3.6 million 42,000
Total 39.786 million 14.388 million 26,152
Source: Minutes of Cabinet meetings
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Lebanon’s Municipalities 1003 Municipalities
With the issuance of decisions No. 555 and 567 on the 3rd and 8th of April 2013, two new municipalities came to being in the Masnaa Zahra town of Baalbeck and the Mtayleb town of Matn, bringing the total of Lebanon’s municipalities to 1003, while 321 towns remain without an official local government.
Evolution of the Number of Municipalities Number of Municipalities by Mohafaza and Qada’a Table 1 The first nationwide municipal elections were held No. of No. of No. of towns No. of Mohafaza/ municipalities towns and villages in Lebanon in 1963 with the participation of 339 municipalities Qada’a until June and lacking in 1963 municipalities. During the 1998 elections, the number 2013 villages municipalities of municipalities stood at 700 while it rose to 904 in Mohafaza of 60 261 396 102 2004 and further to 964 during the fourth local elections North Lebanon in 2010. Lebanon’s municipalities have been growing Tripoli 3 3 3 0 steadily in number until they reached 1003 in June 2013. Batroun 9 27 67 39 Bsharri 7 12 21 9 Number of Municipalities by Mohafaza and Qada’a Zgharta 11 31 50 11 Lebanon’s municipalities are distributed by Mohafaza Akkar 13 121 159 21 and Qada’a as illustrated in the following Table 1, which Mennieh-Dennieh 6 33 51 13 reveals the following: Koura 11 34 45 9 Mohafaza of All 36 towns in the Qada’a of Bint Jbeil have 46 161 236 65 municipal councils. The same applies to the 3 towns Beqa’a of the Tripoli Qada’a and the 26 towns of Rashaya. Baalbeck 12 68 103 31 In Nabatieh, Bfarwi is the only town lacking a Hermel 1 7 32 24 municipality. Rashaya 6 26 26 0 In proportion to the number of towns in each Qada’a, Zahle 15 29 40 7 Jbeil is considered the Qada’a with the fewest Western Beqa’a 12 31 35 3 municipal bodies as 43 of its towns still lack local Mohafaza of 21 144 176 26 governance. The Qada’a of Batroun ranks second South-Lebanon and the Qada’a of Baalbeck third with municipalities Saida 7 47 53 6 being inexistent in 39 and 31 towns respectively. Tyre 4 61 68 4 Jezzine 10 36 55 16 Number of Municipalities by Mohafaza and Qada’a Table 1 Mohafaza of 38 117 131 13 No. of No. of No. of towns Nabatieh No. of Mohafaza/ municipalities towns and villages municipalities Nabatieh 9 39 41 1 Qada’a until June and lacking in 1963 2013 villages municipalities Marjeyoun 8 26 33 7 Mohafaza of Hasbaya 6 16 21 5 173 319 480 115 Mount-Lebanon Bint Jbeil 15 36 36 0 Chouf 37 74 96 20 Mohafaza of 1 1 1 0 Aley 38 57 72 13 Beirut Total 339 1003 1420 321 Baabda 34 45 63 11 Source: Interior Ministers’ decisions stipulating the formation of municipalities. Kessrouan 25 52 70 13 Matn 33 54 96 15 NB: If the difference between the number of towns and that of Jbeil 6 37 83 43 municipalities varies from the result shown in the last column, this means that 2 or more towns are governed by 1 municipality.
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Revenues of the Independent Municipal Distribution of major shares by Table 2 Fund municipality 2011 Share 2010 Share Municipality The 2011 revenues of the Independent Municipal Fund (LBP billion) (LBP billion) assigned for distribution to municipalities by virtue of Decree No. 10234 dated April 8, 2013 stood at LBP 417 Choueifat 1.823 2.03 billion compared to LBP 468 million in 2010 and LBP Sin El-Fil 1.69 1.94 400 billion in 2010. Mennieh 1.66 1.86
The Decree divided the IMF revenues as follows: Nabatieh 1.65 1.85 LBP 50.040 billion or 12% were allocated to 51 municipal unions. Hermel 1.61 1.72 4.4% or LBP 18.348 billion for the Civil Defense Independent Fund Hadath 1.61 1.82 83.6% or LBP 348.612 billion were allocated to Ersal 1.57 1.71 municipalities and were in turn assigned as follows: 90% amounting to LBP 313.750 billion based on the Bint Jbeil 1.53 1.75 registered population and the actual direct revenues collected by municipalities during the two years The smallest shares were transferred to the municipalities prior to distribution. detailed in the following Table 3 with the municipality 10% amounting to LBP 34.861 billion were of Shaqdouf in Akkar receiving the lowest allocation. distributed equally to the municipalities having no more than 4000 registered people for the purpose of Distribution of smallest shares by Table 3 development projects municipality 2011 Share (LBP 2010 Share (LBP Municipality Shares of Municipalities million) million) As is the case every year, Beirut received the largest Shaqdouf (Akkar) 13.862 15.526 share of the IMF transfers at LBP 61.2 billion, while Rajmeh (Aley) 15.061 19.322 Tripoli ranked second. The following Table 2 illustrates Nahriyeh-Boustan Horsh 15.612 17.313 the major allocations channeled to municipalities. (Akkar) Ain El-Sayyde (Aley) 16.360 19.434 Distribution of major shares by municipality Table 2 Al-Knaisseh (Baabda) 16.797 19.710 2011 Share 2010 Share Municipality (LBP billion) (LBP billion) Ain Remmaneh (Aley) 18.374 19.795 Beirut 61.2 67 Kfertay (Matn) 18.868 21.832 Tripoli 15.07 16.9 Arqa (Akkar) 19.343 22.180 Zahle 5.2 5.9 Homsiyeh (Jezzine) 21.971 25.243 Saida 4.8 5.5 Al-Ghabi (Matn) 23 30.293 Ghobeiry 3.2 4.6 Barbara (Akkar) 23.689 - Jdaideh 3.2 4 Al-Atshani (Matn) 24.5 28.509 Mina 3.47 3.9 Dahr El-Qanbar (Akkar) 24.829 - Burj Hamoud 3.19 3.7 Qortatha (Baabda) 28.934 28.342 Baalbeck 2.4 3.1 Khat El-Petrol 26.395 - Tyre 2.5 2.9
Jounieh 2.2 2.4
issue 133 | August 2013 22 | Public Sector
Fifty Years after the Green Project: Barren Lands are still Expanding Lebanon is home to vast stretches of land that can be exploited for agricultural purposes, which, not only curbs the prevalent decline in cultivated areas, but also helps ensure a greener Lebanon. The Green Project was established in 1963 to serve this aim, but after 50 years remains incapable of achieving its purpose in maximizing green areas.
Establishment The Lebanese government allocated in July 1963 LBP 27 10% if the cost of works is below LBP 3 million. million for the land reclamation project known as the Green 15% if the cost of works ranges between LBP 3 Project. The project stretched for 10 years, starting in 1964 million and LBP 6 million. and ending in 1973. A committee was formed operating 20% if the cost of works exceeds LBP 6 million. within the Ministry of Agriculture under the supervision of its minister to implement the project. Reclaiming fields, Budget cultivating land, building roads, drilling water wells, are As part of the allocations assigned to the Ministry of but a few examples of the works undertaken by the project Agriculture, the public budget awards every year credits to increase the cultivated green areas in Lebanon. for the Green Project. In the 2012 draft budget law, the share of the Green Project rose to LBP 24.9 billion, up Administrative Committee and Personnel from LBP 10 billion in 2000. Table 1 shows the evolution An administrative committee consisting of a President of the Green Project budget from 2000 until 2012. (Maronite by convention) and two members, one Sunni and one Shia’a, was tasked with overseeing the Green Project budget (2000- 2012) Table 1 implementation of the Project. Year )Budget (amounts in USD billion The 77 staff members are distributed as follows: 2000 10 Bureau (11 posts) 2001 10 Head of Bureau: 1 2002 4.4 Head of Department: 3 2003 7 Clerk: 6 Translator: 1 2004 7 2005 8 Accounting Department (7 posts) 2006 10 Head of Department: 1 2007 10 Assistant Accountant: 4 2008 10 Treasurer: 1 Clerk: 1 2009 8 2010 22.9 Technical Departments (59 posts) 2011 23.9 Head of Department (Engineer): 1 2012 24.9 Head of Region (Engineer): 8 Engineer: 14 Total 156.1 Technical Assistant: 16 Source: Public budget laws (2000- 2006) and draft budget laws (2006- 2012) Surveyor: 8 Draftsman: 4 Over the course of 50 years, the Green Project has Clerk: 8 failed to achieve the purpose of its establishment as the abandoned spaces remain by far larger than the Mechanism of Action green ones, not to mention that the urban sprawl and The Green Project Office is responsible for performing the expansion of wildfires have had dramatic impact its assigned duties upon the request of the farmers on the already scant green areas. The reasons of and the landlords who undertake a share of the cost failure are numerous, and the modest budget given as follows: to this Project can be placed at the top of them all.
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Electoral laws | 23
Jordan’s Parliamentary Elections’ Law
Article 1 of the Jordanian Constitution established that Jordan is a hereditary constitutional monarchy exercising power under a parliamentary system. In addition to the legislative prerogatives of the monarch, Jordan’s bicameral national assembly (Parliament) consisting of the House of Senate and House of Representatives is also endowed with authority to pass legislation. How is Jordan’s Parliament elected and what capacities does it have?
Voting Right Women’s Quota Voting in Jordan is carried out by virtue both of an Women are entitled to a quota of 15 seats distributed identity card and a voter card issued by the pertinent over all electoral districts. In 2013, there are 18 authorities. women in Parliament. Voting Age Parliament’s Term of Office Jordanians who are 18 years of age or above have the Deputies are elected for a four-year term of office. right to vote. The monarch has the right to dissolve Parliament or extend its mandate by 2 years. The Military’s Vote Members of the military, the general intelligence, the Merge between Posts in Parliament and general security, the police and the civil defense are Ministries banned from voting while still in service. Article 52 of the Jordanian Constitution allows ministers and prime ministers to be members at the Disqualified Voters House of Representatives or the Senate. The persons not entitled to vote in Jordan are: Those pronounced corrupt unless they have Candidature of Ministers and Public Officials redeemed their legal and financial standing. Ministers, employees in the Cabinet and the public Courts usually prepare a list containing the names bodies and institutions, heads and members of of those at the verge of bankruptcy. municipal councils, Amman’s Acting Secretary and Those suffering from insanity or isolated in members of the Great Amman Municipality and quarantines. staff of the Arab, regional and international agencies cannot present their candidature unless they have Candidate Requirements resigned from their posts at least 60 days before the Candidates running for Parliament must: date of candidature application. Be holders of the Jordanian nationality for no less than 10 years. Candidature Fee Be holders of no other passport but the Jordanian Each candidate shall pay a non-refundable amount of one. JOD 500 (USD 715) to the Treasury. Be aged 30 or above. Not have spent over a year in prison for committing Size of Parliament a non-political crime. The new electoral law issued in July 2012 raised the Not be a kin to the monarch. number of deputies from 120 to 150, of whom 123 are elected on a plurality-based system at the district Elections’ Oversight level and 27 on a proportionality-based system at the The Independent Election Commission is the body level of the monarchy. tasked with the supervision of the elections. Voting System Voters in Jordan are entitled to two votes: one for the candidates in their districts and one for the party lists.
issue 133 | August 2013 24 | Electoral laws
Number of Voters The number of voters registered to participate in the most recent Electoral Districts Table 1 elections that were held on January 23, 2013 was 2.28 million Governorate District No. of Deputies First )including a Christian deputy(3 out of 3.7 million eligible voters. Only 56% or 1, 288043 of Madaba those headed for the polling stations and cast their ballots. Second )including a woman(2 Total 2 5 Jarash Electoral Districts Jarash Governorate )including a woman(5 Jordan was divided into 45 electoral districts distributed over First )including a Christian deputy(3 Ajloun the governorates as illustrated in the following Table 1. Second )including a woman(2 Total 2 5 Electoral Districts Table 1 Aqaba Governorate District No. of Deputies governorate Aqaba except the )including a woman(3 First 5 Bedouins of the Second 5 South Amman Third )including 1 Christian deputy(5 Bedouins of the )including a woman(4 Fourth 3 North Fifth )including 1Circassian deputy(3 Bedouins of the Badia Center )including a woman(4 Sixth )including 1Circassian deputy(3 Bedouins of the Seventh )including a woman(2 South )including a woman(4 Total 7 26 Total 3 12 First 5 Overall total 45 123 Second )including 1 Christian deputy(3 Source: 2012 electoral law Third 1 Fourth 2 Fifth 2 General Electoral District Irbid Sixth 1 The general electoral district is that which includes Seventh )including a woman(2 Eighth 1 all the regions of the monarchy It adopts a closed-list Ninth 1 proportional system and is allocated 27 seats. Total 9 18 First )including 2 Christian deputies(7 Functions of the House of Representatives Second 1 Under Article 25 of the Jordanian Constitution, Balqa Third )including a woman(2 the legislative power is entrusted to the House of Fourth 1 Representatives and the monarch. The functions of Total 4 11 the House include: First )including a Christian deputy(3 Second )including a Christian deputy(2 Exercising control over the Constitution, the Third 2 Cabinet and the ministers Karak Fourth 1 Fifth 1 Granting the vote of confidence to the government Sixth )including a woman(2 or withdrawing such vote from it. Total 6 11 Referring ministers to the General Prosecution. First 2 Ma’an Second )including a woman(2 Functions of the House of Senate Third 1 The number of Senate members, including the Total 3 5 Speaker, should not exceed half the House of including 1 Christian deputy(5 First )and 1 Circassian Representatives members. Currently, the House of Second 3 Senate consists of 60 members appointed directly Zarqa Third 1 by the monarch for a four-year term and it has both Fourth )including a woman(3 legislative and supervisory powers. The House of Total 4 12 Senate is responsible for proposing, discussing Mafraq Mafraq )including a woman(5 and approving draft laws as well as monitoring the Governorate government. First 3 Tafilah Second )including a woman(2 Total 2 5
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Health|25
Calcium and Vitamin D (Benefits & Harms in Therapy & Prevention) |Dr. Hanna Saadah|
Calcium is essential for life and is intimately involved in numerous metabolic processes that control body functions, muscle actions and bone health. Bones are living tissues, which continuously release and absorb calcium under the influence of multiple factors, chief among which are vitamin D and parathormone, the calcium-regulating hormone secreted by the four parathyroid glands that hide behind our thyroids.
