Mechanic Inspection Centers Favoring the Operator Or the State?

issue number 130 |May 2013 New Traffic Law Lebanese High Relief Committee “the monthly” interviews Youmna Medlej www.iimonthly.com • Published by Information International sal

Mechanic Inspection Centers Favoring the operator or the state?

4 Mechanic Inspection Centers

7 new Traffic Law 11 Lebanon’s Municipalities and Their Revenues 14 between Public and Private Schooling 17 Lebanese High Relief Committee 18 the 1968 Lebanese Parliamentary P: 25 P: 41 Elections - South Elections 20 precedents in Term-Extension of Parliament 21 rashid Karami International Fair 22 pernicious Anemia: Dr. Hanna Saadah 23 the Meaning of Regeneration in Knowledge Economy: antoine boutros 24 between Today’s Arab Revolutions and the Awakening of the 19th Century: said Chaaya 25 interview: Youmna Medlej P: 28 27 Farewell My Country 28 Kunhadi 30 popular culture 43 this Month in History- Arab World 31 debunking myth#69: Beirut a historical The First Arab-Israeli War- May 1948 trade route linking east to west? 44 the Syrian Crisis beyond Borders 32 Must-read books: The Arabs in the Twenty First Century 45 artistic Production in Iraq 33 Must-read children’s book: The Moon - 46 operation Red Carpet and the Dreams “Salvation” of Arab Jews 34 Lebanon Families: Families denoting 47 real estate prices in Lebanon - Lebanese Towns (2) march 2013 35 discover Lebanon: Kashlak 48 Food Prices - march 2013 36 extension of Parliament’s Term 50 did you know that?: Impulse Shopping 37 March 2013 Highlights 50 beirut rafic hariri international 41 this Month in History- Lebanon airport - march 2013 47 Years since the Assassination of Journalist Kamel Mroueh 51 Lebanon stats |editorial

Enough!

The March 8 Forces have for a long time held their March 14 rivals accountable for the deplorable state of the country’s economy, education, medical services and infrastructure. The fingers were pointing since 1993 at each successive government, particularly those under the premiership of Rafik Hariri, Fouad Seniora and Saad Hariri. If the past were good, then why complain about it? And if it weren’t, then why persist in the same practices? The fact of the matter is that the March 8 Forces are reinforcing the lingering effects of the past they keep lamenting. Below are a few matters overlooked by the March 8 Forces: The majority of the now so-called Mach 8 Forces have given their parliamentary vote of confidence to all those governments they are supposedly slamming. None of the successive Parliaments have stripped the governments of that confidence. All successive Parliaments have ratified the corresponding budgets and approved of borrowing in Lebanese pounds then transferring debt to foreign currencies. March 8 Forces have accepted and taken advantage of the absence of public budgets since 2006.

If we take a sample of the subjects of complaints, we find the following: Sukleen: Renewal of the same contract. Duty Free area: Renewal of the same contract. Roads: Half of Lebanon’s roads are sub-standard and continue to be unsuitable for driving. Coastal and riverside properties: Continuous encroachments. Solidere: Nothing has changed except that it has now what it could not obtain in the past. Public debt: Public debt increased from USD 2.9 billion in 1993 to USD 58 billion at the end of 2012. Mobile phones: Speak unreservedly! Public administration: Going downhill. Judiciary: Speak unreservedly, except for the action taken recently by the Judicial Disciplinary Committee against two judges. Taxation system: At the standstill and worsening. Electoral system: Now we mention it? Where were the March 8 Forces four years ago and why not stall a little more until the elections are only a few days away?

If Sukleen squandered public funds without providing adequate environmental or practical solutions to Lebanon’s waste problems, why has it remained in operation? If the March 8 Forces were genuinely keen on public properties, why have they let sleeping dogs lie and turned a blind eye to encroachments, which some among the party have been part of? Why has borrowing continued despite the public debt having reached alarming rates? Why has spending persisted along the same lines of Seniora’s path, although a legal loophole was contrived? Have March 8 ministers fared any better in public management? Away from the rhetoric of March 8 and March 14 Forces and away from the accusations of treason or the acts of reverence, the time has come for each to take their share of the blame and make sure their hands are clean before pointing fingers at others. In this context, it is useful to recall the words of Imam Al-Hussein: “Keep away from doing that which you must excuse yourself for, for verily the believer neither commits a wrong nor makes excuses for himself.” 4 | Leader

Mechanic Inspection Centers Favoring the operator or the state?

The Lebanese government has signed over the past two decades numerous contracts known as B.O.T contracts whereby private companies build a number of public facilities, operate them and eventually transfer their ownership to the government. These facilities have included mobile phone operators, airport parking and vehicle inspection centers. Most of the time, the contracts have proved unfavorable to both the state and the Lebanese citizens, especially that the amounts invested in the projects have been trivial compared to the costs borne by the Lebanese in return of the services provided. Although ownership of the inspection centers was transferred to the state at the beginning of 2013, the government decided to extend its contract with the same company running the facilities for another 6 months until finding alternatives. What did the contract contain and what are the options on the table?

Initial contract In August 2002, and after revising the proposals, the Lebanese Cabinet agreed to award the contract to the Saudi Fal Company1, a bidder with the lowest negotiated price, to design, construct, equip and operate vehicle inspection centers in Lebanon, granted that the stations would be transferred to the state by the end of 2012. It was agreed that the company would build 4 to 6 stations distributed over the Mohafazat.

Beirut and Mount Lebanon: 1 or 2 North: 1 Beqa’a: 1 South and Nabatieh: 1 or 2

The company was later exempt from establishing 2 centers and built the remaining 4 on state-owned property. The operator was responsible for financing the project and had the right to collect the inspection fees in line with the prices set in the contract. However, not specifying the amount of those fees in the contract left the matter entirely to the operator’s discretion. According to the contract, a minimum of 7 lanes was to be set for the inspection of vehicles under 3.5 tons, with each lane performing 150 inspections per day against at least 1 lane for vehicles over 3.5 tons. The total number of staff including technicians and non-technicians stood at no less than 44.

Inspection centers and number of testing lanes

Center No. of lanes Car test lanes Truck test lanes Motorcycle test lane

Hadath 22 16 4 2

Ghazieh 6 4 1 1

Mejdlaya 4 2 1 1

Zahle 4 2 1 1

Total 36 24 7 5

Source: Cabinet report

1 Saudi Fal Company is a company registered in Lebanon.

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Supervision contract Along with the Saudi Fal contract, the Lebanese act as a guardian angel to protect this vital economic government signed a no-bid contract with Vivauto, activity. which was tasked with supervising the work at the centers and monitoring the quality of operations, Against the absence of alternate options, the in exchange for 2.75% of the profits, to be paid, government was forced to extend the contract by 6 unprecedentedly, by the Lebanese government months and called on the Ministry of Interior and instead of the service provider. This percentage was Municipalities to prepare a request for proposals reduced to 2.5% following the 6-month extension of handbook stipulating the construction of two Vivauto contract. inspection centers in Rashaya and Baakleen. The ministers of interior and finance were also assigned Demands of the operator to forge contracts with Fal to set up inspection centers The company reported that the profit estimation had responsible for testing second-hand cars entering the been exaggerated, stressing that they had incurred country through land or sea ports and to prolong the many losses and missed opportunities due to the laws, agreement with Vivauto for another 6 months for the decrees and other government measures that deprived same share of profits (2.5%). A new tender to award the company of substantial revenues. supervision contracts was also demanded from the USD 318.862 due to Law No. 519, which delayed Ministry of Interior and Municipalities. inspection commencement from January 7, 2003 to January 31, 2003. The proposition offered by the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities entailed extension of the contract by 5 USD 750 000 due to the government decision years that expires on December 31, 2017 according to suggesting the transfer of the North inspection the following stipulations: site from Ras Masqa to Mejdlaya, 10 months after Waiving all the previous demands and lawsuits the company had built the station and started its filed by the company during the past 9 years and activity in the former. worth USD 81.5 million (as mentioned earlier). Building, equipping and operating 6 additional USD 65 million due to lack of follow-up on the stations in Jbeil, Al-Kweikhat (Akkar), Tripoli, vehicles that avoid the inspection process. In Nabatieh, Tyre, and Baalbeck during a 6-month 2004, only 650 000 vehicles out of 1.1 million period from the date of receiving the plots from underwent inspection. the state. Modernization and maintenance of the equipment. USD 13 million for failure to subject second-hand Introducing inspection centers at ports of entry by imported cars to roadworthiness tests. land or sea to test imported second-hand cars. Running the 4 stations whose ownership was USD 2.4 million for failure to increase inspection transferred to the Lebanese state as follows: fees in parallel with the pay increases. Increase in the minimum wage entered into force May 1, 2008 Transferring to the state at the end of every while the increased inspection rates remained month the following flat revenues: pending until January 8, 2009. LBP 15 000 out of LBP 87 900 charged by the company per vehicle over 3.5 tons. All the above brings the total up to USD 81.5 million. LBP 7000 out of LBP 32 650 charged by the company per vehicle over 3.5 tons, when the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities number of vehicles inspected ranges between 1 The contract with the Saudi Fal Company expired and 600 000. The state’s share increases to LBP at the end of 2012. The Ministry of Interior and 8000 when the number stands between 600 001 Municipalities was supposed to find alternatives to and 900 000 and further to LBP 11 000 when secure continuous provision of inspection services the number is between 900 001 and 1 million. either by launching a new bid to run what has now Should the company inspect more than 1 become its own facility, or by undertaking its direct million vehicles, the state would then obtain operation. But unfortunately, the Ministry failed to LBP 15 000 out of LBP 32 650 per vehicle.

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LBP 5000 out of LBP 10 000 charged by the company per motorcycle. USD 25 out of USD 100 charged for every inspection performed at the stations set in the ports of entry. Half the confirmatory inspection fee

After examining the above, one may observe the following: The initial contract stipulated the establishment of 6 inspection centers and the reasons that only 4 were built remain unknown.

Although the contract expired at the end of 2012, preparation for a new tender did not materialize and the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities announced its inability to run the centers, which entails the extension of the contract as is or its renewal according to the operator’s amended terms. Otherwise, the USD 81.5 million claimed by the operator should be paid.

The proposition presented by the Minister of Interior included numerous clauses, one of which put the share of the state from the truck inspection fees at a mere LBP 15 000 out of LBP 87 900 per truck. Operator’s profits and opinion The data available on the profits that Fal has made www.mecanique.com.lb since January 1, 2004 until December 31, 2012 lack precision. However, estimates put them at around USD 8.5 million yearly and some believe that the company was able to recover its initial investment in its first year of operation, which would justify its desire to renew the contract. However, Fal insists that the margins of profits are very tight.

The extended contract expires by the end of June, so will the government award a concession contract with a new company or will it negotiate adjusting the fees and raising the state’s share? Or will there be a new contract that serves the interest of private companies at the expense of that of the Lebanese citizens and treasury?

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Public Sector | 7 New Traffic Law Fines, Driving Schools and Subtraction of Points

After having been debated for years in dozens of Parliament sessions, the long-awaited new Traffic Law has finally came to light pursuant to law No. 243, dated October 22, 2012 and consists of 420 articles. The law features modernity and inclusiveness with respect to all traffic matters including the use of roads, driving tests, condition of vehicles and the legal rights of pedestrians. If implemented adequately, the traffic law is expected to improve the traffic status in Lebanon and curb the increase in accident rates.

What’s in this new law? Setting speed limit In the case where no speed limit signs are installed on Prohibitions local, major and minor roads, drivers should respect Drivers are prohibited from driving their vehicles the following speed limits: under the influence of alcohol with a BAC (Blood 100 km/h on highways Alcohol Concentration) greater than 0.5 grams per 70 km/h outside populated areas liter of blood 50 km/h inside populated areas Drivers are prohibited from using mobile phones while driving Transportation of children Drivers are prohibited from turning their engines Children under 10 years of age are prohibited from off and steering their vehicles by pushing them sitting in the front seats down the slopes Children under 5 years of age should be fastened Drivers are prohibited from using horns except properly into a special car seat placed in the under certain circumstances vehicle’s back seat Vehicle equipment Vehicles must be equipped with: An inside rear view mirror and two outside rear view mirrors on both sides of the vehicle Power-driven windshield wipers Front and back seatbelts First-aid kit for taxis Ready-to-use fire extinguisher Front and rear fenders Audible single-tone horn Metered Taxis Taxis should be provided with a meter that records and determines the fare the passenger should pay. Elimination of motor number The drivers will be subjected to three years in prison, seizure of their vehicle and a fine of LBP 20 million if they alter, eliminate, replace or efface motor or serial numbers.

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Seatbelts All passengers, including the driver, irrespective of Private driving licenses are valid for 10 years for the type of the vehicle, should use seatbelts. Only ISF people under 48, 4 years for those under 64 and 2 members are exempt from wearing seatbelts while for those who exceed the age of 64. The licenses are leading security missions. renewable without the need to sit the test again.

Mechanical inspection Public driving licenses are valid for 5 renewable Tourist vehicles and motorcycles should undergo years for people under 50, 3 years for those under 65 regular inspection once a year, after three years and 1 year for those over 65 years of age. from the date they were put on the roads in Lebanon or abroad. All cars and vehicles are subject to The driving license has 12 points that are subtracted a mechanical inspection carried out at any time depending on the offences committed by the driver by employees of the pertinent authority with the as illustrated in the following table. Losing all points assistance of the Internal Security Forces to confirm disqualifies the driver from driving and entails the compliance with the requested conditions. revocation of his license for 6 months, during which he undergoes a specialized training at a driving Vehicle registration school. Should this occur again within 3 years, the Whoever delays in registering their vehicles will license is then revoked for one year and the driver incur a fine of LBP 100 000 for every week of delay. will have to re-sit the driving test. Driving license Obtaining a driving license entails fulfillment of the following requirements: Applicant must be minimum of 18 years old Losing all points disqualifies Applicant must be living in Lebanon the driver from driving and Applicant must have a medical certificate for “ driving entails the revocation of his Applicant must have a clean criminal record free license for 6 months, during of the deterring clauses set by the law which he undergoes a specialized Applicant must pass the needed training and training at a driving school receive a certificate from the respective driving school “ Applicant must pass the driving test

Photo by Mohamad Mashlab

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Offence Subtracted points

Not giving way to vehicles when entering or leaving roundabouts 1

Overtaking vehicles within roundabouts 1

Failure to respect the roundabout entrance and exit lanes 1

Failure to respect road markings 1

Crossing intersections in a traffic-inducing manner 1

Presence of malfunctioning seatbelts 1+ retention of vehicle

Exceeding the number of passengers set in the driving license 1+ evacuation of passengers

Eating or smoking while driving a taxi 2

Eating or smoking while driving a bus 2

Exceeding speed limit set at less than 20km/h 2 Failure to drive on the right side of the road or to give way for the passing of ambulances, 2 firefighting trucks, or police vehicles that signaled their proximity Disobeying the rules of honk use 2

Redundant or continuous use of honk 2 + retention of vehicle

Failure to stop at the stop sign 2

Parking in hazardous zones that threaten public safety 2

Failure to use signal lights from a distance before taking a turn or stopping the vehicle 2

Failure to deviate gradually to the desired side 2 + retention of vehicle

Absence of a fire-extinguisher Retention of vehicle

Expired driving license 2 + retention of vehicle + revocation of license

Crossing the line separating between two lanes 3

Using mobile phones or any other communication device while driving 3

Driving under the influence of alcohol 3-6 (depending on the level of alcohol in blood)

Exceeding the speed limit set at 20 to 40 km/h 3

Disobeying the instructions of the police 3

Causing the leakage of oil or other liquids while driving 3

Failure to wear front and rear seatbelts 3

Presence of malfunctioning brakes 3

Exceeding the speed limit set at 40 to 60 km/h 4

Driving in an opposite direction 4

Driving unregistered vehicles 4

Driving under the influence of drugs 12

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Driving Schools Annual traffic fees No driving school can open in Beirut unless it is If the car is 13 years of age, the annual traffic fee at least 100 m away from any other driving school ranges between LBP 33 000 (for vehicles with 1 within administrative Beirut. The distance grows to to 10 horsepower) and LBP 288 000 (for vehicles 250 m in other areas. All driving schools should have with 51 horsepower and above). a minimum of 2 halls and 2 training vehicles. If the car is 5 to 12 years of age, the annual traffic fee ranges between LBP 75 000 and LBP 715 000. Traffic fines’ revenues If the car is 2 to 4 years of age, the annual The revenues resulting from collecting traffic fines traffic fee ranges between LBP 155 000 and are distributed as follows: LBP 1 500 000. If the car is less than 2 years old, the annual 25% for the ISF (Internal Security Forces) reserve traffic fee ranges between LBP 325 000 and LBP fund 3 100 000. 20% for municipalities The driving test and license cost LBP 230 000. 55% for the treasury 30% of the fines collected from judicial proceedings Enforcement go to the Judges’ Solidarity Fund and 25% for the In principle, the new Traffic Law should enter into cooperative fund for judicial assistants. effect the moment it is published in the Official ISF traffic policemen are given 30% of their basic Gazette (it was published on November 25, 2012). monthly salaries and another 10% is channeled to However, the enforcement of this law necessitates motorcycle policemen. regulatory decisions that are yet to be issued. Given that the law has granted a one-year period for the Fees issuance of these regulations, we probably won’t be The new traffic law has also determined the various seeing any of the law’s articles materialize on the fees due on vehicles. Those fees previously used to ground before November 25, 2013. fall under the public budget law and are as follows: Although it took 7 years to draft this law, voices The registration fee of a private vehicle stands at have been raised, shortly after its approval, to amend 4% of its price it or delay its enforcement until all the pertinent requirements are available and the manpower The registration fee of a public vehicle stands at responsible for its implementation is ready. 2% of its price Should we expect strict implementation of this law or will it remain ink on paper?

