Undp and the Ministry of Social Affairs Who Pays What ?

issue number 118 |May 2012 LEBANON’S MUNICIPALITIES AND THE INDEPENDENT MUNICIPAL FUND GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF STATE SECURITY “THE MONTHLY” INTERVIEWS

www.iimonthly.com Published by Information International sal CYNTHIA NOUHRA

UNDP AND THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS WHO PAYS WHAT ?

4 UNDP AND THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS

7 LEBANON’S MUNICIPALITIES AND THE INDEPENDENT MUNICIPAL FUND

9 MINISTRY OF LABOR BUILDING

10 THE 1972 LEBANESE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS (1)

12 DUAL NATIONALITY DRAFT LAW

13 CONTRACTING RETIRED PUBLIC SERVANTS P: 24 P: 12 14 HARVEST OF THE 2011 PARLIAMENTARY WORK

15 GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF STATE SECURITY

18 MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE IN LEBANON

20 CREMATION AND PRIVATE CEMETERIES

21 MEDICAL HARMS, SCREENING HARMS, & NOCEBO EFFECTS: DR. HANNA SAADAH

22 THE CODE OF LIFE: ANTOINE BOUTROS

23 THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF THE P: 18 IMPORTANCE OF VIRGINITY IN WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE EAST: DR. MICHEL NAWFAL

24 INTERVIEW: CYNTHIA NOUHRA 41 STANCE ON BKERKE’S POSITIONS 26 A NATIONAL FLOWER FOR LEBANON 42 MARCH 2012 HIGHLIGHTS 27 NOBEL PRIZES IN CHEMISTRY (2) 46 KUWAITI PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 30 AJIALOUNA ASSOCIATION

32 POPULAR CULTURE 47 REAL ESTATE PRICES IN LEBANON - MARCH 33 DEBUNKING MYTH #57: VENTING ANGER 2012

34 MUST-READ BOOKS: MY STORY 48 FOOD PRICES - MARCH 2012

35 MUST-READ CHILDREN’S BOOK: EXPRESSIVE 50 THE PALESTINIAN DEMOGRAPHY AROUND STORIES FOR THE YOUTH THE WORLD

36 LEBANON FAMILIES: AKKAWI FAMILIES 50 BEIRUT RAFIC HARIRI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - MARCH 2012 37 DISCOVER LEBANON: ANOUT 51 LEBANON STATS 38 CIVIL STRIFE INTRO (3) |EDITORIAL RASS EL ABED In what follows, we publish the introduction of the save he who dies at the hands of the book Discrimination in Lebanon from the series “Bee” Syrian army and one may become for civil education, published in 2008 by Information oblivious of a Chidiac member who was International and Inma Association. The Monthly judged killed by the Israeli airforce during his it advisable to highlight this introduction, especially work at LBC… and perhaps those are victims only in following the skirmishes witnessed on Monday 16 April the eyes of their parents and in ours, we, who did not hail 2012 at “Bi Mawdouiyeh” talk show hosted by Walid any Za’im or foreign country… One may also condemn Abboud on MTV. or glorify Samir Kuntar… And perhaps all these are indicators of discrimination and fanaticism… but to “Rass el Abed1”, “Festoq el Abeed2” and “Ma call MTV’s talk show “Bi Mawdouiyeh”, introducing Testakredni3” “I am not sure whether the company, which launched the to question May Chidiac’s moral disposition daring famous “Rass el Abed”, a favorite treat of the children her to come clean on what she was “doing” before the in the1960s, was racist or not when it chose the name. explosion…”? This is self-abasement at its lowest. Similarly, changing “Rass el Abed” later to “Tarboush Would this question have been raised if the victim had Ghandour” does not necessarily erase the racist overtones been a male? Should the focus be on what the victim marring our society. I believe that we, the connaisseurs of was thinking or doing before he/she was attacked or “Rass el Abed” and the devoted fans of the “Hajj”, who rather on the condemnation of the attack itself? many preferred to call “Dekkanji4”, did not know at the Sadly, racism and fanaticism are not only restricted to “Festoq el Abeed” and “Rass el Abed”, but expand to form of racism. We also used to couple the “Sudanese ! Festoq” (Sudanese peanuts) with a “black man” who used to roast the peanuts at the Burj Square, and those peanuts still are called “Festoq el Abeed” (Niggers’ peanuts).

Many do not deem themselves racist when they make racial comments, and rarely do they realize how discriminatory and intolerant most of their practices are.

“Black nigger”, “Christian…”, “Sri Lankan…”, “Khaliji…”, “Palestinian…”, “Egyptian…”, as well as “handicapped” are all words that are often meant to carry negative or inferior connotations. These descriptions are but a few entries in our racist dictionary for we, the “outstanding Christians”, the “Shia’a majority”, and the “not-very-few Sunnis”, have agreed to be racist while at the same time, ironically, preaching freedom and human rights. Could the ardent Lebanese enlighten us on the meaning of the expressions “Don’t treat me like a Kurd” (Ma testakredni) or “Armenian from Burj Hammoud”? The Bee series introduces this book as another step towards statehood and the building of a new Lebanon.” The Monthly"#!$ %&#' This is how the introduction was concluded and Social Nationalist Party, in response to Jawad Adra’s continuing on similar lines: *++5 7;+7! < “One may hate May Chidiac, (if there is room in one’s included the following: heart for hatred) and may agree or not with what she “Mr. Jawad Adra stated in his article the following: “This says… One may care little about the death of any “Ali”, is how Jean Aziz narrated the events he encountered the day Al-Assir and his allies took to the streets in Martyrs’ Square, thus prompting a counter protest staged by the 1 Rass el Abed: Nigger’s head Baath Party and the SSNP... “. 2 Festoq el Abeed: Nigger’s peanuts As a matter of fact, the SSNP did not call for or participate 3 Ma testakredni: Don’t treat me like a Kurd 4 Dekkanji: Shopkeeper =! 4 | LEADER UNDP AND THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS WHO PAYS WHAT?

Many agreements have been signed over the past few decades between the United Nations and some Lebanese ministries. The two parties have joined hands, through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other UN agencies, to provide the funds necessary for the management and execution of projects that enhance the quality of life for people and champion the poor and the disadvantaged in the marginalized areas. The cooperation has also Ministry of Social Affairs was one of the parties which established a number of agreements with the United Nations represented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

A UN mission visited Lebanon in September 1996 to review the national population program and develop population strategies under the administration of the UNFPA. The mission carried out an evaluation study of the population and proposed a 4-year national program aimed at helping the Lebanese government through two programs:

1. Population and Development Strategies in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs. The budget allocated for this program stands at LBP 500 project in addition to USD 75,000 donated in-kind million and is covered equally by the UNFPA and while the share of the UNFPA stood at USD 540,000. the Ministry. The Cabinet approved the extension of the project and the contracts of those working on it until 2009. 2. Sexual and Reproductive Health/ Family Planning in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs. Sexual and Reproductive Health Program The budget allocated for this program stands at LBP The project included seven employees and lasted for 21 6.563 billion of which LBP 4.337 billion are covered months, from April 2005 until December 2006, during by the UNFPA and LBP 2.225 by the Ministry of which the Ministry of Social Affairs contributed USD Social Affairs. 334,000 against USD 102,500 granted by the UNFPA. The project was also extended until 2009 following the The Cabinet approved pursuant to decision No. 69 dated approval of the Cabinet. November 12, 1997 the signing of the agreements with the UN and the allocation of the necessary funds for them. Upon the expiry of the two programs, the Cabinet decided to extend the agreements for another four years by virtue of decision No. 2 issued on November 28, 2002 as follows:

Population and Development Strategies Program The duration of the project was set at 49 months, starting in December 2002 and expiring in December 2006. The contribution of the Ministry of Social Affairs has reached USD 500,000 throughout the

issue 118 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. LEADER | 5

Purpose of the project The Sexual and Reproductive Health project aims in its Development of a guidebook detailing the practical current cycle (2002-2006) at improving the quality of steps for the management and execution of life for the Lebanese through: awareness campaigns: USD 5,000 Improving the status of reproductive health Production of educational media materials and Q=XX adolescent messages focused on sexual and Achieving a balance between population dynamics reproductive health: USD 36,000 and development strategies Specialized training sessions for the project employees: USD 8,000 It is worthwhile noting that the national program Instructive seminars on media strategies- education for reproductive health will focus its activity and and communication through conferences: USD intervention on those disadvantaged areas for which 10,000 recommendations and work plans reached the World Workshop aimed at raising the awareness of service & = "Y = providers on the youth’s sexual and reproductive meetings need to be put into effect. A set of adequate health at the quality service centers. The workshop indicators was tailored to measure the impacts of the targets around 50 doctors, nurses and midwives: project and evaluate its success. They are the following: USD 10,000 Lower mother mortality rates Instructive workshop for workers in visual media Lower infant mortality rates on the youth’s sexual and reproductive health: USD Lower total fertility rates 8,000 Higher human development index Marketing and advertising regional meetings to Higher gender human development index develop educational media materials: USD 15,000 Higher female adult literacy rates IT equipment: USD 2,500 Lower HIV prevalence rates for those between 15 Audio-visual equipment: USD 4,000 and 24 years old Auditing and accounting: USD 1,200 per year i.e. Lower poverty rates USD 3,600 for a 3-year long project Telecommunications and others: USD 1,500

The total contribution of the UNFPA reached USD 175,000 or USD 58,333 per year. The funds granted by the UNFPA over three“ years stand at USD 175,000 i.e USD 58,333 per year ” Details of the UNFPA contribution The funds granted by the UNFPA over three years stand at USD 175,000 and are distributed as follows: <"[=\] USD 6,000 Technical support team: USD 4,000 Part-time project coordinator: USD 9,600 Administrative services employee: USD 4,800 Local experts: USD 6,000 <=XXXY" and one on the youth’s approach towards sexual and reproductive health: USD 16,000 Evaluation of the media and documentation project: USD 5,000 Production of an educational play for the youth: USD 20,000

issue 118 | May 2012 6 | LEADER

Details of the Lebanese government’s =X%]_ contribution thanks to those two programs? Would the situation The share paid by the Lebanese government is USD have been worse without the programs? Did they 302,820 and distributed as follows: achieve the aspired results? Is there anyone in charge Transportation and living expenses for the local of questioning or evaluating the feasibility of those team: USD 3,550 programs and all the other programs co-funded by the Salary of the local technical director: USD 56,750 Lebanese government and the international agencies? (i.e. USD 2,270 per month throughout the 25-month period) Three coordinators tasked with carrying out all Contribution of the Lebanese government to the project activities: USD 81,830 UNDP support projects to the ministries and Accountant: USD 21,000 public agencies in Lebanon Administrative assistant: USD 21,750 Driver: USD 24,000 <X Contracts with NGOs and local organizations to government to the UNDP in 2012 stands roughly promote awareness campaigns: USD 35,500 at LBP 10 billion distributed over the following Various regional workshops targeting the youth and ministries and agencies: civil societies Awareness meetings targeting the locals, the spiritual Ministry of State for Administrative leaders, the police and the press: USD 15,000 i.e. Development: LBP 3 billion USD 2,000-2,500 per meeting Parliament: LBP 450 million Regional workshop aimed at exchanging expertise Ministry of Finance: LBP 2.1 billion in the presence of the representatives of six to seven Ministry of Education and Higher Education: Arab countries: USD 23,440 LBP 1.2 billion Ministry of Economy and Trade: LBP 1.350 While many believe that the United Nations is the billion X^"X Ministry of Energy and Water: LBP 225 million state clearly that the Lebanese government undertakes Ministry of Environment: LBP 1.750 billion over half of the total expenditure. The spending of such exorbitant amounts every year entails consideration

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LEBANON’S MUNICIPALITIES AND THE INDEPENDENT MUNICIPAL FUND LBP 468 BILLION FOR 989 MUNICIPALITIES Most of Lebanon’s municipalities, namely those that are newly established or those in small towns limited to the shares channeled to them by the Independent Municipal Fund. Thus, the municipalities become incapable of performing the minimum duties expected of them and the bulk of their funds goes towards the cleaning services provided by Sukleen. This article will explore the municipal facts in Lebanon and the distribution of the revenues of the Independent Municipal Fund. Distribution of municipalities over the Qada’as Number of municipalities and Mohafazat Table 1 Lebanon’s municipalities totaled 904 in the 1998 # of # of # of elections. This number grew to 964 in the elections Mohafaza/Qada’a municipalities municipalities towns and # 7;+; `{` in 1998 in 2012 villages beginning of April 2011. The new municipalities were Western Beqa’a 28 31 35 established mainly in the Qada’a of Akkar and the South Mohafaza 133 143 176 Qada’a of Baalbeck while the number of municipalities Saida 42 47 53 remained stable in the Qada’as of Baabda, Zgharta, Sour 56 60 68 Koura, Rashayya and Marjeyoun. The municipalities Jezzine 35 36 55 are distributed over the Qada’as and Mohafazat as Nabatieh Mohafaza 115 117 131 shown in Table 1. Nabatieh 38 39 41 Marjeyoun 26 26 33 Distribution of municipalities over the Qada’as Hasbayya 15 16 21 and Mohafazat Table 1 Bint Jbeil 36 36 36 # of # of # of Mohafaza/Qada’a municipalities municipalities towns and Beirut Mohafaza 1 1 1 in 1998 in 2012 villages Total 904 989 1,407 Mount Lebanon Mohafaza 304 315 480 Source: Information International according to the Chouf 72 74 96 decisions of establishment of municipalities issued by the Aley 55 56 72 Interior Minister and the Administrative Organization Law. Baabda 45 45 63 Kessrouan 48 52 70 A close examination of the above table reveals that there are 418 towns and villages that still lack municipal Matn 48 51 96 councils. In the Qada’as of Rashayya, Bint Jbeil and Byblos 36 37 83 Tripoli, each town or village has its own municipal North Mohafaza 212 256 384 council. Likewise, the presence of municipalities Tripoli 3 3 3 is evident in the majority of the towns and villages Batroun 22 26 67 distributed in the Qada’as of Saida, Sour, Nabatieh, Bsharri 11 12 21 Hasbayya and Marjeyoun. As for the Qada’as of Zgharta 31 31 50 Byblos, Matn, Batroun, Zgharta, Akkar and Hermel, Akkar 86 117 148 municipal activity is restricted to a limited number of Mennieh-Dennieh 25 33 50 their towns and villages. Koura 34 34 45 Beqa’a Mohafaza 139 157 235 Revenues of the Independent Municipal Fund Baalbeck 53 65 103 The Independent Municipal Fund secures its revenues Hermel 4 6 32 from customs duties and fuel taxes collected by the Rashayya 26 26 26 government and distributed to each municipality based Zahle 28 29 39 !<}X