Vitamin D helps both the intestines absorb dietary calcium previous publication, however, it did recommend vitamin into the blood and bones utilize the blood calcium. The D supplementation (without calcium) for the prevention of dietary sources of Vitamin D are derived mainly from egg falls in those independent adults aged 65 or older who are at yolks, fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna) and beef liver. an increased risk of falls. Some foods are fortified with vitamin D (and it says so on the label): milk and other dairy products, cereals, grains and Fractures, whether treated or not, cause chronic pain, orange juice. Our skin when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet disability, dependence, decreased quality of life and high B rays also absorbs Vitamin D. It takes as little as 30 minutes mortality. During their lifetime, 50% of postmenopausal of regular sun exposure twice a week to give us the vitamin women will suffer an osteoporotic fracture and about 1.5 D we need. Vitamin D in food and supplements is an inactive million osteoporotic fractures per year occur in the US pro-hormone; it is converted by the liver and kidneys into alone. In the first 3 months after a hip fracture, a person’s the metabolically active hormone, calcitriol. Calcitriol mortality increases by 3 to 4 times and 20% are subsequently interacts with most body cells via specific receptors, much institutionalized. like a key unlocks a door, to allow something to happen. The USPSTF recommends screening for osteoporosis Interaction with muscle receptors, for example, promotes in women aged 65 or older, as well as in women of any muscle strength and balance whereas interaction with bone age if they have disorders associated with high risk for receptors promotes bone strength. The reverse is also true; a osteoporosis. deficiency of vitamin D, among other things, impairs bone and muscle health, causing an increase in falls and fractures. Supplementation with common doses of vitamin D and calcium increases the incidence of kidney stones. In the It is clear that treating people with calcium and vitamin D Women’s Health Initiative study, one woman suffered deficiencies is important but what is not clear is whether a kidney stone for every 273 women who received giving the usual doses of vitamin D plus calcium to supplementation over a period of 7 years. Supplementation independent people who have never had a fracture helps with calcium alone may also increase heart attacks by prevent problems. The available data on giving the causing calcifications of coronary arteries, but this data is combination of calcium plus vitamin D to healthy people, observational and have not been verified by prospective, as reviewed by the United States Preventive Service Task controlled studies. Unlike supplements, dietary calcium Force (USPSTF), not only says that it does not prevent does not cause coronary calcifications and is thus preferred. osteoporosis and fractures, but also says that it may even cause harm. The USPSTF review did not examine calcium Vitamin D, besides helping bones and muscles, may supplementation without vitamin D because most people have several other benefits. Helping the immune system take the two together and not enough people take calcium fight viral infections and reducing the chance of certain on its own. neurological disorders, certain cancers and certain cardiovascular diseases are among its purported benefits The studies looked at a most vulnerable segment of the but prospective, controlled studies are currently lacking. population, i.e. independent, post-menopausal white Those who don’t get enough sunlight, taking about 1000 women, because they have the highest rate of osteoporosis units of vitamin D per day is more than enough as doses and fractures. Hence, the conclusions only apply to that over 4000 units/day could prove toxic to heart, kidney and group and not to men and pre-menopausal women (who brain. Checking vitamin D blood level is seldom necessary are at a much lower risk for osteoporotic fractures) or in most healthy people. to the institutionalized elderly (who are at a much higher risk for osteoporotic fractures). Also the conclusions did Before taking any supplement, one should check that the not take into consideration the benefits and harms of daily United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has verified it. If the supplements larger than the commonly used doses of 400 supplement displays the (USP) label, it means that it is units of vitamin D and 1000 mg of calcium because of free of impurities and contains exactly what its label says. insufficient data, leaving the issue to be clarified by future Supplements without the (USP) label may contain harmful studies, which should tell us whether taking calcium or impurities and may have greater or lesser amounts than their vitamin D supplements is helpful or harmful. labels say. Consequently, the USPSTF recommends against daily Regular exercise, reasonable sun exposure, healthy diet, supplementation with 400 IU or less of vitamin D and not smoking, and avoiding excess alcohol are far more 1000 mg or less of calcium for the primary prevention of important than supplements for the maintenance of good fractures in independent, post-menopausal women. In a health and well-being.
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When Knowledge Takes Us |Antoine Boutros| Back to the Unknown
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is one of the primary indicators used in evaluating the economic activity of a country. It acts similarly to a thermometer by diagnosing the medical condition of economy. Many are confused about the difference between the GDP and the Gross National Income (GNI). The former is the market value of all the final goods and services produced annually in a certain country in addition to its expatriates’ income. Other definitions within the GDP include the earnings of the foreigners residing and working in the country. In contrast, the latter accounts for the total value of products and services irrespective of the citizenship of their owners or the territory of the production activity.
Economist Simon Kuznets is credited with coining Even when the above is excluded from consideration, the the term “GDP”, which he used for the first time in a GDP remains an inaccurate balance. Austrian economist report he filed to the US Congress on well-being in Frank Shostak slammed it as being a hollow term that 1943. After the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference, the is by no means related to the fact of the matters and is term became a key expression in gauging the economy. therefore worthless in economic analysis, not to mention However, many economists had many reservations over that this criterion was frequently bashed by a great its usage, including the difficulty of measuring it and number of economists in the past century including first the unsuitability of tying the progress or decline in the and foremost Kuznets himself. economic income to that of the GDP. In addition, the GDP considers the future resources of the country as assets Today’s prevailing trend attends to ecosystems while without minding the shares of the future generations calculating the GDP and GNI elements. As a matter thereof. Worse still, it both fails to attend to the damage of fact, the analysis of the conventional economy’s inflicted on the environment and to take it into account transition into knowledge economy is premised either while weighing up the national economy. on rethinking the GDP’s legitimacy and capacity or on improving its concept, foundations and elements. The challenge in calculation comes into play when certain conditions, such as infections, befall a community thus What is equally important is how to assess the new entailing further communication with medical entities abstract assets so as to add them to our estimation of and naturally an increase in medical/health expenditures resources. How can we evaluate knowledge that has that pushes up the GDP figure. On the other hand, emerged from a certain discovery or invention? The cutting down more trees for industrial purposes, such distinction between invention and discovery reflects in as for manufacturing paper, increases income while several ways on knowledge economies. It is established simultaneously decreasing the size of national resources. that the chunks of knowledge that result from inventions are usually new chunks that never existed before. Those The major dilemma lies in how to assess the state and the emerging from discoveries on the other hand have always conditions of the environment. How, for instance, do we existed but never manifested themselves. The difference appraise the value of a cedar tree that is hundreds of years between the two can be ambiguous in certain cases. The old? How do we determine its material worth in terms of hammer, for instance, is an invention, but the use of the the current production estimates like the GDP and the first hammer, which was a stone chiseled in just the right GNI? How do we calculate the cost of the cumulative manner, was most probably a fluke discovery. One may environmental impacts? How can we, simultaneously, claim that literary property is one of the rights associated assess natural regeneration? with invention rather than discovery or obtaining a patent for some newly-invented machine, but one can never get The Federal Statistical Office of Germany, Destatis, a patent for a water well, even if it were unearthed by proposed assessment criteria for major environmental oneself. This all brings us down to the heated debate elements such as gas emissions, water and air pollution, regarding the updates in certain fields like mathematics. climate change and resource and ozone depletion. For Is mathematics an invention or a discovery? example, it carried out assessments for the decline in resource depletion rates, water usage and the decline in gas emissions.
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|Dr. Michel Nawfal| Adoption: Dealing with Adopted Children MD Mental Health Professional
In the past, an adopted child was not looked upon kindly by society. The terms “bastard”, “legitimate” and “illegitimate” were commonly associated with children that were up for adoption. However as the time passed, the social view of adopted children changed dramatically to become more acceptable and mainstream. Parents preparing to have an adopted child are usually overwhelmed with anticipation and excitement. The exhausting journey of preparing family profiles, going through home studies and choosing the adoption process all seems negligible compared to the parent’s joy of having a new member added to the family.
The secrecy imposed on the process of adoption is what origins. In addition, seeking outside help from therapists can mainly reinforced the negativity toward adopted children be helpful for reducing the guilt, anxiety, fear and depression in the past. Adopted children used to fear that the story that children may experience. Undergoing psychotherapy of their adoption would be revealed. In recent times, the can also be a good method to remove some of the internal adoptee and their families discuss adoption more openly burdens imposed by the search for original identity. and approvingly. Despite the fact that the modern view Moreover, being communicative and helpful in the child’s of adoption is more open and accepting, adopted kids search for their birth parents can help the child overcome remain confronted with various difficulties that are mainly feelings of disloyalty and guilt towards the adoptive parents. associated with their adoptee status. Adopted children often fear discovering their origins because The most common issues faced by adopted kids are the they do not necessarily compliment the background of their feelings of rejection and abandonment induced by their birth adoptive families. As a result, it is important for parents not parents. There is no specific age or time that these feelings to treat their child as inferior or superior simply because of loss and grief surface, but as they do, they are often they are from different cultures. Moreover, parents should accompanied by damaged self-esteem. Adopted children not pretend that their adopted child is of the same racial and tend to believe that their imperfections and flaws are to blame ethnic background when indeed they are not. Instead, parents for their birth parent’s abandonment. Nonetheless, the loss should acknowledge and celebrate the cultural differences and grief makes the adopted child feel guilty and disloyal that the family encompasses. Parents should also hold a towards their adoptive parents. They feel that discussing positive attitude towards curious strangers that question their adoption and grieving their birth parents may offend the differences in background, instead of feeling awkward and belittle the people that adopted, loved and raised them. about it. Being open and appreciative of the adopted child’s different culture helps reinforce unconditional acceptance. The disconnection with their original heritage often sends the In case people ask intrusive questions, parents should respect adoptee on a search for their self-identity. However, the lack the privacy of their adopted child by discretely declining to of knowledge about their biological and genetic background answer any questions that may invade that privacy. makes it more difficult for adopted kids to answer the golden question “Who am I?” The missing genetic information is In order to increase a child’s sense of belonging, parent problematic when it comes to medical conditions that can should not introduce their child as an adoptee. The child be traced through genetic family history. Adopted children should be referred to as the son or daughter of the parents. may suffer from childhood developmental disorders that can This simple notion of belonging to a family can compensate be diagnosed easier with the presence of a family history. for the loss and grief felt for being abandoned by the child’s Nevertheless, the search for birth parents is not a magical birth parents. Parents should not think of adoption as a solution to this problem. Looking for the truth behind the second choice to being a biological parent or as a need to origins of the adopted may cause fear in both them and their rescue a poor child. On the other hand, adoptive parents adoptive parents. As a result, the relationship between the should regard themselves as lucky to have welcomed a son adoptive parents and their adopted children is often risked or daughter into their home. when the search for origins is acted out. Adoption is considered a wonderful opportunity that gives Adoptive parents play an important role in decreasing the parents a chance to raise a child. The ideal notion of adoption struggling of their adopted children. It is important that comes with its own expenses that may burden both the adoptive parents constantly seek knowledge and education adoptee and their adoptive parents. However, parents that about experiences of adopted children and families. Learning are open and understanding of what their adopted child is from academic research or other people’s experiences can be facing can help ease the obstacles that may come along. helpful for parents dealing with children and their search for
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The Monthly Interviews
Nabil Haddad Jeita Grotto: Facts, Stats and Figures
The Jeita Grotto is considered as one of the most magnificent landmarks and tourist destinations in Lebanon and the world. This lofty wonder of nature became in 1993 a subject of controversy after the Beirut- based private company, MAPAS, started investing in the grotto. Disputes arose over both the legality of the contract awarded to MAPAS and the revenues yielded from the operation of the site, resulting in a row between the company and the Jeita municipality. For better insight into the Jeita Grotto case, The Monthly has interviewed Nabil Haddad Dr. Nabil Haddad, Managing Director of MAPAS.