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Public Sector | 11 Lebanon’s Municipalities and Their Revenues 1000 Municipalities

Knowing that the presence of municipalities is critical to promote development at the local level, the successive Ministers of Interior and Municipalities have been establishing municipal councils in the Lebanese towns and villages since 1997. However, a number of these emerging municipalities proved incapable of fulfilling their duties due to their lack of financial resources or thoughtful visions for development. Most municipalities fail or rather refrain from collecting local fees so as not to alienate voters, thus limiting their revenues to the shares they receive from the Independent Municipal Fund.

Number of municipalities The number of municipalities has been growing by the month until it reached 1000 by the end of April 2013. During the most recent municipal elections in May 2010, the number of municipalities stood at 964 compared to 904 in the 1998 elections. Establishment of municipalities boomed mostly in the Qada’a of Akkar and that of Baalbeck, while there was stability in the number of municipalities in the Aqdiyah of Baabda, Zgharta, Koura, Rashaya and Marjeyoun. Table 1 illustrates the distribution of municipalities by Mohafazah/Qada’a.

Distribution of Municipalities by Mohafazah and Qada’a Table 1 Mohafaza/Qada’a No. of municipalities in 1998 No. of municipalities end of April 2013 No. of towns and villages Mohafazah of Mount-Lebanon 304 318 480 Chouf 72 74 96 Aley 55 57 72 Baabda 45 45 63 Kessrouan 48 52 70 Matn 48 53 96 Jbeil 36 37 83 Mohafazah of North-Lebanon 212 261 385 Tripoli 3 3 3 Batroun 22 27 67 Bsharri 11 12 21 Zgharta 31 31 50 Akkar 86 121 148 Mennieh-Dennieh 25 33 51 Koura 34 34 45 Mohafazah of Beqa’a 139 159 236 Baalbeck 53 66 103 Hermel 4 7 32 Rashaya 26 26 26 Zahle 28 29 40 Western Beqa’a 28 31 35

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Distribution of Municipalities by Mohafazah and Qada’a Table 1 Mohafaza/Qada’a No. of municipalities in 1998 No. of municipalities end of April 2013 No. of towns and villages Mohafazah of South-Lebanon 133 144 176 Saida 42 47 53 Tyre 56 61 68 Jezzine 35 36 55 Mohafazah of Nabatieh 115 117 131 Nabatieh 38 39 41 Marjeyoun 26 26 33 Hasbaya 15 16 21 Bint Jbeil 36 36 36 Mohafazah of Beirut 1 1 1 Total 904 1,000 1,409

Source: Compiled by Information International based on decisions issued by the Ministers of Interior and Municipalities.

According to the table above, there remain 409 towns lacking local governments in Lebanon. While all the towns in the Aqdiyah of Rashaya, Bint Jbeil and Tripoli and the overwhelming majority of those in the Aqdiyah of Western Beqa’a, Saida, Tyre, Nabatieh, Hasbaya and Marjeyoun are entitled to self-governing local entities, the presence of municipal councils is less evident in the Aqdiyah of Jbeil, Matn, Batroun, Zgharta, Akkar and Hermel.

Revenues of the Independent Municipal Fund Distribution criteria The Lebanese government collects fees on imports and Decree No. 1917 issued on April 6, 1979 and its fuel and deposits them into the IMF for distribution to amendments specified the criteria for distribution of municipalities in line with specific criteria. The amount the IMF funds. The 2012 IMF funds were divided as of the IMF transfers varies from one year to the next follows: as illustrated in the following Table 2 and the funds are 1. LBP 56.160 billion or 12% were allocated to often delayed for years and disbursed in installments municipal unions and were in turn assigned as after deducting the amounts due to Sukleen and follows: amounting to 40% of the revenues of municipalities 60% based on registered population within the benefitting from Sukleen’s waste collection services. union 40% based on the number of municipalities within Evolution of the IMF transfers (1996-2010) Table 2 each union for development projects Year Transfers (LBP billion) 1996 51 2. LBP 411.8 billion or 88% were allocated to 1997 190 municipalities and were in turn assigned as 1998-1999 400 follows: 2000 100 5% or LBP 20.5 billion for the Civil Defense 2001 200 Independent Fund 2002 200 The remaining LBP 391.2 billion were further 2003 250 divided as follows: 2004 200 90% based on registered population (78%) 2005 220 and the actual direct revenues collected by 2006 290 municipalities during the two years prior to 2007 280 distribution (22%) 2008 300 10% were distributed equally to the 2009 400 municipalities having no more than 4000 2010 468 registered people for the purpose of development projects. Source: Distributional decrees as published in the Official Gazette in the respective years (NB: the distributional decree for 2011 was issued on April 13, 2013)

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Shares of municipalities Distribution of shares by Mohafazah/Qada’a Table 4 The share that each municipality receives from Aqdiyah Share (LBP billion) the IMF differs according to the rules mentioned Zahle 14.556 previously. Tripoli ranks second to Beirut 1 among Baalbeck 21.564 the municipalities privileged with the largest transfers. The following Table 3 illustrates the major Hermel 3.107 allocations channeled to municipalities in 2010: Western Beqa’a 7.500 Rashaya 3.760 Total shares of the Mohafazah of Beqa’a 50.487 Distribution of major shares by municipality Table 3 in 2010 Saida 14.847 Municipality Share (LBP billion) Jezzine 4.014 Beirut 67 Tyre 15.483 Tripoli 16.9 Total shares of the Mohafazah of South Lebanon 34.704 Zahle 5.9 Nabatieh 12.184 Saida 5.5 Bint Jbeil 12.052 Ghobeiry 4.6 Hasbaya 3.663 Jdaideh 4 Marjeyoun 9.424 Mina 3.9 Total shares of the Mohafazah of Nabatieh 37.323 Burj Hamoud 3.7 Source: Official Gazette No.3/2012 Baalbeck 3.1 Tyre 2.9 Municipalities’ shares of telecom revenues Jounieh 2.4 In January 2013, Telecommunications Minister Source: Official Gazette No.3/2012 Nicolas Sehnaoui announced that the Cabinet had agreed to distribute the municipalities’ shares of the The shares by Qada’a are illustrated in Table 4, with telecom revenues (10% of mobile phone bills) after the Qada’a of Matn having the largest amount (LBP the government had been withholding them for 20 25 billion), followed by Tripoli (LBP 21.2 billion). years. The revenues estimated at USD 1.2 billion are The smallest shares were allocated to Hermel and distributed as follows: 80% is channeled based on the Bsharri with LBP 3.1 billion and LBP 3.3 billion registered population of each municipality and 20% respectively. based on the residing population.

Distribution of shares by Mohafazah/Qada’a Table 4 This move will provide additional resources that Aqdiyah Share (LBP billion) municipalities should employ to initiate real development projects instead of wasting funds to Matn 25.018 create employment and pay uncalled-for salaries to Kessrouan 12.245 serve political and electoral interests. Jbeil 6.237 Baabda 21.436 Despite the shares they receive from the IMF and the Aley 11.7 telecom and water revenues, and the fees they charge Chouf 16.1 on building permits, most municipalities are still Total shares of the Mohafazah of Mount Lebanon 92.826 lacking adequate and efficient development plans, and their financial resources can hardly pay municipal Tripoli 21.270 employees. So was the expansion in the establishment 4.671 Batroun of municipalities a squandering of funds or were the Koura 4.850 municipalities responsible for scattering the dreams Mennieh-Dennieh 84.753 of development? Akkar 21.570 Zgharta 5.406 Bsharri 3.301 Total shares of the Mohafazah of North Lebanon 69.821

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Between Public and Private Schooling the Lebanese Bear Double Costs

Numerous Lebanese families strive to provide the best possible education for their children at any cost. To this end, due to the poor education levels of public schools, some resort to borrowing or selling assets to pay the ever-increasing fees of private schools. Despite the large budget that the state has allocated for public education, the intake of students has remained unchanged in the past two years, amid a false buzz about the great milestones achieved in the state educational institutions. Before touching tangible improvements, the Lebanese will probably continue to have little confidence in the public educational level in primary and middle schools.

Budget of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Based on the 2012 draft budget law, the allocations In 1992, the budget assigned for the then called of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Ministry of National Education and Fine Arts was stood at LBP 1,475.6 billion, which amounts to LBP 206.6 billion amounting to 12.5% of the total 7% of the total estimated expenses. The Budget of expenses of the public budget, which stood at LBP the Ministry of Education and Higher Education is 1,654 billion. distributed as follows: Center for Educational Research and Development: The name of the ministry was changed in 2002 to LBP 25 billion the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Salaries and benefits in the General Directorate of its budget increased to LBP 792 billion amounting Education- Administrative Affairs: LBP 31.4 billion to 8.5% of the total public expenses, which stood at Contributions to the Public Education LBP 9,375 billion. Development Program: LBP 27 billion Salaries and benefits in primary and middle public The share assigned for education rose by LBP 1,269 schools: LBP 456 billion billion or 61.4% from 1992 to 2012. Dropout Prevention Program: LBP 15 billion Procedural Material Support Program: LBP 13 Evolution of the number of students in public billion and private schools Contributions to free private schools: LBP 166 There were 724 833 students in public schools in the billion academic year 1991-1992. This number rose to 899 Rentals and maintenance costs of primary and 508 in 2001-2002 and further up to 905 871 in 2010- middle schools: LBP 16.5 billion 2011. Thus, a 25% increase by 181 038 students Salaries and benefits of secondary teachers: LBP was registered from 1992 to 2012, which accounts 201 billion to an average annual growth of 1.3%. Students were Rentals and maintenance costs of secondary distributed by education sector as illustrated in the schools: LBP 8.7 billion following Table 1. One may note that the public Contributions to the salaries of the Lebanese education sector attracted 39% of the total intake of University professors: LBP 238 billion students from 1992 to 2002; its share dropped down Salaries of teachers in the technical and vocational to 30.5% between 2003 and 2011 in favor of private education sector: LBP 120 billion schools, which grew to include 55.6% of the student Furniture and equipment for the primary and population in 2010-2011 compared to 51% in 1991- middle education sector: LBP 2.5 billion 1992. Free private schools mustered 13.9% of the Furniture and equipment for the secondary total number of students in 2010-2011 down from education sector: LBP 1 billion 16.4% in 1991-1992. Furniture and equipment for the technical and vocational education sector: LBP 500 million

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Distribution of students by education sector Table 1 Total student Public schools Private schools Free private schools Academic year population No. % No. % No. % 1991-1992 724 833 236 253 32.6 369 566 51 119 014 16.4

2001-2002 899 508 351 177 39 434 673 48.3 113 658 12.7

2010-2011 905 871 276 119 30.5 504 024 55.6 125 728 13.9

Source: Center for Educational Research and Development

Evolution of the number of students by education sector and Mohafaza The distribution of students from 1992 to 2011 varied by education sector and Mohafaza as follows: In Beirut, the total student population decreased by 23.4%. Student intake in free private schools and in private schools declined by 57.6% and 25% respectively, while it increased by 7.6% in public schools. In Mount Lebanon, the total student population increased by 33%. The increase rate hit its highest in private schools at 50.5%. The increase registered in the number of students in public schools stood at 8% while student intake decreased by 8.8% in free private schools. In the North, the total number of students increased by 37.5%. The private education sector registered an increase of 44.5% compared to 41.3% in the public education sector. Free public schools witnessed a modest increase of 10%. In Beqa’a, there was an increase of 20.5% in the number of students. Student population decreased by 4.6% in public schools and increased in private schools and free private schools by 44.3% and 26.5% respectively. In the South and Nabatieh, there was an increase by 36.6% in the number of students. The private education sector grew by 70% against 13% in the public sector and 35.7% in free private schools.

Table 2 shows the evolution of student population by education sector and Mohafaza (1991-2011)

Evolution of student population by education sector and Mohafaza (1991-2011) Table 2 Public schools Private schools Free private schools Mohafza Total student population No. % No. % No. % Beirut 98,968 15,868 16.03 71,709 72.46 11,391 11.51 1991-1992 Beirut 86,338 19,673 22.79 58,173 67.38 8,492 9.84 2001-2002 Beirut 75,762 17,079 22.54 53,852 71.08 4,831 6.38 2010-2011 Mount Lebanon 246,675 50,800 20.59 159,253 64.56 36,622 14.85 1991-1992 Mount Lebanon 311,161 77,544 24.92 201,523 64.76 32,094 10.31 2001-2002 Mount Lebanon 327,941 54,859 16.73 239,691 73.09 33,391 10.18 2010-2011 North 156,372 70,402 45.02 60,567 38.73 25,403 16.25 1991-1992 North 211,001 118,253 56.04 72,390 34.31 20,358 9.65 2001-2002 North 214,929 99,466 46.28 87,504 40.71 27,959 13.01 2010-2011

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Evolution of student population by education sector and Mohafaza (1991-2011) Table 2 Public schools Private schools Free private schools Mohafza Total student population No. % No. % No. % Beqa’a 105,988 42,340 39.95 37,869 35.73 25,779 24.32 1991-1992 Beqa’a 128,903 54,399 42.20 44,811 34.76 29,693 23.04 2001-2002 Beqa’a 127,685 40,401 31.64 54,664 42.81 32,620 25.55 2010-2011 South and Nabatieh 116,830 56,843 48.65 40,168 34.38 19,819 16.96 1991-1992 South and Nabatieh 162,105 81,308 50.16 57,776 35.64 23,021 14.20 2001-2002 South and Nabatieh 159,554 64,314 40.31 68,313 42.81 26,927 16.88 2010-2011 Source: Center for Educational Research and Development

Conclusions Between 1992 and 2012, the budget allocated for education increased by 61.4%, while the number of students in public schools increased by 16.8%. However, the public schools’ share of the total student population decreased from 32.6% to 30.5%. Private schools increased their share from 51% to 55.6% while free private schools registered a decline in the number of students from 16.4% to 13.9%.

Therefore, the Lebanese have paid for education twice: directly through private school tuition and indirectly through the funds that the government assigns to public schools.

Photo by Mohamad Mashlab

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Public Sector | 17

Lebanese High Relief Committee Expenditures worth LBP 239 billion “Assigning the High Relief Committee to reimburse farmers for the damages they sustained…,” “assigning the High Relief Committee to fully compensate those whose homes and businesses suffered damage in the Ashrafieh bombing or in Tripoli’s clashes…”: these are Cabinet statements that we’ve become accustomed to hearing every now and then. This article will examine the expenditures incurred by the Lebanese High Relief Committee since 2010 until February 2013.

Expenditures in 2010: LBP 9.370 billion Decree No. 7475 stipulated the allocation of LBP 5 732 680 Decree No. 4997 stipulated the allocation of LBP 753 750 000 to compensate for the damages resulting from the incidents 000 to the Republic of Pakistan following the floods that in Tripoli on June 17, 2001; the bomb that targeted the Syrian devastated the country. Orthodox church in the Zahle industrial city on March 27, Decree No. 5576 stipulated the allocation of LBP 658 500 2012 and the bomb planted in Rmeileh on May 27, 2011. 000 to compensate those who were affected by the incidents Decree No. 7476 stipulated the allocation of LBP 9 165 614 of Burj Abi Haidar in August 2010. 600 for those who incurred damages in the storms and floods Decree No. 3858 stipulated the allocation of LBP 3.6 billion that hit Lebanon in 2010 and 2011 including fishermen and as a financial aid for the heirs of the victims of the Ethiopian growers of apples and grapes. plane crash off Beirut’s shore in January 2010. Decree No. 7550 stipulated the allocation of LBP 310 Decree No. 4579 stipulated the allocation of LBP 1.5 billion million to cover 60% of the costs of renting houses to the to compensate Rafik Hariri University Hospital for the occupiers of lot no. 1189 of the Msaytbeh real estate area, costs it bore to treat H1N1 patients and those who suffered which is at risk of collapse. injuries in the Ethiopian plane crash. Decree No. 7679 stipulated the allocation of LBP 1.5 billion Decree No. 4711 stipulated the allocation of LBP 2.128 to compensate for the damages incurred following the billion to carry out the search for the crashed plane. collapse of the Fassouh building in Ashrafieh. Decree No. 3606 stipulated the allocation of LBP 730 million Decree No. 8749 stipulated the allocation of LBP 9 036 930 to assist the Republic of Haiti following the catastrophic 000 to compensate for the damages sustained by a number earthquake that struck the country on January 12, 2010. of Lebanese regions. Decree No. 9055 stipulated the allocation of LBP 2 billion Expenditures in 2011: LBP 8.087 billion to cover the basic needs of Syrian refugees across Lebanon. Decree No. 6011 stipulated the allocation of LBP 1 billion Decree No. 9502 stipulated the allocation of LBP 5 billion to cover the cost of the basic supplies and health care needs to cover the basic needs of Syrian refugees across Lebanon. of the Syrian refugees fleeing to north Lebanon. Decree No. 6478 stipulated the allocation of LBP 151 136 000 to Expenditures in 2013: LBP 10.462 billion transfer in-kind donations to assist Somalia in fighting famine. Decree No. 9762 stipulated the allocation of LBP 7 462 961 Decree No. 6191 stipulated the allocation of LBP 4 189 000, distributed as follows: LBP 3 billion to reimburse the 710 000 to cover the expenses that the Middle East Airlines victims of Tripoli’s incidents and restore their houses, LBP sustained to evacuate Lebanese nationals from conflict-torn 328 150 000 to compensate for the damages suffered by Ivory Coast in April 2011. 3 restaurants in Tyre and LBP 2.05 million to compensate Decree No. 6438 stipulated the allocation of LBP 747 landslide victims in Hay Dhayra, Bsharri. million in return for the consultation on the master plan for Decree No. 9798 stipulated the allocation of LBP 3 billion the reconstruction of Nar El-Bared Camp. in compensation for the damages caused by the storm that Decree No. 6805 stipulated the allocation of LBP 2 billion hit Lebanon on January 7, 2013. to cater for the needs of Syrian refugees in north Lebanon. The HRC’s expenditures rose to around LBP 239 billion in the past Expenditures in 2012: LBP 210.7 billion three years, yet failed to comply with the legal and supervisory Decree No. 7424 stipulated the allocation of LBP 3 billion for the mechanisms for disbursing public funds. This reinforces the need to basic and medical needs of the Syrian refugees in north Lebanon. reconsider the work of the Committee and succumb it to supervision, Decree No. 7474 stipulated the allocation of LBP 175 billion especially that the compensation is usually provided after months to compensate for the damage suffered by all residential from the occurrence of damage or injury, which disproves the excuse units during the 2006 July War. of urgency used to evade supervision as being time-consuming.

issue 130 | May 2013 18 | Public Sector

The 1968 Lebanese Parliamentary Elections South Elections

The parliamentary elections in the South took place on March 31, 1968.