issue 118 | May 2012 8 | PUBLIC SECTOR from year to year as shown in Table 2, but the main The remaining sum, LBP 391.2 billion, goes to problem is the delay, sometimes of several years, municipalities and breaks down as follows: in distributing these funds, which are usually paid 90% is distributed to the municipalities based at intervals after paying the dues to Sukleen, which on population and taxes. 78% of those allocated constitute the largest portion of the municipalities’ is based on the number of registered population funds. in the relevant civil status registers and the remaining 22% distributed is based on the total of the direct taxes collected by each municipality Evolution of the distributed revenues of the Table 2 IMF during the two years prior to the year of Year Distributed revenues (LBP distribution billion) 10% is distributed equally to all the municipalities 1996 51 with a registered population of no more than 400 1997 190 people. 1998-1999 400 2000 100 Shares 2001 200 The shares channeled to each municipality differ according to the aforementioned criteria. The 2002 200 Municipality of Beirut is allocated the highest amount 2003 250 of funds while Tripoli receives the second-highest 2004 200 share. Table 3 shows the major shares granted in 2010. 2005 220 2006 290 Distribution of the major shares in 2010 Table 3 2007 280 Municipality Share (LBP billion) 2008 300 Beirut 67 2009 400 Tripoli 16.9 2010 468 Zahle 5.9 Source: Decrees of the distribution of the IMF revenues Saida 5.5 ' ~} "Y Ghobeiry 4.6 mentioned years Jdayde 4 Mina 3.9 Revenue distribution criteria Burj Hamoud 3.7 Decree No. 1917 dated April 6, 1979 and its amendments determined the mechanism adopted regarding the Baalbeck 3.1 distribution of the Independent Municipal Funds Sour 2.9 revenues. The 2010 revenues were divided as follows: Jounieh 2.4 ]'~}Q!7;+; LBP 56.160 billion or 12% of the IMF total revenues were allocated to the municipalities’ unions. Those <X break down as follows: Municipal Fund in addition to the revenues collected 60% is distributed according to the number of through telecommunications, electricity and water bills registered population within the scope of the and those earned from the fees of construction permits municipalities of the unions. 40% is distributed relatively according to the employees and most of the municipalities remain in number of municipalities that form each union and dire need for real development plans and strategies. serve development projects. Was the increasing number of municipalities another example of squander of public money? Or were the LBP 411.8 billion or 88% of the IMF total revenues municipalities themselves responsible for scattering were allocated to the municipalities as follows: their dreams of development? 5% or LBP 20.5 billion is the share of the Civil Defense Independent Fund

issue 118 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. PUBLIC SECTOR | 9

MINISTRY OF LABOR BUILDING: RENT OR APPROPRIATION?

Lebanon’s Ministry of Labor has its headquarters in the Shiyyah real estate zone. The building, which the Ministry is currently renting, was constructed initially for residential, not administrative use, not to mention that it is located outside the capital, thus constituting a violation of law. Since 2005, the Ministry has been demanding to move its headquarters to a new building constructed on a state-owned property or to rent or purchase another building suitable for the work of the Ministry. Condition of the current building Rental cost <#RX" The agreements governing the rental of the Ministry of and a basement, which serves as a storehouse. It spreads X' across 2100 m2 and is rented for LBP 85,045,567 that are amended every three years with either an million per annum. increase or a decrease in rent. However, due to the momentum witnessed in the real estate market, the rent Staff kept rising over the years and the rental costs which The staff of the building includes 132 employees stood at LBP 595 million in 2004 soared to LBP 758 "=] million in 2012 including the cost of refurbishing the ]` Shiyyah building. ]77 <]7 The following table shows the evolution of rents from ]+{ 2004 to 2012: ]+{ []+7 Year Rent (LBP million) International Labor Organization (ILO) 2004 595 2006 600 The Ministry of Labor is also responsible for paying an 2007 600 75{;;; '"= 2008 600 Center building in Sanayi’. 630 (including restoration 2009 cost) 2010 758 2011 758 2012 758 Source: Laws and draft laws of the public budgets

Between rent and appropriation, the balance tilts in favor of the former option and the government continues to pay extravagant amounts that are likely to increase every three years. Above all, what is the space +7 out their duties and thus serve the citizens, and is it possible to rent a smaller building to save money until a new building is constructed?

issue 118 | May 2012 10 | PUBLIC SECTOR

THE 1972 LEBANESE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS (1) NORTH ELECTIONS

The spring of 1972 was marked by the last parliamentary elections prior to the 1975 civil strife and the subsequent interruption of the democratic process until late 1992. The deputies elected for a ! "!! elections that followed, and the current Parliament still includes two of the 1997 deputies: Abdul Latif Zein (deputy for Nabatieh) and Boutros Harb (deputy for Batroun).

The 1972 elections witnessed many alliances and Omar Bissar: 3,994 votes rivalries and were fraught with victories and losses. Asaad Bort (Greek Orthodox): 3,014 votes Some candidates re-ran in the 1992 elections while Individual candidates included: others were not fortunate or did not live long enough to Mohammad Ali Donawi: 4,190 votes stand as candidates anew. Fawaz Moukaddam: 1,911 votes From this issue onwards, The Monthly will start Khaldoun Naja: 1,097 votes publishing the facts and events of the parliamentary Khaled Ismail: 1,009 votes elections that took place in 1972, 1968, 1964 and 1960 Mohammad Hamza: 678 votes X!<=\ Mohammad Nabolsi: 357 votes the 1972 North electoral districts. Bahaa Nasr: 330 votes 1- Tripoli district ~]+;" The number of seats allocated for this district was "=X The Arab Liberation List emerged victorious in Tripoli’s the Greek Orthodox. There were 21 Sunni and 5 Greek elections, save for the candidate Abdul Ghani Abdul Orthodox candidates while the number of voters was Wahhab who was beaten by the candidate supported 71,022 of whom 38,464, i.e. 54.1%, cast their ballots. by the Iraqi Baath Party, Abdul Majid Rafei. Mr. Rafei There were four competing lists in Tripoli: also came ahead of Rashid Karami and gained the Arab Liberation List included: X"X<R Rashid Karami: 16,974 votes and most-preferred candidate. Amin al-Hafez: 14,940 votes Hachem Husseini: 14,306 votes 2- Zgharta district Abdul Ghani Abdul Wahhab: 13,912 votes Three Maronite seats were preserved for the Zgharta Maurice Fadel (Greek Orthodox): 13,954 votes district. The number of voters in Zgharta reached National Progressive List included: 36,391 of whom 15,715 or 42.6% cast their ballots. The Abdul Majid Rafei: 17,517 votes President of the Republic, Suleiman Frangieh (born in Mostafa Saydawi: 10,900 votes Zgharta) played a major role in forming a coalition Ahmad Ahdab: 10,994 votes electoral list consisting of a number of Zgharta’s Khaled Alouch: 10,090 votes families. All three seats were won by the list which Jibrael Khlat (Greek Orthodox): 12,341 votes included: Tripoli’s Independent List included: Tony Frangieh (son of the President): 10,089 votes Farouk Moukaddam: 7,790 votes René Moawad: 8,837 votes Rashid Derbas: 4,445 votes Father Samaan Doueihi: 7,918 votes Nicolas al-Shawi: 7,609 votes Tripoli’s List included: Three independent candidates backed by some of Kbouli Al-Zawk: 2,787 votes Zgharta’s families ran against Frangieh’s coalition list. Momtaz Moukaddam: 5,371 votes They were: Saadallah Shaaban: 2,376 votes Qabalan Hamid Frangieh (nephew of the President): 4,410 votes issue 118 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. PUBLIC SECTOR | 11

Asaad Youssef Karam: 4,582 votes Hassan Dandashli (Sunni): 857 votes Simon Boulos: 3,084 votes vSabri Abdo (Maronite): 906 votes 3- Bsharri district 5- Dennieh district Bsharri district had two Maronite seats. It included The Dennieh district included two Sunni seats and 28,000 voters of whom 10,877 or 38.9% cast their 18,891 (69%) out of 37,367 voters cast their ballots for ballots. The elections in Bsharri took the form of a the two competing lists: familial battle. The lists were the following: List #1 included: Cedar’s List included: Mershed al-Samad: 10,129 votes Habib Kairouz: 4,558 votes Saleh Kheir: 9,545 Youssef Tawk: 3,692 votes List #2 included: Green Lebanon List included: Ahmad Fadel: 8,263 votes Gibran Tawk: 4,798 votes Mohammad Tobbou: 8,037 votes Qabalan Issa Khoury: 4,399 votes Individual candidates included: Phalange Party List included: Mohammad Ammar; 1,044 votes Antoine Mouarbes: 2,133 votes Ezzedine Alameddine: 106 votes Boutros Sokkar: 1,981 votes List #1 won the elections in the Dennieh district. The elections resulted in the victory for Habib Kairouz and Gibran Tawk. 6- Koura district Two Greek Orthodox seats were allocated to the district 4- Akkar district of Koura. The number of voters stood at 43,894 of The Akkar district was granted four seats of which two whom 15,691 or 35.7% cast their ballots. The elections were Sunni, one Maronite and one Greek Orthodox. featured the Phalange Party-backed Ghosn-Hakeem There were 77,100 eligible voters in Akkar with 35,702 list against the Saadeh-Boulos list supported by the or 46.3% casting their ballots. The electoral competition Syrian Social Nationalist Party. The former list won the involved three complete lists, each consisting of four elections and the results broke down as follows: "! Bakhos Hakeem: 8,112 votes The elections ended with the victory for the Liberty Fouad Ghosn: 7,947 votes List supported by President Suleiman Frangieh and Abdullah Saadeh: 6,639 votes including his son-in-law Abdullah al-Rassi, and noting Philippe Boulos: 6,147 votes that the second rival list consisted of three candidates in Fouad Bourji: 1,618 votes addition to Abdullah al-Rassi who gained the majority of votes in Akkar. 7- Batroun district Liberty List included: The Batroun district was granted two seats by the Abdullah al-Rassi (Greek Orthodox): 24,156 votes Maronite victory. There were 34,500 eligible voters Suleiman al-Ali: 17,526 votes in Batroun with 17,958 or 52% casting their ballots. Talal al-Mer’bi: 14,469 votes The Batroun elections were stamped by a familial and Mikhael Daher (Maronite): 13,431 votes =!< Bashir al-Othman List included: list supported by the Phalanges Party won the two seats Mostafa Bashir al-Othman: 12,273 votes and included: Bahij al-Qadour: 12,187 votes Boutros Harb: 8,425 votes Michel Daher (Maronite): 10,858 votes George Saadeh: 7,600 votes List of the People included: List #2 included: Fouad Awad (Maronite): 8,186 votes Sayed Akl: 7,382 votes Mohammad Baarini: 7,784 votes Manoel Youness: 6,524 votes Khaled Saghi (Greek Orthodox): 7,575 votes List #3 included: Mohammad Melhem: 4,365 votes Emile Najm: 2,590 votes Independent candidates included: Wassim Harb: 1,379 votes Yaacoub al-Sarraf (Greek Orthodox): 2,685 votes Individual candidate Khalil Nader (Maronite): 2,317 votes Khalil Tarabay: 1,033 votes Ramez Yaacoub (Greek Orthodox): 1,043 votes

issue 118 | May 2012 12 | PUBLIC SECTOR DUAL NATIONALITY DRAFT LAW WILL THE LEBANESE POPULATION GROW TO 15 MILLION? How many Lebanese are there: 5, 10 or 15 million? Answers to this question differ depending on political and sectarian considerations. Numerical data shows an undisputed fact: the number of the residents and expats holding Lebanese nationality has reached around 4.9 million at the beginning of 2012. However, the number of descendants hailing from unknown Lebanese origins is subject to various estimations and stands somewhere between 5 and 10 million or more. Those are the descendants of Lebanese expatriates who left Lebanon during different eras in 1860, during the First World War or the 1975 civil strife. Those expatriates delayed in the registration of their children and failed, due to deliberate or inadvertent reasons, to keep their Lebanese nationality. Granting citizenship In 1923, the Christians counted as high as 60% of the = Lebanese population while the Muslims made up the " = remaining 40%. Nowadays, the trend is reversed with mechanism of application for citizenship in Lebanon the Muslims forming 60% of the population and the and abroad. Christians 40%. In light of this demographic imbalance, many voiced the need for a law that grants expatriates <= the right to recover their citizenship since most of the approval by the Cabinet is merely a cosmetic measure immigrants were Christian in the early immigration as a means of avoiding responsibility. How many movement. Granting them the Lebanese nationality people will regain their Lebanese nationality? Will would thus re-establish the balance and increase their there be more Christians or Muslims among them? numbers compared to those of the Muslims. Will the Lebanese population grow to 15 million? Will [="}\ what do women have to say about a law that grants nationality to the bloodline of the father, but not the The number of descendants hailing mother? from“ unknown Lebanese origins is subject to various estimations and stands somewhere between 5 and 10 million or more”

Dual nationality draft law The Cabinet approved on December 12, 2011 a draft law that determined the terms necessary for the recovery of the Lebanese nationality. Any person X==XX to reclaim citizenship: Descendants of Lebanese origins who were present or had fathers or paternal relatives (within the four grades) on the Lebanese territory according to the 1921 statistics and population registry of the Ministry of Interior Descendants who received the Lebanese nationality pursuant to the nationality law issued on January 19, 1925 but neglected its reclamation.

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CONTRACTING RETIRED PUBLIC SERVANTS IS ILLEGAL The Lebanese public service has been witnessing over the past few years an anomalous phenomenon manifested \& transgressors are those at the top of the pyramid: the Presidency of the Republic, the Council of Ministers and Parliament.