Facts Below is a brief look into the facts surrounding the Jeita Upon the request of the current Minister of Tourism, Fadi Grotto: Abboud, the Higher Committee for Consultations viewed The Lebanese Civil War that raged in Lebanon from by virtue of Consultation No. 354 dated April 22, 2010 1975 until 1990 had its toll on the facilities associated that the Shura Council’s Decision is applicable, while with the grotto, and left it incapable of attracting tourists the decisions extending the duration of the agreement (in and visitors. 1997 and 2007) do not fulfill the legal obligations. The right to invest in the Jeita Grotto was awarded to The Cabinet agreed on August 25, 2010 through the MAPAS Company by virtue of Decision No.186 Decision No. 61 to form a ministerial committee tasked dated November 18, 1993 and issued by the then with preparing the suitable suggestions regarding the Minister of Tourism, Nicolas Fattoush. The duration file of investment in the Jeita Grotto. of the agreement was 18 years, effective one and a After having challenged the legality of the investment half years after the date of notifying the company and agreement, Minister Fouad Abboud eventually resigned subject to renewal with the consent of both parties. to the decision of the Shura Council, but nevertheless On February 15, 1995, the Cabinet authorized Minister pointed out the violations committed by MAPAS while Fattoush to extend the duration of the investment by 3 years. operating of the facility: Thus, the duration of the agreement became 21 years. It refused to itemize the entry fee. Against the appeals petitioned to challenge the legality It refused to undertake the maintenance and upkeep of Decision No. 186, the Shura Council issued a verdict of the facility. confirming the validity of the decision, arguing that the It targeted the Minister of Tourism with threats and agreement signed between the Minister of Tourism and defamatory insults. the Company is not a concession for an existing public It breached the legal and regulatory environmental facility but rather a concession of public works. provisions banning the use of sanitary pits and the On November 12, 1997, Minister Fattoush agreed to extend discharge of wastewater into the river. the Company’s term of operation by another 4 years. It refused to undergo auditing to determine the size On November 11, 2007, the then Minister of Tourism of its revenues, which forced the auditor to give up Joseph Sarkis extended the duration of the agreement his mission. by another 4 years thus ending in 2022 instead of 2018. Dr. Nabil Haddad charted the path of MAPAS since 1993 Therefore, the duration of the agreement increased until 2013 and replied to all the above allegations, and from the initial 18 years to 29. more, during our interview with him:
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What is MAPAS? MAPAS is a private company I established in Germany A cable car that carries 24 people in its cabins, with in 1991. It is dedicated to offering project engineering a capacity for 240 persons per hour. The cable car is services and providing equipment to firms and factories. propelled by electrical energy and has two platforms Having been granted the right to establish branches all for departure and arrival. over the world, MAPAS initiated its office in Lebanon A restaurant that caters for around 400 people. on November 16, 1993 and was incorporated under the Four souvenir shops. registration No. 65822. Initially, it was a limited liability An administration building with fully equipped offices company with a capital amounting to 50 000 Deutsch A cinema theater that accommodates around 160 Marks but later, it assumed an unlimited corporate profile people and runs a documentary on the history of the with its capital being all the shares and assets of its owner, cave and the formation of its stalactites and stalagmites meaning an open financial ceiling. MAPAS is mistakenly in four different languages. thought to be an agricultural company although our main Two trains to transport visitors between the lower and activity rotates around construction and operational works. upper grottos and their respective facilities. A lighting system that poses no threat to the nature and How were you awarded the contract to run the Jeita elements of the grotto and a stable temperature that Grotto? prevents the flourishing of moss. By the end of the Lebanese Civil War, the government 16 electric boats ready to transport visitors inside the picked up efforts to develop and reconstruct the country. lower grotto without causing noise or pollution. The tourism sector, being a major source of revenue A modern system to issue entry cards. and thus one of the main economic sectors, was given 3 electric generators special attention. There was a growing need for qualified private companies that are capable of managing state- How many staff is there in the Grotto? owned facilities like Jeita and the parks of Saida and Tyre There are 60 people who work full-time all year round and under the Build-Operate-Transfer arrangement, without 40 who work on a seasonal basis, i.e. a total of 100 staff. inflicting any expenses on the state. MAPAS was the entity entrusted with operating and investing in the grotto before What do you say to those who complain that the entry transferring it to the state at the end of the concession fees are overpriced? period. If you look at the Grotto’s operating expenses or at the cost of accessing other natural and historic sites in Lebanon, When did you commence your activity and what were you will realize that our entry fees are trivial. In fact, he the works carried out by MAPAS? Ministry of Tourism determined the prices of the tickets We began work in early May 1994 and the grotto was tand MAPAS had to abide by their rates starting in 1995. officially open by July 16, 1995, after approximately15 Although the cost of running the facility has grown months of works. On July 16 this year, the grotto will have drastically due to both the pay hike and the soaring fuel been open to visitors for around 18 years since the end prices, our fees have remained unchanged. However, the of the war. It is noteworthy that the lower grotto started high cost of living and the decline in income have resulted receiving guests for the first time in 1958 and the upper in a declining number of visitors. one in 1969. The entry prices as determined by the Ministry of Finance We had to grapple with the presence of unexploded ordnance by virtue of Decision No. 3203 dated July 15, 1995 were in our zone of operation and here, it is essential to extend our as follows: gratitude to the Lebanese Army for their efforts in demining the land. Later, we devised a master plan to reconstruct and Entry Ticket rehabilitate the grotto and it was greeted with approval at the Ministry of Tourism. We also had to remove all the ruins and Adults: debris left from the damage sustained during the war. Access to the lower grotto + boat ride= LBP 6000 of which LBP 5000 go to the operator and LBP 1000 to MAPAS has accomplished the following: the treasury. The Jeita municipality is allocated 5% of A parking lot that accommodates up to 300 cars with the operator’s net share. special areas for buses. Access to the upper grotto= LBP 2500 of which LBP 2000 A square assigned for ceremonies and festivals. go to the operator and LBP 500 to the treasury. The Jeita A number of gardens aimed at preserving the aesthetic aspect municipality is allocated 5% of the operator’s net share. of the area and ensuring a suitable natural environment.
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Access to the audio-visual theater: LBP 2000. security status. Around 4 897 107 people, both adults (3 857 Cable car ride: LBP 4000. 731) and children (1 039 375), have flocked to the Grotto Train ride: LBP 2000. since its opening in 1995 until the end of 2012. Adding those who have frequented the site this year until July 10 (89 280), The total cost of the adult ticket is thus LBP 16 500, rising we obtain approximately a total of 5 million visitors. Our to LBP 18 150 upon addition of the 10% Value Added Tax. golden years were 2009 and 2010 with 432 096 and 428 212 visitors respectively. However, the flow of guests and tourists Children aged 4 to 15: has been dwindling dramatically since 2011 with only 305 Access to the lower grotto = LBP 3000 of which LBP 2500 508 visiting the Grotto in 2011 and 239 117 in 2012. go to the operator and LBP 500 to the treasury. The Jeita municipality is allocated 5% of the operator’s net share. As I mentioned previously, the Grotto has received 89 280 Access to the upper grotto= LBP 1250 of which LBP people since the beginning of 2013 until July 10, compared 1000 go to the operator and LBP 250 to the treasury. to 132 449 during the same period in 2012 and 181 738 in The Jeita municipality is allocated 5% of the operator’s 2010, that is down by 92 460 visitors or 103.6%. net share. Access to the audio-visual theater: LBP 1000. The Minister of Tourism Fadi Abboud criticizes Cable car ride: LBP 2000. MAPAS for its environmental violations and its poor Train ride: LBP 2000. performance on several fronts like maintenance, development and auditing. What is your reply to The price of a children’s ticket would thus stand at LBP 9 that? 250, rising to LBP 10 175 upon addition of the 10% Value Mr. Abboud’s criticism lacks accuracy, for the company Added Tax. has been operating under the Ministry of Tourism since the very beginning and it has developed the facility in a In addition to the treasury’s share of the entry fees to the manner that secured increased profits both for MAPAS upper and lower grottos (Decree No. 9935 dated February and the Lebanese state. 21, 2013 channeled this share to the municipality of Jeita), the Lebanese state is allocated a sum of the operator’s We have water purification stations and a dedicated auditor revenues amounting after amendment to: performing impeccable duties. We are under the law and 5% of the proceeds during the first seven years ending we abide by any verdicts issued by the Lebanese Judiciary on July 15, 2002. which we hold in the highest regard. 10% of the proceeds during the next ten years between July 16, 2002 and July 15, 2012. What about those who slam the agreement to as being 15% of the proceeds during the 5 years between July invalid and reproach its extension for 3 consecutive times? 16, 2012 and July 15, 2017. The Shura Council’s final word asserted the legality of 20% of the proceeds during the last 5 years between the contract and this should bring to an end any potential July 16, 2017 and July 15, 2022. controversy over it. As for the extension of our term of operation term, the arrangement has occurred with According to these numbers, how large were the returns the consent of the Cabinet which agreed to prolong our contributed to the state and the Jeita municipality since duration of investment in recognition of the great progress the start of the investment in 1995 until the end of 2012? we have made. In any case, we fully accept any decision issued by the Lebanese official authorities, even if it was The total returns from 1995 until 2012 reached around unjust to us. LBP 14.655 billion and were distributed as follows: LBP 6.391 billion: Ministry of Finance. Any last words? LBP 6.899 billion: Ministry of Tourism. Unfortunately, MAPAS has been under fire since its first LBP 1.364 billion: Jeita municipality. day of operation. We have faced inexplicable campaigns of skepticism and defamation in Lebanon although the The amounts were supposed to increase after the state’s credibility and reputation we have established have yielded share had grown to 15%, but the declining number of us wide appreciation and recognition overseas. The Tatweej visitors made that impossible. Academy of Excellence Awards has awarded us the gold medal for the management of tourist attractions and the How many visitors frequent the site annually? Jeita Grotto the medal for the best tourist attraction in the The annual number of visitors differs from one year to Arab region. the next depending on the country’s political stability and
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Culture, religion & Art | 31
Rafik Hariri Foundation- Directorate of Health and Social Services Over 10 Years of service
Establishment and Objectives Centers and Departments The Rafik Hariri Foundation dates back to 1979. It The DHSS first health care center opened on January was established as a non-profit organization to serve 3, 2000 in Tariq Al-Jdideh and the directorate has the public interests and meet the developmental, since expanded its centers to cover all regions in educational, cultural, social and medical needs of the Lebanon. Today, the DHSS includes 28 automated Lebanese people. centers that are of two types:
Heedful of the future scale and implications of the Main centers distributed over the Mohafazas and socio-economic challenges in Lebanon’s health offering check-ups, laboratory services, X-ray sector, and in consistence with his belief that health imaging and a wide array of specialty services. care is a legitimate right for every human being, the late PM Rafik Hariri initiated in 1999 a network Secondary centers offering family medicine and of primary centers aimed at providing extensive pediatric and dental care. preventive and therapeutic low cost health care over long haul, with total commitment to high standards The centers are usually set up after a Participatory and quality. Hence, the Directorate of Health and Rapid Appraisal has been conducted to assess the Social Services (DHSS) came to light as an exemplary health needs of the region or town in question. model for health care providing magnetic medical Some centers operate from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm cards to all patients across Lebanon, regardless of and others until 4:00 pm depending on the demand their nationality, affiliations and background. The for each center. The DHSS consists currently of magnetic cards are tantamount to passports allowing 400 physicians and 300 staff and operates under the patients immediate access to the centers and to their following departments: Dental Department, Medical personal electronic medical files. Practitioners’ Department, IT Department, Health and Social Services Department, Accounting Department, Over half of the Lebanese lack any form of health Laboratory Department and X-Ray Department. cover and the Ministry of Public Health spends nearly 87% of its budget on hospitalization and medications. The DHSS has in each Mohafaza an administrative Hereby, the DHSS put the preventive health care at coordinator and a registered nurse in charge of the very heart of its mission in order to reduce the coordination among physicians. The communication substantial health care bill that results from resorting between all centers and departments is established to secondary and tertiary health care (hospitalization). through IntraMail.
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communities, and thus encouraging people to assume their own responsibilities and be active players in improving their medical, mental and social status.
The School Health Program launched by the DHSS covers several schools across Lebanon and includes primary health care and oral and dental check-ups. Students are given a magnetic health card that allows them to benefit from the services of any center free of charge all year round. Complete health education Services is given both to teachers and parents, in addition The DHSS provides a wide range of quality health to the environmental assessment and presentation care services including check-ups, follow-ups, of the appropriate recommendations to the school laboratory tests, X-ray screenings, dental care, administration. immunization and medications. It offers training opportunities for physicians, nurses and university Awards students and is widely recognized for its superior Award of Excellence for the Electronic Health nursing and specialized consultation services. Records from the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress, Dubai. Furthermore, the DHSS offers social services and intervenes to assist the refugees or those injured Microsoft has adopted the DHSS IT Division to in security conflicts by sending ambulances and implement health information system modules furnishing free medical services, in addition to in-kind for various companies in Lebanon. The DHSS donations delivered to the widows and the orphans. has started a partnership with Microsoft to Comprehensive health and environment programs promote and market its information system (reproductive health programs, cleaning campaigns, modules. green marathons…) fall also within the directorate’s framework not to mention its special clinics, which WHO chose the DHSS in the top five experts in attend to diabetes, obesity, cardiac disorders, speech E-Health. therapy, psycho-motor therapy, counseling and many others. Appreciation Award from the Ministry of Public Health for high quality primary health The DHSS coordinates and signs agreements with care system. several local and international organizations to receive patients and treat them. It has its own drugstore and Recognition awards and certificates from local pharmacies, which provide medications for chronic organizations and ministries for several health and acute diseases. The DHSS imports its own programs. drugs or acquires them from different local sources including the Ministry of Public Health and the Young Men’s Christian Association.