Saida City district Nabatieh district The number of registered voters in this district stood Three Shia’a seats were allocated for this district, at 19 395 of whom 12 527 or 68.1% cast their ballots, which included 38 208 registered voters of whom a relatively high turn-out that reflected intense 54% or 20 630 voters headed to the ballot boxes. The electoral competition over one Sunni seat. Maarouf competition was narrowed down to two lists, one Saad gathered 6 469 votes, thus winning against his backed by the Chehabis and including Rafik Chahin, rival, Dr. Nazih Bezri, by 431 votes. Samih Osseiran and Imad Jaber, and one backed by former Speaker Kamel Assad and the triple alliance Kazem Solh who had presented himself as a and including Abdul Latif Zein, Fahmi Chahine and “compromise candidate” faltered in his attempt and Anwar Sabah. The Nabatieh elections were decided withdrew from the elections. by a narrow margin and the results were quasi-equal with the first list winning two seats and the second Qada’a of Saida district wining one. The number of registered voters in the Qad’a of Saida stood at 28 021 of whom 17 995 or 64.2% cast The results were as follows: their ballots, a relatively high turn-out that reflected intense electoral competition over two seats, one for First list the Shia’a and one for the Catholics. Rafik Chahin: 10 529 votes Samih Osseiran: 10 366 votes There were two competing lists in Saida, the first Imad Jaber: 9669 votes (He lost against Abdul including Adel Osseiran and Youssef Salem and Latif Zein) backed by the Chehabis and the second including Abdul Karim Zein and Rashed Khoury (Phalanges) Second list and supported by the former Speaker Kamel Asaad Abdul Latif Zein: 10 159 votes and the triple alliance. Osseiran and Salem won the Fahmi Chahine: 9717 votes electoral battle and the results came as follows: Anwar Sabah: 9421 votes The individual candidate Adel Sabah received Adel Osseiran (Shia’a): 8848 votes 1210 votes Youssef Salem (Greek Catholic): 8561 votes Abdul Karim Zein: (Shia’a): 8730 votes Bint Jbeil district Rashed Khoury (Greek Catholic): 83 Two Shia’a seats were allocated for this district, which included 30 640 registered voters of whom Individual candidates: 55.7% or 17 070 voters headed to the ballot boxes. Khalil Khoury: 774 votes André Arash: 375 votes Two lists contested the elections. The winning list Nazih Asaad: 495 votes included Said Fawwaz (8613 votes) and Ibrahim Shito (8077) and was backed by former Speaker The victory of Adel Osseiran by only 118 votes Kamel Asaad while the rival list included Abdul Latif against his rival Abdul Karim Zein was indicative of Baydoun (7114 votes) and Ali Abbas Khalil (6287). massive popular support for both lists. Individual candidates were:

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Public Sector | 19

Hussein Mrouweh: 1446 votes Marjeyoun-Hasbaya district Ahmad Majed: 1013 votes The seats allocated for this district were four, two Ghassa Sharara: 786 votes belonging to the Shia’a, one to the Greek Orthodox Abdullah Oudaimy: 715 votes and one to the Sunni. There were 44 498 registered voters in the Marjeyoun-Hasbaya district, with 22 Tyre district 365 or 50.2% casting their ballots. Former Speaker This district had three Shia’a seats. The number of Kamel , a staunch opponent of the Chehabis, Asaad registered voters reached 39 522 of whom 23 611 or was a key player in the Marjeyoun-Hasbaya district 59.7% cast their ballots. The two lists that participated and his list won all four seats. Results were as follows: in the electoral battle were: A list headed by Mohammed Safieddine (11 399 Kamel Asaad: 13 289 votes votes) and including Ali Arab (11 205 votes) and Mamdouh Abdullah: 10 720 votes Jaafar Sharafeddine (11 083 votes). The list was Raef Samara (Greek Orthodox): 11 787 votes supported by the Chehabis and won in its entirety. Ali Madi (Sunni): 9915 votes The counter list was affiliated with the Chehabis and A list headed by Kazem Khalil (9309 votes) and some leftist forces and consisted of: including Youssef Rida (8238 votes) and Youssef Hammoud (6919 votes). The list was headed by Asaad Asaad: 9199 votes the triple alliance but failed to win any seat. Ibrahim Abdullah: 5593 votes Iskandar Ghebril(Greek Orthodox): 10 290 votes Individual candidates were: Suheil Chehab (Sunni): 5908 votes Ali Khalil: 2819 votes Toufic Osseiran: 412 votes Individual candidates Ali Ramadan: 297 votes Jaafar Saegh: 225 votes Ahmad Soueid: 4433 votes Noureddine Noureddine: 3098 votes Jezzine district Habib Sadek: 5256 votes Three seats were allocated for this district; two for the Maronites and one for the Greek Orthodox. There were 25 509 registered voters of whom 63.3% or 16 147 cast their ballots. The competition included two lists, one backed by the Phalanges, the triple alliance and Salem family and one by the Chehabis. The results broke down as follows:

First list Edmond Rizk (Phalanges’ winner): 8025 votes Victor Khoury: 7076 votes Nicolas Salem (Greek Catholic): 7209 votes

Second list Jean Aziz: 8093 votes Maroun Kanaan (losing candidate): 7812 votes Pierre Faroun (Greek Catholic): 7670 votes

The individual candidate Jacques Andraous amassed 531 votes. South Elections

issue 130 | May 2013 20 | Public Sector Precedents in Term-Extension of Parliament 16 years and 6 months

The term of the current Parliament that was elected in 2009 expires on June 20, 2013. As the end of its mandate approaches and amid the multitude of the proposed electoral formulas, yet the failure to agree on one, talks have emerged about the possibility of postponing the elections, which in turn entails extension of Parliament’s term for a few months, a few years, or even an entire term until a consensus is reached. However, this would not constitute a first in our parliamentarian history, as Lebanon has witnessed in the past few decades, particularly during the Civil War, numerous instances where Parliament’s mandate was prolonged.

Parliament’s tenure Lebanon’s Constitution does not specify the length Law No. 3/84 dated June 22, 1984 extended of Parliament’s tenure and the electoral law in force Parliament’s term until December 31, 1986, i.e. usually dictates its duration. Conventionally, all the for a 2-year period . previous electoral laws have set the Parliament’s lifespan at 4 years, save the 2000 electoral law, which Law No. 11/86 dated February 11, 1986 extended prolonged the tenure to 4 years and 7 and a half Parliament’s term until December 31, 1988, i.e. months, supposedly so that the presidential elections for a 2-year period. wouldn’t coincide with the parliamentary ones. Law No. 52/87 dated December 22, 1987 extended Parliament’s term extensions during Parliament’s term until December 31, 1990, i.e. Civil War for a 2-year period. In 1972, the parliamentary elections took place between the 16th and 30th of April and the tenure Law No. 1/89 dated December 7, 1989 extended was supposed to expire on May 2, 1976. However, Parliament’s term until December 31, 1994, i.e. the eruption of the Civil War on April 13, 1975 for a 4-year period. The Chamber convened later prevented the holding of elections during the 60 days and approved a law terminating its extended term that preceded the term’s expiration date, which lead and the elections took place for the first time after to exceptional successive extensions until 1992. the war. The extended term expired on October Law No. 1/76 dated March 13, 1976 extended 15, 1992, meaning the length of extension was 1 Parliament’s term until June 30, 1978, i.e. for a year and 6 and a half months. period of 2 years and 2 months. The final extension occurred following the Law No. 3/78 dated February 20, 1978 extended assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri and the Parliament’s term until June 30, 1980, i.e. for a ensuing instability. Law No. 676 dated April 28, 2008 2-year period. extended Parliament’s term until June 20, 2005, i.e. for a 20-day period. Law No. 14/80 dated June 2, 1980 extended Parliament’s term until June 30, 1983, i.e. for a So will the elections be held before June 20, or shall 3-year period. we expect a new extension that could drag for months or even years? Law No. 9/83 dated May 21, 1983 extended Parliament’s term until December 31, 1984, i.e. for a period of 1 year and 6 months.

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Public Sector | 21 Rashid Karami International Fair A long-awaited dream

Upon arrival in Tripoli, vast stretches of land come into view in the western side of this northern capital. Visitors see the Quality Inn Hotel standing alone in the middle of these wide-open areas and understand, upon inquiry, that the vacant surrounding acres are reserved for the Rashid Karami International Fair, a project that has been waiting to be launched for over 50 years.

Rashid Karami Fair Establishment The members are public figures active in the fields Decree-law No. 4027, dated May 4, 1960 stipulated of commerce, industry, agriculture and economy. the establishment of the Authority of Lebanon’s A Director General is assigned to handle the daily Permanent International Fair in Tripoli. The word routines and duties of the Fair and to coordinate the “authority” was omitted later by virtue of Law No. work environment. It was agreed that the Director 30 issued on September 25, 1980, which assigned the General should be Maronite and the Chair Sunni. Fair the following functions: Acquainting people with the resources of Lebanon Unaccomplished projects and other Arab and foreign countries, and keeping Well-known international architects laid down an traders and industrialists in light of the latest outline for the establishment and development of the updates in the various production fields. Fair, but most of the plans remained ink on paper and Holding conferences and hosting international only one hotel and a few aesthetic structures designed organizations. by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer materialized. The government tried to improve the Fair in 1995 by This state institution falls under the control of the awarding it exceptional rights to hold international Minister of Economy and Trade with the assistance of exhibitions, but its decision failed to take shape. The the government commissioner the minister appoints. It idea of using the property to host a permanent three- is subject to the posterior supervision of the Audit Court year fair of Chinese products in order to provide and the financial monitoring of the Central Inspection. income and over 4000 job opportunities was just Law No. 76, dated August 16, 1991 changed the fair’s another attempt that the government failed to execute. name to International Fair of the Late PM Rashid Karami The Fair’s revenues are as small as LBP 500 million in Tripoli. The name underwent a final amendment by while its expenses exceed LBP 1.5 billion to cover the virtue of Law No. 415 on May 15, 1995, and became overheads and salaries of 20 personnel. For how long Tripoli-Lebanon Rashid Karami International Fair. will the government continue to stall in putting the plans into action, before the dream of the north can actually Management come true? Can we really speak of an “International A board of directors consisting of a Chair and 6 Fair” amid the ever-prevalent economic and security members appointed by a decree for a renewable strains? And can such a fair operate in the absence of a three-year term are responsible for running the Fair. railroad and a modern transportation network?

issue 130 | May 2013 22| Health

|Dr. Hanna Saadah| Pernicious Anemia

Vitamin B12 is the largest and most complex of the vitamins and, although plants do not need it, it is essential for animal metabolism and life. However, because it is not freely present in nature, certain microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi must synthesize it. This renders animal life entirely dependent on these friendly microorganisms, which live in our mouths and guts, and which had to evolve before animals did in order to support the complex animal life that followed.

Foods derived from animal sources such as fish, eggs, are affected, it is commonest in those who are 70 to 80 meats, and dairy products, contain trace amounts of the years old because they have the highest incidence of Vitamin B12 we need. But to absorb this vitamin we also stomach atrophy i.e. Atrophic Gastritis. Stomach acid need a special carrier, which binds to the vitamin in our is needed to release the Vitamin B12 bound to the animal intestines and transports it into our bodies. Without this proteins we eat. Stomach atrophy, by lowering stomach special carrier i.e. Intrinsic Factor, which is synthetized acid production, impairs the release of Vitamin B12 from by the acid producing cells of our stomachs, we will foods and leads to poor absorption of this vitamin in 20% not be able to absorb the Vitamin B12 in our intestines, of elderly individuals. leading to the serious deficiency state aptly known as Pernicious (i.e. deadly) Anemia. The diagnosis of Pernicious Anemia is not easy because measuring the Vitamin B12 level is not always reliable. Causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency have to do with Other tests, which measure the metabolic consequences diets, medicines, and with diseases of the stomach and of Vitamin B12 deficiency, such as Methylmalonic acid small intestine. a) Diets: Strict vegetarians, starving and Homocysteine, are more sensitive and specific. populations, and fanatic dieters, who do not eat enough However, because Homocysteine can be more influenced animal products, are unable to synthesize enough by other conditions such as renal disease and Folic Acid Vitamin B12 in their intestines to satisfy their needs. b) deficiency, a high Methylmalonic acid level is now Medicines: Certain diabetes pills such as Metformin and considered the more specific indicator of Vitamin B12 all potent acid reducing pills can also lead to Vitamin deficiency. B12 deficiency after prolonged use. c) Stomach: Obese patients who have had a stomach bypass and patients The treatment of Pernicious Anemia is to give with stomach atrophy either due to age or due to certain pharmaceutical doses of Vitamin B12. Giving Vitamin autoimmune diseases that attack their stomach cells, will B12 by injection is easy and effective, but it can also be not be able to produce enough of that special stomach given by mouth with equal success. The effectiveness carrier i.e. Intrinsic Factor to absorb the Vitamin B12. of oral treatment relies on giving big enough doses of d) Intestines: Patients with diseases of the last part of Vitamin B12 to allow sufficient amounts of the vitamin the small intestine i.e. Ileum, where the Vitamin B12 is to pass through the intestinal barrier without the help of normally absorbed, may become deficient if the ileum’s the special stomach carrier i.e. the Intrinsic Factor. This absorptive surfaces are disrupted by disease. can be readily achieved by giving 1000 to 2000 units of Vitamin B12 daily. Whether the injection or the oral route The consequences of Vitamin B12 deficiency are serious is chosen, the treatment is usually given for life because and varied, and include: eye atrophy, trouble smelling most causes of Pernicious Anemia are not reversible. and tasting, mouth and tongue sores and inflammations, infertility, anemia, brain and spinal cord degenerations, Vitamin B12 is a popular supplement taken by millions mood disorders, dementia, forgetfulness, balance of people. When used in the absence of deficiency, it problems, nerve numbness, weakness, fatigue, bowel may not be safe if the amount taken raises the Vitamin and bladder incontinence, fainting spells, bone marrow B12 level above normal. A recent study has shown an failure, growing up problems, blood clots, etc. increased incidence of cancer when Vitamin B12 is overdosed. The commonest cause of Pernicious Anemia is autoimmune gastritis, which causes destruction of the In patients with combined Vitamin B12 and Folic acid producing cells of the stomach, i.e. the Parietal Cells. Acid deficiencies, giving Folic Acid alone can cause a Other autoimmune diseases associated with Pernicious catastrophic brain and spinal cord degeneration. In the Anemia are diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, and US and Canada, Folic Acid deficiency is uncommon vitiligo. because foods are fortified. However, in countries where Folic Acid deficiency might be prevalent, Vitamin B12 The prevalence of Pernicious Anemia ranges from 50 to should always be given with Folic Acid to avoid this 4000 cases per 100,000 persons. Even though all ages catastrophic brain and spinal cord degeneration.