The Law " The public servant by-laws issued pursuant to #$! Legislative Decree No. 112 on June 12, 1959 included Parliament] the following articles: the Parliament’s Secretary General despite reaching Article 19, paragraph 4: the salary of public servants retirement age. Former CSC servant Mousa Hobaika shall cease automatically upon their reaching was also re-hired on a contract-basis. retirement age (64 for regular servants and 68 for Cabinet: there were contracting agreements with the judges) even if no decree or decision were issued to retired head of the Civil Service Council, Monther dismiss them from service. al-Khatib, as well as Hisham Shaar (former Cabinet Article 66, paragraph 3: public servants are Secretary General and former ISF Director General) and discharged from service and sent into retirement Othman Dalloul (former Cabinet Secretary General) pursuant to a decree or a decision issued by the authority entitled with their appointment. Their The payments granted to retired state employees service is considered legally expired upon their "X reaching retirement age. their retirement salaries and their new contract pay from Article 68, paragraph 4: public servants who reach the a single source or employer, the Lebanese government. legal retirement age shall naturally leave their posts. " Outstanding decisions " Given the status quo, since 2000 the Civil Service in return for their services and may subject themselves Council has been issuing a number of memorandums to criminal prosecution. Tenure relinquishment is to the public agencies and municipalities under its imperative and shall not await the issuance of a decision authority, urging them not to contract retired state or a decree, for those are but informative documents of employees and to provide the council with a list of their an existing legal fact. Furthermore, the reimbursement names. These suggestions did not come to fruition. of any salaries or provisions in return for any post- retirement services is considered a violation of the The following are included in the topics appearing in Article 12 of the Public Accountability Law. the memos: The continuance of the Director General of Oil in The above are explicit provisions that cannot be subjected assuming the tasks of the head of the Oil Facilities !$="X Committee following his retirement on February abuse of the legal texts and hundreds of retired employees +5 7;;7 X are still serving in their respective administrations or (Director General) entails ipso jure retirement from the other administrations on a contract-basis. Ironically, second post (Head of Committee). those who used to hold supervisory posts (Civil Service The Ministry of Public Works and Transport contracting & = X ! memorandums prohibiting the contracting of retired state employees failed to practice what they preached = = and are now committing the transgressions they once knowledge and expertise of the state administrative challenged. More surprisingly, some are being rehired staff distributed over different grades before their at the Presidency of the Republic, in Parliament and retirement: for example, they could be recruited as &RXXX = the country to the forefront of the offenders. knowledge and expertise or they could teach university students. It would also be worthwhile considering Presidency of the Republic: although sent into amending the retirement age from 65 to 68 in order not retirement a couple of years ago, Brigadier General to break any existing laws.

issue 118 | May 2012 14 | PUBLIC SECTOR

HARVEST OF THE 2011 PARLIAMENTARY WORK 8 GENERAL SESSIONS, 277 MEETINGS AND LBP 1 BILLION PER LAW What did the Lebanese Parliament reap in 2011? How many times did the General Assembly convene? How many laws were approved? And how many sessions did the parliamentary committees hold?

It is well known that the Parliament of Lebanon consists of 128 deputies elected for a four-year term and is vested with legislative power. Article 32 of the Lebanese Constitution promulgated that Parliament =!< <=X#+ shall continue to meet until the end of May. The second X < =X October15 and its meetings shall be reserved to the discussion of, and voting on, the budget before any other work. This session lasts until the end of the year. Parliament may be summoned to extraordinary sessions by a government decree. The number of sessions and meetings of Parliament was neither determined by the Administration and Justice Committee: 83 sessions Constitution nor by the parliamentary bylaw. + 31 ad hoc sessions Public Works and Transport Committee: 42 sessions Parliamentary committees + 14 ad hoc sessions Parliament consists of 16 permanent committees Budget and Finance Committee: 27 sessions + 14 each including 12 to 17 members, except the IT ad hoc sessions Parliamentary Committee, which has only 9 members. National Defense Committee: 29 sessions The committees are tasked with studying the draft laws, Media Committee: 18 sessions which the Speaker refers to each committee according Human Rights Committee: 23 sessions to its specialty, save those that must be submitted to Women and Children Committee: 12 sessions + 4 ! ad hoc sessions Public Health Committee: 7 sessions + 11 ad hoc 2011 parliamentary work sessions The Lebanese Parliament held 8 general sessions National Economy Committee: 6 sessions + 12 ad in 2011, of which four were legislative sessions hoc sessions that approved 71 draft laws, two were dedicated to Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Committee: 5 discussing the ministerial statement and casting a sessions " XX & = Youth and Sports Committee: 4 sessions last session was convened to elect the members of Committee for the Displaced: 3 sessions the parliamentary committees and the Parliamentary Agriculture Committee: 3 sessions Bureau Board. Environment Committee: 2 sessions IT Committee: 0 The parliamentary committees convened 277 sessions in addition to 91 meetings held by ad hoc subcommittees. In light of this limited productivity, Parliament has The Administration and Justice Committee convened failed to approve any budget since 2006 and little, if any, 83 times thus constituting 30% of the total number priority was given to this issue despite its importance. of committees’ sessions while the Public Works <= and Transport Committee held 42 meetings. The IT salaries paid to the deputies are well-deserved earnings Committee was never summoned to meetings while the = Environment Committee convened only twice despite few sessions resulting in 71 laws are really worthy of the serious environmental challenges facing the Lebanon. an annual budget of LBP 70 billion, thus bringing the The sessions per committee were distributed as follows. cost of each law to approximately LBP 1 billion.

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GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF STATE SECURITY A SHIA’A AGENCY WITH MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND MODEST FACILITIES

There were three security agencies in Lebanon since before the civil war and until 1984. These were the Lebanese Army, the General Directorate of General Security and the General Directorate of Internal "'*" over the third agency. Thus, the Shia’a found themselves deprived from running any security or military service. Whereas the Maronites refused to make any concessions or to relinquish one of the two agencies they controlled, a solution was brokered by the then Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Halim Khaddam, during the retreat of Bekfaya and the national dialogue meetings in Geneva and Lausanne in 1983 and 1984 respectively. The solution suggested the formation of a state security agency to be headed by the Shia’a. Establishment The agreements reached in the national dialogue rounds the general directorate. The squad shall carry out its became legally effective pursuant to legislative decree duties in the capacity of judicial police in accordance No. 1 dated September 26, 1984, which amended with the constitution and the laws in force. legislative decree No. 102 (national defense law) issued Coordinating with other security services, such as on September 16, 1983 and stipulated the establishment the General Directorate of General Security, Internal of a general directorate, named the General Directorate Security Forces and Army Intelligence Directorate, of State Security, that falls under the authority of the in matters concerning inquiries and information Higher Defense Council and obeys its president i.e. the exchange President of the Republic. The 1985 legislative decree Setting regular reports in order to inform the Higher No. 39 attached the agency to the Prime Minister as Council of Defense about the general security well by adding the phrase “and its vice president” to and political situation and making appropriate the former decree. suggestions aimed at facing internal and external dangers. Functions The formation decree granted the State Security Furthermore, decree No. 3509 dated May 20, 1993 Directorate a broad spectrum of responsibilities, which, tasked the General Directorate of State Security with if applied and enforced with the requisite facilities, the protection of some dignitaries and authorities would make it one of the strongest security agencies in limited to the former presidents, speakers and prime Lebanon. Those functions include: ministers in addition to the current deputies, ministers, Collecting information concerning internal state ==!< security by the means of special networks covering was amended later to provide security for all the persons the Lebanese territories, in order to remit them to menaced by danger by virtue of a decision issued by the relevant authorities. the Director General of State Security following the Surveillance of the actions of foreign activists approval of the Central Internal Security Council. and their relations with Lebanese parties in what concerns state security. Structure Counter-espionage and countering enemy activities According to its organizational decree No. 2661 in all its different aspects. dated March 9, 1993, the General Directorate of State Preliminary investigations of acts which put Security consists of the Director General, the Deputy at risk internal and external state security. The Director General and the following units: investigations shall be made by one squad or more, < ~ ' commanded by the Internal Security Forces or the scheduling visits and interviews and receiving and ~ distributing mail

issue 118 | May 2012 16 | PUBLIC SECTOR

The Administrative Affairs Division responsible =>+!! X " Grade 2: 9 pertaining to the Directorate and its employees Grade 3: 18 The Personnel Division responsible for managing Grade 4: 100 the personal affairs pertaining to the Directorate’s Grade 5: 100 employees The Service and Information Division responsible for 5-Contract employees: 500 running all the services in the Directorate’s units. The 6- Hourly employees: 100 division has an information room to serve this purpose The Planning Division responsible for creating Escort personnel plans aimed at developing the Directorate’s work The General Directorate of State Security includes The Security Affairs Division responsible for protecting X! < the Directorate’s premises and some VIPs X ^ Regional Directorates (at least one directorate per to protection. There were 357 members performing Mohafaza) responsible for carrying out the duties protection duties in May 1993. This number grew to X = X 860 in December 1993 and it stands today at 1300. for their work. X=X+`` Personnel were: There were 3038 staff members in the General Former Presidents of the Republic: 10 escorts per Directorate of State Security in 1985. Those were president distributed as follows: Former Speakers: 8 escorts per speaker ']+; Former Prime Ministers: 8 escorts per prime QY]; minister Members (soldiers): 1,754 Current ministers: 4 escorts per minister Legal consultants: 2 Current deputies: 2 escorts per deputy "]775 Leaders of Lebanon-based sects: 6 escorts per leader Contract employees: 500 _=]7 Hourly employees: 100 Escorting and protecting former presidents was later The staff numbers were subject to amendments in 1993 assigned to the Army Command by virtue of the and 1998 especially after the Directorate was assigned amendment approved to decree No. 2512 on July to protect political and religious VIPs. +7;;`!<=X The General Directorate of State Security staff includes security service. Those were: today 3,904 members distributed as follows: Current deputies: 4 escorts per deputy Former Deputy Speakers: 4 escorts per deputy "+! speaker Director General (Major General): 1 Former Deputy Prime Ministers: 4 escorts per prime Brigadier General: 6 (including the Deputy Director minister General) Judges: 1 escort for each of the 170 judicial judges Colonel- Lieutenant Colonel- Major: 43 Captain- First Lieutenant- Lieutenant: 71 The Bargain < R ~ # Q = !/+!;< serve as Director General of the General Directorate &_'Y_']+; of State Security upon its establishment in 1984. After Chief Adjutant- Adjutant: 400 Nasser’s retirement, his deputy, attorney Antoine Staff Sergeant- Sergeant: 700 Trabolsi, was appointed as acting Director General. On January 24, 1991, the then Brigadier General Nabih 3- Soldiers Farhat was assigned to this post and the directorate Corporal- Soldier: 1704 witnessed the actual commencement of work during Legal consultant: 2 !Q

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21, 1998 when the authority over this security agency Telecommunications: LBP 1,300 million was transferred to the Catholic sect at the beginning ']; of Emile Lahoud’s presidential term. In exchange, Salaries and allowances: LBP 49.5 billion the Shia’a were accorded the General Directorate of Secret expenses: LBP 2.5 billion General Security with General Jamil Sayyed assuming Technical equipment: LBP 5.2 billion the post of General Director. Many speculated whether Furniture: LBP 200 million this move was aimed at promoting the standing of IT equipment: LBP 160 million the Shia’a or of Jamil Sayyed himself. As a result of Construction and maintenance of administrative the swap, Navy General Edward Mansour became in buildings: LBP 300 million charge of the State Security Directorate and he served Vehicle maintenance: LBP 170 million until May 5, 2005. It was later decided to dissolve the agency altogether and the ISF Brigadier General Elias Kaakati was appointed as acting Director General in ! $=" sectarian quotas or rather the security needs ruled out the decision of cancellation and the role of the General Directorate of State Security was promoted and revived with the appointment of General George Qara’a on May +77;+;!~_%}} at the end of 2010, the issue of returning the General Security to the Maronites and the State Security to the Shia’a was thrust to the forefront of debate especially that the General Security is thought to have greater importance than the State Security. Unfortunately, the discussion of the issue was to no avail and the new formula prevailed thus granting the General Security to the Shia’a with General Abbas Ibrahim as Director General and the State Security to the Catholics.

The powers vested in the General Directorate of State Security put it on a par with the General Security but the shortage of members and the need to borrow from other security agencies in addition to the modest budget which is allocated namely to cover essential \ mere security service. State Security Directorate budget The funds allocated for the General Directorate of State Security in the 2012 draft budget stand at LBP 71.1 billion, of which 70% go to pay employees’ salaries and !<[% rank second with 11% of the total budget, while fuel costs constitute 7.5%. The expenses are distributed as follows: ]+; Administrative supplies (clothing, food): LBP 2,373 million Fuel and spare parts for transport vehicles: LBP 5,366 million Medicines and lab supplies: LBP 1,940 million Electricity: LBP 460 million

issue 118 | May 2012 18 | PUBLIC SECTOR MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE IN LEBANON 33,780 MARRIAGES AND 4,828 DIVORCES

Why is the number of divorces on the rise in Lebanon? Is the institution of marriage at risk of collapse? These questions are often raised by the Lebanese especially given the increasing number of divorces occurring in ! ' show, albeit at a slower rate, that many marriages were recorded in parallel with the increasing number of divorces. Between the years 2000 and 2010, the number of divorces increased from 4,282 to 5,887, thus registering a rise of 37.5% while the marriages rose by 28.2% from 32,564 to 41,758. The divorce rate among marriages was 13.1% in 2000 and went up to 14% by Between the years 2000 and 2010, 7;+;! X X the“ number of divorces increased of divorces cannot be deemed a serious phenomenon from 4,282 to 5,887, thus registering a posing threats to the Lebanese family, and the growth of rise of 37.5% while the marriages rose the marital institution may be described as satisfactory given the fragile economic status in Lebanon, which by 28.2% from 32,564 to 41,758 constitutes a major obstacle delaying or impeding the ” progress of marriages. The following Table 1 shows the number of marriages However, it is worthwhile to note that the number of and divorces per year and their distribution according marriages, which dropped between 2001 and 2006 to the Mohafazat with the Mohafaza of the North but rose up again in 2007, is now recording a sharp registering the highest marriage and divorce rates. decrease. The marriage rates increased by only 2.9% It is worth mentioning that the average number of between 2009 and 2010 compared to 23% between marriages between 2000 and 2010 stood at 33,780 per 2006 and 2007. year against 4,828 divorces.