The directorate’s awareness and educational activity is also evident in the conferences and campaigns it organizes to promote efficient preventive practices and raise health care awareness within small and large
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. popular culture Culture, religion & Art | 33
At the American University Third Year
I was introduced both to the American and the Armenian directors running the affairs of the vocational schools. I also met Mr. Farah who was responsible for the cuisine and whose first name I cannot remember . He came from Al-Helweh and had a small house by the side of a warm and lovely bay. He was nice to me and invited me to spend the first Sunday at his place. The locals would scatter seeds of corn and wheat seeds over the bottom of the bay and right before dawn, they would blow up dynamite in the water so that the fish would float on the surface. We had fried fish and fresh Araq for lunch. I recall that I visited the family with my wife and daughter years later and learned that the father had died. The hands of one of Mr. Farah’s children were chopped off at the wrist and upon inquiry about the incident, they told us: “A dynamite mishap.”
Monday morning, I walked into the hall of the “older students”. The dreadful looks they gave me stirred up my apprehension about what was to come. “Good morning”, I greeted. Not a hair moved nor an eyelid batted. In confusion, I babbled on: “My name is Anis Fraiha and I will teach you Arabic.” My words were greeted with a profound silence, which was frightening. Suddenly, one student stood up and replied: “We, Armenians, speak Armenian. We do not speak Arabic. We do not want to speak Arabic!”
The same incident played itself out again on the second and third days. Good heavens, what was I to do? Why was there a frightening silence? What were all those ghastly looks about? I shared my worries with the American director who responded by saying: “I know full well that the Armenians refuse Arabisation. They want to return to Armenia. Let us at least try to teach the youngest among them.” And so, I stepped into a hall packed with young Armenian students the next day and had to endure the same scenario. A kid of no more than 9 years of age stood up and said: “We, Armenians, speak Armenian. We do not speak Arabic.” A fierce bias rooted in a bitter history. I did not blame them, but I had nothing to do with the decision of the Relief Foundation. What matters to me was to have my USD 150 pay by the end of summer.
Saturday evening, a group of the “older students” attacked the Armenian director in his house leaving him with an injured face and neck and a broken rib that necessitated his being rushed to hospital. The next Sunday morning, Mr. Farah came along and cried out: “Let us be off to Al-Helweh! Fried fish for lunch!” I tagged along and after a while, one of his children came to me requesting that I accompany him to fill the jars with water. But no sooner had I conceded, assuming we were going to the town’s fountain, than he ushered me to a small boat and started rowing into the blue sea.
issue 133 | August 2013 34 | Culture, religion & Art debunking myth #72
Sitting too close to the TV will NOT damage your vision
Myth: Children have always been warned about sitting too close to the television set, and office employees from spending too much time in front of a computer screen. Being close to a digital screen for a long period of time is believed to weaken eye sight and to eventually obscure vision.
Fact: Contrary to this popular belief that has been passed down to most of us, sitting in front of a screen, regardless of the distance to it, will not harm our vision. The worst thing that hours in front of a screen could cause are eyestrains, which result in pain or aches around the eyes or head. Eyestrain is simply our eyes being tired, much like our bodies get tired or sore after intense physical work or carrying heavy loads. Apart from watching digital screens, other activities which require our eyes to be focused such as reading and driving also cause this eyestrain. Mistaking this eyestrain for a loss of vision implies that basically everyone has poor eyesight.
The myth of the danger of sitting too close to the television may have emerged way back when the first television sets were introduced into households. As televisions emit radiation, or electromagnetic fields, the earliest models emitted much more radiation than TVs today. Staying far from the TV in the 1950s was a sensible decision. Some of the models used today emit no radiation whatsoever. Regardless of the amount of radiation, any radiation in television sets would generally be released from the back rather than the front. It is therefore unlikely for it to cause any direct physical harm, let alone damage to the eyes or vision.
Eyestrains from digital screens can cause dry eyes, watery eyes, or itchy eyes. In some cases they might even make one’s vision blurry and bring on subsequent headaches. These symptoms are temporary however and can be alleviated after adequate rest away from these screens. In no way do they contribute a direct deterioration of vision. In fact, it is not the screen that leads to the weakening of eyes, but rather weak eyes that exacerbate the response to long exposure. People with poor eyesight are more prone to this strain than people with normal vision. Other factors such as the conditions of the air, whether too dry or too humid, and stress and fatigue, can also contribute to strains in the eye.
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. must-read books Culture, religion & Art | 35
Dime’s Worth of Difference: Beyond the Lesser of Two Evils
In a collection of articles written by a number of activists, academics and authors, Alexander Cockburn and Jeffrey St Clair aim at bridging the difference between the Democratic and Republican parties in the United States. The title is from singer Waylon Jennings who once claimed that there ‘ain’t a dime’s worth of difference between ‘em’. Though the Democratic Party, for being the more progressive one, is seen as the ‘lesser of two evils’, the articles serve to show that when it comes to policy implementation there is not really much of a discrepancy between the two parties. This is exemplified through race politics, gender issues, drug laws, foreign policy and other matters pertaining had confiscated $500 million worth of property by to the US government. 1991, 80% of which were from people who were never charged with a crime. As Kevin Gray shows, President The opening essay, by Cockburn himself, maintains Clinton did nothing to improve this situation. The day that throughout history, change has only happened he left office, 700,000 more people were incarcerated in America through popular movements rather than than on the day of his inauguration. Moreover, Greg party politics. Things as small as the quality of foods Moses shows that as a result of Clinton’s limitations improved not because of Democrats or Republicans on federal funding for prison education programs, they but because of hippies and farmers’ markets. Brandy decreased from 350 to 8. Baker also champions this point by demonstrating that although the Democratic Party is seen as the better Both parties shape equally both American foreign option for female voters, it has not really done much policy and domestic affairs. President Carter initiated to improve their conditions. President Bill Clinton, for the anti-Soviet effort in Afghanistan, and encouraged example, made no effort to pass the Freedom of Choice Saddam to confront Iran. Democratic leadership Act. Under his administration, 85% of the American backed Republican president George Bush’s post states did not provide for abortion facilities. The 9/11 war campaign. According to Gabrielle Kolko in Democratic vice-president Al Gore, on the other hand, his essay “Alliances and the American Empire”, “the only paid lip service to the abortion debate according to Democrats’ greater finesse in justifying these policies Baker. For this reason, she finds it unjustifiable that the is therefore more dangerous because they will be made Democratic Party is continuously seen as the one that to seem more credible and keep alive alliances”. would advance women’s reproductive rights. Unlike the popular feminist movement, feminist leaders today The essays presented in this book aim to demonstrate have put on an apologetic tone. Baker concludes that that throughout American history, popular movements “movements work; the two party system does not”. such as the civil rights and the feminist movements were the forces that brought about tangible change in Apart from the plight of women, America’s black American society. The political parties, upon closer community has also taken a blow from both parties. examination, showed no real accomplishments and no A joint essay by Cockburn and St Clair argues that sharp difference when it came to the implementation from the Reagan administration to Clinton’s, the war of their policies. The writers of Counterpunch, known on drugs became a fight against blacks. President for their radical views, gave a comprehensive review Reagan’s government expanded drug laws and of different policy outcomes in the US and how they allowed for the seizure of property of those who are affected their targeted population. While certain convicted of the possession of drugs, as well as those accounts may seem extreme, what this compilation who are merely suspected of being so. This program of essays accomplishes is verifying the necessity of soon became a source of profit, as the federal police popular movements in the United States.
issue 133 | August 2013 36 | Culture, religion & Art must-read children’s book
Return to the Wilderness
By Hassan Abdullah. Illustrations by Nabil Kadouh. Published in its first edition in 2009 by Dar Al-Farabi. Aimed at 7-year old children and above.
The Taurus is fed up with the farm owner’s son wanting to engage him in mimicking all that he watches on TV. One day, while copying a bullfighting round, the son gets slightly rammed by the Taurus. When he hears about the incident, the farm owner uses a cane to hit the animal on the shoulder as punishment for hurting his son. Incapable of bearing further brutality, the Taurus and his friend the Donkey who has also had it with the extra loads he carries on his back every day, decide to flee the domestic animal life and the injustice of humans and to return to the freedom of the wilderness.
Seizing the opportunity the two animals flee at full speed towards the faraway fields, excited at the thought of grazing vast lands and savoring freedom and comfort.
During their leisure trip, a tiger gets in their way and has them shivering in fear and running for their lives. Facing recurrent threats from predatory animals, the two friends become stuck in a spiral of horror. This drags on until winter arrives and no grass is left for them to feed on. Wild animals which in turn run out of food in winter start to double their attacks on the Taurus and the Donkey, and had it not been for the sharp horns of the Taurus, they would have fallen prey for the three wolves which assaulted them.
In view of the serious injuries that the Donkey has sustained, the two friends realize that it is time to do a reality check, reassess their elopement decision and return to the farm: “Our life at the farm is not slavery. We work with the farmer and he provides for us all year round, mainly during winter. He even offers us shelter from the ferocity of predatory animals and medicine when we fall sick.”
Upon their arrival, the farmer gives them a warm-hearted welcome and allows them a one-month break until they recover fully.
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Lebanon Families Culture, religion & Art | 37
Family Names Denoting Lebanese Towns (5)
Tripoli
Zgharta In the fifth part of the series on the family names denoting Lebanese towns,The Monthly Roads Balamand A‘arjes Ehden sheds light on the following families: Becharre The Cedars Batroun Hadet Hasroun Ras Baalbeck Deir el Ahmar Maqne Jbail Qasr el-Banat
Hadath Azouri/Al-Azouri: 610 members Iaat Ghazir Baalbeck Jounieh This family is named after the Maronite town of Azour Niha BEIRUT Zahle which lies in the Qada’a of Jezzine, 60 km from Beirut, Baabda Shtaura Aley Dahr el-Baidar Bhamdoun Anjar at an altitude of 850 m above the sea level. The Azouris Deir el-Qamar Meshref Beiteddine Moukhtara are also predominantly Maronite with the majority Qaraoun Lake Yanta Saida Jezzine (almost half) of them residing in Azour. The Azouris Libbaya Aiha are among the very few families who still settle in their Nabatiye Hasbaya Marjayoun
Beaufort Castle town of origin. They are distributed as follows: Sour Azour: 475 members Ain El-Mreisseh, Mina El-Hosn, Ashrafieh, Rmeil and Msaytbeh (Beirut): 122 members Burj Hammoud (Matn): 20 members Hbalini: 67 members This family is named after the town of Hbalin located Al-Jarmaqi: 133 members in the Qada’a of Jbeil, 40 km from Beirut, at an altitude This family name is inspired from the town of Al- of 400 m above the sea level, with a Maronite resident Jarma, which is situated in the Qada’a of Jezzine, 75 population. The Hbalinis belong to the Maronite and the km from Beirut at an altitude of 400 m above the sea Greek Catholic communities: level and has a predominant Maronite population (75%) Maronite: 22 members in Ashrafieh and a minority of Sunni (20%) and Shia’a (5%). The Al- Greek Catholic: 45 members in Zouk Mikhael Jarmaqis are all Shia’a settled in the following towns: (Kessrouan) Ansar (Qada’a of Nabatieh): 20 members Nmeirieh (Qada’a of Nabatieh): 50 members Chabtini/Al-Chabtini: 200 members Al-Doueir (Qada’a of Nabatieh): 8 members This family name is attributed to the Chabtin town of Jebsheet (Qada’a of Nabatieh): 20 members Batroun, which is 60 km from Beirut at an altitude of Ansariyeh (Qada’a of Saida): 35 members 500 m above the sea level and is home to a Maronite community. The Chabtinis are also Maronite distributed Arsali: 10 members as follows: This family name is derived from the Arsal town of 113 members in Al-Tal (Tripoli), 26 members in Al- Baalbeck, which is 120 km from Beirut at an altitude of Qebbi (Tripoli), 7 in Batroun, 7 in Ashrafieh, 15 in 1100 m above the sea level and hosts a Sunni population. Al-Remmaneh (Tripoli) and 15 in Al-Mina (Tripoli)
The Arsalis are a small Sunni family present in the town Al-Raifouni: 35 members of Kebba in the Qada’a of Rashaya. The Al-Raifounis are named after the Raifoun town of Kessrouan, located 25 km from Beirut at an altitude of Bashwati: 110 members 1100 km above the sea level and hosting a Maronite This family name is ascribed to the Bashwat town of community. The members of this family are also Baalbeck, which is 100 km from Beirut at an altitude Maronite present in Zouk Mikael in the Qada’a of of 1300 m above the sea level, with a Maronite resident Kessrouan. population. The Bashwatis are distributed over the following sects and towns: Anqouti/Al-Anqouti: 280 members Greek Orthodox: 87 members in the Mar Mikhael This family name is inspired from the town of Anqout neighborhood, 55 members in the Rassieh Al- situated in the Qada’a of Saida, 50 km from Beirut, at Fawqa (Zahle), 10 members in Al-Koura, 15 in Al- an altitude of 350 m above the sea level, with an entirely Baouchrieh (Matn) and 15 in Kfarzabad (Zahle). Shia’a population. The Anqoutis belong to the Shia’a Greek Catholics: 15 members in the Mar Antonios community as well and are settled in the Mashghara neighborhood (Zahle) town in the Western Beqa’a.