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. www.hannasaadah.com - www.information-international.com - [email protected] eyeing horizons |23

The Meaning of Regeneration in Knowledge Economy |Antoine Boutros|

Globalization has been expanding in synch with the advancement of knowledge economy. The world at large is, in principle, a natural place where great knowledge investments meet. Given high labor costs, refined goods like electronics are produced in the countries with cheap labor such as Southeast Asia. Once the products are manufactured and given additional knowledge value, they are offered in the local markets at profit-generating prices. This threatens many jobs in industrial countries and raises the level of low-paid knowledge. With time, China and India, for instance, have gathered enough knowledge to be able to invest in the economy of knowledge. As a matter of fact, national economies are becoming an integral global economy where specialized industrial foci blossom just like Malaysia, now the leading global maker of hard drives, or India which ranks among the top players in the computer programming business and has earned the confidence and respect of industrial giants, such as Germany. This is the reason Germany has put a scheme that promotes the immigration of Indian software knowhow and expertise into Germany. However, this radical development does not take place innovation process such as the organizational structures without victimizing some elements. The major loser and the human capital are intangible and hard to measure. in this venture is the cumulative culture and expertise of Furthermore, the indicators used to estimate innovation peoples, an enormous knowledge capital, which is being are diverse and the most prominent of which, the research monopolized by industrial giants as part of their cultural and development factor, is often deemed tantamount to occupation practices. Pharmaceutical companies, for innovation itself. However, the presentation of evidence as instance, are sending their experts offshore to benefit from to the influence of this factor remains difficult to achieve. the wisdom and know-how of native groups in Australia Besides, there remains no simple and clear relation between and Papua New Guinea, and lay bare all the secrets of research and development on the one hand and the GDP on nature and the inherited medical expertise that the natives the other, despite the manifestation of certain results such have deposited in their cultural storage throughout the as the evident social revenues. centuries. Later, the companies acquire legal monopoly Although industrial countries owe 60% to 70% of their of this expertise in the form of Trade Marks, thus denying economy to the service sector, innovation in this sector is natives their right to profit from their natural resources for not any easier to measure. The role of science as a major the loss of their intellectual properties incurred in this turn innovation resource has clearly been growing in recent of events.. times and we are no longer allowed to look at the results Dimensional communications have also helped accelerate of the scientific, technological and innovative stimuli from the pace of globalization. Up until quite recently, one straight angle. Instead, we should approach the situation international trade used to account for 28% of the global from different angles, using an all-embracing perspective. GDP. However, the percentage has increased to 47% since The OECD has adopted a triangular approach to define 2000, noting that multinational corporations are responsible the importance of economic regeneration. This approach for 30% to 40% of the global trade. includes first and foremost the generation of new knowledge, then the determination of industry-science Innovation and Renewal linkages and finally the industrial innovation and the level Innovation is a key factor in realizing economic development and prevalence of technology. and boosting productivity. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lucid What we mean by industrial regeneration is the research correlation between knowledge and innovation. What is funded by the business sector with its percentage of the more, the link between the seminal effort and the realized GDP, the number of researchers working in the sector outcome cannot be explored directly. The prevailing trend and their ratio to a certain number of employees (set by suggests innovation is a process involving a variety of the OECD at 10 000), as well as the number of patents multi-faceted factors that differ in their implication, such as and their proportion to 1 million people and the percentage the adopted policies, the corporate structure and managerial of companies laying out newer or better products and culture, the amount spent on research and development, the contexts. Here, it is worthwhile noting that patents are a market structure and the nature of goods. key indicator of the knowledge economy. The intricate and changeable structure of innovation factors, The OECD summarizes the role of knowledge management which is a trait common to knowledge as well, makes as follows: the measurement of innovation arduous. Traditionally, “Find a common culture of knowledge, adopt a policy of technical progress and innovation used to be calculated incentives to urge users to embrace knowledge, forge links after eliminating the other factors implicated in the process. and alliances to obtain knowledge and maintain an official However, the problem is that some basic elements in the and non-verbal policy to manage knowledge.” www.irthsumer.com - www.information-international.com - [email protected] issue 130 | May 2013 24| eyeing horizons

|Said Chaaya| Between Today’s Arab Revolutions and Researcher at the Paris- the Awakening of the 19th Century: Sorbonne University Al-Muqtataf Magazine

The Arab world teemed in the nineteenth century with thinkers and reformists renowned for their openness, education and intellectual and progressive vision, attributes that seem quite scarce in our world today. Among those were Al-Rafei, Abdallah Al-Nadim, Al- Tahtawi, Al-Afghani, Muhammad Abdo and Boutros Al-Boustani to name but a few.

That era was marked by the emergence of a distinct The question raised in this context tackles the scientific magazine, Al- Muqtataf. The magazine correlation between the scientific awakening in the came to light thanks to the joint initiative of Yaacoub Arab world and the concept of reform, political reform Sarrouf and Fares Nemer, in cooperation with Chahine in particular, and whether it is possible to witness any Makarios from the Evangelical Syrian College, which political revolution without prior and groundbreaking turned into the American University of Beirut in intellectual uprisings that lay the grounds for it. 1920. The first issue came out in May 1876. It cast The question seems pressing after researchers have light on the sciences and industries of the time, thus conceded that the Arab countries have been floundering portraying the scientific and intellectual propensity to since the collapse of the Ottoman empire, especially reform and civilize the Arab provinces in the Ottoman nowadays with the spread of the “Arab Spring”. The Empire in particular. Unsurprisingly, the Evangelical real reform starts with the scale of social values and Syrian College was a nonpareil intellectual platform principles rather than politics. at the time, where Yaacoub Sarrouf and Fares Nemer had the privilege to learn Arabic sciences from iconic The subjects featured in Al-Muqtataf were too figures like Sheikh Nassif El-Yaziji, Sheikh Youssef advanced for their time and introduced the eastern mind El-Assir and Cornelius Van Dyke who enriched the to pioneering and revolutionizing ideas including the Arabic libraries with their various publications and exigency of female education and the administrative, translations. agricultural and industrial reform, which strengthens the pillars of the state. The magazine championed Adding illustrations to facilitate the communication human rights and hailed the respect of values like of the content was a pioneering step taken by Al- justice, liberty and equality, which were inspired Muqtataf during that time and our primary purpose from the French Revolution. The separation of state here is to unveil the openness of the Arab intellectuals and religion ranked high on Al-Muqtataf’s agenda, to the sciences in Europe and their skill in finding the as it believed that national, not religious belonging proper Arabic renderings of scientific terminology that unites people and only a real democracy can eliminate had not existed before. Al-Muqtataf covered various discrimination and guarantee equality in rights and topics including the solar system, silk reeling and duties. These values contributed to developing the silkworms, types and species of plants, news of the structure and hierarchy of governance, in order to Syrian astronomical and meteorological observatory, form a power that comes from the people. All this etc. It also dedicated a column to the insights and attests once again to the role of this magazine in the questions and answers of readers. However, the Arab intellectual revolt and its persistence, despite the attention of Yaacoub Sarrouf and Fares Nemer was opposition it encountered at certain stages, in budging focused mainly on matters related to the evolution of the Arab thought from its stagnation and giving humans, as they were among the first in the Arab world impetus for the exploration of practical sciences, in the to broach the Darwinian Theory and the rotation of the wake of the Ottoman tanzimat. Al- Muqtataf strived to earth. Yaacoub and Nemr also explored the need to educate and elevate Arab men and therefore advance modernize Arabic and transform it from a poetic and the nation in the hope of reaching democracy. prosaic language to a new one that accommodates the lexicon and aspirations of the century, not to mention Are the subjects raised by Al-Muqtataf over 120 years their call for a curriculum comprising modern sciences ago still standing today? How can we possibly call the and for compulsory education for girls equal to boys, movements erupting nowadays revolutions, at a time without delving into political and religious matters or when they are fomenting archaic instead of reformative abandonment of their Arab and oriental identity. notions? How could there be a change in a world with fewer liberties and more restrictions? In an era of the one- With the rise of political pressures and publishing party, one-thought and one-pole, have revolutions become constraints, the magazine was compelled to continue a means to reach autocracy and stamp out the freedom of its awakening journey in Egypt, where it became a expression and the different other? What is the point of reference for historic events and scientific knowledge. uprisings and change if no room is left for diversity?

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Interview |25

The Monthly Interviews

Youmna Medlej

Through works that attest to outstanding linguistic prowess and a flamboyant passion to Lebanon’s historic and archeological patrimony, Lebanese author Youmna Medlej sets out to revive Lebanon’s cultural heritage and familiarize children and young generations with their historic legacy.

Who is Youmna Medlej and when did you develop your interest in writing? I am a photojournalist born in Beirut in August 1956. I studied photography in France and started making Youmna Medlej reportages on geographic and historical landmarks upon my return to Lebanon as people did not have the opportunity to explore the country during the war. Being someone who prioritizes family over all other pursuits, it was difficult for me to allocate enough time to writing turned out to work in my favor and proved to be a wise in the beginning. I was mainly focused on fulfilling decision that spared me the headache and the waste of my obligations as a mother, but as my kids grew up, I time and money. started delving deeper into the realm of writing. How many titles have you published so far and what As a matter of fact, it was when I volunteered to topics do you address? participate in SOLIDERE’s excavations in the early As I mentioned previously, casting light on Lebanon’s 1990s that I discovered and developed my passion multifaceted heritage was at the heart of my message for heritage and archeology. The market was virtually and the rich repertoire I had built throughout my career devoid of heritage-oriented material at the time, so I in photojournalism facilitated the communication of that resolved to fill this much-needed yet neglected niche message. Certainly the success of the books couldn’t and to introduce young and older readers to the most have been possible without the joint efforts of my prominent cultural and historic icons of their country. daughter Joumana Medlej who proved to be an integral team player and whose creativity and skill in graphic Why did you resort to self-publishing? design yielded detailed and attractive illustrations that Well, the first publishing house I approached at the onset added value to the content and elucidated every part of of my career left me disappointed and discouraged from the text. repeating the experience. They were slowing down my pace and draining both my nerves and my pocket Joumana and I have published 13 titles since 2004. at a time when I was eager to maximize my input. My Currently, we are limited to one title per year, as she has works weren’t receiving the attention and support they other projects to attend to. The material covers diverse deserved so I realized it was time to rethink the relation aspects of Lebanon’s heritage and explores monumental and try a hand at self-publishing. Luckily, the shift historical cities like Tripoli and Byblos and prominent

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tourist destinations like the Jeita Grotto and the Cedars How do you explain the decline in sales in 2012? Is of Lebanon. Each book of the series is thoroughly it ascribed to the alleged disinterest of the Lebanese researched and contains a wide range of information in reading? surveyed and corrected by authorities on the respective Hardly anyone would disagree that 2012 was a difficult topics. The valuable content is also expressed in a year fraught with dreadful challenges on all fronts. simple language and lively illustrations, which makes I believe that the Lebanese were too busy surviving the books appealing to readers of all ages, starting from the blows dealt at them on a daily basis to find time 7 to 70. for purchasing and reading books. Unfortunately, the disturbing climate we live in is never conducive to Would you describe writing as a lucrative business? reading and can result sometimes in lower sales. To tell you the truth, the profit prospects aren’t so bright. The money we make hardly earns us a living and all Yet, contrary to popular perception, I believe that the sales’ proceeds are invested entirely into the next Lebanese love to read and are capable of sound judgment project. But this was never a reason to slacken our pace when it comes to selecting books and discerning the or pull out of writing. I knew when I first pursued this good from the bad. Fans of our books have all 13 titles in career that the financial outlook isn’t so promising, but their libraries and often keep track of the latest releases. my purpose was bigger than that. I look at writing as an outlet to communicate my ardent attachment to heritage Any final word you would like to add? and build a platform to raise the awareness of people to As I said previously, my genuine admiration of the magnificence of their historic resources. Lebanon’s heritage and national archeological wealth was the key stimulus to my writings, but it would have When your publications are met with fervor applause been very thoughtful to see the government step up and and you receive critical acclaim for your work, the cash show some appreciation to the valuable contribution becomes a minor detail. Our publications form part of that our series has offered to promote and refine the schools’ libraries and serve as a documented reference image of Lebanon nationwide and abroad. I think the for guides and expatriates, not to mention that they are time has come to give art and literature their due respect read by children and parents with equal enthusiasm. and the government is expected to be the pioneer in serving that end.

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Culture, religion & Art | 27

Pity the Nation!

We rejoice, celebrate and take pride in our Lebanon, but hardly ever realize the profundity of our suppression and defeat. Instead, we continue to swell with pride.

We’ve been told that both young and old have fought and died for us to get to where we stand today. They sacrificed their lives so that the country remains free, independent and protective of its people, all its people, without any discrimination. However, if we had the chance to look at those heroes in the heavens, odds are their eyes would be filled with tears and not pride; shame at our political fissures, the rampant corruption afflicting every nook and corner in the country and the flagrant foreign intervention in our internal affairs, to name but a few. How could they profess their pride in such a Lebanon, so alien to the one they paid their lives for at the altar of martyrdom, and left it with their heads held high?

The freedom of Arabs in general and the Lebanese in particular is sadly suppressed by the corruption plaguing their country. But freedom comes at a price: martyrs must fall and blood must be shed, and this is exactly what our heroes did when they sacrificed their lives so as to pave the way for freedom. But look at us today! Look at the frivolity we are wallowing in! Take a moment to think about the occupied and oppressed Palestine and the agony that the Palestinians suffer daily. Hundreds of lives are claimed every day, while the Arabs continue to attend to tight selfish interests.

Lebanon is part of this Arab World and performs a critical role on the Arab scene. How could the Lebanese compromise their freedom by drifting into the wrong political current? Where has the freedom of belief gone in this country? Where is my freedom as a human being when I see brothers pitted against each other and fighting one another while politicians chill in fancy palaces and nightclubs with no concern except that of expanding their wealth and accumulating piles of money in their bank accounts and treasuries. Meantime, national representatives convene at the Arab League to battle their material and political interests, oblivious to the core cause that prompted them to meet in the first place: Palestine.

Is this real independence? This is corruption, havoc and vanity in a country that was 60 years ago an infallible haven, but lost it all due to the mismanagement of the current heirs entrusted with its protection. Where has the beautiful Lebanon gone? Where are the values and principles of Lebanon? Where is the responsible freedom? Where are justice and equality? Everything has been compromised.

Nour Hwaily Ahliah School- Grade 11

issue 130 | May 2013 28 | Culture, religion & Art

Kunhadi

Lebanon has one of the worst records in traffic accidents in the Arab world, and hardly a day goes by when we do not hear about new fatalities and injuries sustained in severe car crashes across Lebanon. Like hundreds of other Lebanese families, Mr. Fadi Gebrane and his wife Lena Gebrane lost their eighteen year old son, Hadi, in a horrific car crash on April 16, 2006. The bereft parents decided to channel their grief positively and to find an outlet for their silent suffering, while at the same time serving a humanitarian cause. Therefore, they set out to establish an association aimed to raise the awareness of the youth on road safety and named it Kunhadi (Arabic for “Be Calm”) in memory of their son, Hadi, so that he may serve as a good lesson for the coming generations.

Establishment On October 11, 2006, Kunhadi was registered as Drowsy driving (fatigue and sleepiness) an official NGO at the Ministry of Interior and Not fastening the seat belt Municipalities under the notification number 495. Distracted driving (driving while engaging in Heedful that the improvement and rehabilitation of other activities such as using the mobile, putting road infrastructure and the enforcement of traffic laws on makeup, reading the newspaper, etc) and regulations require the intervention of the state and the pertinent authorities and cannot be carried out Mrs. Gebran points out that road rebuilding is not solely by a newly-emerging NGO, Kunhadi focused high on the agenda of a country mired in political and its primary mission on spreading awareness among sectarian conflicts like Lebanon and this is why one the youth on road safety, noting that its scope of work should rely first and foremost on sensible and attentive expands today beyond awareness, as it assists the driver behavior to minimize accident rates. “Speeding government and the relevant ministries in imposing on Lebanon’s infamous substandard roads, which are stricter measures to minimize road hazards. known to stand nowhere near the civilized roads and highways of the Arab world and European countries, Top causes of traffic accidents in Lebanon is similar to committing suicide,” says Mrs. Gebran, Traffic accidents remain the number one killer of who does not absolve the state from blame, but still young people aged between 15 and 29 years in believes that the driver holds the biggest share of Lebanon, while they rank second worldwide. In responsibility as safe driving can save one’s life even addition to loss of life, car crashes can also result when roads are unsafe. in permanent disabilities and huge economic losses. However, one cannot prevent or halt the casualties, Activities injuries and damages without a full understanding Being a youth-oriented organization, Kunhadi was of the causes behind them. Although poor road keen on finding new and original ways to convey conditions should not be ruled out as a significant their message away from the conventional means factor in exacerbating the risks of auto accidents, Mrs. of communication. To this end, Kunhadi hosts free Lena Gebrane, founding member of Kunhadi, assures interactive sessions in universities and schools all that over 85% of accidents occurs due to reckless and over Lebanon for students and distribute flyers inattentive driving. According to Mrs. Gebran, the and scented cards in conferences and on all special major causes behind traffic accidents in Lebanon are occasions (Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, New the following: Year’s Eve…). It also promotes its mission through Exceeding the speed limit two annual campaigns launched on billboards, LED Driving under the influence of alcohol screens, scrollers, unipoles, radio and magazine ads, Refraining from wearing the helmet and on social media.

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Culture, religion & Art | 29

Kunhadi’s activism transcends awareness campaigns, Funding as the organization has embarked on posting signs Similarly to all non-profit organizations, Kunhadi and installing road reflectors and cats’ eyes on dark organizes fundraising events to obtain the funds roads to highlight non-visible curves, in addition to necessary for its operations. Proceeds from Gala safe crossings around the schools to keep the students dinners and Taxi Nights go entirely to install retro- safe. It has also distributed 1200 helmets to delivery reflective markings and safety signs, while grants from boys and donated another 850 to ISF motorcyclists supporters, including but not restricted to USAID, and is planning to establish a Road Victim Support the Polish Embassy and FIA Foundation are usually Center to assist traffic victims in their social and provided on project-basis. However modest, Kunhadi professional reintegration, a project which will be welcomes any individual or corporate donations that financed by the Ministry of Social Affairs. help promote its mission and objectives. Kunhadi acts as a lobbying force pushing for the Latest news approval and enactment of laws and regulations aimed at promoting their message and increasing Throughout the years, Kunhadi has built a successful road safety. In this context, it is worthwhile noting track record and established credibility, which that the installation of radars to detect speeding manifested in its gaining the ISO 9001 certification for drivers on Lebanon’s roads and highways in 2011 its effective quality management system. Currently, materialized following an in-depth technical study Lebanese and Spanish F3 Champion Noel Jammal outlined and presented by Kunhadi to official will be joining hands with Kunhadi in advocating safe authorities that were persuaded by the efficiency of driving under the slogan: “We race on the track, but we the devices and decided to put the study into action. drive on the roads.” Mrs. Gebran points out that accident rates decreased by 37% and the casualties by 40%, two months after the installation of radars.

issue 130 | May 2013 30 | Culture, religion & Art popular culture

At the American University Sophomore Year

In early October, I accompanied my younger sister, Salma, to Beirut as she was planning to enter the American School for Girls in Zqaq El-Blat. After a meticulous study of our budget, we realized that day students have fewer expenses than boarding students, particularly since our mother had promised to send us with Uncle Eid a large basket full of eggs, Quaorma, Labneh, pickled cheese, fig jam and two jars of quince jelly to the Khan of Mahmoud Ahmad, which has now become a huge cinema. Her weekly supplies were supposed to spare us the expenses of breakfast and dinner.