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Annual # and distribution of marriages according to the Mohafazat Table 1 Total marriage Year contracts Beirut Mount Lebanon North South Nabatieh Beka’a 2000 32,564 4,374 6,653 7,481 4,082 4,350 5,624 2001 32,225 4,780 6,797 7,716 4,202 4,584 4,146 2002 31,653 4,586 7,036 8,566 4,325 4,979 2,161 2003 30,636 4,331 7,042 7,620 4,386 4,995 2,262 2004 30,014 4,361 6,588 8,042 4,140 4,558 2,325 2005 29,705 4,322 6,534 7,889 4,313 4,815 1,832 2006 29,078 4,117 6,150 7,785 4,345 4,334 2,347 2007 35,796 4,056 6,905 7,929 5,131 5,359 6,416 2008 37,593 4,541 7,042 8,721 4,914 5,474 6,901 2009 40,565 4,478 7,497 10,117 5,174 5,579 7,720 2010 41,758 4,444 7,609 10,969 5,099 5,496 8,141 2011 (until September) 32,121 3,466 5,523 8,678 3,837 4,359 6,258

NB: the marriage events include all marriage contracts registered in the Civil Status Directorates, not the religious courts, between Muslims or between Christians in addition to all mixed or civil marriages that occurred abroad. However, most of the divorce contracts occurred among Muslims since the majority of Christian faiths forbid divorce except in some rare cases.

Annual # and distribution of divorces according to the Mohafazat Table 1 Total divorce Year contracts Beirut Mount Lebanon North South Nabatieh Beka’a 2000 4,282 812 598 1,057 592 715 508 2001 4,480 832 700 849 723 889 487 2002 4,060 861 678 820 626 847 228 2003 4,328 832 735 921 728 896 216 2004 4,372 869 789 933 699 874 208 2005 4,746 1,041 795 1,067 775 886 182 2006 4,388 873 713 1,067 690 786 259 2007 5,224 919 813 1,040 831 926 695 2008 5,389 911 959 1,003 791 966 759 2009 5,957 907 958 1,227 956 1,080 829 2010 5,887 993 890 1,281 917 1,004 812 2011 (until September) 4,837 784 744 1,058 692 903 656 Source: Central Statistics Administration

issue 118 | May 2012 20| LAW

CREMATION AND PRIVATE CEMETERIES In its previous issue, The Monthly discussed the legal and practical framework for posthumous organ donation in Lebanon. Continuing on a similar line, and mindful of the principle of freedom of burial, we will discuss in this article to what extent it is possible to adopt procedures that go beyond the bounds of the ordinary and enable individuals to determine the fate of their bodies and the burial rites. To this end, we will explore the rights granted to the establishment of private cemeteries and the cremation of the body.

The right to establish a private cemetery the procedures of cremation does not necessarily mean the XXX" prohibition of such a practice, especially that the individual’s procedures required to establish a private cemetery, the Lebanese right regarding the posthumous disposition of his body is laws have authorized this action through various provisions that preserved and respected as long as it does not stand at odds include the graves, the burial of the dead and the protection of with the public rules and regulations. Article 482 of the public safety. The Legislation and Consultation Committee has Lebanese Penal Code penalizes “those who engage in the expressed its opinion on this issue several times at the request of burial or cremation of a deceased against the legal principles, the concerned ministries. The examination of the opinions and or, who, by any means, violate the laws pertaining to burial documents in question draws the following conclusions: XX! 1- The authority charged with licensing the establishment Thus, we may conclude that cremation is allowed and protected of private cemeteries is the same one responsible by the civil laws as long as it respects the legal standards. But for issuing construction permits, i.e. the head of the how does the cremation process happen in Lebanon in light of municipality, in the areas where there are municipalities, the absence of the legal ruling governing this ritual? or the district commissioner in other areas. The right to cremate dead bodies in Lebanon and the 2- However, the establishment of a private cemetery Middle East rests solely with the American University % Hospital (AUH) morgue. Upon inquiring from the by legislative decree No. 16/l, dated June 30, 1932, X X= taken to ensure the legitimacy and legality of the say rests with the Director General of Health in cremation process, we concluded the following: coordination with the Ministry of the Environment. 3- Thus, on a practical level, the establishment of a the Public Notary "% The person wishing to dispose of his remains by cremation should the head of the municipality where the cemetery would express his wish and intent in a written will prepared by the Public be constructed. In turn, the head of the municipality Notary. He is also required to name the person responsible for must verify the availability of the environmental and "X health requirements imposed to protect public safety the completion of the cremation process. Furthermore, to avoid in coordination with the Director General of Health X =X and the Ministry of Environment. death, it is preferable that the heirs include their express consent to the above in the will. Should the deceased be a foreigner, it The right to cremate the body =""! The rule governing the cremation of the body is evident also In any case, we recommend consulting the hospital for further in the individual’s right to determine the fate of his body at X his own discretion and to impose his will on his family and there is no clear reference to this procedure in the Lebanese laws. society provided that it does not violate the laws in force. The individual has full liberty to decide on the funeral arrangements The need for prior approval from the Public Prosecutor. and the posthumous disposition of his body and he may bind <%X ==X= Prosecutor to execute the will of the deceased. For this end, the this end. Our focal point of interest now is to know whether the body should be transferred to the AUH. The Public Prosecutor Lebanese law consents to the cremation of the body and if so, would then appoint a medical examiner to check the body, what are the measures necessary to carry out this task. ! # Contrary to organ donation, which is given substantial attention of the judicial police should cooperate to ensure a correct under Lebanese law, Lebanon still lacks the legal framework execution of the procedures. Based on the will and the medical X! examiner’s report, and after verifying the identity and capacity does that rule out the possibility of resorting to this option? of the petitioner, the Public Prosecutor gives his approval. The As a matter of fact, the absence of a legal ruling that regulates AUH cremation procedures take two days at the most. issue 118 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. HEALTH|21

MEDICAL HARMS, SCREENING HARMS, |Dr. Hanna Saadah| & NOCEBO EFFECTS

Medical harms are common and unavoidable but can screening tests and procedures, for be minimized if attention is given to proper matching certain age groups and genders, of treatment to patient. Harms may be caused by a) in certain populations where the physician errors, b) patient errors, or c) unavoidable disease frequency tilts the balance conditions. A doctor who makes the wrong diagnosis, in favor of screening. Screening provides the wrong treatment, or neglects to properly for malaria in Africa makes more sense than screening for discharge his duties are examples of physician errors. A it in the USA. Screening for cholesterol and diabetes in patient who does not follow medical advice, who self- overweight populations makes more sense than screening \=X=\ ! < treatments from the wrong type of healthcare providers X are examples of patient errors. A wound infection that needs to make an informed, individual decision based on the occurs after proper surgery, a blood infection that follows [XY%! cancer chemotherapy, a blood clot that goes to the lungs Another medical harm is that which arises from doing after knee replacement, or a pneumonia that comes during tests that are too sensitive to have diagnostic value. Doing a hospital stay are examples of unavoidable conditions. an MRI as the initial step for investigating backache, There are other medical harms, however, which are not especially when surgery is not contemplated, is very costly, as obvious as the three types discussed above. The most highly confusing, and does not tell the doctor what to do. hidden of these is the harm that may result from improper Similarly, an MRI for non-traumatic knee pain-when initial X!\=XX =Y chest x-ray as part of his annual physical exam is found to injections have not yet been tried- is also very expensive, have a lung nodule. Investigating the nodule calls for a lung confusing, and unhelpful. MRIs are the most abused tests biopsy; during the lung biopsy the lung collapses; treating = the collapsed lung with a chest tube causes hemorrhage; and XX[! the results of the biopsy show the nodule to be benign. All Another arcane harm arises from the nocebo effect (the this harm could have been avoided if a chest x-ray was not opposite of the placebo effect), which produces negative X " " outcomes as a result of negative expectations. Both the shown that doing chest x-rays on smokers does not save placebo and nocebo effects result from psychological lives, causes more harm than good, and should not be done. and environmental impacts on the mind, brain, and body For a screening test to be useful, it must do more good of the expectant patient. If one has heard stories about !<R[ } " takes well-designed studies, in the absence of which the would refuse to take it because of fear of harm. This test should not be indiscriminately ordered for screening. may prove doubly harmful because, being unvaccinated, Examples of indiscriminate screening are common and X}!#"\X include over screening—for prostate cancer with the PSA vaccine against one’s convictions might cause a terrible blood test, with mammograms to detect breast cancer, with nocibo effect with fatigue, aches, memory problems, and cardiac scans to measure coronary artery calcium, with depression, none of which is vaccine related. total body scanners to detect occult abnormalities, and with A surgeon could present a surgery as extremely blood tests and scopes to detect hidden disorders. Most dangerous and that might lead to poor results. The people today still believe that screening is both good and same surgeon could present the surgery as safe and the harmless in spite of the fact that, in many situations, this has results might be much better. Reading about a prescribed "XY%! medicine on the Internet, when one is lacking in judgment <X and experience, results in alarm and feeds the nocebo loss, waste of resources, obsessive worry and disruptive effect. Hence, a wise physician should present his [[X\ treatment in a balanced fashion, highlighting its positives caused by x-ray radiation, and physical harms that result without concealing its negatives. Taking time to educate, from procedure (such as ruptured colon during colonoscopy) reassure, and enlighten the patient’s mind will suppress """X"X!< the nocebo effect, amplify the placebo effect, and lead to promulgated guidelines and criteria that sanction certain the best possible outcome.

www.hannasaadah.com - www.information-international.com - [email protected] issue 118 | May 2012 22| EYEING HORIZONS

|Antoine Boutros| THE CODE OF LIFE

Despite the milestones achieved in deciphering the cell and specifying the secret of life and how genetic instructions move from one cell to the next, the mystery of how the genetic instructions are written and read is yet to be unveiled to facilitate the understanding of this meticulous little world teeming with the greatest achievements of nature.

XX _ The conclusion reached through logical reasoning alphabet? How is it programmed and where are its was that the triplet used to create the RNA is codes typed? responsible for encoding this particular amino acid = X The DNA is the keeper of the secret of life and combinations. Cambridge scientists were able to has a braided double-helical structure composed of test those codons and specify their respective amino sugar, phosphate and nitrogenous bases (A. T. G. C). acids while Nirenberg managed to unlock the code The sugar and phosphate make up the sides of the of 51 amino acids, a task completed later by another ladder while the bases point inward to form the rungs. scientist from New York University, Severo Ochoa. Each rung is made up of two bases bound together X X Those interested in examining the 46-triplet code pattern for the sequence of these rungs. Each base is may consult science books and encyclopedias where called a “nucleotide”. The order of base pairs is what =" distinguishes the ladder and gives each structure its than one code. For instance, both of the codons (AAA) aspect of a coded instruction. and (AAG) produce the amino acid phenylalanine. Similarly, the leucine and the serine are encoded by But what is this code made of and how is it written? six different codons each, but a single code cannot We know now that the genetic information is specify more than one DNA. Scientists also discovered present in the DNA and it commands the cell to that some codes are similar to the points which produce proteins, the basic elements of life, or project separate between sentences and others command the physical or physiological features on human beings. commencement and completion of the synthesis in an We also know that the proteins are synthesized in a operation similar to switching the computer on or off component of the cell called “ribosome” through the and using the binary number system. !< These triple codes, codons, are universal i.e. they to the amino acids. The presence of 20 amino acids apply to all the living organisms and have the same eliminates the possibility of a code of one base or X = X even two bases per amino acid because those cannot X YX += according to the names of the four chemical bases: for us. However, using triplets, as suggested by Adenine, Thymine, Guanine and Cytosine or (A. the prominent scientist George Gamov, yields 46 T. G. C). Finally, the DNA carrying all these coded combinations i.e. 46 different codes which are more instructions becomes a whole program governing life. than we actually need. It is worthwhile mentioning that the encoding carried out " formula and decipher the genetic code, until biologist point. If the reading was initiated at a wrong place, the # QX \ sequence would then be faulty thus leading to miscoding XQX!$ which in turn causes a mutation. Despite the contribution discovered that the protein sequences made of three- they offer to the bio-diversity on earth, most mutations unit codons of DNA (AAA) or RNA (UUU) could be result in a disastrous outcome when they occur. translated into the amino acid phenylalanine. Next month: Mistakes and Disasters

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THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF THE IMPORTANCE |Dr. Michel Nawfal| OF VIRGINITY IN WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE EAST MD Mental Health Professional

In traditional societies such as the Middle East, sexuality is usually the topic that parents and educators tend to skip. The lack of open discussion on sexuality led it to develop into a taboo and a source of fear. In turn, this taboo on sexuality invested itself in the huge importance of maintaining one’s virginity. An individual, whether a male or a female, is considered a virgin if they have not engaged in sexual intercourse. However, the domination of patriarchy in Middle Eastern societies associates the concept of virginity in women with notions of purity and honor of the family.