issue 133 | August 2013 38 | Culture, religion & Art Discover Lebanon
Al-Qasr
Since the escalation of fighting in Homs and Al-Qusayr Moubarak: 35 voters Mehrez: 16 voters in Syria, a hail of shells has been targeting the Lebanese Abou Daher: 28 voters Sharaf: 15 voters towns and villages on the border, including the town of Rahal: 25 voters Al-Shawi: 10 voters Al-Qasr in the Qada’a of Hermel, which has suffered Toufaily: 24 voters Al-Shadi: 10 voters structural damage to buildings and infrastructure, and also injuries and loss of life to its people that Al-Mestrah: 23 voters Hamshou: 10 voters have brought this remote and forgotten town into the Raad: 23 voters Chahine: 10 voters attention of the Lebanese. Al-Kerdiyeh: 20 voters Al-Qshat: 10 voters Safwan: 18 voters Bayram: 10 voters Etymology Ghazzawi: 17 voters The word Al-Qasr means a beautiful and fancy mansion. The town has most likely assumed its name due to the Sunni large houses it used to have in the past. Today though, the Al-Eid: 45 voters majority of houses in Al-Qasr are small and modest. Abou El-Jabal: 25 voters Al-Zoghbi: 25 voters Location Al-Ouqaydi: 23 voters Al-Qasr is located in the Qada’a of Hermel in the Nouri: 20 voters Mohafaza of Beqa’a, 150 km from Beirut and 12 km from Hermel, at an altitude of 1000 m above the sea level. It Alawi may be reached through the following road: Beirut- Dahr Hawrani (Al-Hawrani): 60 voters El-Baydar- Chtoura- Zahle- Hermel- Al-Qasr. Melhem: 53 voters Rashed: 20 voters Population and Houses The registered population of Al-Qasr is estimated at 11 Local Authorities 000 people of whom only 4000 live in the town. They are A municipality was established for the towns, Al-Qasr and predominantly Shia’a with a few minorities belonging to Fisan, by virtue of Decision No. 38/Ad dated August 23, the Sunni (3%) and the Alawite (1%) communities. There 1965. The municipal council consisted of 18 members and are around 600 houses in Al-Qasr. its share of the Independent Municipal Fund amounted to roughly LBP 645 million in 2011. Decision No. 260 issued on February 19, 2010 stipulated the separation of Voters the two towns and the establishment of an independent There were 4571 registered voters in Al-Qasr in 2000 of municipality for the town of Fisan. Al-Qasr is home to 5 whom 1903 cast their ballots. The number rose to 6296 in Makhatir. 2009 with 3349 casting their ballots and further to 7100 in 2013 with 7100 casting their ballots. NGOs Voters are distributed over the following families: There are two non-governmental organizations in Al-Qasr: The Social and Development Association of Qasr Al- Wafaa established in 2010 Zoueiter: 950 voters Chamas: 84 voters The Chamas Charity Association established in 2009 Qataya: 660 voters Fahdi: 75 voters Medlej: 570 voters Oubeid: 72 voters Al-Jamal: 470 voters Ghourab: 66 voters Educational Institutions Nasser El-Dine: 440 voters Allam: 63 voters Al-Qasr is home to two schools: Sakr: 400 voters Al-Zein: 60 voters Al-Qasr’s Official School housing 319 students and 34 Drees: 250 voters Al-Fawaani: 60 voters teachers and staff Salman: 155 voters Harmoush: 58 voters Al-Horriya private free school housing 268 students Al-Nemr: 150 voters Assaf: 56 voters and 14 teachers and staff Al-Badawi: 150 voters Anqa: 55 voters Al-Masri: 130 voters Al-Helou: 55 voters Matar: 120 voters Noun: 55 voters Economic Profile Msarra: 120 voters Samaha: 55 voters Agriculture is the main source of income in Al-Qasr. Some Mandawa: 110 voters Zeineddine: 52 voters residents make their living by smuggling goods from Syria Sahmarani: 110 voters Al-Saymi:47 voters and others are enrolled in Lebanon’s armed and security Jaafar: 110 voters Mansour: 40 voters forces. A number of artisan shops also provide employment Wraydan: 105 voters Al-Aziz: 40 voters to Al-Qasr’s community.
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Media |39 June 2013 Highlights June 2013 was abuzz with political stances and security incidents that were mostly associated with the latest events raging in Syria. Two important episodes were recorded last month; one political that was represented by the extension of Parliament’s term and the other related to security and the clashes that erupted between the Lebanese Army and Sheikh Ahmad El-Assir.
June 3 A member of Hezbollah and a number Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea Founder of the Salafist movement of Syrian militants die in armed clashes calls for the opening of a safe passage to in Lebanon, Sunni Sheikh Dai al-Islam near Baalbeck between Hezbollah and the facilitate the evacuation of the injured from al-Shahhal, urges Sunnis to engage in Free Syrian Army and the Nussra Front. the Syrian town of Al-Qoussair. military action in opposition of Hezbollah Fights resume in Tripoli between Jabal Assailants open fire on the car of the and the Iranian Safawi scheme. Mohsen and Bab Tebbaneh leaving 14 pro-Hezbollah Sheikh Ibrahim Braidi in During a speech he delivered at the injured. front of his house in Qeb Elias. inauguration of Wissam All-Hassan’s After being published in the Official Park, retired Major General Ashraf Rifi Gazette, President Michel Suleiman June 5 says that the investigation into the Al- challenges the constitutionality of the Hassan assassination has come a long way. extension of Parliament’s term. Tripoli’s MPs and dignitaries hold a On the 26th anniversary of the death meeting at the residence of MP Mohammad of his brother Rashid Karami, former Abdul Latif Kabbara who urges the June 8 PM Omar Karami calls for an emergency Lebanese Army to cease the fights in 48 hours before Tripoli’s residents rally up to Units of the Lebanese Army enter government and a national convention into clashes with militants in Tripoli and because dialogue is yielding further defend themselves. Kabbara accuses the Lebanese Army and President Suleiman of confiscate large quantities of hidden divides. weapons in Bab El-Tebbaneh and Jabal The Presidential Palace opens its doors sympathizing with the militants. The Future Bloc describes Hezbollah as Mohsen. for citizens starting this Saturday and the The Lebanese Army urges the Lebanese first Saturday each month. a squad within the Iranian Revolutionary Guards stressing that it supported not to be fazed by rumors and reveals that Former Future Bloc Minister it will fight fire with fire. Mohammad Chatah tells Al-Liwaa that the Parliament’s term extension for fear of political void. Former PM Fouad Seniora lashes involvement of Hezbollah in the fighting out at Hezbollah branding the party as a in Syria forced the Future Bloc to accept Mayor of Arsal, Ali Houjeiry, shows up before Investigative Military Judge Fadi tool manipulated by Iran and not sparing the postponement of elections. the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Adnan Patriarch Al-Rai urges parties to Sawan for testifying in the Arsal incident, after having failed to attend earlier. Mansour, from his criticism. correct the legislature’s term extension by President Michel Suleiman meets approving a new law and forming a new ambassadors of the member states at the government based on the constitution and Security Council and urges them to assist the Baabda announcement, adding that by June 6 Lebanon as it can no longer endure the prolonging their term in office, the MPs President Michel Suleiman urges the repercussions of the Syrian exodus. have shown little if any regard to the views Public Prosecution to file a lawsuit against of people. MP Mohammad Abdul Latif Kabbara for accusing him and the Lebanese Army of June 10 conspiring with the militants against the Supporters of the Lebanese Belonging June 4 residents of Tripoli. Movement headed by Ahmad Al-Asaad The Change and Reform Bloc Baalbeck and its vicinity come under stage a protest outside the Iranian Embassy challenges Parliament’s term extension shelling from Syria. in Beer Hassan in disapproval of the before the Constitutional Council. A Syrian helicopter fires missiles on the involvement of Iran and Hezbollah in the Resumed sniping in Tripoli leaves 6 Beqa’a town of Arsal. war in Syria. The protest concludes with dead and 40 injured including members of The Gulf Cooperation Council advises the death of the Adloun resident Hachem the Lebanese Army. Arabs not to travel to Lebanon. Salman who was shot by an unknown Sheikh Maher Hammoud survives an The Lebanese Army Command reveals man. assassination attempt in the morning near a security plan aimed at stopping the fights The Lebanese Army finishes the the Jerusalem Mosque of Saida. of Tripoli. removal of barricades in Tripoli and Former PM Fouad Seniora urges the The President, the PM and the Army continues its crackdown on armories. formation of a government of pacifists Commander attend a security meeting at Former Beirut MP Adnan Araqji dies rather than fighters in what is interpreted as the Presidential Palace in Baabda and the of medical malpractice as reported in a an objection to Hezbollah’s participation in Lebanese Army reiterates its support to a number of newspapers. the Cabinet. ceasefire in Tripoli.
issue 133 | August 2013 40| Media june 2013 Highlights
Around 120 injured rebels transferred The Constitutional Council fails June 14 from Al-Qusayr to hospitals in the north of to convene due to lack of quorum (8 Former PM Saad Hariri slams Lebanon, escorted by the Lebanese Army. members) caused by the absence of two Nasrallah stating that Hezbollah has The Saudi Embassy in Lebanon urges Shia’a members and 1 Druze. subjected Lebanon to an external threat Saudi nationals to comply with the GCC’s 3 people injured in an armed clash and that it has a destructive agenda that call and leave Lebanon. between the Future Movement allies and only attends to the interest of Iran. Hariri President Michel Suleiman meets the Islamic Piety Association in the Abou adds that Nasrallah has become the head of ambassadors of the member states at Shaker neighborhood of Tareeq Jdideh. the state and the commander of the armed the Security Council and calls on their The Economic Committees hold a forces. countries to support Lebanon in bearing meeting in Beirut’s BIEL exhibition center President Michel Suleiman demands the burden of the Syrian refugees. to warn against the deteriorating economic the Minister of Foreign Affairs Adnan LF leader Samir Geagea urges the conditions. Mansour to petition to the UN Security PM-designate Tamam Salam to form a General Michel Aoun slams the Council against the Syrian violations in government in one week or withdraw and paralysis of the Constitutional Council and Lebanon. give way to someone else. wonders who has authorized the ministries Patriarchs Al-Rai and Yaziji urge from of social affairs and public health to admit Bkerke the release of the two bishops injured Syrians and where will they, in abducted in Syria and recommend June 11 particular the armed members among neutrality toward the conflict unfolding President Michel Suleiman receives them, go after they finish their treatment. there. Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon and Head of the Loyalty to Resistance Bloc, During his appearance on LBC, MP demands punishment for the assailants MP Mohammad Raad, visits President Suleiman Frangieh rules out the possibility who attacked the Lebanese protesters Michel Suleiman ending a months-long of holding elections in 2014 and suspects outside the embassy. The ambassador rift and the latter urges Hezbollah to limit that Lebanon might be heading for war. He denies any involvement by the embassy in its intervention in Syria. also views the Baabda announcement as a the incident. The shooting of Ali Al-Houjeiry, a Sunni-Shia’a arrangement at the expense A bomb reportedly targeting a van resident of the town of Arsal, in Hermel of the Christians. carrying Hezbollah members to Syria results in rising tensions in Arsal and its Minister Wael Bou Faour engages in explodes at the International Road between vicinity. verbal skirmishes with the Free Patriotic Chtoura and Al-Masnaa. Movement members over the Syrian The GCC announces its plan to refugee crisis. take action against Hezbollah members June 13 The First Investigative Magistrate in targeting their residency permits and their A Syrian helicopter bombs areas near Beiut, Judge Ghassan Oueidat, closes financial and business activities. Arsal’s municipal building under the investigation into the Al-Madina Bank MP Walid Jumblat says that holding pretense of chasing fleeing Syrian gunmen. case, which dates back to 13 years. the elections under current circumstances President Michel Suleiman condemns the is close to suicide as cited in Al-Hayat attack and the Lebanese Army promises newspaper. stern measures aimed at curbing the June 15 Hezbollah allies in Bayt Jaafar and Al- recurrence of such attacks. Hezbollah’s Secretary General Boustan ban the passage of a Red Cross Shia’a and Druze members continue Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah announces on ambulance rushing to transfer a number of their boycott of the Constitutional Council Injured Fighter Day that the engagement injured from Al-Qusayr to North Lebanon, session. of Hezbollah in Syria’s war was a thus forcing the ambulance to change its The US Embassy tweets that the strategic decision that came only after route. Hezbollah hands later a few of the Constitutional Council should look into other Lebanese parties took part in the injured to the Red Cross. the appeals raised far from any political conflict. Nasrallah urges self-restraint and Public Prosecutor Judge Hatem Madi intervention, stressing that the boycott condemns the killing of Hachem Salman reaches the retirement age of 68 and hands of the Council’s session leads to further near the Iranian Embassy. over his post to Judge Samir Hammoud. erosion of democracy and reflects Former PM Saad Hariri fires back at MP Assem Qanso reports that he had a disrespect towards Lebanon’s institutions. Nasrallah saying “we haven’t sent any two-hour meeting with Syrian President The Lebanese Army Intelligence chases fighters to Syria.” Bashar Assad. a member of Al-Nasser family accused in Decree allocates LBP 20 billion for the Judge Ali Ibrahim files a lawsuit against the killing of Ali Houjeiry in Arsal. High Relief Committee to compensate the 3 employees at the Customs for bribery MPs quote speaker Nabih Berri as residents of Tripoli for the damages they and embezzlement of public funds. saying: “Some want the elections to sustained during the clashes. “The admission of all the injured instigate strife and the members boycotting General Michel Aoun reports that Syrians is beyond the capacity of the Constitutional Council have deterred Hezbollah has prevented the transition of Lebanon’s hospitals,” says Minister of this strife”. fighting from Syria to Lebanon, stressing Public Health Ali Hassan Khalil. The Baalbeck municipal treasurer that he is against any armed intervention in Ali Solh is found dead near the ruins of Syria. Baalbeck with two shots in his head. Sheikh Ahmad El-Assir calls for the June 12 armament of the Sunni poor. 9 missiles launched by Syrian militants President Michel Suleiman signs land in Hermel, causing injuries to civilians the pay scale draft law and refers it to and damage to buildings. Parliament.