We rented room in the house of Mrs. Karima Rbeiz. The room was lovely and overlooked a garden with a pond at its center. The wooden kitchen forming part of the room added to its comfort and lowered our expenses. The room was pretty much like an independent residence.

Once settled down, I walked my sister to the American School for Girls and helped her register. I explained to her that if she didn’t come to school on foot with her friends from Ras Beirut, she would need to take to tramway to Bab Edris and then walk through the Grand Serail to get to the school.

I returned to Room 112, office of the Dean of the Arts and Humanities Faculty, and completed my registration as well, a process that took a couple of minutes as usual. I requested the Dean to exempt me from attending morning prayers as I had classes to give to American missionaries in Zqaq el-Blat.“Did you agree on this hour specifically?” The Dean asked.“Yes, Sir. I need this job to earn a living,” I replied.“You are free to go”, he said and took a small piece of paper and wrote down “English, Arabic”, then told me to choose the remaining courses. I picked Islamic Studies with Assad Rsotum, Chemistry and Zoology, then went to the registrar’s office and paid my first-semester tuition in Palestinian pounds. A few were left in my pocket to pay for the books and buy a Primus kerosene burner, a pan and some eating utensils.

Everything went smoothly but I still needed to mull over two things: show my ability to grasp knowledge and attain good grades and earn some money for the second semester. I went to the President’s office and inquired if last year’s students were interested in resuming their Arabic studies this year. He said: “They are. The number has even grown bigger and you might have to assign them 2 hours every day.”

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. debunking myth #69 Culture, religion & Art | 31

Beirut a historical trade route linking east to west?

Myth: It is commonly believed among Lebanese generations that their capital, has since the time of the Phoenicians been a trading port city par excellence. This reputation has given it the privileged title of being a link between the Western world and the east.

Fact: This status however is not a historical legacy, but only attributed to specific landmarks in the administrative past of the city. Most cities on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean functioned as port cities throughout history. They were only surpassed by Beirut in the second half of the nineteenth century as a result of changes in the international trade route and the administrative policies of the Ottoman Empire.

During the 19th century, Syria acquired an increased significance in the European economy, so most trade was starting to shift to the coast. At this time, realizing the growing importance of international trade, the Ottoman Empire initiated quarantines along its shores. In the eastern Mediterranean, Beirut (at the time under Egyptian rule) was to be the city of choice for the lazaretto. So, as of 1835, all ships heading to any point in Syria were to stop in Beirut for inspection. As disease spread easily among the countries with important trade, containment became an essential addition to the pattern of commerce. It played an important role in keeping international trade moving. Imported products were then transported to other cities on the coast or in the Syrian hinterland.

Prior to these developments of the early 19th century, other cities such as Acca, Sour, Saida and Iskandaroun (Alexandretta) had very active ports, but the requirements of quarantine slowed them down and increased Beirut’s commercial capacity. The change in the trade patterns of the world and the start of the quarantine system then made the city a main connection between Europe and cities of the Ottoman Empire.

So today’s Quarantine (or Karantina in colloquial Lebanese), a rundown industrial neighborhood north of Beirut’s port haunted by atrocities of the civil war, was once the sector that promoted the city to its position as a main link between two sides of the world. It is not our critical location, or the superiority of our maritime trade culture that have attributed to Beirut this reputation, but the coincidence of being at the right place at the right time.

issue 130 | May 2013 32 | Culture, religion & Art must-read books

The Arabs in the Twenty First Century

With an account of Arab history starting at the onset of the twentieth century, Georges Corm or seeks to explain the juncture Arab countries have reached today. The book, published by Dar Attalia’a, Beirut, offers a detailed examination of the factors leading to the void in the Arab political sphere and the frustrations that are driving the current changes. His survey of different stages of the region’s political history serves to explain why we have always been susceptible to foreign intervention, and how this in turn has affected the region’s economic development. This lack of development is answered with recommendations for an approach that can change the face of our economies and the consolidation of our nations accordingly. The evident power gap that has presided over the Arab world must be viewed in light of our susceptibility to perspective that compares our countries to the western internal divisions as opposed to our relations with foreign model. The problem of backwardness cannot be solved countries. The absence of a unified approach to regional through ‘cultural dialogue’. According to him, the essence politics is mainly the result of a lack of confidence in the of this problem is our initiation into independence without components of our identity. Debates over politics and any former experience in the governance of nations. religion, and the weakness of our economies have left us in Instead of building on our nahda from the 19th and 20th a constant state of doubt and conflict. Corm’s contribution centuries, our post-independence experiments with power is of much importance as seldom does the Arab mind simply imported European ideologies, only to intensify admit to the fact that our problems stem from trying to debates such as the dichotomy of modernity versus solve this identity crisis; that while we are so consumed tradition, and state versus religion. The latter, he explains, with it, our other weaknesses exacerbate and deepen this is not even applicable as there is no church hierarchy in crisis even further. With regional divisions and schisms the Arab world. What can be examined, however, is the making a unified Arab block impossible, the international freedom of interpretation of religion. Ridding ourselves community is far from taking us seriously. Countries of these foreign standards will help us create a common like the US and USSR previously, and the US and Iran belief system and consolidate our state-building process. currently, have found it easy to manipulate our policies each to their own advantage. This fragmented identity and As for our economic progress, he calls for a complete the consequences it has brought about from economic to alteration of the rentier system. Though we do have military backwardness, has perpetuated a negative image valuable resources, we cannot continue to simply live off of Arab countries across the world. them. When we export our energy resources, we are merely bringing in wealth but not employing it in industries and Arab policy makers, thinkers, and citizens alike have services. Regional economies have become completely developed the habit of blaming the West and Israel for all dependent on the price of one commodity- oil- making their shortcomings. The interventions by these countries are them susceptible to conditions in the countries of export. not the cause of our inabilities, but the result of them. Arab On the other hand due to the lack of our industrial and countries exist as if without any common binding value scientific development we do not even have the technical system. And all of our differences were intensified when abilities to extract our own resources. religion was employed into policies. This is when Arabs started looking beyond Palestine and fighting in places Here he directs the blame to Arab policy makers and like Afghanistan and Eastern Europe. Corm compares this intellectuals alike. Arab political thought has never religious zeal to that of Zionism, one that has a narrow view attended to questions of economy, but only to those of of the world and that does not tolerate diversity. religion and politics. Likewise, we have never shown any intention to compete internationally in the technical What is then the reason behind the backwardness of Arab or scientific fields. The result today is highly fragmented countries? Corm rightfully believes that in explaining our economies and trends of immigration. Yet somehow our underdevelopment we should avoid the anthropological main concerns remain linked to religion and identity.

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. must-read children’s book Culture, religion & Art | 33

The Moon and Dreams In the section on nighttime from the series Step by Step by Hanadi Dayya and Manal Shamma. Illustrations by Nadine Kaadan. Published in its first edition byAsala in 2010.

The Moon This story introduces children to the various shapes and names of the moon when it assumes a thin banana shape or a full orange shape. In the night, the moon wakes up from its sleep and puts on a silver wardrobe to illuminate the roads and streets. He searches for the stars to play with them hide and seek and when their laughter rings out loud, he says: “Hush hush… Everybody is asleep. Silence.”

The second day, the moon hears a child pointing at him saying: “Look up there. The moon is a Hilal (Arabic for crescent).” So he runs towards his friends, the stars, sad and confused at the assumption that people do not know him. But when the stars explain to him that people still love him even when he looks like a silver banana, the moon embraces his new name and resumes the play with them.

The third day, he hears a little girl say: “Look, the moon is a Badr (Arabic for full moon),” so he turns to the stars again in confusion. “The name could be attributed to your circular orange-shaped form. In any case, Badr is a beautiful name,” the stars reply, hoping to help the moon accept his new identity.

On the fourth day, the stars come in and find the moon sitting all alone, sad and puzzled why he is Hilal one day and Badr the next. He inquires about the reason from the sun, which responds laughing: “You are special. You have two shapes and two names. When you are partly illuminated, you are a Hilal and when you are fully lit, you become a Badr.”

Dreams This story aims at acquainting children with the differences between dreams and reality, through a series of dreams that vary between funny, annoying, magical and bizarre. On the first day, the boy dreams that his color is purple. The next day, the dream stops being funny when he sees 14 other people with the same color as himself. In his third dream, he screams “no” every time he opens his mouth. On day four, he finds himself trapped in an unusual dream, sitting on a silver star and conversing with the moon, while examining every nook and corner on earth. On the fifth and final day, he wakes up suddenly after having dreamt that he lost motion.

The section on nighttime also includes The Owl and The Dark

issue 130 | May 2013 34 | Culture, religion & Art Lebanon Families

Families denoting Lebanese Towns (2)

This article will explore the remaining Lebanese families named after Lebanese towns, which we examined in our previous issue. Some of these families are limited to one sect, while others are distributed among multiple ones. The common denominator however, is that none of them is present today in their towns of origin.

Kessrouani (El-Kessrouani): 1060 members Anouti (El-Anouti): 570 members This family is named after the town of Kessrouan where This family is named after Anout, a town located in the a Maronite majority lives today. However, half the Shouf region which has a Sunni majority. The Anoutis Kessrouanis are Shia’a: are all Sunni, living in Beirut. - Shia’a: 500 members in Anqoun and Bnaafoul (Qada’a of Saida), Beirut, Nabatieh and Sarafand Hasbani (El-Hasbani): 630 members - Maronite: 500 members in Damour (El-Shouf), This family is named after the town of Hasbaya located Marjeyoun and Bfarwi (Nabatieh), El-Aishieh, in the south. The Hasbanis are distributed as follows: Sayyah and Jezzine (Jezzine), Antelias, Haret Hreik, - Greek Orthodox: 510 members in Deir Mimas Deir Mimas and Beirut. (Marjeyoun), Mansourieh (Matn) and Beirut. - Sunni: 60 members in Beirut and Tripoli. - Maronite: 50 members in Qlaiaa (Marjeyoun), Ain Zebde (Western Beqa’a) and Beirut. Al-Shoufi: 475 members - Greek Catholic: 50 members in Ain Remmaneh, This family is named after the Shouf region. Its Deir El-Qamar (Chouf) and Beirut members are distributed in Yanta, Hasbayya, Chouaya - Syrian Orthodox: 20 members in Zahle and Mhaidseh. Amshiti: 10 members Al-Batlouni (Batlouni): 210 members This family is named after Amshit, a town located in the This family is named after Batloun, a town located Qada’a of Jbeil. There are only a few Greek Orthodox in the Shouf region which has a Druze majority. The Amshiti members distributed in Al-Mina in north Lebanon. Batlounis are distributed as follows: - Druze: 200 members in Jebaa (Shouf) Akkari (El-Akkari): 2730 members - Greek Orthodox: 10 members in Beirut This family is named after the northern region of Akkar. The Akkaris are distributed as follows: Ammatouri: 350 members - Sunni: 1520 members in Tripoli, Mqaybli (Akkar), This family is named after Ammatour, a town located Wadi Al-Jamous (Akkar) in the Shouf region which has a Druze majority. The - Greek Orthodox: 810 members in Masqa Jnoubieh Ammatouris are distributed as follows: (Koura), Rahbi (Akkar), Zouq El-Mqashrin (Akkar), - Maronite: 50 members in Baabda and Beirut Broummana, Al-Mina - Druze: 300 members in Barouk - Shia’a: 80 members in Blat (Marjeyoun), Kfarhatta (Saida), Nabi Naam (Baalbeck) Shuhaimy (El-Shuhaimy): 1520 members - Maronite: 320 members in Rashaaine (Zgharta), This family is named after Shehim, a town located Zgharta, Miziara, Tripoli and Batroun in the Shouf region which has a Sunni majority. The Shuhaimys are distributed as follows: Jbeili (El-Jbeili): 2280 members - Shia’a: 600 members in Ghazieh (Saida), Markaba This family is named after the city of Jbeil (Byblos). (Marjeyoun), Debbine (Marjeyoun), Hawla The Jbeilis are distributed as follows: (Marjeyoun) and Majdal zoun (Tyre) - Sunni: 350 members in Al-Mina and Saida - Sunni: 920 members in Saadnayel (Zahle), - Maronite: 1280 members in Beirut, Karam Asfour Ketermaya (Chouf) and Beirut (Akkar), El-Mtayn, El-Salihieh (Saida), Sin El-Fil, Hadath, Ghadeer (Jounieh), Riyaq and Baouchrieh. - Shia’a: 470 members in Ghazieh (Saida) and Tyre - Greek Catholic: 80 members in Hammana

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Discover Lebanon Culture, religion & Art | 35

 Kashlak Kashlak Tripoli

Zgharta One of the poorest villages of Lebanon Balamand Roads A‘arjes Ehden

Becharre The Cedars Batroun Hadet Hasroun Ras Baalbeck Deir el Ahmar Kashlak is a small village located in Akkar and Maqne Jbail Qasr el-Banat

Hadath classified among the poorest areas across the country Iaat Ghazir Baalbeck according to recent studies. Jounieh Niha

BEIRUT Zahle Baabda Shtaura Aley Dahr el-Baidar Etymology Bhamdoun Anjar It is rumored that the name ‘kashlak’ is derived from Deir el-Qamar Meshref Beiteddine Moukhtara the Turkish word ‘Al-Kashla’, meaning a place housing Qaraoun Lake Yanta

Saida Jezzine military personnel, similar to barracks. The village Libbaya Aiha was probably given its name for having hosted Turkish Nabatiye Hasbaya troops in the past. Marjayoun Beaufort Castle Sour Location Kashlak is located in the Qada’a of Akkar at an altitude of 200m above the sea level. It is 130 km from Beirut and 40 km from Tripoli. It stretches across 225 hectares Educational Institutions and can be reached through the following route: Beirut- There is one public elementary school in Kashlak. It had Tripoli- Halba- Amar El-Biket- Kashlak. The village 5 teachers and 35 students, both boys and girls, in the lies on the border between Akkar and Syria. scholarly year 2011-2012. Population NGOs The number of registered inhabitants in the village’s Kashlak is home to 2 agricultural cooperatives: personal status register is estimated at 900 people, all belonging to the Sunni sect and distributed over 120 Kashlak’s Beekeeping and Honey-making Co-op houses. Kahlak’s Co-op for Rural Development Voters Economic Activities The number of registered voters in Kashlak is 630 voters Most of Kashlak’s inhabitants earn their living through distributed among the following families: agriculture. They grow tobacco and almonds and keep cows and other cattle and bees. Some work in the Sakr: 150 Qassem: 15 poultry farms of the village and others are enrolled Youssef: 90 Al-Ali: 30 in the Lebanese Army. These modest occupations fail Diab: 10 Al-Mell: 50 to provide high income to the population and leaves Harba: 30 Suleiman: 20 Kashlak wallowing in poverty and devoid of the basic Amouri: 10 Mohammad: 25 needs like health, education and infrastructure services. Zaidan: 6 Al-Hdam: 60 Al-Asaad: 25 Ayyash: 8 Problems Knouj: 30 Hamdan: 20 The waste dump of the neighboring town of Srar Jounaid: 35 encroaches on Kashlak’s land and causes a great deal of pollution to the air, water and soil of the village. Consequently, inhabitants suffer from critical shortage Local Authorities of potable water, as pollution makes the water of the The village has one Mukhtar, S’oud Sakr, and an Grand River that passes through the village undrinkable. Ikhtiyariah body of 3 members. There is not a municipal Scarce revenues and services and serious pollution council in Kashlak. problems made Kashlak one of the poorest villages in Lebanon.

issue 130 | May 2013 36| Media Extension of Parliament’s Term Opponents might turn into proponents

With parliamentary elections around the corner, and as consensus over one electoral law remains unforeseen, dissenting voices started to rise with some asserting that the elections will be postponed and Parliament’s term extended for a few months until agreement is reached and others, mostly politicians and officials, insisting that the elections will be held on time and the constitutional grace periods will be respected. How did politicians express their stances on the potential postponement of elections and will they maintain or shift their positions?