Patriarchal societies most often see a female’s identity as a future brides. As a result, non-virgin women are regarded as man’s possession. Thereby, a female’s sexual decisions are no inappropriate and second-hand brides because they have longer hers to make but rather her father’s or husband’s. Thus, been with other men before their husbands. controlling and taming female sexual desires is considered Because of the fact that virginity drastically affects the X " chance of a woman’s marriage, women have become on her wedding day. The humiliation of a non-virgin bride burdened by the idea of taming their sexual desires in could result in many dangerous consequences for her that order to ensure a husband. This burden could be linked to range from divorce to even murder in some cases. These the reality that women’s societal position in the Middle consequences have pushed women to become haunted by the East is highly dependent on their marital status. Therefore, custom of verifying their virginity on their wedding night. losing their virginity is deemed a punishment which limits The issue of a woman maintaining or losing her virginity a woman’s chances of having a prosperous marriage. These before marriage is not our major concern here. Nonetheless, circumstances have created grave psychological pressures on our attention is focused on how virginity gravely affects women to such a degree that some unmarried women choose women’s psychological state. According to most Middle to commit suicide or leave their community. Eastern females, the blood drops on their wedding night is Despite the fact that virginity is regarded as the symbol of the only method to prove that they are not guilty of being non- chastity and virtue, many Middle Eastern women decide to virgins. Moreover, the bleeding also determines for many engage in pre-marital sex. However, by choosing to lose their X"X "XXXX and constructive marriage. discovered. As a result, women tend to feel imprisoned by Virginity is so sacred in Middle Eastern societies that it often X"[!#" pushes women to go to extreme measures to help prove that they feel condemned because virginity is correlated with men’s are virgins. One procedure that women use to ensure that they !##X bleed on their wedding night is hymenoplasty. Hymenoplasty to possess a girl” as a masculine achievement which women is a cosmetic procedure that surgically reconstructs a woman’s fear because it is often used against their honor and purity. hymen. The hymen is a thin membrane found on the opening In addition to the feelings of guilt and rejection, women are "X=! unable to express the stress they are undergoing because it The tearing of the hymen is what causes the bleeding which risks uncovering their secret. The absence of social support could indicate virginity. As a result, by restoring the hymen a XX woman is capable of bleeding after the next sexual intercourse hatred. Moreover, women also sense that they are totally alone she engages in. and helpless because they are unable to seek the understanding The importance attached to the presence of the hymen is a and acceptance of those closest to them. This leads them to culturally internalized value in the Middle East, to an extent develop anxiety and depression, symptoms, which could push where hymenoplasty has become a procedure intended to them to develop more serious pathological disorders. save women and their families from social dishonor. This can The values in the Middle East that associate virginity with be traced back to the fact that in traditional societies, families reputation and honor are generating a source of fear for feel that a non-virgin female creates shame and disgrace women. Women sense that their dignity is being demeaned because her marriage marketability is sternly affected. because their worth is being equated with their physical Pre-marital virginity is perhaps the most cherished possession aspect of being a virgin. Also, women are being forced to of a Middle Eastern female, because it increases her chances tame their human right of sexuality in order to prove their of getting married. The physical condition of being a virgin is worth. The process of proving one’s worth through virginity considered the most desirable quality that men look for in their XX=RY!

issue 118 | May 2012 24| INTERVIEW

THE MONTHLY INTERVIEWS

CYNTHIA NOUHRA OWNER OF CYNTHIA NOUHRA ART GALLERY

Who is Cynthia Nouhra? I like to describe myself as an explorer of the realm of reality in a quest of its essence. Having lived in several cities in different countries such as Washington DC, Montreal, London, Paris and Dubai, and acquiring degrees X $ Cynthia Nouhra Science of Religions, and Philosophy, all of which have given me a wide perception of understanding life, and a better understanding of the concept of beauty. As to the choice of the location, Tehwitat Furn El How was the gallery established? Chebback, my aim was to raise the cultural awareness of The decision to open an art gallery in Beirut came at a the area where my family had lived. I leave the light on in time when I wanted to invest in a project that would gather the gallery at night so that if anybody during the day feels under the same roof my multidisciplinary background. intimidated to enter the gallery can enjoy the beauty while the city is sleeping. I chose my own name to best represent the gallery itself, instead of reducing or even limiting the gallery to a unique Some people asked me, if it was a good time to open an concept. Cynthia Nouhra Art Gallery opened its doors to art gallery? Well, I simply answered that it’s never really the public on 11-11-2011; the gallery’s aim is to promote a good time to open an art gallery, but one cannot sit and modern and contemporary art from around the globe with wait for the right time to come. One has to dare, then he an emphasis on the will to transcend the gravity of human has to cope with the reality and adapt. Each one of us condition through esthetic expression. The Gallery writes his own destiny, you make things happen! Today encourages artists who dare to remain authentic. is the result of yesterday, and tomorrow is the choices of today. As a gallery owner you have to be able to deal with two different realities: the artist and the collector. One is purely Who are the artists that you have hosted so far on the emotional side whereas the other one is mainly in your gallery? on the business side. It is important to be able to convey Until now, the gallery has hosted Lebanese artists such the artist’s message properly to the public, thus being as Samir Abi Rashid, Antoine Mansour, Charles Andraos, receptive to the message of the artist and to the collector’s Chawky Frenn, Rita Adaimy, Samir Muller, Mariejoe need. But most of the time, art speaks for itself. Raidy, Rethy Tambourgi, Alexandre Zerbe and myself.

issue 118 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. INTERVIEW |25

Every six weeks the gallery will have an exhibition, either Which artist speaks to you? a solo or a group show. I don’t like to limit myself to a particular school of thought or to a certain artist. Art in Lebanon or elsewhere, being The artists and I approach each other. When the artists a universal language can help transmute ignorance into relate to the gallery’s concept they come to me or I go the knowledge of our higher self. It is, then, the artist’s to them when their art moves me and has something role to channel these forces of existence by maneuvering interesting to convey. My job is to be here for anybody his artistic tools in to a composition that would enhance who is willing to participate in cultural growth and those higher virtues of human kind, such as justice, ethics, evolution. humility, etc.

Do you think artists are appreciated in Lebanon =X = =X " today? matter how they represent it, are I believe, unique. A true Some of them are not appreciated like they should, or are artist is a generous and scattered person: on each artwork even rejected by other galleries simply because their work he leaves a piece of his soul to the public. That same soul is not commercial. I believe that the public should be the will be in a person’s house, in a collection, museum, etc. best judge to determine how good those artists are and You can say that the communication between an artwork galleries should just be there to be the link between the and the viewer is similar to the communication between artist and the public. lovers.

How do you see art in general in Lebanon? What are the other activities for the gallery? I believe there is more awareness and it is developing It’s been few months since the gallery opened; soon the slowly in the region. You have different types of collectors; gallery will host lectures around art themes, from different each gallery has its own concept and address book. Some perspectives collectors view art as purely an investment despite the quality of the composition, others will buy out of love at Last thoughts? X="! Lebanese society is moving forward, the new generation is more aware of the appreciation of art, there are more MENASART and other art fairs in the Gulf are the best and more artists emerging, and that’s a great thing. It’s representatives to the need of developing the cultural art no longer a taboo or a shameful profession to be an artist. scene in the region. There was a time when political and Today’s artists earn a living from their work. Well, one economic dynamics were taking over cultural dynamics. has to make the best out of one’s life because at the end, To have a healthy society all three dynamics should be in life goes on with or without you. harmony.

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A NATIONAL FLOWER FOR LEBANON

< "X = = = Lebanon is known for its greenery. Forming part of the Mediterranean biodiversity, Lebanon is one of the most naturally diverse regions in the world because of its many geographical features. Due to its microclimate, 7;;==="=! X==! <&=R=X! X !===! R=\# X!<=\=X=X%X and blossoms from April to May. Because Lebanon was under the French mandate in 1914, the Iris, which is = =!}X! "===!

X == = X XR=!<== " ! " = \ X X!<="X== once a symbol of messages and ideas, which is why it was named after the Greek goddess for messages and ~! = ~ = Lebanon and can be associated with the cedar tree around which it grows, covering the ground with purple petals.

\= = = = " = ====!<} Althaea Rosea; however, in the city of Aleh, the Iris Sofrana was nominated. During my survey, people mentioned that Althaea Rosea can be related to the politics in Lebanon since it blossoms into many colors; thus, each color could represent a political party. Many people rejected the Iris Sofrana to be the national = = = [ = " longevity to represent Lebanon in the coming centuries as the Cedar tree has done in the previous ones.

I conducted an interview with Nisrin Machaka Houri, who is an environmentalist and biodiversity specialist; I \"X=]== that people can relate to and remember Lebanon once they see it.”

=== !" "= =#&" =="==!

Ghida Jalloul - ACS Scool

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NOBEL PRIZES IN CHEMISTRY (2) Between 1901 and 2011, the Nobel Prizes and the Prize in Economic Sciences were awarded 549 times to 853 people and organizations. With some receiving the Nobel Prize more than once, this makes a total of 826 individuals and 20 organizations. Below, you can view the second part of the list of laureates who received the Nobel Prize for their discoveries and breakthroughs in Chemistry.

Nobel prizes in Chemistry 1901-1949 Year Name Nationalitiy Born Division of Prize Purpose for his contributions in the field of chemical William Francis thermodynamics, particularly concerning the 1949 Canada 1895 Giauque behaviour of substances at extremely low temperatures for his research on electrophoresis and adsorption Arne Wilhelm 1948 Sweden 1902 analysis, especially for his discoveries concerning Kaurin Tiselius the complex nature of the serum proteins Sir Robert for his investigations on plant products of 1947 UK 1886 Robinson biological importance, especially the alkaloids James Batcheller one half awarded to James USA 1887 for his discovery that enzymes can be crystallized Sumner Batcheller Sumner John Howard 1946 USA 1891 the other half jointly to Northrop for their preparation of enzymes and virus proteins John Howard Northrop and Wendell Meredith in a pure form USA 1904 Wendell Meredith Stanley Stanley for his research and inventions in agricultural Artturi Ilmari 1945 Finland 1895 and nutrition chemistry, especially for his fodder Virtanen preservation method 1944 Otto Hahn Germany 1879 for his discovery of the fission of heavy nuclei George de for his work on the use of isotopes as tracers in the 1943 Hungary 1885 Hevesy study of chemical processes 1942 No Nobel Prize was awarded this year 1941 No Nobel Prize was awarded this year 1940 No Nobel Prize was awarded this year Adolf Friedrich Johann Germany 1903 was divided equally for his work on sex hormones between Adolf Friedrich 1939 Butenandt Johann Butenandt and for his work on polymethylenes and higher Leopold Ruzicka Croatia 1887 Leopold Ruzicka terpenes 1938 Richard Kuhn Austria 1900 for his work on carotenoids and vitamins Walter Norman for his investigations on carbohydrates and vitamin UK 1883 Haworth was divided equally C 1937 between Walter Norman for his investigations on carotenoids, flavins and Paul Karrer Russia 1889 Haworth and Paul Karrer vitamins A and B2 for his contributions to our knowledge of molecular Petrus (Peter) The structure through his investigations on dipole 1936 Josephus 1884 Netherlands moments and on the diffraction of X-rays and Wilhelmus Debye electrons in gases was awarded jointly to Frédéric Joliot France 1900 in recognition of their synthesis of new radioactive 1935 Frédéric Joliot and Irène elements Irène Joliot-Curie France 1897 Joliot-Curie

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Nobel prizes in Chemistry 1901-1949 Year Name Nationalitiy Born Division of Prize Purpose Harold Clayton 1934 USA 1893 for his discovery of heavy hydrogen Urey 1933 No Nobel Prize for chemistry was awarded this year for his discoveries and investigations in surface 1932 Irving Langmuir USA 1881 chemistry Carl Bosch Germany 1874 was awarded jointly to in recognition of their contributions to the invention 1931 Carl Bosch and Friedrich and development of chemical high pressure Friedrich Bergius Poland 1884 Bergius methods for his researches into the constitution of haemin 1930 Hans Fischer Germany 1881 and chlorophyll and especially for his synthesis of haemin Arthur Harden UK 1865 was awarded jointly to Arthur Harden and Hans for their investigations on the fermentation of sugar 1929 Hans Karl August Simon von Euler- Germany 1873 Karl August Simon von and fermentative enzymes Chelpin Euler-Chelpin Adolf Otto for the services rendered through his research into 1928 Reinhold Germany 1876 the constitution of the sterols and their connection Windaus with the vitamins Heinrich Otto for his investigations of the constitution of the bile 1927 Germany 1877 Wieland acids and related substances The (Theodor) 1926 Sweden 1884 for his work on disperse systems Svedberg for his demonstration of the heterogenous nature Richard Adolf of colloid solutions and for the methods he used, 1925 Austria 1865 Zsigmondy which have since become fundamental in modern colloid chemistry 1924 No Nobel Prize for chemistry was awarded this year for his invention of the method of micro-analysis of 1923 Fritz Pregl Slovenia 1869 organic substances for his discovery, by means of his mass Francis William spectrograph, of isotopes, in a large number of 1922 UK 1877 Aston non-radioactive elements, and for his enunciation of the whole-number rule for his contributions to our knowledge of the 1921 Frederick Soddy UK 1877 chemistry of radioactive substances, and his investigations into the origin and nature of isotopes Walther Hermann 1920 Germany 1864 in recognition of his work in thermochemistry Nernst 1919 No Nobel Prize for chemistry was awarded this year 1918 Fritz Haber Poland 1868 for the synthesis of ammonia from its elements 1917 No Nobel Prize for chemistry was awarded this year 1916 No Nobel Prize for chemistry was awarded this year Richard Martin for his researches on plant pigments, especially 1915 Germany 1872 Willstätter chlorophyll in recognition of his accurate determinations of Theodore William 1914 USA 1868 the atomic weight of a large number of chemical Richards elements

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Nobel prizes in Chemistry 1901-1949 Year Name Nationalitiy Born Division of Prize Purpose in recognition of his work on the linkage of atoms in molecules by which he has thrown new light on 1913 Alfred Werner France 1866 earlier investigations and opened up new fields of research especially in inorganic chemistry for the discovery of the so-called Grignard reagent, Victor Grignard France 1871 which in recent years has greatly advanced the was divided equally progress of organic chemistry 1912 between Victor Grignard for his method of hydrogenating organic and Paul Sabatier compounds in the presence of finely disintegrated Paul Sabatier France 1854 metals whereby the progress of organic chemistry has been greatly advanced in recent years in recognition of her services to the advancement of chemistry by the discovery of the elements 1911 Marie Curie Poland 1867 radium and polonium, by the isolation of radium and the study of the nature and compounds of this remarkable element in recognition of his services to organic chemistry 1910 Otto Wallach Russia 1847 and the chemical industry by his pioneer work in the field of alicyclic compounds in recognition of his work on catalysis and for 1909 Wilhelm Ostwald Latvia 1853 his investigations into the fundamental principles governing chemical equilibria and rates of reaction for his investigations into the disintegration of New 1908 Ernest Rutherford 1871 the elements, and the chemistry of radioactive Zealand substances for his biochemical researches and his discovery of 1907 Eduard Buchner Germany 1860 cell-free fermentation in recognition of the great services rendered by him in his investigation and isolation of the element 1906 Henri Moissan France 1852 fluorine, and for the adoption in the service of science of the electric furnace called after him in recognition of his services in the advancement Johann Friedrich of organic chemistry and the chemical 1905 Wilhelm Adolf Germany 1835 industry, through his work on organic dyes and von Baeyer hydroaromatic compounds in recognition of his services in the discovery of the Sir William 1904 Scotland 1852 inert gaseous elements in air, and his determination Ramsay of their place in the periodic system in recognition of the extraordinary services he has Svante August 1903 Sweden 1859 rendered to the advancement of chemistry by his Arrhenius electrolytic theory of dissociation in recognition of the extraordinary services he Hermann Emil 1902 Germany 1852 has rendered by his work on sugar and purine Fischer syntheses in recognition of the extraordinary services he has Jacobus Henricus The 1901 1852 rendered by the discovery of the laws of chemical van ‘t Hoff Netherlands dynamics and osmotic pressure in solutions