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. june 2013 Highlights Media |41
June 17 President Michel Suleiman hands UN A number of protesters block several Tensions rise in Arsal following the special Coordinator Derek Plumbly a memo on roads in Al-Masnaa, Saadneyel and the Cite killing of 4 members of the Jaafar and the violations committed by the Syrian regime Sportive in Beirut in condemnation of what Amhaz families. Arsal residents deplore and rebels against Lebanon’s territories. they called a siege on the town of Arsal. the crime and Hezbollah assures that The High Representative of the Civil society members stage a protest condemnation alone is not enough. European Union for Foreign Affairs at the Riad Solh Square in rejection of the Patriarch Al-Rai attends the inauguration concludes her visit to Lebanon without extended term of Parliament, which starts of Our Lady of Lebanon Basilica in the meeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs. on June 21. presence of President Michel Suleiman, She reiterates her support of Lebanon in Former minister and MP Michel PM-designate Tamam Salam and a number the face of the Syrian refugees’ crisis and Samaha appears before the military court of ministers and MPs. Al-Rai holds March urges the rapid formation of a government. but the judge postpones his trial until 8 and March 14 Forces accountable for the A March 14 delegation headed by December 3, 2013 to re-notify Samaha’s juncture that Lebanon has reached. former PM Fouad Seniora and consisting alleged co-conspirators. Speaking to Al-Akhbar, LF leader of 57 prominent figures hands President The first batch of the Lebanese deported Samir Geagea reiterates his support of Michel Suleiman a letter demanding from Qatar and made up of 11 Shia’a, 7 President Suleiman’s patriotic stances and the retreat of Hezbollah from Syria and Sunni and 2 Druze expatriates arrives urges PM-designate Tamam Salam to form the deployment of the Lebanese Army in Beirut amid contradictory reasons. a government in two weeks maximum or on the border. Seniora reads the letter in Some assured the expulsion was based on pass the mission to someone else. Parliament and reiterates his support of the professional grounds while others ascribed FPM supporters hold virtual elections legislature’s term extension. it to security-related considerations. in Ashrafieh in protest of the legislature’s Lebanese ministers and Arab and term extension. The elections were foreign ambassadors hold a meeting at the Grand Serail to discuss the plan proposed June 22 supposed to be held on Sunday, June 16. The Lebanese armed forces find a In a speech delivered at the by the Lebanese government to address the Syrian refugee crisis. platform equipped with a Grad rocket set inauguration of a tourist resort in Byblos, for launching in Ballouneh. The rocket President Michel Suleiman lashes out at launched earlier landed in the Arayya- his adversaries asserting that no one can June 20 Kehhaleh area after having cut the high isolate the President of the Republic or March 8 Forces criticize the memo voltage lines in the area. Conflicting skew his patriotic views. handed by President Suleiman to the UN information surround the intended target Head of the Lebanese Belonging Special Coordinator. Speaker Nabih slams of the rockets. Movement, Ahmad Al-Asaad, holds it as adding fuel to the fire and MP Assem “Lebanon is facing a serious challenge from his residence in Hazmieh, Nasrallah Qanso accuses President Suleiman of treason. that might threaten its unity,” Lebanese accountable for the death of Hachem Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Ali Army Commander Jean Qahwaji says Salman and calls for a protest outside the Awad Ousseiri, says on Future TV that while addressing a delegation of Druze Iranian Embassy on June 23. the KSA is not targeting the Shia’a alone, scholars. underlining that Hezbollah’s intervention President Michel Suleiman urges in Syria has harmed the party itself, the Lebanon’s Minister of Justice Chakib June 18 Shia’a and Lebanon at large. Ousseiri adds High Representative of the European Qortbawi to take the measures necessary that the Saudi measures are against all against MP Assem Qanso who had accused Union for Foreign Affairs, Catherine those implicated in supporting Hezbollah. Ashton, arrives in Lebanon to discuss the him of treason. MP Walid Jumblat undergoes surgery The Constitutional Council fails to conditions of the Syrian refugees. at the American University Hospital. In his weekly statement to Al-Anbaa, convene due to lack of quorum and Head Former singer Fadl Shaker threatens of the Council Issam Suleiman prepares MP Walid Jumblat calls for the formation to slay Samih Zein, head of the Haret of a national unity government that would minutes on what happened to present them Saida municipality, and every member of to the President and Prime Minister. move the disputes from the streets to the Hezbollah and the Amal Movement in a institutions. Sheikh Ahmad El-Assir postpones his statement he made on OTV. scheduled movement until after the official Following the Phalanges’ weekly “The resistance has made a mistake meeting, MP Sami Gemayel states that exams. and I am trying to save it from itself,” says Official Brevet exams kick off with Hezbollah is ruling the country by force President Michel Suleiman. with no permission or authorization. around 63000 students sitting for the Head of the Popular Nasserite exams. The arrest of two people under charges Organization, Osama Saad, assures that a of affiliation with Al-Qaeda results in the number of Syrians and Future Movement blocking of the Cite Sportive-Taree Jdideh members participated in the fights alongside June 24 road. Protesters reopen the road after the Sheikh Ahmad El-Assir two days earlier. release of the arrested. Fierce clashes break out between the Lebanese Army and the proponents of Sheikh Ahmad El-Assir in Abra, Saida, June 19 June 21 leaving 12 Lebanese soldiers (the number A car accident escalates into fierce President Michel Suleiman receives grew to 18 later) dead and an unknown clashes in Abra between the allies of Lebanon’s Arab League ambassador and number of fatalities among Al-Assir’s Sheikh Ahmad El-Assir and members of hands him a memorandum detailing violations lines. The Army ends up tightening its grip Hezbollah and leaves 1 dead and 3 injured. to Lebanese territory by rival sides in Syria. on the Bilal Bin Rabah Mosque, Al-Assir’s
issue 133 | August 2013 42| Media june 2013 Highlights
center of operations, and the Lebanese June 26 US Secretary of State John Kerry Army Command urges Saida’s dignitaries Minister of Interior and Municipalities reiterates during a phone call with to announce openly on which side they are. Marwan Charbel, Army Commander Jean President Suleiman his support for the Proponents of El-Assir express their Qahwaji and former PM Fouad Seniora Lebanese Army. support by blocking a number of roads in make separate tours over the beleaguered Minister of Social Affair returns to Tripoli, Saadnayel, Naameh and the Cite suburb of Abra. Beirut after having met PM Saad Hariri Sportive. The Army Command- Directorate of and a number of Saudi officials during his “The deadly sin of Hezbollah does not Orientation- denies reports suggesting visit to KSA. justify the attack on the Lebanese Army,” that the Army Commander Jean Qahwaji Former PM Saad Hariri reports. would have handed President Michel Following his meeting with President Suleiman his resignation if the army had June 29 Suleiman, PM-designate Tamam Salam been prevented from storming the security The Mufti of Saida, Sheikh Salim announces his commitment with the 8-8- zone under the control of Sheikh Ahmad Soussan attends prayers during which he 8 Cabinet formula and insists on the need El-Assir. renews his support for the Lebanese Army, for the political forces be represented The Presidency of the Republic issues urging them to stop their random arrests in according to their parliamentary size. a statement underlining the confidence of the city. The number of the Syrians registered President Michel Suleiman and the Cabinet Sheikh Ahmad El-Assir’s supporters with the UNHCR reaches 553 000 with in the Lebanese Army and its leadership. attempt to break into the security complex another 80 000 still on the waiting list. The Future Movement holds an once occupied by the Sunni cleric, MP Walid Jumblat reports that exceptional meeting at the residency of prompting the Lebanese Army to fire in negotiations between the Lebanese Army MP Bahiyya Hariri in Majdaloun and the air to disperse them. and its attackers are out of question; calls on the Lebanese Army to remove all A delegation headed by Fouad Seniora stressing that Hezbollah members security pockets from Abra. and MP Bahiya Hariri visits President surrounded the residence of MP Bahiya Clashes flare up anew between the Michel Suleiman to demand the referral Hariri in Majdelyoun. Zeaiter and the Hjoula families in Laylaki. of Saida’s recent incidents to the Justice Council. Acting General Prosecutor Judge Samir June 25 June 27 Hammoud submits a memo to the Minister Caretaker PM Najib Mikati announces Speaker Nabih Berri calls Parliament of Justice Chakib Qortbawi demanding the today as a National Day of Mourning to session in order to discuss and approve lifting of immunity for MP Assem Qanso commemorating soldiers whose lives have pending draft laws including the extension for accusing President Suleiman of treason. been lost in recent clashes. of the term of the Lebanese Army People rally in Tripoli and Tariq Al- The Lebanese Army takes full control Commander and the heads of security Jdideh in support of Sheikh Ahmad El- of El-Assir’s center of operation bringing apparatuses. Assir. the clashes to an end and the radical Sunni Several Syrians injured in a stabbing scholar flees with former singer Fadl attack after their minibus was targeted by a Shaker and a number of proponents. The group of pro-Assad Syrian assailants in the military judiciary issues arrest warrants Jisr Al-Wati neighborhood. July 1 against El-Assir, Shaker and 123 members Following his meeting with former PM President Michel Suleiman and implicated in the attack. Fouad Seniora, the Mufti of Saida, Sheikh PM Najib Mikati travel to Qatar on an Following their meeting at the Grand Salim Soussan, denounces the illegal impromptu visit to felicitate Qatar’s new Serail, former PMs and current PM- practices undertaken by the Lebanese Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani designate Tamam Salam reiterate that the Army in Saida. on assuming his duties as the ruler of the Lebanese Army holds no particular grudge Former ISF Chief Ashraf Rifi asserts to country. against the Sunni community, stressing Future TV that the ISF have not distributed General Michel Aoun assures on their backing for all those who sense any weapons and the injuries that the Al-Jadid TV that he will not attend inequity in the application of law. Lebanese Army has sustained in Abra are parliamentary session or accept a Former PM Saad Hariri reiterates beyond Al-Assir’s military capacities. prolonged term for the Army Commander. in a TV appearance his support for US Deputy Secretary of State William the Lebanese Army and calls for the Burns arrives in Lebanon and starts off his withdrawal of all weapons insisting that June 28 meetings with MP Walid Jumblat. General Jean Qahwaji should remain the Two bombs, allegedly targeting The Lebanese Forces announces its head of Lebanon’s military institution. Hezbollah, explode in Zahle. intention to boycott Parliament session Patriarch Al-Rai slams all politicians Hezbollah vacates the disputed and a heated debate flares up over the as “executioners” and voices his solidarity apartment in Abra and hands it over to the constitutionality of legislation under a with the Lebanese Army. Lebanese Army. resigned government. Speaker Nabih Grand Mufti Mouhamad Rashid Brigadier General Roger Salem Berrir insists that the session is consistent Qabani deplores the attack that targeted the appointed as acting ISF Director General with the constitution. Lebanese Army and rejects El-Assir’s call following the retirement of his predecessor Hezbollah’s Deputy Chief Sheikh on Sunni soldiers to quit the Army. Ibrahim Basbous. Naim Qassem slams the Future Bloc as President Michel Suleiman holds The Lebanese Army assures in being the sponsor of strife. a dinner banquet for LF leader Samir reference to Hezbollah that it has fought in Geagea and his spouse. Abra unassisted.
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Media |43
This Month in History- Lebanon Bachir Gemayel Elected President on August 23
Preface From 1969, Lebanon, more precisely South Lebanon, became a stronghold for Palestinian guerillas to launch fida’i activities against Israel. The Israelis would retaliate with missiles targeting not only armed Palestinian fronts but also civil areas housing both Palestinians and Lebanese. The pace of attacks and counter-attacks accelerated during the 1975 Civil War and culminated in 1978 with the Israeli invasion of large territories in south Lebanon. Shortly afterwards, Israel abandoned the areas it had occupied and concentrated its military presence in a small adjacent zone alongside supportive Lebanese militias including the South Lebanon Army under the authority of Saad Haddad and later his successor, General Antoine Lahad.