“Delaying the elections is a red line not to be crossed. “Irrespective of the chosen electoral law, holding the I will not allow the obstruction of the electoral elections on time is naturally better than delaying them. process at the end of my term, but if the need entails a Besides, there won’t be any excuse for postponement technical postponement until an agreement is reached unless the current stability is compromised.” similarly to what happened in 2005, then I’ll resign (As-Safir newspaper quoting MP Walid Jumblat on myself to it. November 9, 2012) (Statement by” President Michel Suleiman on February 25, 2013) “.. The fathers stopped at the electoral law and viewed that the return to the 1960s law is an evasion “Lebanon has always been home for democratic of responsibility and a blow to coexistence, stressing elections. How could we refrain from holding the that the elections will he held on time according to a elections now with the Arab Spring on the rise? new electoral law.” Who in the first place dares calling for elections’ (Monthly statement issued by the Maronite bishops on postponement? I believe that neither the government March 4, 2013) nor any other party hold this intention.” (Statements by PM Najib Mikati to Arab and foreign “.. I reiterate the need to commit fully to the holding newspapers on February 25, 2012) of elections on time. Any thought that suggests delay in the elections from any party and for any reason is “The best law is the law that receives the approval of fatal to our democratic system.” all the Lebanese and I will exert more effort to come (Statement by Lebanese Forces leader Samir Gegea to Al- up with a consensual law and hold the elections as Liwaa newspaper on March 5, 2013) scheduled.” (Speaker Nabih Berri speaking to MPs on January 16, 2013) “.. I’m still against the extension of Parliament’s term and I support holding the elections on time.” “We, at the Future Movement, support the holding (Statement by General Michel Aoun after the meeting of the of elections on time based on the small-districts’ law, Change and Reform Bloc on March 5, 2013) which guarantees fair representation.” (Former PM Saad Hariri during an interview on LBC on “The Phalanges Party opposes the postponement January 31, 2013) of elections no matter what the reason or the duration is.” “The “no elections amid the presence of weapons” (Statement by former President Amine Gemayyel after his campaign means that the elections won’t be held meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri on December 7, 2012) indeed because we won’t give up our weapons. But we, in Hezbollah, are pushing towards holding them as scheduled for the benefit of everyone. (Speech of Hezbollah’s Secretary General Hassan” Nasrallah on May 12, 2012)

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Media |37 March 2013 Highlights Government Resignation and Rough Times Lie Ahead

March 1 Cardinal Al-Rai announces US ambassador to Lebanon, Hungarian PM Viktor Orban arrives from Russia that there is no harm in Maura Connelly, stresses following in Lebanon and meets Lebanese prolonging Parliament’s term for two her meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri officials. or three months until the formulation of that the disagreement over the electoral Former PM Saad Hariri phones a consensual electoral law. law doesn’t imply postponement of Speaker Nabih Berri to stress his The Syrian Northern Storm Brigade elections. adherence to holding the elections as announces its readiness to release all PM Najib Mikati reiterates on MTV scheduled. 9 Lebanese detainees in return for the his intention to run for elections, adding Former PM Fouad Seniora and MP release of all women detainees from the that he will resign before then to allow Bahiya Hariri issue a joint statement prisons of the Syrian regime. the formation of a government condemning the veiled threats made by Citizens block roads in Tripoli The monthly statement of the Nasrallah regarding Saida. in protest of the dispute that erupted Maronite Bishops highlights the need Jordan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs between the bodyguards of Sunni for a new electoral law, warning that the Nasser Judeh hands PM Najib Mikati Sheikh Dai al-Islam al-Shahhal and return to the 1960s’ law is an evasion of a letter from the King of Jordan on the the Lebanese Army in Tripoli when the responsibility. situation in Syria. latter confiscated the machinegun of Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Vigilance and anticipation pervade one of the bodyguards. Rashid Qabbani insists on the elections Saida as Sheikh Ahmad el-Assir of the Higher Islamic Council on April prepares to stage a protest near what he March 4 14. believes to be a Hezbollah stronghold Municipal elections begin in 19 in Abra. Lebanese towns including Qubayyat March 6 The ministerial committee tasked where the list backed by the Phalanges Members of the Free Patriotic with the discussion of the pay scale Party, the Free Patriotic Movement Movement, the Marada Party, the Amal rejects the proposition laid forth by and MP Mikhael Daher defeated that Movement and Hezbollah convene Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi. supported by MP Hadi Houbeish and in Parliament and reject the electoral the Lebanese Forces. decree calling for a June vote based on March 2 Minister Walid Terro and officials the 1960s’ law. Sheikh Ahmad el-Assir completes from the Amal Movement and A heated debate marks the Cabinet his protest without any friction with Hezbollah rally in Saida to mark the session over the electoral decree calling Hezbollah or the security forces and anniversary of assassination of Maarouf for a June vote. Interior Minister Marwan Charbel Saad in the presence of his son Osama A GCC delegation chaired by the stresses: “We warned el-Assir that Saad who reiterated his rejection of all secretary general Abdul Latif Zayani security disturbances are strictly extremist movements. hands President Suleiman a letter prohibited.” Sunni Sheikh Dai al-Islam al- demanding Lebanon not to deviate Four men break into Mohammad Shahhal threatens to issue a jihad fatwa from its disassociation policy. Al-Amine Mosque in Downtown, against all those who offend the Sunni. The Future Movement Bloc Beirut, and interrupt the sermon of Private school teachers resume classes announces its commitment to holding Sheikh Hisham Khalifeh, a scholar and decide to participate in the protests the elections as scheduled and calls for close to Grand Mufti Mohammad after school. the dismissal of the Minister of Foreign Rashid Qabbani. Affairs and Emigrants Adnan Mansour. Inmates in the Roumieh prison March 5 General Michel Aoun fires at President detain a number of ISF members and The Prime Minister and the President Suleiman and PM Mikati, stressing that release them later in what took the form of the Republic sign the decree calling the extension of Parliament’s term is not of a rebellion. on voters to participate in the upcoming the only alternative in case the elections polls on June 9. are postponed.

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Public sector employees stage a Minister of Interior and MP Walid Jumblat stresses in his protest near the Presidential Palace Municipalities announces that the weekly statement in Al-Anbaa that the in demand of pay scale referral to candidacy period for the parliamentary work toward a consensual electoral law Parliament. elections will be open from March 11 is under way. until April 10. President Suleiman tells Reuters March 7 ISF Director General Ashraf Rifi that the refugees have grown to form After meeting Berri, MP Walid meets at his barrack office with Milad 25% of the Lebanese population and Jumblat assures that elections won’t Kfoury’s wife, Hiam Kfoury, and calls on the international community be held without agreement over one hands her a certificate of recognition as for help. electoral law, stressing that a formula a token of appreciation to her husband’s combining between plurality and crucial role in unveiling the Samaha March 13 proportionality is under discussion. plot. General Jamil Sayyed brands the President Suleiman leaves for Africa Speaker Nabih Berri expresses move as juvenile. on top of a Lebanese delegation for a displeasure at the issuance of the Sheikh Ahmad el-Assir stages a one-week tour to Senegal, Ivory Coast, electoral decree calling for vote. protest in front of Al-Bahaa mosque in Ghana and Nigeria. “Al-Taef Accord is to remain Saida and warns of escalatory steps on The Cabinet convenes at the Grand untouched and I won’t request election Sunday. Serail and reiterates the government’s postponement,” says PM Najib Mikati. commitment to the self-dissociation State Commissioner to the Military March 11 policy. Court Judge Sakr Sakr sentences Mahmoud A Lebanese Economic Committees’ General Michel Aoun announces Hayek, a Hezbollah member indicted in the delegation chaired by Adnan El-Qassar following the Change and Reform Bloc attempt to assassinate MP Boutros Harb, to arrives in KSA and meets with Prince meeting that he’s against the extension life in prison with hard labor. Muqren Bin Abdul Aziz who assures of the current security leaders’ terms MP Walid Jumblat mourns the death that no Lebanese will be deported from since the torch can be passed to other of Syrian former army chief of staff the Kingdom. The delegation meets competent figures. Hikmat al- Shihabi. later with former PM Saad Hariri. Supporters of Sheikh El-Assir block The request of Minister of Foreign Leftist forces including the streets in Tripoli and Beirut following Affairs and Emigrants Adnan Mansour Communist Party march from Barbir the rumors suggesting that the army to reinstate Syria in the Arab League to Downtown, Beirut, in protest of was out to arrest El-Assir. ignites a series of opposing reactions the economic policies adopted by the Minister Ghazi El-Aridi considers from anti-Assad Lebanese parties. government. that Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Hanna Atiq launches the Lebanese Affairs has become a platform for the March 8 Forces Corrective Movement, a Syrian Ambassador. During his meeting with a delegation movement opposing the policy of from the Lebanese Editors’ Syndicate, Samir Geagea, from Portemilio in March 14 President Suleiman assures that there is Kaslik with the participation of Charles PM Najib Mikati meets his former a 95% probability that elections will take Malek and George Kassab. Lebanese counterparts Salim Hoss, place, but not according to the 1960s’ law. Omar Karami and Fouad Seniora to Fouad Seniora and Samir Geagea March 12 discuss the dispute of Dar el-Fatwa. meet in Meerab to discuss a new US Assistant Secretary of State for The attendees refrain from urging electoral proposition. Near East Affairs Lawrence Silverman the Grand Mufti to resign and give The PSP and the Future Movement and Deputy Assistant Secretary of him the chance to call on the Higher continue their meetings in order to State for Energy Diplomacy arrive in Islamic Council to convene before come up with a new electoral law Lebanon and meet Lebanese officials. Saturday. based on both plurality (60%) and No candidatures were applied for the Supporters of Sheikh Ahmad El- proportionality. parliamentary elections during the first Assir block the Saida-Jezzine road After having denied it for a while, day of the candidacy period, especially in protest of the measures taken by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants that aspiring applicants couldn’t register the Lebanese Army around Bilal Adnan Mansour admits to having due to the participation of the Ministry Bin Rabah Mosque. El -Assir calls received a letter from PM Najib Mikati of Finance’s workers in the strike. for a demonstration on Friday to lift regarding his call for the reinstatement of Armed clashes in Ain el-Helwi what he describes as a siege on the Syria in the Arab League. camp leave 1 dead and 7 injured. Mosque.

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The Arab Democratic Party official A Syrian truck overturns in the Hezbollah buries in Mays el-Jabl Refaat Eid announces during a press town of Kahaleh leaving 9 dead and its member Hassan Shartouni who was conference that the Free Syrian Army 29 injured. The passengers were all killed in the fighting in Syria. leader Salim Edris is staying in Saad Syrians fleeing Aleppo. Hariri’s suite at the Quality Inn Hotel The military judiciary takes legal March 19 in Tripoli, adding that members of Al- action against Chadi al-Moulawi on Protesters continue their Nussra Front are now in Lebanon. charges of affiliation to Al-Nussra Front condemnation of the assault that Lebanese churches ring their bells in and refers him to the First Military targeted the Sunni clerics by blocking celebration of the election of Argentine Investigative Judge. Al-Moulawi roads and burning tires in Verdun, Cola, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the assures that he will not appear in court. Khaled and el-Neemeh. Catholic Church’s new Pope, Francis. Herds of locust sweep over Lebanon. Maronite Patriarch al-Rai meets President Michel Suleiman arrives The Union Coordination Committee Speaker Berri and PM Mikati for the in Senegal and signs 3 cooperation proceeds with the strike and stages a second time in Rome, in the presence memorandums. protest near the airport. of Environment Minister Nazem Sheikh Ahmad el-Assir holds Khoury to continue their electoral law March 15 prayers in his mosque in Abra in the discussions. Mikati announces that President Michel Suleiman arrives absence of the Lebanese Army. the Patriarch will mediate among all in Ivory Coast on an official visit as part Christian parties towards the approval of his Africa tour. March 18 of a new electoral law. A statement issued by the Syrian Maronite Patriarch al-Rai meets The Lebanese town of Ersal comes Ministry of Foreign Affairs threatens to Speaker Berri and PM Mikati at the under Syrian air raid. raid what it calls the “sites of saboteurs” Maronite School in Rome, in the presence Grand Mufti receives the ministers in Lebanon if the Lebanese government of Environment Minister Nazem Khoury of interior and defense and the general fails to act fast. and Lebanon’s ambassador to the Vatican prosecutor in Dar el-Fatwa to contain the PM Najib Mikati tells members Georges Khoury. The discussion covers repercussions of the assault on Sunni clerics. of the Lebanese Editor’s Syndicate the electoral law. that the extension of Parliament’s A number of Shia’a attack 2 Sunni March 20 term falls within the jurisdiction of clerics affiliated with Dar el-Fatwa in The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Parliament, adding that there is no Khandaq el-Ghameeq, thus igniting Affairs denies allegations that the harm in prolonging the term of office the anger of Sunni supporters who Syrian aircrafts raided Ersal. President of security leaders. block roads and burn tires. Hezbollah Suleiman deplores the attack and urges General Michel Aoun states and the Amal Movement deplore the the Lebanese Minister of Foreign during a dinner held by the Free incident and the Lebanese army arrests Affairs to file a complaint against Syria. Patriotic Movement at the Habtour the assailants. Two other clerics face A delegation of the Higher Shia’a Hotel that the current phase is similar similar assaults in Majdal Anjar on Islamic Council visits Grand Mufti to that of the 1975, stressing that they their way to Beqa’a. Qabbani and deplores the incident have the power of weapons, politics March 14 Forces commemorate against the two Sunni clerics. and justice. eighth anniversary in BIEL. The Speaker Nabih Berri and PM Najib Army Commander General Jean ceremony featured 14 speeches by March Mikati participate in the inauguration Qahwaji reiterates to Lebanese 14 allies and former PM Fouad Seniora of Pope Francis I. officers that the Lebanese Army is stresses that the coalition will continue to keen on preventing the spillovers of defend freedom and independence. March 21 the regional conflicts into Lebanon, During a march held in Mukhtara President Suleiman returns from his adding that the 1976 events shall not in commemoration of the anniversary Africa trip. play out again. of the death of his father, MP Walid The Cabinet convenes at the Grand Diesel fuel tanks heading to Syria Jumblat warns that rough times are Serail. come under fire in El-Beddawi. lying ahead and urges everyone to Minor clashes in Tripoli leave 1 Grand Mufti Mohammad Rashid avoid the strife. dead and 6 injured. Qabbani files a lawsuit against the President Michel Suleiman heads for The Military Public Prosecution Lebanese state for falsifying the Nigeria, the last stop on his Africa trip, appeals the decision of the investigative decisions of the Higher Islamic and assures that no sectarian electoral judge to abstain from Sheikh Ahmad Council. law shall be passed under his watch. el-Assir’s trial.

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Rockets launched from Syria fall March 25 Families of the Lebanese abducted in el-Qoussair and Sahlat el-May The Al-Jaafar tribe replies to the in Syria renew action by staging a and sources hold the Syrian army abduction of its member Hassan Jaafar protest in front of the Justice Palace in responsible for the attack. in Ersal by kidnapping 5 locals from Beirut. The deputy head of the Higher the town. Islamic Council Omar Mesqawi chairs The deployment of the Lebanese March 28 a session at Bassam el-Barghout’s Army in Jabal Mohsen in Tripoli brings A March-14 parliamentary office urging the referral of the Sunni the clashes to a halt. delegation visits Speaker Nabih Berri clerics’ incident to the Justice Council PM Najib Mikati submits his and hands him a petition signed by 69 and slamming the Grand Mufti’s call resignation in writing to the President MPs and urging an immediate session for elections as illegal. of the Republic and announces that his to raise the retirement age of security “I won’t appear before court and decision to relinquish his position was commanders. all politicians owe me,” says Shadi a personal one, urging the formation of Grand Mufti Mohammad Rashid Moulawi to An-Nahar. a rescue government and the return to Qabbani holds Hariri and Seniora dialogue. responsible for any harm he may suffer. March 22 Attorney Samir Abi Lamaa elected Tripoli’s Mufti, Sheikh Malek The Cabinet convenes at the as president of the Maronite League. Shaar, tells As-Safir from France that Presidential Palace in Baabda and Three among the candidates backed by Sheikh Ahmad Al-Assir is a residue of approves the pay scale amended with Lamaa’s rival, Antoine Qlimos, make it Hezbollah’s practices, stressing that he a 5% decrease. The session introduces to the executive council. is an eccentric phenomenon. new taxes to finance the scale. “The reasons for Mikati’s resignation Syria hands the survivor of the are trivial,” says General Michel Aoun. March 29 Talkalakh incident, Hassan Srour, to “The 1960s’ electoral law is still The Presidency of the Republic Lebanon’s General Security. standing and Mikati’s resignation is an schedules the binding parliamentary Renewed clashes in Tripoli result in introduction to dialogue resumption”, consultations to name a prime minister 2 deaths and 24 injuries. reports former PM Fouad Seniora. on April 5 and 6. The number of the Syrians registered Minister of Energy and Water Jobran March 23 as refugees at the UNHCR hits 375 000. Bassil reveals that 52 international Another Cabinet session concludes Another 135 000 still await registration. companies proposed to perform oil and without agreeing over the extension “Mikati resigned to prevent a gas excavation in Lebanon’s waters. of the ISF Director General’s term void in a security position but ended The Shura Council issues a decision or the appointment of the Election up dragging the whole country into suspending the Grand Mufti’s decision Supervisory Committee members. PM vacuum,” says MP Mohammad Raad. to hold the elections of the Higher Najib Mikati announces his resignation Nabatieh’s governmental hospital Islamic Council’s on April 14, 2013. afterwards. named after Speaker Nabih Berri. Dar Al-Fatwa fires back saying that the Clashes continue in Tripoli claiming Shura Council has no authority over the 6 lives and leaving 20 injured. March 27 Mufti’s decisions. Patriarch al-Rai receives all three Speaker Nabih Berri holds meetings Hussein Jaafar calls his family Maronite leaders in Bkerke and with Minister Jobran Bassil, MP George and informs them that the ransom resumes the discussions he began in Adwan and MP Sami Gemayyel. demanded in return for his freedom Rome regarding the electoral law. President Michel Suleiman is USD 1 million. Consequently, the MP Walid Jumblat reveals to LBC participates in the Arab League summit Jaafars let go of three of the Ersal that what matters most is to protect the in Doha and reiterates Lebanon’s inhabitants they had abducted. Intelligence Branch, not the preserve the complete dissociation from the conflict US Ambassador to Lebanon Maura tenure of Ashraf Rifi, urging Lebanese in Syria. Suleiman meets a number of Connelly visits former PM Najib parties not to dramatize the situation. his Arab counterparts on the sidelines Mikati, Speaker Nabih Berri and Former PM Saad Hariri calls Speaker of the summit. General Ashraf Rifi. The US Embassy’s Nabih Berry to explore prospective “I am running for premiership, but statement underlines the right of the steps to prevent vacuum. I will not preside over a government of Lebanese people to a government one color,” assures former PM Najib capable of meeting their needs. Mikati.

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This Month in History- Lebanon 47 Years since the Assassination of Journalist Kamel Mroueh

“He wasn’t killed for being a veteran journalist, but for being bigger than a hostile party”

On May 16, 1966, Kamel Mroueh, founder of al-Hayat newspaper was assassinated by Adnan Soltani, a Nasserite member, for opposing the policies of Egyptian President Jamal Abdul Nasser. Shortly after the assassination, Abdul Nasser said in the presence of one of his Lebanese proponents: “Kamel Mroueh wasn’t killed for being a veteran journalist, but for being bigger than a hostile party.”