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AJIALOUNA ASSOCIATION

NGOs in Lebanon are a major pillar for progress and sustainable human development. The ultimate aim underlying the work of every NGO, association, trade union and civil society institution is to provide relief to the greatest number possible of the families &>@ organizations that dedicate it selves to empowering the Lebanese social fabric through a broad range of activities and programs covering education, health and social welfare. Establishment Ajialouna was established in 1995 in Beirut under the !< *+! < X} are provided with an insurance card that enables them came to light at the initiative of 11 volunteering " ^ women, including President Dr. Lina Zaim Dada, who emergency and further need for medical examination. were interested in improving the living standards of The Health Department also consists of the Surgery the local Lebanese community. Ajialouna consists of Aid Fund, which was created to assist towards the a board of trustees responsible for strategy planning high cost of surgical operations and compensate for the of the association and supervising the disposition outstanding fees of surgery and treatment beyond those of donations, an administrative body of 7 members given by the Ministry of Public Health. The social and a community of 85 ladies. The supreme body of committee studies the applications of the patients planning run by 14 women from the local community referred to Ajialouna decides on the authenticity of and Ajialouna began its work in Beirut then Tripoli the cases and approves the necessary budget for the but grew at a very fast pace and expanded its scope of surgeries. 8,943 surgeries have been performed since activities to cover most of the Lebanon. the beginning of this program and they add up to around 50 children / year. Departments and Programs Health Health Awareness At its inception in 1995, Ajialouna launched the School This department consists of three programs: Health Program in coordination with the Ministry of Dental Sealant Program: This program is executed Education and the program continues still today. It in collaboration with the Lebanese University includes seven public health clinics, three dental clinics Dental Medicine Faculty and is funded by the and two medical centers. The goal of this program is Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA). It to provide elementary public school students with was launched in 2009 and it aims at reducing the routine medical check-ups in order to detect any health incidence of dental caries among children aged problems and administer appropriate treatment, which between 8 and 10 years in elementary public schools, includes medication, multiple therapies and even thus improving oral health and preventing dental hospitalization when needed. decay by applying the dental sealant technique. A The two medical centers managed by Ajialouna are total of 1307 students were examined in 2010 & located in Beirut and Tripoli. They are equipped with 2011 in 26 elementary public schools, 790 students the latest medical equipment and run a number of were treated and around 2000 sealants were applied. clinics that specialize in different treatments. Around Girls Puberty Awareness Program: This program 12,000 children, patients and elderly people have 7;;+ R"! and Gamble. Its main purpose is to promote more A pharmacy supervised by three volunteer pharmacists awareness of the changes in the girl’s physical and is operating in Beirut’s medical center. It provides psychological changes during puberty. The program free of charge medication. Ajialouna buys 90% of targets 17,000 girls annually aged between 11 and the medication and the rest is donated from drug 14 years in public and private schools all over companies, hospitals and private clinics. Lebanon. Ajialouna has also broadened its scope of work to serve Healthy Food Campaign at Schools: This program the elderly community. To this end, it launched the aims at decreasing the prevalence of overweight and Elderly Program in 2004 to provide necessary medical obesity within the students of public schools and

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increasing their nutritional knowledge. It provides economic independence. The period to prepare the interactive lessons to Grade 4 students and also participants in the “Women’s Empowerment Program” holds sessions with parents to educate them on what ranges between 3 to 6 months during which they a healthy and sound diet is and provides them with will be trained on basic techniques to attain skills in practical tips. "\X=X hairdressing, cosmetics and computers. The courses Social Department are given in cooperation with the American University The Social Department was established in 1995 and of Culture and Education, Makhzoumi Foundation and X " Formatech Company. material and in-kind support for orphans, widows, underprivileged families and individuals. A group of 60 ladies has graduated and the ceremony Sponsorship Program: This program was was held at Ajialouna headquarters at two occasions in established to sponsor an orphan or a needy child. the year 2011. Ajialouna plays the role of a mediator between ! < X Educational Department consists of 825 sponsors in Beirut and 16 in Tripoli. Tomooh is a scholarship program which targets high Donations include school tuition and stationery for school and university students in Lebanon. Candidates private or public schools (ranges between $300 and "X= 7;;;=;;; ! < X =;;+;;; PepsiCo International and carried out in collaboration per year (cash or in-kind). with the Lebanese organizations all over the country. Assistance to Widows and Needy Families: This ++7; " < X program is dedicated to assist women who support over the past six years. ! 75 == 50 widows in Tripoli and 148 needy families. The Cultural lectures for women are also held at Ajialouna’s support includes educational scholarships, monthly conference room twice a month. Beauty, awareness of advances (rent or cash transfers), health assistance, osteoporosis, painting, jewelry, carpets and music are in-kind assistance, seasonal cash transfers during among the many topics discussed during the lectures. religious occasions and vocational training such as cooking and computer literacy to help prepare the Fundraising ^\! Cafeteria Ramadan Program: On a yearly basis, during <&{^ the holy month of Ramadan, Ajialouna distributes headquarters. It accommodates up to 90 people and can boxes of food rations, pantry kits, meals, clothes \"X!" and shoes, stationery, in-kind donations and cash the Association’s social programs. transfers to needy families and orphans in Beirut and <!<X\ The Gym and other fundraising activities, such as Mother’s Ajialouna’s gym is also equipped with the latest work- Day event in Phoenicia and Biel. Ajialouna also X holds Iftars for orphans in orphanages throughout association’s aid programs. Lebanon. Funding The Association also contributes to the relief work The growth and expansion of Ajialouna would not during emergencies and hostilities (such as the Israeli have been possible without the generous support of attacks on Lebanon), and this part of the emergency individuals, companies, national and international X! organizations and Ajialouna’s own fundraising activities. The Association’s network of contributors Women Empowerment comes in two forms: sponsorships and donations (cash The ultimate goal of this career-oriented program or in-kind) and are aimed to serve the noble mission of is to provide basic education and training for charity and improve the living standards of the needy underprivileged women and widows to help them gain and the underprivileged.

issue 118 | May 2012 32 | CULTURE, RELIGION & ART POPULAR CULTURE

“…AND WAR BROKE OUT!”

The many volumes written about the World War I have ample information about the Lebanon but never, to the best of my \=X family or follow the course of its life in those bleak years. So here I am, allowing myself to tell the story of our family, which might give an example of the famine, illness and misery suffered by most families in the Lebanese villages.

Our village was like an island surrounded by two deep valleys encircling its three sides. Given its geography, the village was secluded from the outer world. The villagers couldn’t care less about the war news and I fail to remember a single time when any of them was actually talking about the war. Their conversations focused on the struggles in their everyday lives and they would wait for the arrival of Mr. Naoum to brief them on the battles, the victories and the defeats. The victory of Russia was all that mattered to them, and none of them knew that Russia had signaled its withdrawal from the World War I in 1917 soon after the Communist Revolution. Communist? Nobody had ever heard of such a word.

< ! Q X = hungry, for people had set aside some provisions and money. As for sugar, rice, coffee beans and the rest of the provisions that used to arrive by sea, they all disappeared and we had to replace them with molasses, bulgur, chamomile and anise.

My father had traded soil for cash and there was nothing left from ["="X!_ members of a big family rejoiced to be able to use our picks in =X ! _ } " ! _ ="=X=" \"X!" " = " !_ onions, potatoes and beans in the land around the house and we made sure to scatter plenty of seeds for fear that we might run out of wheat after Jamal Basha had cut off the supply of wheat grains to Lebanon. We were still alive by the end of winter and teacher Najm would repeat a hymn by the missionary Ford, head of Saida’s school: “ list God’s blessings and give thanks to him…”

issue 118 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. DEBUNKING MYTH #57 CULTURE, RELIGION & ART | 33

VENTING ANGER

Myth: “Vent your anger, and it’ll go away” The catharsis hypothesis about anger states that venting anger physically and verbally, by punching a pillow or a bag, yelling and cursing, while imagining the face of the person or the thing we are angry at, would wipe out the anger.

Fact: “Venting anger just keeps it alive” Numerous academic research studies examined the catharsis hypothesis. Results revealed that outward expression of anger can be counterproductive; people can become angrier, more frustrated, more prone for future aggressive behaviors and even be at risk of elevated cardiovascular activity, which may predispose people to develop cardiovascular disease (Bushman, 2002; Bushman & Whitaker, 2010; Lohr, Olatunji, Baumeister, & Bushman, 2007). For example, Bushman (2002) examined whether distraction or rumination is better to diffuse anger. He conducted an experiment, in which participants were assigned to one of the two conditions: rumination group in which angry participants were allowed to punch a bag while thinking about the person who angered them, and distraction group in which the XX!<XXX!#" when given the chance to administer loud blasts of noise to the person who angered them, this group was the most aggressive. <XX""XX! researchers examined if venting anger would reduce the anger feelings, thus anger behavior, towards the target of aggression. Results showed that participants who had the chance to vent their anger, behaved more aggressively than participants in the control group. Furthermore, Wolf and Tomothy (1994) research concluded that the expression of anger can clearly and consistently be related to CHD (coronary and heart disease), its risk factors and its pathogenesis. The association between venting anger and keeping it alive can be explained through the cognitive neoassociation theory (Berkowitz, 1993). The theory predicts that venting anger would increase anger feelings and behaviors. Venting would prime aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by keeping angry feelings alive in memory which in their turn would activate further memories and feelings associated with anger. This activation process is due to the associative network in memory, where previous angry thoughts, feelings and behaviors are related to each other, and the activation of one node would spread out along the network links and activate the remaining of the network. Hence, the activation of aggressive thoughts can provoke a multifaceted of associations composed of aggressive ideas and feelings related to violence, and the motion for aggressive actions. Moreover, venting can be considered as a practice of how to behave aggressively and as a negative reinforcement to behave aggressively in the future. As an alternative for venting anger, it is recommended that people understand the source of the anger, the problem, and to analyse the more genuine feelings underneath their anger, rather than just dwell at the anger-expression level (Frazier, 1995). Anger should be considered just a signal for an existing problem, and venting would not automatically solve the problem. Moreover, people can use the deep breathing techniques, writing journals about their feelings, imagining aggressive phenomena which do not include aggressiveness towards people and animals (i.e. tornado), to control their aggressive feelings and behaviors.

References Brad J. Bushman (2002). Does Venting Anger Feed or Extinguish the Flame? Catharsis, Rumination, Distraction, Anger, and Aggressive Responding. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28 (6), 724-731. Bushman, B., Baumeister, R., & Stack, A. (1999). Catharsis, Aggression, and Persuasive Influence: Self-fulfilling or Self-defeating Prophecies? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76(3), 367-376. Bushman, B., & Whitaker, J. (2010). Like a magnet: Catharsis beliefs attract angry people to violent video games. Psychological Science, Vol 21(6), Jun 2010, 790-792. DeFoore. W. (2007). Anger Management Techniques. Dowloaded on March 9, from defoore.com/angercontroltechniques.htm. Edelyn Verona, & Elizabeth A. Sullivan (2008). Emotional Catharsis and Aggression Revisited: Heart Rate Reduction Following Aggressive Responding. Emotion ,8 (3), 331–340 Frazier, T. (1995). Anger: Don’t express it and don’t repress it. Transactional Analysis Journal, Vol 25(2), Apr 1995, 123-128. Lohr, Jeffrey M.; Olatunji, Bunmi O.; Baumeister, Roy F.; Bushman, Brad J. (2007). The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice: Objective Investigations of Controversial and Unorthodox Claims in Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, and Social Work, Vol 5(1), 2007, 53-64. Siegman, Aron Wolfe (Ed); Smith, Timothy W. (Ed), (1994). Anger, hostility, and the heart, (pp. 173-197). Hillsdale, NJ, England: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc, xv, 288 pp. http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200103/self-help-shattering-the-myths

issue 118 | May 2012 34 | CULTURE, RELIGION & ART MUST-READ BOOKS

MY STORY My Story is a documentary story written by Hassan Zein on the life of Samir Kuntar and published by Dar al-Saqi in 2010.