During the Civil War, cooperation arose between Israel and the Phalanges and the National Liberal Bachir Gemayel Party who allied with each other against their common Palestinian enemy. The Palestinian-Israeli hostilities continued to play themselves out on the Gemayel’s Election Lebanese territory and set the path for an all-out The presidential term of Elias Sarkis was about invasion of Lebanon in 1982. to end on September 23, 1982. Bachir Gemayel was running for President but had little chance of 1982 Invasion success. However, the Israeli invasion made his Amid rising tensions, a Palestinian group affiliated election possible and preparations kicked off to with the Revolutionary Council led by Abou Nidal convince opposing MPs to show up and secure plotted an assassination operation against Israel’s quorum during the election session. The then Ambassador to the UK, Shlomo Argov. Wounded Speaker of Parliament, Kamel El-Assaad, played Argov was transferred to Israel for treatment, but a critical role in setting up the session amid an had a cardiac arrest and remained in coma until international consent to Gemayel’s election. his death in February 2003. The assassination constituted a typical pretext for an Israeli invasion, The choice fell eventually on the Fayyadiyeh initiated on June 6, 1982 and called the Operation Military Academy as a venue for the election Peace for Galilee in order to ward off the Palestinian session scheduled on August 23, 1982. The session threats from its borders and secure the safety of was boycotted by the majority of Muslim MPs who Galilee. Against the absence of a real resistance, deemed the election of the leader of the strongest Israeli troops expanded their military activities until Christian militia a challenge to them. they reached Beirut where they expelled Palestinian gunmen, thus tightening their control over Lebanon The session commenced at 1:30 pm on Monday, with the exception of the north and the Beqa’a. 23rd of August, after it was delayed by a few hours
issue 133 | August 2013 44| Media
to obtain a quorum of 62 deputies. 30 deputies 27 Maronite MPs: Emile Rouhana Sakr, Pierre refrained from attending and 7 were deceased. The Helo, Boutros Harb, George Saadeh, Habib two-thirds quorum was determined by the number Kairouz, Chafiq Badr, Tarek Habshi, farid of the living MPs (92) rather than by the whole Serhal, Pierre Dakash, Fouad Al-Thineh, House of Representatives (99). Samaan Al-Doueihi, Nadim Neim, Auguste Bakhos, Fouad Nafaa, Pierre Gemayel, Amine The MPs, who boycotted the session, were Gemayel, Camille Chamoun, Edward Hnein, distributed by sect as follows: Fouad Lahoud, Louis Abou Sharaf, Edmont 14 Sunni MPs out of 19 (excluding the deceased Rizk, Elias El-Hrawi, Michael El-Daher, René MP Mershed Ahmad): Saeb Salam, Jamil Kebbi, Mouawad, Jobran Tawq, Maurice and Elias Al- Zaki Mazboudi, Rashid Solh, Nazih El-Bezri, Khazen. Saleh Al-Kheir, Amin Al-Hafez, Hassan Al- 2 Druze MPs: Bachir El-Awar and Mir Majid Mays, Hassan Al-Rifaei, Nathem Al-Qadiri, Erslan. Hachem Al-Husseini, Abdul Majid Al-Rafei and 4 Armenian Orthodox MPs: Khatchig Babikian, Zaher Al-Khatib. Sorin Khan Amirian, Malkun Eblighatian and 6 Shia’a MPs out of 18 (excluding the deceased Ara Yervanian. MP Sabri Hamadeh): Ali Al-Khalil, Mohammad 1 Evangelical MP: Antranik Manoucian. Youssef Baydoun, Adul Latif Baydoun, Hussein No Armenian Catholics attended the session Al-Husseini, Abdul Mawla Amhaz and Ahmad after the death of Joseph Chader. Esbor. Results 5 Greek Orthodox MPs out of 11: Albert During the first round, 3 MPs cast white ballots Mkhaiber, Najah Wakim, Bakhos Hakim, and Bachir Gemayel failed to amass the two- Abdallah Al-Rassi and Mounir Abou Fadel. thirds quorum, gaining 58 votes against 1 for 1 Greek Catholic MP out of 6: Albert Mansour. Raymond Eddeh. Therefore, a second round was 1 MP representing minorities: Farid Joubran. held whereby Gemayel received 57 votes and was 2 Druze MPs out of 4 (excluding the assassinated elected President. 5 white ballots were found in the MP Kamal Jumblat and the deceased MP Bahij second round. Takieddine): Toufic Assaf and Salim Daoud. Some of the parties viewed the election of Bachir 1 Maronite MP out of 28 (excluding the Gemayel under the Israeli presence in the country assassinated MP Tony Frangieh and the deceased a victory for one Lebanese group over the other, MP Aziz Aoun): Raymond Eddeh. despite the open statements and stances by Gemayel, which asserted his rejection of factious divisions Those who attended were predominantly Maronite and his support for all the Lebanese equally. and the other attendants’ sectarian make-up was as However, the regional and international conflict follows: that unfolded on Lebanon’s territory and facilitated 5 Sunni MPs: Othman Al-Dana, Suleiman Al- the victory of Gemayel, cut both ways and lead Ali, Abdo Oueidat, Mouneef Al-Khateeb and to his assassination 23 days after his election and Talal Mere’bi. 9 days before his assumption of office in a bomb 12 Shia’a MPs: Kamel El-Asaad, Sobhi Yaghi, blast carried out by Habib Al-Shartouni under the Hussein Mansour, Mahmoud Ammar, Adel command of Nabil Al-Alam, a senior official at Osseiran, Abdul Latif Zein, Rafiq Chahine, the Syrian Social Nationalist Party. Syria and the Anwar Al-Sabah, Kathem Al-Khalil, Youssef Palestinian official, Abou Iyad, gave Gemayel’s Hamoud, Hamid Dakroub and Ali Al-Abdallah. assassination order. 6 Greek Orthodox MPs: Maurice Fadel, Michel Sassine, Raef Samara, Salim Maalouf, Michel Today, 31 years after the assassination, the mystery Maalouli and Nicolas Ghosn. that surrounds Gemayel’s election and assassination 5 Greek Catholic MPs: Rashed Al-Khoury, remains unsolved. Salem Abdul Nour, Nassri Maalouf, Nadim Salem and Joseph Skaff.
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Arab World Focus|45
This Month in History- Arab World Iraq Invades Kuwait
The support and financial assistance that Kuwait had contributed to Iraq during its long and bloody war against Iran resulted in Iranian hostility against Kuwait, manifesting itself in recurrent attacks on Kuwaiti oil tankers and personnel. By the end of the Iraq-Iran War, Iraq was heavily indebted to its Arab allies, Kuwait in particular, for having funded its military operations against Iran. Saddam branded the Arabs’ call on Iraq to repay its loans as ungrateful arguing that his success in fending off the threats of the Iranian Islamic fundamentalism from the entire Arab world should have been a sufficient reason to relieve Iraq of its USD 60 billion debt.
Iraq was hoping that an increase in oil prices would January 15 or bear the consequences of war. Against bring in revenue and help it repay its financial the backdrop of failed negotiations, a massive obligations so it demanded further reduction in the military assault led by the US and including forces oil production quotas. However, the price rates were from 32 nations was launched on Iraq on January not an equal concern for Kuwait, which, according 16, 1991. The heavily televised hostilities continued to Iraqi claims, was deliberately exceeding OPEC until late February and ended with the triumph of oil production and stealing barrels of oil from Iraq’s the Coalition forces and the expulsion of Iraq from Rumaila oil fields. Kuwaiti territories.
Disputes over oil and debts translated into rising Today, after more than a two-decade legacy of war, tensions that culminated in over 100 000 Iraqi progress is being made to mend the Iraqi-Kuwaiti soldiers backed up by 700 tanks invading Kuwait ties and it is to be hoped that the after effects of the in the early morning hours of August 2, 1990. Iraqi Iraqi invasion will be soon receding. jets bombed the capital of Kuwait and roadblocks were put in place trapping thousands of Kuwaitis and foreign nationals. The Emir and his family fled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and within hours the Kuwait City was captured and a provincial government established. Acts of looting and human rights violations were recorded during Iraq’s 7 month-long occupation of Kuwait.
The invasion sparked unanimous condemnation from the world’s major powers. The US, which was greatly dependent on foreign oil resources and wanted to ensure a steady supply of cheap oil, had a vested interest in curbing the growing military force of Saddam and forcing him out of Kuwait. To this end, the UN Security Council denounced the Iraqi invasion by declaring Iraq’s annexation of Kuwait as void and null and calling for Iraq’s immediate withdrawal from Kuwait, but to no avail.
“Several Resons Why Saddam Hussein Invaded Iraq.” Apfn.org. Saddam refused to abide by the ultimatum issued N.p., 1 July 2004. Web by the US to retreat all Iraqi troops from Kuwait by “1990: Iraq Invades Kuwait.” News.bbc.co.uk. N.p., n.d. Web.
issue 133 | August 2013 46|Arab World Focus
History of Feminism in Syria
Syria is one of the Arab countries that has had the earliest experiment with feminism. The struggle of women began during the country’s plight for independence when women were fighting along their male counterparts in military battles. Syrian women were founding their own organizations and publications as early as at the beginning of the 1900s. The era of Arab nationalism further fueled the fervor for women’s emancipation in the region. Although the Baath era saw some improvements to the status of women, it was still generally restrictive, not only for women, but for the society as a whole. Today Syrian women find themselves between a rock and a hard place; the Baath Party rule on one end, and Islamic fundamentalism on the other.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the Syrian mostly in the education sector, but in general they feminist struggle was led by a number of notable women. still lag behind their male counterparts. Despite these A Syrian journalist named Mary Ajami established the developments, the Baath Party failed to introduce first journal in the Arab east calling for the liberation policies that would have allowed for the proper of women. Though her publications were popular both involvement of women in civil society. among the women and the elite, they still received substantial criticism from conservatives. Ajami continued Before the civil war erupted in Syria, only a small her activism and petitioned the Syrian National congress number of women activists were working in the country. to allow women to vote in 1920. She also established Under Baath rule, all non-governmental organizations the first intellectual salon for women. Another prominent are required to register with the government, and report activist was Naziq el-Abed, also known as the Arab Joan their every meeting, limiting as such the ability of civil of Arc for fighting with the Syrian Army in the battle society to lobby for legislation. This meant that only of Maysaloun. In 1919, she founded the Nour al-Fayha those NGOs, which functioned in accordance with the organization for women and an associated publication government, were allowed to work openly. There is with the same name. In 1922, she founded the Syrian only one legal organization for women, the General Crescent to care for people wounded in the war. Her work Union of Syrian Women, which is an affiliate of the also extended to Lebanon where she founded in 1935 Baath Party. Because civil society has not been effective the Association for Working Women, which lobbied for in lobbying for women’s rights, many restrictions improved working conditions for women. on women remain intact. For example, there is no legislation prohibiting either gender discrimination or After the country’s independence in 1946, the domestic violence. Polygamy is still legal and Muslim main challenge the women had to face was Islamic women are not allowed to marry without the consent fundamentalism. By that time, women were already of a male guardian. As in Lebanon, women are not entering the labor force and beginning to unveil. allowed to pass on their nationality to their children. Women obtained the right to vote in 1949, and the right to stand for elections in 1953. The ideology of This has fostered a culture that remains highly patriarchal Arab nationalism encouraged feminist ambitions and despite women’s involvement in education and labor drove women to participate in public demonstrations. force. Recently, the issue of women’s rights in Syria The Communist Party also served as a channel for has attracted much attention with the horrific news of feminism as it encouraged its members to break free of the use of sexual violence against women as a weapon religious and social constraints. of war. When the civil war is over, women are likely to be up against either the Baath government again, or a When Hafez el-Assad came to power, he tried to end new wave of Islamic fundamentalism. As the Egyptian women’s seclusion by encouraging their education and example has shown, the question of women’s rights will participation in the workforce. Consequently, literacy become a critical issue for legislation. Whoever will be rates improved considerably among women, reaching in power after the civil war, will immediately need to 92% in 2007 according to the World Bank. Women’s address the question of human rights- and therefore participation in the labor force also showed growth, women’s rights- in Syria.
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Arab World Focus|47
Invasion of Iraq Takes its Toll on Iraqi Women
Examining the implications of the Iraq war and the country’s subsequent reconstruction, it is important to indicate that the status of women’s rights has actually deteriorated when compared before the fall of the regime. Initially, Iraq was the first Arab country to have a female minister. Today, women suffer from violence and insecurity, increased religious conservatism, a corrupt government and a struggling economy. The change in their status cannot however be attributed to the regime change alone as the shift had started earlier with the country’s economic decline in the 1990s.
The regime of the Baath party granted women 2006 and 2007, Iraqi women remain victims of legal rights that were superior to those of their violence, kidnappings, abuse, forced marriages and counterparts in the Arab world? at the time, but their the insecurities of widowhood. Government programs representation in the government was still restricted. intended to extend support to widows caring for their The state’s oil revenues made way for the expansion families are corrupt and hindered with bureaucratic of social services; both boys and girls were forced procedures. The country’s new constitution allocates to be at school until the age of 16. The party created 25% of parliamentary seats to women. Though this the General Federation for Iraqi Women whose main has been implemented, it is thought this is very much a ambitions were advancing female education and function of a representation of the parties they belong legal rights. With these conditions, women became to. Only 5 of these women were voted into their seats, an integral part of the labor force. For those working while their relative parties selected the rest. Further, in public offices, maternity leave was as long as a woman heads only one of all the ministries in Iraq, one year. Female employment saw a significant rise and that is the ministry of women’s affairs. during the Iran-Iraq war since a large number of men had left the labor force to fight for their country. The security conditions and a deteriorating economy Political participation remained limited in light of the keep women concerned with the insecurities of daily restrictions that the party enforced on all citizens. life, and not political representation. The inter-agency information and analysis unit of the United Nations As the economy slowed down in the 1990s, the published a report in March 2012 on the status of government switched back to giving priority to male women Iraq. The report found that 24% of women were employment. The proportion of female representation illiterate compared to 11% of men and that only 14% in parliament also decreased during this time. The of all women are employed or seeking employment. situation was exacerbated by the sanctions implemented between 1990 and 2003 when economic restraints As women are struggling with rebuilding their lives decreased female literacy rates. Moreover, in an effort to after the war, it is crucial to have the institutional rally the support of tribal leaders, Saddam changed the backing of their government. But the country’s penal code to allow men to announce divorce abruptly economic and political precariousness has de- and not provide compensation to their wives (which had prioritized the need for creating better conditions for previously been illegal). It is said that his earlier policies women. The new constitution has highlighted Islam regarding the education of women were partly aimed at as the official religion of the state and a basic source the social cohesion of Iraqi tribes whose conservatism of legislation. Consequently, there is a concern that prevented the advancement of women’s rights. the new Iraqi constitution is only paying lip service to the plight of women. With a Shi’a dominated From the start of the war, Iraqi women have been government and a rise of Islamism in the country, subjected to an increase in violence and abuse. issues such as polygamy and honor killings will Though the extent of the fighting has declined since continue to challenge the freedoms of women.
issue 133 | August 2013 48|Arab World Focus
US-Arab Relations in a Tumultuous Spring
US foreign policy in the Arab world has always been centered on a number of objectives; those of oil, counter-terrorism and securing a peaceful environment for Israel. The welfare of their economy, as that of any other, will depend on the availability of oil, a substantial amount of which they acquire from Arab countries. This availability in turn depends on regional stability and on favorable relations between America and the oil producing Arab countries. Their wariness of Islamist parties and the ‘war on terror’ had created a deep schism between the US and Islamists. A democracy that would vote them into power was feared by the US as well as by their own regimes. To this end, US foreign aid to Arab countries had disregarded human rights records of receiving governments. With the assumption that Arabs care little for their freedoms now debunked, a new regional strategy for American interests will require more caution.