Kamel Mroueh Kamel Mroueh was born in 1915 in the town to do all that it took to serve his interests and fight of Zrarieh in South Lebanon. He studied at the his foes. This ambiance set the path for murdering American University of Beirut and started his career and clamping down all the opponents of Abdul in journalism in 1934 as an editor and political Nasser. journalist at the Nidaa newspaper, a publication issued by the National Appeal Party (Al-Nidaa Al- Qawmi) and run by Kathem As-Solh. He moved in 1937 to An-Nahar and worked there until 1941, when he and Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Amin Al- Hussein went on tour across Europe during World War II, especially to Turkey, Bulgaria and Germany. In 1946, he returned to launch his newspaper, al- Hayat, from An-Nahar offices in Souq Al-Tawileh. Later, in 1952, he published the English Daily Star, which like al-Hayat, was known for challenging the plans of Egyptian President Jamal Abdul Nasser in the KSA, Yemen and Lebanon. Mroueh was accused of supporting Britain and of being involved in the Western scheme against Abdul Nasser. Circumstances surrounding the assassination Global attention was on the Middle East in the late fifties and sixties amid the state of conflict between the Soviet Union and the US and Britain. Egyptian President Jamal Abdul Nasser was backed by the Soviet Union, while other Arab countries like the KSA and Iraq had the support of the US. Abdul Nasser enjoyed wide popularity in Lebanon and the admiration of the Lebanese pro-Nasserite movement manifested itself in its full compliance Kamel Mroueh with Abdul Nasser’s commands and its inclination

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It is rumored that Abdul Nasser was highly Confidential American documents revealed later provoked by the cutting criticism that Mroueh that the decision to murder Mroueh had been aimed at him in his writings, especially that the sponsored directly by Abdul Nasser’s close journalist wielded a great influence on the Arab aide, Abdul Hamid Sarraj, and that the Egyptian public opinion. Soon, Abdul Nasser’s annoyance ambassador to Lebanon Abdul Hamid Ghaleb had influenced his Lebanese supporters who started a hand in the operation as well. It has been also to grow hostile against Mroueh, thus dividing the reported that Sami Sharaf, Abdul Nasser’s secretary, Lebanese press and people into allies and rivals of had known about the assassination, and chances are the Egyptian President. that Abdul Nasser himself was involved. Details of the Assassination It was the night of May 16, 1966. Accompanied with two accomplices, Adnan Soltani walked at 8:55 pm It is rumored that Abdul Nasser into the offices of al-Hayat newspaper located in Khanda’a Al-Ghamee’ near Riad El-Solh Square, was“ highly provoked by the cutting Downtown, and killed Mroueh with two silenced criticism that Mroueh aimed at him shots, one in his stomach and one in his lung. in his writings, especially that the journalist wielded a great influence The crime was seen as an attack on the state’s internal security and was thus referred to the on the Arab public opinion Justice Council by virtue of Decree No. 4519. The trial continued until March 15, 1968 and “ featured eloquent pleadings by both the suing party Journalist Samir Atallah recounts that Mohsen represented by lawyer and former MP Mohsen Ibrahim (founding member of the Arab Nationalists Sleem and the defendant’s attorney, former MP Movement) met Mounah Solh (thinker and Abdullah Oudaimy. Politician Ibrahim Kulaylat politician) at the Hilton Hotel in Cairo a few weeks who was associated with the Egyptian regime, was after the assassination and told him during the acquitted of charges of instigating the assassination meeting that Abdul Nasser had sent a telegram of and was released after spending a year and a half condolences on the day after the murder, so Ibrahim in prison, while Soultani was sentenced to death, retorted: “Thank God the telegram didn’t arrive on a verdict that was reduced in 1969 to 15 years in the day before.” prison. However, Soultani’s stay in prison didn’t last that long, as he escaped during the Civil War When Abdul Nasser heard the reply of Solh from in 1976 and became a member of the Mourabitoun Ibrahim, he cracked in laughter, then stopped Movement under the leadership of Ibrahim Kulaylat. suddenly and said “Mroueh wasn’t killed for Although sentenced to death, Mohammed Ardawi being a veteran journalist, but for being bigger remained on the run, while the third perpetrator, than a hostile party.” If not entirely fabricated, this Ahmad Al-Mouqaddam, was convicted in absentia story could implicate Abdul Nasser directly in the and received a 15-year jail sentence. assassination of Mroueh.

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This Month in History- Arab World The First Arab-Israeli War- May 1948

The mention of a national home for the Jewish community in Palestine was first clearly made in the 1917 Balfour Declaration. Although the letter addressed by British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour to Lord Rothschild, the leader of the Jewish community in Britain, pledged not to endanger the civil and religious rights of the non-Jewish communities present in Palestine, the promise remained unfulfilled and constituted the first spark to what has grown into an all-out conflict that rendered Palestinians stateless and gave rise to the largest refugee crisis in the world with roughly 5 million Palestinians living in exile.

Some ascribed Britain’s overt support to the Zionist and minimize their resentment for each other did aspirations to the delusion that this would persuade the not avail and ended up by Britain withdrawing its Jews to contribute to the World War I expenses and mandate, especially following the Kind David Hotel sway the US to join the war, while others argued that bombing that targeted the central offices of the British the genuine admiration of Britain’s decision makers Mandatory authorities of Palestine. for the history of the Jews propelled them to endorse the right to Jewish nationhood of the Holy Land. The conflict culminated on May 15, 1948 following the proclamation of the State of Israel, in what the In the peace talks that followed the World War I, the Israelis call “War of Independence” and the Arabs call Ottoman Empire was partitioned between Britain and “Al-Nakba”. Despite the alleged numerical superiority France, with Palestine falling under the British mandate. of the Arab armies from Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon Having joined the Allies in fighting the Turks, the Arabs and Iraq that invaded Israel, the troops weren’t as well believed they had earned the right to an independent organized and equipped as their enemy and ended up Arab state and were infuriated over Britain’s failure sustaining defeat. Not only did this war consolidate the to keep its word. Unsurprisingly, the situation was existence of Israel and expand its original territory, but particularly bleak in Palestine as the land had already it also gave rise to a full-fledged refugee crisis and set been promised to the Jews. Historical documents the path for irreconcilable perspectives that are yet to revealed later that a number of prominent Arab leaders, be resolved. including King Faisal of Syria, had known about the scheme brewing between the British and the Jews.

The Jewish immigration to Palestine started to pick up momentum in the early 1920s and the confrontations between the two communities increased notably when the Jews began to purchase large areas of land from absentee Arab landowners, thus forcing the Palestinians out.

Between 1933 and 1939, an unprecedented influx of Jews poured into Palestine, fleeing the Nazi persecution in Europe. The number of emigrants stood at 61,854 in 1935 alone and the Mufti of Jerusalem, Haji Amin al-Husseini, feared that the Jews might outnumber the Palestinians by 1940. This dramatic increase in the number of Jews translated into a serious escalation of violence and urged the British to put restrictions on the number of Jews that could enter Palestine and the http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/books/review/Segev-t. amount of property they could buy. However, their html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 http://www.palestinefacts.org/pf_mandate.php attempt to balance the interests of both communities http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/palestine_1918_to_1948.htm

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The Syrian Crisis beyond Borders

The outpour of Syrian refugees1 to neighboring and regional countries has become as big a problem as the civil war itself. A large number of people began fleeing their homes at the start of the conflict, and continue to arrive in countries like Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon as the fighting shows no signs of slowing down. Attaining an accurate number of refugees is difficult as not all of them register with governments or international agencies. However, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees publishes updated figures on the number of registered Syrian refugees, which is a close indicator of the size of the problem. The information below is accurate as of 16th April, 2013 . It is important to note that more refugees are presented for registration on a daily basis.

Lebanon is the country with the most refugees. The Country Number of Refugees Registered with UNHCR majority of them is concentrated in the northeastern Turkey 258 388 regions of Akkar and Bekaa; neglected regions that are mostly reliant on agriculture. In a country with Lebanon 293 836 limited resources, the strain of the refugee problem is Jordan 372 445 felt in different sectors. Up to 32,000 Syrian children Iraq 132 693 have been enrolled in the Lebanese public school system. In southern parts of the country, Syrians are Egypt 37 361 even settling in Palestinian refugee camps for lack of *Retrieved from UNHCR Syria Regional Refugee Response- Information Sharing a better option. Portal- April 16, 2013 Unlike in Turkey and in Jordan, camps have not been put in place for refugees. Not only are The large number of people flooding into countries resources scarce, but there is much public concern around Syria and the dire conditions that refugees are of repeating the Palestinian refugee problem. living in has created a severe humanitarian crisis. Not Even the UN was originally in opposition to such only are people forced out of their homes for lack a plan. Like all problems in Lebanon, the refugee of security, but many leave behind destroyed homes crisis has become another topic of debate between and missing relatives. And the strenuous journey disputing political factions. Meanwhile health across the border does not lead to a better place. The conditions have deteriorated to the extent where winter season’s extreme weather conditions and the several cases of tuberculosis have been reported increasing need for humanitarian aid have exacerbated among refugees. the situation. Moreover, UNHCR estimates that in the first half of 2013, the number of refugees will reach 1 million. The Lebanese Cabinet has finally ratified a plan for managing the situation; mostly focused on gathering funds from donor countries and consequently Cases of deaths have been reported among toddlers being able to provide more aid. Still, many argue who are unable to overcome malnutrition and the that setting up camps similar to those of Turkey living conditions in the camps. UNHCR demographic and Jordan would facilitate the organization of statistics show that 20% of all refugees are under the aid distribution and keeping track of refugees. age of 4. As a result of travelling on foot across the Local and international aid is received in the form border, many people arrive injured or in poor health. of food, blankets, clothes, and fuel, alleviating During the cold season the fear of illnesses increases part of the problem. A comprehensive approach with lower temperatures and damp environment as is still required by the Lebanese government to heavy rain easily seeps into tents. adequately address the crisis and prevent it from further expansion. With many refugees having little or no access to basic necessities, the concern over their large numbers is 1 Being the official term in use currently, The Monthly has maintained the word “refugees” in this article. Yet, we believe that “the displaced” is a growing. It is noteworthy that, as shown above, much more accurate term.

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. Arab World Focus|45

Artistic Production in Iraq From ancient Mesopotamia to the Abassid Empire, and until the first half of the 20th century, Iraq was always a cultural and artistic hub for the region. Under the rule of the Baath party, artistic production was encouraged- though not without ulterior motives. The history of Iraqi modern art has developed over a number of phases since World War II when a wave of Polish soldiers under the British Middle East Command, among which were a number of painters, came to Iraq, and stayed on after the war. The emergence of modern art also met with the country’s ambitions for independence when Iraqi artists founded their first art society. By the time Saddam came to power, art had become very much a state-funded sector. But with the invasion of 2003, all artistic production came to an almost complete halt.

The modern art scene in Iraq was established by Faiq number of its stolen items were found among street Hassan and Jawad Selim in the 1950s with what is vendors, trying to sell the artworks for a living. known as the group of ‘Pioneers’ (Al Ruwad) and Because its archives were destroyed during the developed further, and in a different direction, with looting, it is difficult to keep track of the items that the formation of the Baghdad Group of Modern Art. were removed. While a number of the paintings have In the years to follow, different groups of artists now been returned to the museum through the efforts developed new schools of thoughts such as the of local artists, it is questionable whether the museum Impressionists, the Innovationists, or mujadidin, can even house the art for much longer. The building and the New Vision Group. These artists of the is in bad condition and the uncontrolled heat- not a 1950s and 1960s played a paramount role in leading surprise with Iraq’s power outages- damages the the artistic development in the region, and were quality of the paintings. prominent in their pan-Arab focus. The arts were also fostered by the Baath regime, but this patronage The years following the fall of Saddam saw the was problematic. destruction of several works of art, monuments, and statues, because they had been associated with the The period between the 1970s and the early 1980s patronage of the old regime. Today, the preservation was a golden era in the history of Iraqi art and artists of the country’s artistic heritage from the Saddam era were very much encouraged by the Saddam Hussein is an intricate matter in light of the anti-Baath policies regime. Art courses and art supplies were provided looking to rid the new government of anything to artists free of charge. Artists who were close to the Baath-related. Moreover, the struggle to rebuild the regime even received financial and career incentives, country’s economy and infrastructure means that very allowing them to advance their status as artists. little attention will be paid to reviving the modern art But being close to the regime meant not displaying scene. any forms of opposition within the artistic content. Saddam’s sponsoring of artists, especially sculptors, Today, many Iraqi artists are receiving international was partly fueled by the purpose of creating statues acclaim for their work, most of which is produced and across city squares, many of which portrayed him. exhibited abroad. The invasion made it impossible The representation of the dictator was an integral for artists, much like the rest of the population, to component of the state-funded arts. work or even remain in the country. A generation of artists did emerge within the country during the With the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, the art scene, conflict to represent their personal experiences in like much of the country collapsed. The chaos that the country’s developments. However, the security hit the country’s museums and libraries, from looting situation has kept their works from acquiring the to arson, did not spare the country’s collection of credit they deserve. It remains to be seen whether the contemporary paintings. Like the National Museum, post-war period will bring back Iraq’s reputation as a the National Museum of Modern Art was looted and cultural center for the region. But for the time being, bombed during US raids. But unlike the media frenzy bigger problems continue to impede the country’s that revolved around the first one, the Museum of reconstruction of a number of sectors, let alone that Modern Art received little attention. In later years, a of the arts.

issue 130 | May 2013 46|Arab World Focus

Operation Red Carpet and the “Salvation” of Arab Jews

The state of Israel was mainly founded on the immigration of Jews from Eastern Europe fleeing the atrocities of the holocaust and seeking their promised land. Prior tothe founding of the state of Israel, only 10.4% of Jewish immigrants to Palestine were Arabs1. After 1948 their numbers of course multiplied through what is thought today to have been a sort of exchange in population where Palestinians fled, and in return thousands of Arab Jews arrived in Israel searching for a safe haven. Giving this a closer look, one finds that there is very little information on the sudden mass movement of Arab Jews to Israel, and when there is, the details contradict the propaganda that is flaunted by Israel today. Foremost, it is important to note that in countries like Following the incidents, leaflets were distributed urging Jews to Morocco and Lebanon, the trends of Jewish migrations leave Iraq. Consequently, Iraqi Jews rushed to immigration offices differed from those in other Arab countries; in the former they and renounced their citizenship; as the attacks were of course were not allowed to flee the country until 19612, and in the latter the works of Arab terrorism. The leaflets that were distributed migration only became tangible with the onset of the civil war in by the Zionist organization calling on Jews to flee to Israel were the 1970s and was directed to countries such as the USA, Brazil, later found to have been printed prior to the bombs, the first dated Mexico, France and Canada. One cannot then speak of ‘Jewish March 16th and the second April 8th4. Apart from the underground Arab immigration’ as a singular phenomenon since it was a process network, officials of both countries were involved. Writing on of many segments spanning several time periods and for different Iraqi Jewry, author Naiem Giladi reveals that just a year earlier, reasons. In Algeria for example, Jews left fleeing the chaos after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Said and the Israeli spy Mordechai independence in 1962 that not only threatened the country’s Jewry Ben-Porat had spoken of financial incentives in return for laws that but also its Christians3. would ban the Iraqi citizenship on Jews. Two more interesting cases are those of Yemen and Iraq as the In his book ‘The Gun and the Olive Branch’ David Hirst recounts history of Jewish immigration from both countries has received the arrest of an Israeli man named Yehuddah Tajjar in Baghdad that much attention. In Yemen, this became known as “Operation led to the capture of other Jews in Iraq who finally admitted that Red Carpet” and portrayed as the plight of Yemeni Jews to move the ambitions of the Zionist underground network was to ‘frighten from destitute to Salvation in Israel. In a recent book on the the Jews into emigrating as soon as possible’5 at a time when matter, Esther Meir-Glitzenstein demonstrates that this operation Holocaust fervor was waning and new incentives were needed for was actually planned for by authorities on both sides; the imam immigration to Israel. Only around 5,000 of 130,000 Jews stayed of Yemen who ruled North Yemen, the British authorities, the in Iraq after this wave of violence. State of Israel, the Jewish Agency and the American Jewish Joint These efforts of drawing Oriental Mizrahi Jews into Israel could Distribution Committee (JDC) were all involved. Despite it being have had several motives; balancing the trauma of the Palestinian organized, the death toll on this operation was very high, with 700 refugee with an Israeli counterpart that featured a happy ending people dying upon arriving at the designated camp in Aden. Israel (as opposed to settling in camps), making Zionism more appealing later welcomed about 30,000 sick immigrants for whom it could to Arab Jews, and refreshing the supply of immigrants after the not provide care. end of the second world war. Today, Zionist propaganda still What is thought to have been the salvation of these people was maintains that Arab Jewish immigrants fled the conditions in their actually a bitter journey twisted to benefit the young state of Israel. own repressive country to find refuge in the young, modern and The 50,000 Yemenis who took this journey did not voluntarily democratic state of Israel. Though Arab violence against Jews was assemble into this movement, but it had all been arranged by the becoming a tangible threat, this mass movement may not have been authorities on both sides. Meir-Glitzenstein finds that most of the entirely voluntary. As shown above it was prepared for by Zionist blame should go to the JDC as they failed to arrange flights for organizations and Israel, with the cooperation of Arab leaders, and immigrants, left people stranded in the dessert, and were in some not always in the most civilized manners. cases connected to smuggling activities. The Israeli Knesset was in close observation of this operation, and somehow it was still 1 David Hirst, The Gun and the Olive Branch (New York: 2003) 272-289. promoted as a successful rescue plan. 2 David Green, “Arab Jews and Myths of Expulsion and Exchange”, The Pales- tine Chronicle, December 2009, 4 October 2012, http://www.palestinechroni- In Iraq, the violence that was cited as the main source for the cle.com/view_article_details.php?id=15627. Jewish immigration to Israel was actually found to be induced 3 Green by an underground Zionist network. Two bombings that targeted 4 Naiem Giladi, “The Jews of Iraq”, Jews Against Zionism 5 October 2012 the Jewish community went off on March 19th and April 8th. 5 Hirst