Author Hassan Zein starts the events of his book “My Story”, which tells the story of the liberated detainee Samir Kuntar, in the Hadarim Prison on July 12, 2006 the day As his trial started, Samir Kuntar sensed that the that marked the beginning of the war between Israel and Israelis would have no pity and show no mercy to him Hezbollah. The war ended with a prisoner swap entailing or to his comrade so that they would serve as a lesson to the release of the prisoners in Israel’s prisons in exchange others. Kuntar was accused of killing the hostage’s 4-year for the bodies of the Israeli soldiers held by Hezbollah. old daughter Einat Haran but he denied the accusations After spending 28 years in the Israeli prisons, Samir by saying: “I did not kill the girl and I will not confess to Kuntar knew on that day that the journey of detention a crime which I have not committed. You killed her. We had come to an end. were busy and she was away from us. I admit that I killed Inspired by al-Khalisa operation and by that of Dalal al- her father…I would have killed her if she had been older Moghrabi, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and had attacked me.” Kuntar believed that the Israelis member Samir Kuntar was set on entering Palestine again. He were abusing him and falsifying the facts. He was an had failed in his earlier attempt to enter the country on January X}^X= 31, 1978 and was arrested in Amman and imprisoned for 11 attempted to talk him into conspiring a hideous treason months. But this time, his dream was bigger and he was more but he refused to be an accomplice by being a “dog in determined than ever to carry out the operation in Palestine, ! = " especially following Israel’s 1978 invasion of south Lebanon, =%`\X" so he led a group of militants that included Abou Asaad, people in addition to 47 years for injuring 12 civilians Majed and Mohammad Ali to assist him in his endeavor. The and soldiers, which brought the total up to 542.5 years. operation was dubbed “The Nasser Operation” in honor of Kuntar experienced the detention life in all of its the Egyptian leader Jamal Abdul Nasser and in retaliation for aspects. He joined committees to organize the detention the “Camp David Accords”. It targeted the town of Nahariya, movement and contributed to arranging the detainees’ which was saturated with Israeli military units and soldiers. conditions and coordinating and engaging in dialogue The plan entailed attacking a military vehicle and killing its with other prison committees. He learned the Hebrew passengers before breaking into a randomly chosen apartment language and enrolled in the Open University of Israel to terminate those inside it and then take two hostages to be to complete his higher education for his own and his swapped later in exchange for the Palestinian detainees in father’s sake. By the end of 1996, he was able to obtain Israel’s prisons. The group put the plan in action on April 22, a phone, which helped him communicate with the 1979 and managed, despite clashes with the police and the =! death of Majed, to take a hostage along with his daughter. image, which had been distorted by the Israeli enemy <"XX= and he sent his letters, messages and audio messages Israeli policemen. The shootout killed Mohammad Ali and to his parents, the public and Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. injured Abou Asaad and Samir Kuntar who passed out only Kuntar reformulated his political doctrines and =\! found himself siding with the Islamic resistance for he The Israelis waged the most heinous war against him. They admired its arrangement, its loyalty to its martyrs, the beat him, cursed him, exploited his wounds and were puzzled at faith of its leaders and its victory stories. =}!<= My Story is a realistic book documenting the prison for him to oppose, rage, hate and stay silent. Kuntar reports that events of a sixteen-year old boy who was detained for his history did not begin the day he dared the operation nor did XX!< his wounds aggravate the day he was captured, but his pain statement of the Israeli Prime Minister Menachem dates back to when he was ten years old and learned from his Begin threatening Kuntar of “a revenge that the devil father that the Israelis had occupied Palestine and expelled its itself hasn’t heard of”, did not weaken Samir Kuntar nor people. It was then that he raced to become a commando and did it strip him of his hope for freedom, although Israel the image of the “Martyr Samir Kuntar” fascinated him. had planned to exclude him from the prisoner swap.

issue 118 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. MUST-READ CHILDREN’S BOOK CULTURE, RELIGION & ART | 35

EXPRESSIVE STORIES FOR THE YOUTH

The Heron and the Crab <X== from the nearby lake, so he decided to exploit the crab to provide him food. The story, which the heron claimed to have= XX=X\ all the \!< his fellow marine creatures went to the heron to consult him on the threat menacing their lives. The heron suggested=\ their!<X" all on their way to the new lake except the crab who unveiled the bird’s plot and realized that he might encounter the same fate as his friends, so he attacked the heron with his strong claws thus killingX! malicious bird received the punishment he deserved.

Samer and the Migratory Birds =\X of hunters who had shot migratory storks and laid them!= happy with the catch and began to play with the birds’ wings, but Samer was touched with the incident and started to nurse the birds’ wounds. Samer’s sympathy bothered one of the hunters, so the boy told him with the utmost politeness: “Those birds were not created to be killed. They have a!< and crops from harmful insects.” Suddenly, they heard a keeper calling for help=" and the"X!<\=\= and said that they had come to save the village from locusts. So the hunters glanced down at the injured birds and regretted what they had done. Samer and his friends started to treat the birds’ wounds, and the environment police arrested the hunters. Since then, the village has become an environmental reserve.

The above stories are part of the series “Expressive Stories for the Youth” by Hassan Mer’i. Published by Rashad Press Co. “Expressive Stories for the Youth”X lessons and morals that teach the savoir-faire vis-à-vis the problems that confront people in everyday life. The series also includes: Shoushou and the Tigress The Advice of the Hoopoe The Smart Lamb

issue 118 | May 2012 36 | CULTURE, RELIGION & ART LEBANON FAMILIES

AKKAWI FAMILIES ORIGINALLY CHRISTIAN

Tripoli There are many stories surrounding the origin of the Zgharta Balamand Roads A‘arjes Akkawi families. Some claim that the Akkawis came Ehden Becharre The Cedars originally from the Bardawil or the Azar families in Batroun Hadet Hasroun Ras Baalbeck Koura and that they headed to Akka in Palestine and Deir el Ahmar Maqne returned from there assuming the name “Akkawi”. Qasr el-Banat Hadath Jbail Iaat The Akkawi families consist of 2 000 members Baalbeck distributed over different regions and sects. The Jounieh Ghazir Niha Akkawis were originally Christian, mostly Maronite, BEIRUT Zahle but the majority of them (65%) belong today to the Baabda Shtaura Aley Dahr el-Baidar Bhamdoun Sunni sect. Anjar Deir el-Qamar Meshref Beiteddine Moukhtara Sunni: there are 1,288 Sunni Akkawi members Qaraoun Lake Yanta living in: Saida Jezzine Mazra’a (Beirut): 556 Libbaya Aiha Mina (Tripoli): 123 Nabatiye Hasbaya Jdayde (Marjeyoun): 80 Marjayoun Marfa’a (Beirut): 70 Beaufort Castle Sour Keshk (Saida): 69 Ghobeiry (Baabda): 64 Masalkhiyi (Saida): 62 Haddadin (Tripoli): 57 Noury (Tripoli): 55 Moussaitbeh (Beirut): 39 Moussaitbeh (Beirut): 69 Sabeel (Saida): 28 Beit Mery (Northern Matn): 41 ]7{ Andaket (Akkar): 4 Tebbani (Tripoli): 23 Bashoura (Beirut): 14 Greek Catholic: there are 157 Greek Catholic Ras Beirut (Beirut): 10 Akkawi members living in: Zueitina (Saida): 10 ]` ]7 Maronite: there are 319 Maronite Akkawi members Ras Beirut (Beirut): 18 living in: Bashoura (Beirut): 14 Zahrieh (Tripoli): 6 Mar Nicolas (Saida):14 Hay al-Maasser (Zgharta): 6 Zqaq el-Blat (Beirut): 11 Andaket (Akkar): 3 Mina’a el-Hosn (Beirut): 6 Al-Qebba (Tripoli): 237 Aley Gharbi: 6 Rmeil (Beirut): 7 Majdalouna (Chouf): 4 Sarba (Kessrouan): 4 Khonshara (Northern Matn): 3 Ghadeer (Kessrouan): 14 Deir el-Qamar (Chouf): 4 Ghazeer- Al Jame’e (Kessrouan): 32 Deir el-Mkhalles (Chouf): 3 ]+; Zouk Mikael (Kessrouan): 3

Greek Orthodox: there are 196 Greek Orthodox Protestant: there are 38 Protestant Akkawi members Akkawi members living in: living in: ]7` Majdalouna (Chouf): 28 Mazra’a (Beirut): 28 Ras Beirut (Beirut): 10 Rmeil (Beirut): 25

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ANOUT Tripoli

Zgharta Balamand Roads A‘arjes VILLAGE OF THE SHEIKH’S SHRINE Its share in the Independent Ehden Becharre The Cedars Batroun Hadet Hasroun Ras Baalbeck Municipal Fund was LBP Deir el Ahmar Maqne Qasr el-Banat

Etymology 110,416 million in 2005. It rose Jbail Hadath Iaat Baalbeck There are many stories surrounding the etymology of to LBP 161,054 million in Jounieh Ghazir Niha the word Anout. In his book Names of Lebanese Towns 2006 and then decreased to BEIRUT Zahle Baabda Shtaura Aley Dahr el-Baidar Bhamdoun and Villages, Aniss Fraiha mentions that Anout could LBP 155,248 million in 2007 Anjar Deir el-Qamar Meshref Beiteddine mean “cattle” according to the Syrian language, or and LBP 124,513 million in Moukhtara Yanta Anout Qaraoun Lake

“poverty” and “misery” according to the Phoenician 2008 to rise once again to Saida Jezzine Libbaya Aiha root “ênût”. Other assumptions suggest that the word LBP 163,818 million in Nabatiye Hasbaya originated from the plural of “ônah”, “ônôt” meaning 2009 and LBP 196,713 Marjayoun Beaufort Castle domiciles and houses. In Arabic, the word Anout means million in 2010. Sour “strength” and “sturdiness”, which seems the most The town has also likely explanation given the high location of the village. two Mokhtars, Mr. Mehieddine Hassan Location Jouaid and Mr. Mohammad Hassan Ismail, and a Anout is located in the Qada’a of Chouf in the Mohafaza 3-member Ikhtiyariah. of Mount Lebanon at an altitude of 740 m above the sea level. The town lies 45 km from Beirut and 20 km from Educational institutions the Qada’a center in Beiteddine. It spreads across 850 There are two public schools in Anout: hectares and may be reached through Sebleen- Ketermaya- > X [ "+ it had 101 students Chhim- Anout or Beiteddine- Gharife- Anout. and 26 teachers and staff in the scholarly year 2009- 2010. Population > X \ "+ it had 54 The number of registered inhabitants in the town’s students and 39 teachers and staff in the scholarly Personal Status Register is estimated at 3,300 people year 2009-2010. belonging to the Sunni religious sect. There are about 900 Anout has also a private school, College Universal, houses and 160 commercial and artisan shops in Anout. including 486 students and 95 teachers and staff, in addition to the House of Teachers, which is currently closed. Voters In 2000, the number of voters was 1,925 of whom Economic activities 1,186 cast their ballots. This number increased to 2,065 Most of Anout’s residents make their living in public sector in 2005 of whom 392 cast their ballots. In 2009, the jobs while others count on expatriate remittances and working number reached 2,226 with 1,344 casting their ballots. in commerce (shops) as their main source of income. Voters are distributed amongst the following families: Archaeological sites Haj (281 voters)- Sayyed (231)- Awwad (129)- The town’s sites include stone cemeteries, inscribed Othman (92)- Yassine (92)- Chbeir (69)- Ghotmi (11)- sarcophagi and the shrine of Sheikh Othman resting in a Ghor (79)- Fakhreddine (70)- Saad (58)- Ammar pine forest that is hundreds of years old. The Dabsh stone (69)- Murad (73)- Jouaid (53)- Moussa (47)- Ismail structure containing pottery remains is among the village’s (42)- Baroud (41)- Abou Akl (19)- Shihabuddine X \ (25)- Kanaan (43)- Abou Kanaan (13)- Daoud (21)- springs like the Bsay spring and the Batni spring. Alaa Eddine (29)- Fattah (20)- Dara (18)- Fares (23)- Abdine (25)- Omar (13)- Abdul Baki (16)- Problems Hammoud (19)- Abou Awwad (5)-Srou’ (7) - Souad Like most Lebanese villages, Anout suffers from (5)- Qadi (9)- Khazen (4). severe water shortage, sanitary management problems and power cuts not to mention the absence of an Local authorities infrastructure plan. Furthermore, the village faces Anout’s municipal council is currently composed of " X = = 12 members and headed by the president Awad Awad. devoured large green spaces in Anout.

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CIVIL STRIFE INTRO (3) >]>^;\_ (Lebanese civil strife). Unfortunately, the incident was approached in a manner that further session on May 15, 1975 when the government resigned amid accusations hurled at each other by the PM Rashid Solh and the Phalanges Party over who was responsible for igniting violence.

Solh statement: “The Phalanges Party is the cradle of trip of the President of the Republic to the United Nations to crime and their lack of responsibility cannot be tolerated present the Palestinian cause on behalf of the Arabs… any longer”. This extensive political preparation intended to provoke The Lebanese Parliament convened at 6:10 pm on religious hostilities was accompanied by a mobilization Thursday, May 15, 1975, in the presence of 88 out of its plan manifested in the formation of a militia, which 99 MPs. During the session, PM Rahid Solh delivered his receives large amounts of weaponry from a well-known “famous” statement, which was greeted by the applause source, as the Grand Mufti asserted while no counter- of only one MP, Zaher Khatib. However, the Phalanges statements were made to deny his allegations. All this and MPs protested at the PM’s words by interrupting him =[X and demanding the right to reply. Heedless of the voices =="\=X urging him to stay and listen to the reply, the Prime Israeli enemy. As for their weapons, they only aim to attack # the Palestinian resistance and ignite internal feuds in order speaking which led to shoving and elbowing among the to protect political and sectarian privileges and impose MPs, in an attempt to keep him in Parliament. isolationism against the will of most of the Lebanese. If it was legitimate for those opposed the enemy to hold The statement included the following: weapons, then how could we justify the provocative armament “A cover-up to a crime was committed on May 13 at Ain of a party, which has always reiterated, during Israeli attacks, Remmaneh against a bus carrying Lebanese and Palestinian that the strength of Lebanon lies in its weakness and which citizens returning to Tal Zaatar. It is evident that the Phalanges abstain from joining the Lebanese army thus turning the Party is wholly responsible for this massacre, its subsequent ! repercussions and all the victims and the physical and These facts paved the way for the Ain Remmaneh X!< = =X heinous crime was committed, the Phalanges Party insisted massacre, for it became evident that the Phalanges Party not to condemn this violent act and delayed turning in the \XXX perpetrators, but, later, claimed express responsibility for XX the attacks, by turning in two of the culprits and promising the Lebanese majority who do not agree with its opinion. that many more would follow. The size of the Phalanges’ It is imperative that I be honest with respect to the responsibility is clearly evident when associated with all the involvement of the army. Yes, I was against the involvement preceding events and the successive attempts to broaden the =" X=YX= greater losses and damage. The sectarian protests staged in the Lebanese themselves, on the one hand and between the solidarity with the army following the dreadful incidents in Lebanese and the Palestinians, on the other. Saida have wreaked havoc on this national institution and The Phalanges Party has been preparing itself on political, distorted its image as being one part of the Lebanese nation. moral, physical and practical levels to commit such acts. This Many prime ministers brought up the subject of the Army can be easily noticed from all its points of view and all the Command, and different political groups often highlighted the successive memorandums it has delivered, with or without imbalance disturbing this institution. This topic has always a reason, to question the Palestinian presence in Lebanon been a major priority in all the previous ministerial crises and and urge people to resist it, not to mention its endless calls over half of the Lebanese population challenged the army’s \XX involvement in internal security matters. Thus, it was necessary Lebanese-Palestinian and the Lebanese-Arab relations. Their to reconsider the laws concerning the army in order to subject demands escalated in intensity after the role of Lebanon it to the control of political power and restore its balance so that X = X it can assume its national responsibility properly. commitment to the decisions of the Arab Summit and the =