Anti-American fervor in the Arab world has been the US a reputation of only supporting the ousted linked above all to US relations with Israel, but regimes. also to cooperative relations with their authoritarian regimes. Post 9/11, US foreign policy has always To say that democracy has arrived to these countries considered Islamist parties a troublesome category of is naïve. Countries such as Egypt and Tunisia are only political participants, one that needs special treatment, still learning about a long and largely transformative or even one that needs to be shunned, as was done process. In the meantime, state consolidation is under Mubarak’s rule. The US support for these very weak, leaving more room for outside influence regimes was on the grounds that should democracy or intervention. At the same time, proving to be be granted, Islamists would only support it to get into supportive of newly found governments could grant government and then abandon the democratic ideals. the US more leverage in the region, and a better stand Moreover, Islamists have always harbored very with respect to the Islamists. It is no surprise that strong anti-Israel feelings. Now that they have been the former US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has democratically elected, America can do nothing but visited the region with efforts of maintaining ties with support this political transition. However, even while countries despite their regime change. the US closely backed the dictators for years, it also supported the movements trying to get them out of This does not mean that Arab anti-Americanism is office. waning. Skepticism of American intentions is perhaps even stronger now because the US has shown it will Initially, it might have been taken for granted that do anything to secure its interests. Democracy will the ‘Arab Spring’ and the regime change it brought not replace other interests such as security and oil. about would have hindered American interests in the Moreover, its relations with Israel will always affect affected countries. But those predictions have proved its popularity. In an article written for the Washington inaccurate. The Obama administration has not adopted Post, a former US Secretary of State mentioned that a clear strategy for pursuing the American interests in this new policy could be thought of as a way to make the region. It has however made clear that foreign aid up for previous support of authoritarianism. Will this will not be excluded to Islamist governments across be successful, considering new parties in power will the region. Though the state of the US economy have to show the people that they will not be as easy might not allow the spending, it cannot cut the budget clients of the US as their predecessors? on foreign aid to these countries, as this would gain
issue 133 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. prices |49
Real Estate Prices- Towards June 2013
Contrary to the hopes of market players, the real Prices of some apartments sold in June 2013 Table 2 estate momentum proved lower than expected at the Region Area m2 Price (USD) USD/m2 beginning of the summer season. In fact, the activity Beirut was even slower than that recorded in May, influenced Ashrafieh- Rmeil 110 286,000 2,600 chiefly by the Syrian conflict and the political unrest Ashrafieh- Sassine 250 700,000 2,800 and the security situation in Lebanon. The prices UNESCO 200 760,000 3,800 maintained stable levels except for the modest Clemenceau 150 600,000 4,000 increases in the prices of small apartments and land. Ras Nabee- 120 240,000 2,000 With Ramadan starting in July, chances are the real Mohamnad el-Hout estate transactions in July will continue to fall. Aisha Bakkar 200 600,000 3,000 Zarif 150 405,000 2,700 Tables 1 and 2 illustrate the prices of some apartments Baabda and estates sold in June 2013. Yarzi 400 1,000,000 2,500 Baabda- Brazilia 210 525,000 2,500 Prices of some estates sold in June 2013 Table 1 Hadath 120 120,000 1,000 Hazmieh- Mar Taqla 220 440,000 2,000 Region Area m2 Price (USD) USD/m2 Furn el-Chebbak 360 540,000 1,500 Beirut Ain Roummaneh 200 400,000 2,000 Ashrafieh- Monot 520 6,760,000 13,000 Haret Hreik 150 225,000 1,500 Baabda Chiyyah 120 120,000 1,000
Hazmieh 1,100 2,475,000 2,250 Matn Broumana 210 357,000 1,700 Matn Mansourieh 250 375,000 1,500 Bekfaya 1,590 636,000 400 Mansourieh 195 351,000 1,800 Ain-Saadeh 2,700 864,000 320 Burj Hammoud 100 150,000 1,500 Monteverdi 1,000 1,000,000 1,000 Horsh Tabet 175 385,000 2,200
Aley Awkar 130 208,000 1,600 Antelias 140 210,000 1,500 Choueifat 1,100 550,000 500 Aley Bhamdoun 1,900 285,000 150 Bshamoun- Yahoudieh 240 240,000 1,000 Kessrouan Doha Aramoun 160 176,000 1,100 Faraya 850 357,000 420 Aramoun 180 180,000 1,000
Zouk Mikhael 1,180 1,180,000 1,000 Khaldeh 160 240,000 1,500 Aley 180 207,000 1,150 Sahel Alma 700 700,000 1,000 Kessrouan Source: Information International- June 2013 Zouk Mosbeh 175 175,000 1,000 Ghadir 200 170,000 850 Suhaily 225 315,000 1,400 Adonis 160 224,000 1,400 Source: Information International- June 2013
issue 133 | August 2013 50| Did you know that?
Top Ten Densely Populated Countries in the World
Monaco is the world’s most densely populated Malta’s population density of 1,292 per square country, with a population density of 15,685 per kilometer comes in sixth place in global rankings. square kilometer. Bangladesh ranks seventh in population density Singapore ranks second in the world, with a total with about 1,101 people per square kilometer. population density of over 6,923 people per square Barbados is the eighth most densely populated kilometer. country, with about 667 people per square kilometer. The Vatican City ranks third in population density Taiwan is second to last in the top ten densely with about 2, 245 people per square kilometer. populated countries in the world with 641 people Bahrain is the fourth most densely populated per square meter. country in the world with approximately 1,598 Mauritius ranks tenth among the world’s most people per square meter. densely populated countries with 639 people per The Maldives comes fifth in population density square meter. with approximately 1,326 people per square meter.
Beirut International Airport Beirut International Airport Rafic Hariri International Airport Traffic- May 2013
Traffic at Rafic Hariri International Airport in May 2013 compared to April 2013 Table 1 The passenger traffic at and May 2012 April May May % of change % of change May the Rafic Hariri International Traffic Airport registered in May 2013 2013 2012 April/ May 2013 2012/ May 2013 2013 a decline of 2.5% as Arriving Airplanes 2,484 2,580 2,560 +3.8 +0.78 compared to the previous Departing Airplanes 2,483 2,586 2,555 +4.1 +1.2 month and an increase of 13.4% as compared to Total no. of airplanes 4,967 5,166 5,115 +4 1 the same period last year. Arriving passengers 240,265 268,890 229,138 +11.9 +17.3 The increase is attributed partly to the rising number Departing passengers 274,193 232,260 209,432 -15.3 +10.9 of Syrians going through Transit passengers 1,507 1,720 4,758 +14.1 -63.8 the airport due to the fragile security situation in Syria. Total no. of passengers 515,965 502,870 443,328 -2.5 +13.4 Imported goods 5,798 5,812 4,010 +0.2 +44.9 Table 1 illustrates the (per ton) traffic at the Rafic Hariri Exported goods 4,049 4,220 2,947 +4.2 +43.2 International Airport in May (per ton) 2013 compared to April Total amount of goods 9,847 10,032 6,957 +1.8 +44.2 2013 and May 2012. Source: Information International and the Directorate General of Aviation Stats & Numbers |51
SNumberstats& Publications
USD 3 million is the grant Publications by Kutub (in Arabic): Publications by given by South Korea to fund Information International (in Arabic): 1- Al-Wasita Ila Ma’rifat Ahwal Malta & Kashf Al- the construction of a new school Mukhabba’e ‘An Funun Europa. 1- Salaries and Remunerations in the Public Sector 2- Public Seaside Properties 2- The Memoirs of Juliette El-Mir Saadeh in the Qada’a of Bint Jbeil. The 3- Lebanon’s Parliamentary History 1920-2000 Lebanese government assigned 3- As-Saq ‘Ala As-Saq fi ma Huwa Al-Fariaq 4- Taxes and Fees 4- Rihlati Fi Al-Jazirah Al-Arabiyyah Al-Wusta, 5- Lebanon in Figures 1992-2002 through the CDR an amount of 6- Lebanon in Figures 2003-2004 Hamad, Sammar, Qacim, Hedjaz 1878-1882. LBP 500 million to supervise the 7- Lebanon in Figures 2005-2006 [Voyage Dans L’Arabie Centrale.] 8- Lebanon in Figures 2007-2008 construction works, but it turned 5- Al-Shi’ir Ind Al-Badu (Bedouin Poetry) 9- Lebanon’s MPs and Lebanese Parliamentary Elections 1960 - 2009 out later that the building was 6- Rihlati Fi Bilad Al-Rafidayn wa Iraq Al’Arab 10- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, [Utazasom Mesopatamiaban és Irak-Arabiaban] unsuitable for its purpose, which candidate and confession-North District entailed the allocation of another 7- Laqatat Mughayira: Al-Tasweer Al-Mahalli Al- 11- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, Mubker Fi Filasteen. 1850-1948. candidate and confession-Beirut District 12- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, LBP 500 million to demolish it. 8- Fi Khidmat Al-Watan. Mukhtarat Min Al-Watha’iq candidate and confession-Mount Lebanon District Al-Khassa Lil ‘Amir Farid Shehab. 13- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, USD 95 million are the 9- Matbakh Baytna candidate and confession-Beqa’a District 14- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate advertising expenses in Lebanon 10- Antoun Saadeh Wa Al-Hizb Al-Souri Al-Qawmi and confession-South and Nabatiyeh District in May 2013. The actual number Al-Ijtima’i Fi Awraq Al-Amir Farid Shehab Al- 15- Municipal Elections 2010 Mudir Al-‘Am Li Al-‘Amn Al-‘Am Al-Lubnani. does not exceed USD 30 million, 11- Mudhakarat Dhabet ‘Uthmani Fi Najd Publications by INMA (in Arabic): of which USD 22 million go to TV 12- Qasami ... Wasiyyati Muthakarat. channels. [Memoirs of Deeb Kirdiyeh.] 1- “I am Responsible, All of Us are Responsible” 2- “Our Environment is Our Home” 13- Trablous Al-Sham 3- “My Society is My Responsibility” 841 000 is the number of 14- Jeniyat Al-Nabi 4- “My Society is My Responsibility” Workbook subscriptions to Lebanon’s 5- “I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards 15- Mokhber Al-Konsoliya State Building” landline telephone network. 16- Antoun Saadah 1932-1949 6- “I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards State Building” Workbook 17- Antoun Saadah, A Biography, 7- “Lebanon Wars, why?” LBP 9 billion is the cost of Volume 1. The Youth Years 8- Discrimination in Lebanon salaries and benefits allocated to 18- The Face of the Prophet, Khalil Gibran and the Portraits of the Temple of Arts the staff of the Telecommunication 19- May Ziadeh, Evolution of a free female thinker Regulatory Authority 20- USA in the Middle East 21- Alone Together 92,522 is the total number of 22- Mission in Hijaz - Lion Roche teachers in Lebanon of whom 23- Aleppo Cuisine 39,604 are public school 24- From An-Nabk to Florida teachers and 44,493 are private 25- Institution of Aesthetic Discourse -Saad el-Kassab school teachers. 26- Al A’mal Al She’rya Al-Kamila -Kamal Keir beik 27- Majhoulat Gibran To Subscribe: 725 is the average number of Al-Borj Building, 4th Floor, Martyrs Square motorbikes seized by the ISF Beirut Central District Telephone: 961-1-983008/9 961-3-262376 every month. Fax: 961-1-980630 [email protected] www.iimonthly.com www.information-international.com © Information International SAL All rights reserved License No. 180/2003
Shweir and Its Hills Kutub’s latest publication is a book of photographs that records and documents the social, cultural and demographic features of the Lebanese town of Shweir from the last decade of the 19th century until the early1960s. The book contains a collection of photographs, majority of which were taken by Shweiri photographers. The photographs include a number of cabinet portraits and Cartes- de- Visite taken of the people of Shweir. In addition to the photographs, there is also a selection of old postcards depicting Shweir, regarded as one of Lebanon’s loveliest summer resorts. The credit for this project goes chiefly to Mr. Badr El-Hage who has collected all the material including photographs, glass plates and postcards that survived loss and destruction. He has also written the accompanying text to the book. His collection has grown to become a valuable visual documentation expected to be a reference for any future study concerned with the social and cultural development of Antoun Saadeh’s hometown.
Badr El Hage
Shweir and Its Hills ال�شوير وتاللها A photographic record soon In bookstores �ش ّجل م�ش ّور
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