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. prices |47

Real Estate Prices Towards March 2013

Prices of some apartments sold in March 2013 Table 2 Although still far from the level needed to revive the Region Area m² Price (USD) USD/m² market and bring it out of stagnation and passivity, the real estate market continued to register modest Beirut momentum in March 2013, an activity pretty much Ashrafieh 160 480,000 3,000 equal to the one registered in February. The largest Jeitawi 180 495,000 2,750 share of demand was mostly due to the Lebanese as the Ras Nabe’e 350 1,050,000 3,000 Arabs have been reluctant to return to the Lebanese (Military Court) market due to the volatile internal situation as well Tareeq Jdideh 175 315,000 1,800 as the Syrian crisis. Real estate experts estimate that Raouche 210 798,000 3,800 should it occur, the Arab demand might allow some Verdun 300 900,000 3,000 boost in the market in summer. Sodeco 200 820,000 4,100 Furthermore, prices have maintained stable levels Burj Abi-Haidar 130 260,000 2,000 with a slight inclination to increase. Baabda Hazmieh 160 240,000 1,500 Tables 1 and 2 illustrate the prices of some estates Hazmieh 230 391,000 1,700 and apartments sold in March 2013. (Mar Taqla) Hadath 230 379,500 1,650 Prices of some estates sold in January 2013 Table 1 Hadath (Saha) 150 180,000 1,200 Region Area m² Price (USD) USD/m² Matn Beirut Sin El-Fil 180 324,000 1,800 Zqaq Blat 1,600 16,000,000 10,000 (Horsh Tabet) Jal El-Dib 200 280,000 1,400 Basta Tahta 700 5,250,000 7,500 Ain Saadeh 200 340,000 1,700 Baabda Antelias 170 280,500 1,650 Hadath 1,700 2,040,000 1,200 Broumana 220 396,000 1,800 Hazmieh 820 2,214,000 2,700 (Mar Chaaya) Matn Qennabet Broumana 150 225,000 1,500 Broumana 750 675,000 900 Aley Rabieh 1,100 2,750,000 2,500 Aramoun (Jawhari) 130 130,000 1,000 Mansourieh 1,600 1,400,000 875 Doha Aramoun 200 250,000 1,250 Aley Bshamoun 180 288,000 1,600 Aramoun 1,250 750,000 600 Doha Hoss 260 325,000 1,250 Bshamoun 1,550 1,123,750 725 Khaldeh 160 224,000 1,400 Reshmaya 1,300 156,000 120 Kessrouan Kessrouan New Shaily 180 270,000 1,500 Ajaltoun 1,400 350,000 250 Harat Sakher 170 255,000 1,500 Ballouneh 1,200 600,000 500 Ashqout 120 162,000 1,350 Faraya 1,650 429,000 260 Ballouneh 150 195,000 1,300

Source: Information International- March 2013 Source: Information International- March 2013

issue 130 | May 2013 48| prices

Prices of 100 Food Products Towards March 2013

Of the 100 food products we track on a monthly basis, Prices of all 100 food products in March 2013 Table 1 61 items including canned food, dairy products, Prices Prices end % of price detergents and meat maintained stable prices, 17 Item and Brand beginning of of March change during registered lower prices and a slight increase was March 2013 2012 March 2013 recorded in the prices of the remaining 22 items, Dairy Products which included jam and vegetable oils. Prices Candia full cream milk 2,600 2,800 +7.7 of eggs, cereals, vegetables and fruit decreased (1 liter) moderately. Candia full cream 3,500 3,500 0 yoghurt (1 kg) Table 1 shows the prices of all 100 food products in Bonjus labneh (1 kg) 5,000 5,000 0 March 2013. Taanayel labneh (500 g) 5,800 5,800 0 Candia labneh (500 ) 5,500 5,500 0 Prices of all 100 food products in March 2013 Table 1 Taanayel yoghurt (1 kg) 3,750 3,750 0 Prices Prices end % of price Item and Brand beginning of of March change during Smeds cheese (400 g) 4,850 4,850 0 March 2013 2012 March 2013 Picon cheese (360 g) 3,800 3,800 0 Oil Picon cheese (160 g) 1,950 1,975 +1.3 Afia corn oil (3.5 liters) 15,000 17,450 +16.4 Double-crème cheese 11,000 11,000 0 Mazola corn oil (1 kg) 17,000 18,500 +8.8 (3.5 liters) Fresh country cheese 10,000 10,000 0 Mazola corn oil (1 kg) 9,000 9,500 +5.6 (1.8 liters) Kashkawan cheese (1 kg) 16,100 16,100 0 Slim corn oil (2 liters) 8,250 9,250 +12.1 Lurpak butter (200 g) 2,750 2,750 0 Wesson corn oil (2 liters) 9,000 9,500 +5.6 Tatra butter (200 g) 2,750 2,000 -27.3 Ghandour soya oil 17,000 17,000 0 Al-Malaaqtain margarine (3.8 liters) 9,750 9,750 0 (2 kg) Alfa corn oil (4 liters) 14,750 16,850 +14.2 Al-Baqara al-Haloub 35,000 35,000 0 Al-Wadi olive oil margarine (2 kg) 6,450 6,450 0 (1/2 liters) Vegetaline margarine 18,900 18,900 0 Ketchup and Sauces (2 kg) Nido full cream milk 21,850 21,850 0 Libby’s Ketchup (567 g) 2,250 2,500 +11.2 (bag) (2,250 g) Nido full cream milk Extra Ketchup (340 g) 1,650 1,800 +9 26,250 26,250 0 (bag) (2,500 g) Extra Ketchup (2.2 kg) 5,500 6,000 +9 Tatra full cream milk 20,500 20,000 -2.4 Dolly’s Mayonnaise (1,800 g) 4,500 4,250 -5.6 (500 ml) Cereals Al-Wadi Mayonnaise 4,500 4,250 -5.6 (500 ml) Khater white lentils (1 kg) 3,750 3,750 0 Al-Bsat Tahina (900 g) 7,550 8,000 +6 Khater chick-peas (1 kg) 3,750 4,500 +20 Al-Bsat Tahina (450 g) 4,750 4,850 +2.1 Khater beans (1 kg) 2,000 2,000 0 Taous tomato sauce 745 745 0 Peeled wheat (1 kg) 2,100 2,000 -4.7 (70 g) Taous tomato sauce Pineal Lima Bean (1 kg) 4,000 3,750 -6.2 3,200 3,200 0 (425 g) Brown Fine Burgul (1 kg) 2,100 1,750 -16.7 Tala tomato sauce 3,300 3,300 0 (675 g) Egyptian rice (1 kg) 2,000 2,000 0

issue 130 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. prices |49

Prices of all 100 food products in March 2013 Table 1 Prices of all 100 food products in March 2013 Table 1 Prices Prices end % of price Prices Prices end % of price Item and Brand beginning of of March change during Item and Brand beginning of of March change during March 2013 2012 March 2013 March 2013 2012 March 2013 American rice (1 kg) 1,250 1,750 +40 Coffee and Tea

Italian rice (1 kg) 2,000 2,350 +17.5 Najjar coffee (1 kg) 17,200 17,200 0 Al-Wadi Hommos Tahina 1,500 1,500 0 (380 g) Brazil coffee (1 kg) 15,000 15,000 0 Chtoura Hommos Tahina 1,500 1,500 0 Al-Hisan tea (180 g) 2,750 2,750 0 (380 g) California Gardens beans 1,500 1,500 0 Nestle (250 g) 2,000 2,000 0 (450 g) Al-Wadi beans (450 g) 1,250 1,100 -12 Halvah and Jam

Chtoura beans (480 g) 1,400 1,250 -10.7 Al-Wadi halvah (454 g) 4,500 4,500 0

Libby’s corn (340 g) 1,750 2,000 +14.3 Al-Bsat halvah (450 g) 3,800 4,000 +5.2 Chtoura apricot jam Pasta 6,000 7,000 +16.7 (1 kg) Barilla spaghetti (500 g) 2,250 2,250 0 Al-Wadi apricot jam 4,750 6,000 +26.3 (1 kg) Antonio Amato spaghetti 2,200 2,200 0 (500 g) Tissues and Detergents Monte spaghetti (500 g) 2,300 2,300 0 Mimosa tissues (500 g) 3,000 3,000 0 Sugar (2 kg) 3,200 3,200 0 Fine tissues (200 1,500 1,500 0 Al-Ousra sugar (5 kg) 7,500 7,750 +3.3 tissues) Primo tissues (200 1,500 1,500 0 Salt (700 g) 500 500 0 tissues) Gipsy tissues (300 3,000 3,000 0 Box of salt (738 g) 1,650 1,650 0 tissues) Mimosa toilet paper Meat, Fish and Eggs 6,000 6,000 0 (4 rolls) Zwan chicken (200 g) 2,550 2,550 0 Yes detergent (750 g) 2,850 2,850 0 Zwan beef (200 g) 2,500 2,500 0 Clorox (1 liter) 1,560 1,560 0 Luncheon meat beef 2,100 2,100 0 (198 g) Persil (4 kg) 19,500 20,000 +2.5 Al-Mona chicken (200 g) 2,000 2,000 0 Ariel (4 kg) 20,500 17,250 -15.8 Al-Taghzia beef (200 g) 2,000 2,000 0 Fruit and Vegetables Al-Taghzia chicken 2,000 2,000 0 (200 g) Oranges (1 kg) 1,250 1000 -20 Geisha sardine (125 g) 1,500 1,500 0 Tomatoes (1 kg) 1,250 1,250 0 Deli sardine (125 g) 1,250 1,250 0 Cucumbers (1 kg) 2,000 1,500 -25 Milo sardine (125 g) 1,400 1,400 0 Bananas (1 kg) 1,250 1,250 0 Geisha tuna (200 g) 3,200 3,200 0 Lemons (1 kg) 750 400 -46.6 White Bell tuna (200 g) 3,000 2,850 -5 White Diamond tuna Apples (1 kg) 1,750 1,750 0 3,000 3,000 0 (200 g) Potatoes (1 kg) 1,500 800 -46.6 Skipper tuna (185 g) 2,950 2,500 -15.2 Source: Information International Eggs (30 eggs) 8,000 6,500 -18.8

Beef (1 kg) 14,000 14,000 0

Lamb (1kg) 22,000 22,000 0

issue 130 | May 2013 50| Did you know that?

Impulse Shopping

88% of all impulse purchases are made 2 to 5% of adults in developed Western because an item is on sale. economies are affected by impulse shopping Jewelry and sports equipment items are problems and suffer from distress and financial bought on impulse more than body care and issues. footwear products. 53% is the decreased rate of compulsive 13% is the decline in impulse purchases buying when people shop with the purpose of during a planned shopping trip. buying immediate needs or forgotten items. 44% of shoppers who choose to drive rather Households of young unmarried adults with than walk to shopping stores are more likely to higher incomes do 45% more unplanned make an unplanned purchase. buying than older, married households. Impulse purchases at brick and mortar stores 23 % is the increased rate of unplanned are heavily influenced by the sights, sounds, purchasing when the shopping trip itself is and smells within the store. unplanned. 60% of females have made an impulse purchase in the past year. Ref: http://milo.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Impulse-Buys- Draft.png

Beirut International Airport  Beirut International Airport  Airport Traffic- March 2013

The number of passengers (arriving, Traffic at Rafic Hariri International Airport in March 2013 compared to Table 1 departing and in transit) that went through February 2013 and March 2012 the Rafic Hariri International Airport during % of change % of change the month of March was 502,923, i.e. an February March March Traffic February/ March 2012/ increase of 24.5% from the previous one, 2013 2013 2012 and 16.2% from the same month of last year. March 2013 March 2013 The total number of passengers during Arriving Airplanes 2,141 2,708 2,512 +26.5 +7.8 the first quarter of the current year reached 1,370,863, compared to 1,242,379 from the Departing Airplanes 2,146 2,692 2,518 +25.5 +6.9 same period of the previous year, increasing Total no. of airplanes 4,287 5,400 5,030 +26 +7.3 by 128,484 passengers, or by 10.3%. The movement of exports and imports Arriving passengers 192,003 237,995 223,254 +24 +6.6 through the airport has been showing Departing passengers 210,514 263,372 204,670 +25.1 +28.7 an increase due to the difficulties of land transportation through Syria. The month Transit passengers 1,451 1,556 4,893 +7.2 -68.2 of March showed an increase of 44.5% Total no. of passengers 403,968 502,923 432,817 +24.5 +16.2 compared to the same time in 2012. Table 1 illustrates the airport traffic for the Imported goods (per ton) 4,449 5,954 4,065 +33.8 +46.5 month of March 2013, in comparison with Exported goods (per ton) 2,592 3,470 2,455 +33.8 +41.3 the traffic from February 2013 and with that of March 2012. Total amount of goods 7,041 9,424 6,520 +33.8 +44.5 Source: Information International and the Directorate General of Aviation Stats & Numbers |51

SNumberstats& Publications

1 365 845 is the number of Publications by Kutub (in Arabic): Publications by Information International (in Arabic): tourists and visitors who came to 1- Al-Wasita Ila Ma’rifat Ahwal Malta & Kashf Al-Mukhabba’e ‘An Funun Europa. 1- Salaries and Remunerations in the Public Sector Lebanon in 2012 compared to 2- Public Seaside Properties 2- The Memoirs of Juliette El-Mir Saadeh 1 655 051 in 2011, i.e. down by 3- Lebanon’s Parliamentary History 1920-2000 3- As-Saq ‘Ala As-Saq fi ma Huwa Al-Fariaq 4- Taxes and Fees 289 000 visitors. 4- Rihlati Fi Al-Jazirah Al-Arabiyyah Al-Wusta, 5- Lebanon in Figures 1992-2002 Hamad, Sammar, Qacim, Hedjaz 1878-1882. 6- Lebanon in Figures 2003-2004 [Voyage Dans L’Arabie Centrale.] 7- Lebanon in Figures 2005-2006 is the 8- Lebanon in Figures 2007-2008 USD 5740 million 5- Al-Shi’ir Ind Al-Badu (Bedouin Poetry) value of the diverse petroleum 9- Lebanon’s MPs and Lebanese Parliamentary 6- Rihlati Fi Bilad Al-Rafidayn wa Iraq Al’Arab Elections 1960 - 2009 products imported by Lebanon [Utazasom Mesopatamiaban és Irak-Arabiaban] 10- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, in 2012compared to USD 4331 in 7- Laqatat Mughayira: Al-Tasweer Al-Mahalli candidate and confession-North District Al-Mubker Fi Filasteen. 1850-1948. 11- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, 2011. This increase is due to the candidate and confession-Beirut District 8- Fi Khidmat Al-Watan. Mukhtarat Min Al-Watha’iq 12- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, rise in consumption from 4 Al-Khassa Lil ‘Amir Farid Shehab. candidate and confession-Mount Lebanon District 871 000 tons to 5 861 000 tons. 9- Matbakh Baytna 13- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, 10- Antoun Saadeh Wa Al-Hizb Al-Souri Al-Qawmi candidate and confession-Beqa’a District Al-Ijtima’i Fi Awraq Al-Amir Farid Shehab 14- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate 800 000 tons of fuel were and confession-South and Nabatiyeh District Al-Mudir Al-’Am Li Al-‘Amn Al-’Am Al-Lubnani. 15- Municipal Elections 2010 transferred from Lebanon to 11- Mudhakarat Dhabet ‘Uthmani Fi Najd 12- Qasami ... Wasiyyati Mudhakarat. Syria in 2012 by legal means or Publications by INMA (in Arabic): through smuggling. [Memoirs of Deeb Kirdiyeh.] 13- Trablous Al-Sham 1- “I am Responsible, All of Us are Responsible” 2- “Our Environment is Our Home” 14- Jeniyat Al-Nabi 3- “My Society is My Responsibility” LBP 301.5 million is the 15- Mokhber Al-Konsoliya 4- “My Society is My Responsibility” Workbook contribution offered by the 16- Antoun Saadah 1932-1949 5- “I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards State Building” 17- Antoun Saadah, A Biography, Lebanese government to 6- “I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards subsidize the Lebanese- Volume 1. The Youth Years State Building” Workbook 18- The Face of the Prophet, 7- “Lebanon Wars, why?” Palestinian Dialogue Project. Khalil Gibran and the Portraits of the Temple of Arts 8- Discrimination in Lebanon 19- May Ziadeh, Evolution of a free female thinker LBP 650 million is the value 20- USA in the Middle East of the contract signed by the 21- Alone Together 22- Mission in Hijaz - Lion Roche Ministry of Environment with 23- Aleppo Cuisine two consultants to follow up 24- From An-Nabk to Florida the implementation of the solid 25- Institution of Aesthetic Discourse -Saad el-Kassab waste management project. 26- Al A’mal Al She’rya Al-Kamila -Kamal Keir beik

LBP 20.6 billion is the annual operation and maintenance cost To Subscribe: of the Rafik Hariri University City Al-Borj Building, 4th Floor, Martyrs Square Beirut Central District in Hadath, i.e. an average of LBP Telephone: 961-1-983008/9 961-3-262376 1.7 billion per month. Fax: 961-1-980630 [email protected] www.iimonthly.com www.information-international.com © Information International SAL All rights reserved License No. 180/2003

Complete Poetic Works by Kamal Khayr Bayk

The author published the first edition of his collection of poems entitled The Volcano in 1960. A second edition containing a few additional poems followed in 1989. The other four divans included in this volume have been collected, organized, and given titles by a number of his friends. The poems forming these divans were written by the author on random paper snippets throughout different stages that preceded his assassination in Beirut on November 4, 1980.

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