issue 118 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. CULTURE, RELIGION & ART | 39

to your honorable chamber, which were further validated $X=X] during my work under the present circumstances and which The incidents at Ain Remmaneh and all the preceding =X^! events that broke out in Tyre, Tripoli, Saida and the rest The sectarian privileges which are at the core of the of the country wouldn’t have happened if the Prime Lebanese political system have changed, against the Minister and the Minister of Interior had complied with backdrop of the current situation in Lebanon and the the Cabinet decisions and had performed their duties region, into a burden impeding the progress of the of respecting the laws and maintaining order instead country and threatening to destroy all that the builders of emptying the premiership from its content through of independence had constructed. conspiring with known external and internal parties and seizing every opportunity to topple the regime in Lebanon. Honorable Members of Parliament, The evidence to that may be concluded through a series I declare to you my determination to visit the Presidential = = = = Palace and tender my resignation, asking God almighty those pertaining to the incidents at Ain Remmaneh: to protect Lebanon”. Telegram No. 30087 dispatched on April 13, 1975 at 9:40 am from the commander of the gendarmerie The Phalanges Party division of Jisr Beirut to the pertinent security authorities After PM Solh left Parliament, Sheikh Pierre Gemayel, in the Ministry of Interior and reading: “Please note that accompanied by the Phalanges MPs, headed for the "X"X R=X lightly-armed Fedayeen just took off from Tal Zaatar that lasted from 7:40 pm till 10:00 pm and issued the camp towards Sabra to attend a eulogistic ceremony on following statement: the anniversary of the martyrs of April 10.” “Whereas the Lebanese Phalanges MPs complied with Telegram No. 2668 dispatched on April 13, 1975 at the wish of the Speaker and Parliament and refrained 12:30 pm from the commander of the gendarmerie from replying to the statement of the PM owing to all division of Furn Shebbak to the same authorities and the considerations listed by the MPs and the Speaker in reading: “The chief of Ain Remmaneh’s police station the minutes of the session, reported that citizen Mountaser Ahmad Nasser, a Whereas Parliament decided to omit all that the PM member of the Democratic Front, was driving his had mentioned regarding the Phalanges Party from the Volkswagen car plate number 499141 during the minutes of the session, mass held at the Our Lady of Redemption Church, And whereas the words of the PM necessitate a when two anonymous persons aimed at him with = =X\=!< The Phalanges Party assures the public that: incident resulted in injuring Mountasser Ahmad It feels sorry for the incidents that occurred in the QRX! country and the lost lives of the victims number of gunmen are now dispersed on the rooftops. It hugely deplores the stooping of the PM to such a Telegram No. 1671 dispatched from the same source to the low level of national and political immorality and his same destination at 02:00 pm and reading: “Further to our loss of personal and public responsibility telegram No. 2668, we blocked the Mar Maroun street with It condemns the non-democracy that the PM had two patrols in order to prevent the passage of the Fedayeen. practiced by violating the principle of separation of A Fiat car carrying armed men tried to pass by forcefully powers and forestalling the judicial verdict =[XXX^X It denounces the PM’s exploitation of Parliament to and another man called Joseph Abou Assi. It is rumored that X the latter passed away.” The telegram further stated: “The and accusations he fabricated security situation is volatile and may plunge the country =#X into bloody clashes. The incidents are multiplying gradually reading his statement and believes that his conduct is and necessitate prompt intervention.” at odds with the simplest principles of manhood - NB: It had been agreed that no armed convoys X X should drive by this area given the various previous tactics used by the PM especially that he kept incidents that had occurred there and the agreement fawning on us for weeks in order to maintain the was reached between the residents and the resistance. =\X! Telegram No. 3240 dispatched from the commander of the gendarmerie division of Jisr Beirut to the

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same destination at 04:10 pm and reading: “Please Meanwhile, and thanks to the PM’s commands to note that the chief of Tal Zaatar police station just withdraw all security members from the streets that were informed us that he noticed a commando movement X\ shaping up in the area and that the Fedayeen are suburbs scorched under random bombs and explosive positioning themselves around the Tal Zaatar camp missiles and all hell broke loose in a monstrous war and near the police station. governed by the law of the jungle. As soon as the morning broke to reveal further destruction and victims, The above four documents reveal the sequence of events the PM rushed to give another seven names, which were on that ominous day thus throwing the responsibility at the no different from their predecessors in terms of quality Interior Minister for failing to avert the incidents and contain and stemmed from the same source, “the archives.” the tension, which might have avoided the deterioration The new list included two names belonging to the of events, especially since he had enough time to make an Phalanges Party, noting that they had been outside intervention. Here, I deem it crucial to stop at some facts which Ain Remmaneh when the incident occurred. So the prove that the Phalanges Party is by no means implicated in PM begged us to turn them in promising to capture the what PM Rashid Solh claimed and establish that the Prime responsible ones from the other party and to release Minister is intending to shun responsibility for all the incidents %! that the country suffered and continues to suffer. Therefore, we requested the two innocent members to Those facts were evident at the ministerial meeting held turn themselves in for the sake of order and security and on April 13, 1975 at the headquarters of the Directorate X"\= General of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) in the presence utmost loyalty and discipline. of the PM, the ministers, the General Prosecutor of Mount These are the actual facts known by faithful and decent Lebanon, the ISF Director General, the General Security = ~XY\X ! of which we have mentioned a few. The PM knows Searching for an exit, the PM asked the Phalanges full well that the Phalanges Party is innocent of all ministers, George Saadeh and Louis Abou Sharaf, to the accusations because Sheikh Pierre Gemayel had help him turn in a couple of people, promising to bring attended the mass shortly before the incident and the to justice the real perpetrators responsible for the incident Party’s members left right after him except for those that occurred when the Fiat car tried to trespass into few who only stayed to accompany the injured Joseph the army checkpoint and killing Joseph Abou Assi and Abou Assi to the hospital. All this happened prior to the Antoine Hosni. The two ministers assured us that they bus passing by and there was not one single Phalanges did not have the slightest idea about the incident or those member at Ain Remmaneh the moment the attacks behind it, stressing that they were ready to turn in the took place amidst a climate of tensions and rumors and Phalanges members proven to be guilty and asking the a total absence of the security members charged with PM to provide them with their names. And so, the PM suppressing the turbulence and applying the law. We ordered the ISF Director General to prepare a list of put all our resources at the disposal of the judiciary to XX reveal the truth and we urge all the parties to follow in from the beginning and added that “the intent of turning our footsteps. in some people is to defuse the tension”. The ISF Director The Lebanese Phalanges Party, which never ceased General was later off for a while only to show up around to urge the state to gain sovereignty over all Lebanese midnight with a list of seven names. “Are they engaged territories and control over all Lebanese citizens without in the incident?” the Phalanges MPs asked, to which he exceptions, and which proved during its 39-year social replied “No, but their names were found in the archives.” and national struggle its commitment to the Lebanese Despite all this, the two ministers headed on Monday national unity and the Arab fraternity and the legitimate XXR rights of the Palestinians in their virtuous quest, does not the names and they discovered that: need anyone to attest to its Lebanese and Arab vision or One at least out of seven had been abroad for over a its socio-democratic secularist inclination. We refute the month and a half. demeaning practices evident in the accusations of the One had been in hospital for a couple of weeks now Prime Minister and reiterate our resolution to protect None of the seven was at the scene of the incident the democratic institutions by all legal means available #==X and our opposition to whoever dares to mess with the Party. values and the destiny of this country.”

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STANCE ON BKERKE’S POSITIONS

For many decades, Bkerké and the Maronite Patriarchs have been enjoying a high standing in the country and playing an active role in the Lebanese life. Some of the patriarchs have left a noticeable imprint on the Lebanese society, namely Patriarch Elias Howayek who is widely regarded as the father of modern Lebanon for his huge contribution to the establishment of Greater Lebanon in 1920. The Lebanese have always been divided over the stances taken by some of Bkerké’s patriarchs, especially those of the previous patriarch, Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, who was championed by one group of Maronites (Phalanges Party, Lebanese Forces, National Liberal Party, Lebanese National Bloc) but challenged by the other (Free Patriotic Movement, Marada Movement). The former voiced unwavering support to the Patriarch’s stances and pledged to obey him in every possible way while the latter maintained their right to criticize and attack Bkerké and did not deem obedience as compulsory.

The resignation of Patriarch Sfeir and the election of his successor Bishop Bechara al-Rai shifted the allies and "\\ =X opinions and assumed different stands. Thus, the once Bkerké opponents became proponents and vice-versa.

The stances of the Maronite political leaderships regarding Patriarch Sfeir were as follows: Previous stances “What can I do for the Patriarch? He has joined the Lebanese Forces and MP Antoine Zahra.” (General Michel Aoun on September 16, 2009)

“We hear a Christian minister say that we have taken the blessing of the Patriarch so that the government could perform the presidential powers. Is His Beatitude elected by the people? We are the responsible before our people and thus, His Beatitude has no right to decide for Shifting stances us and the Christians should determine their Christian “Patriarch al-Rai is leading the Christians of the Arab and political authority… Bkerké does not represent the world to a confrontation with the majorities, and we, public opinion.” (General Michel Aoun before a Byblos his congregation, are totally against this… al-Rai is delegation in Rabiya on January 1, 2008) changing our entire history.” (Samir Geagea on MTV on March 12, 2012) \\ Christians and the Maronites especially. We are against “We were not surprised by the attack, but the personal Bkerké in politics because it has become a platform accusations against Patriarch al-Rai are unacceptable for some politicians to hurl their curses at us.” (MP and we shall stand by him even in the worst of times. It Suleiman Frangieh on the anniversary of the death of is true that we disagreed with the former Patriarch Sfeir Tony Frangieh on December 26, 2009) but we never showed disrespect to his person.” (Michel Aoun following the meeting of the Change and Reform “Nobody, no matter how great or small they are, may Bloc on March 13, 2012) impose any credentials on the Maronite Patriarch, nor may they force him to surrender and adopt a certain “Bkerké is our one and only religious authority, and political rhetoric… There is not one society that when its political views concur with ours, it becomes does not witness a bad era, and what’s happening is our authority on political levels too.” (Suleiman an indicator of this.” (Samir Geagea in the Lebanese Frangieh welcoming Patriarch al-Rai in Zgharta on forces Public Sector Division on January 18, 2008) May 26, 2011)

issue 118 | May 2012 42| MEDIA MARCH 2012 HIGHLIGHTS

POWER-GENERATING SHIPS OR PRODUCTION PLANTS? LBP 16 billion against LBP 8,900 billion Protests in support and condemnation of the Syrian regime with Sheikh al-Assir being the star of them all US Ambassador calls for the protection of Syrian expatriates Patriarch al-Rai: “How can it be an Arab Spring when people are being killed everyday?” Geagea: “Al-Rai’s statements modify our entire history” Spoiled foods and meat Syrian ambassador visits Mufti Qabbani Nasrallah: “He who wants to disarm the resistance, let him be my guest” `+O|"P Ahmad Hariri: “What is happening is a theft in the name of resistance”

March 2 Sources report that the amendments other Arab countries and expresses STL President, Judge David to the indictment in the assassination concern over a transition phase in Baragwanath stresses that the tribunal \$\ Syria that might pose a threat to the is probing into four assassinations $} Christians of the east. and has no jurisdiction over the false STL Pre-Trial Judge requests the ;;; witnesses’ issue. & region of Homs to Lebanon. Former Prime Ministers, Omar as a “criminal association”. Karami, Salim Hoss and Fouad Siniora A snow storm hits Lebanon March 6 meet at the Serail upon the invitation with heavy snowfall cutting off all Speaker Nabih Berri postpones the of PM Najib Mikati to tackle issues mountain roads above 500 meters, parliamentary session until March 15 related to Dar al-Fatwa. due to the absence of quorum following US Ambassador to Lebanon Maura March 5 disagreement over extra-budgetary Connelly visits MP Suleiman Frangieh in President Michel Suleiman spending. The National Struggle Front Bnachii and voices her concern over the receives MP Michel Aoun and MPs headed by Walid Jumblat boycott statements issued by Defense Minister Patriarch Bechara Boutos al-Rai the session in solidarity with March 14 Fayez Ghosn during his visit from Iran, at the Baabda Palace and the three Forces. stressing that Lebanon should endorse agree not to challenge the presidency MP Walid Jumblat meets with the the international sanctions on Iran. and to respect the size of Aoun’s British Secretary of State for Foreign representation in Parliament. Affairs, William Hague in London and March 3 \Y replies to his critics by saying: “Hafez President Michel Suleiman returns an anti-Assad protest in Downtown Assad did not recognize Palestine to Lebanon after his trip to the Czech prompting a counter protest by the and was responsible for jailing Yasser Republic and reports that “any attack Baath party. Arafat in 1966”. on Lebanon’s oil rights will lead to “I have suggested to raise the Army Former MP Fares Souaid and war”. Commander’s retirement age to 63,” Sheikh Dai’ al-Islam al-Shahhal Former PM Fouad Siniora asserts President Michel Suleiman tells the criticize the statements of Patriarch al- during a press conference that the Y=! Rai over Syria. records documenting the overspending The head of the Lebanese Forces, during his tenure are available but Samir Geagea, heads to Qatar on an March 7 Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi " # President Michel Suleiman heads denies the statement. Hamad Ben Jassem Al Thani. to Qatar to participate in the Arab The state commissioner to “How can it be an Arab Spring when Conference on “Combating Poverty = people are being killed everyday?”, through Technology” and meets with against Ogero employees for their Patriarch al-Rai tells Reuters stressing Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Hamad Ben collaboration with Israel. that Syria is closer to democracy than Khalifa Al Thani.

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Parliament bans smoking and Y=" “The USD 16 billion compromise +;;; Syrian Ministry of Justice requested is a waste of public money,” MP those who smoke in government the Lebanese government to hand Mohammad Raad says. buildings. over the Syrian gunmen who recently < Q$& “The standpoint of Jumblat in ! Chtoura to help the Syrian refugees in Parliament was negative. He was never Light earthquake hits Srifa in South Beqa’a. in the majority and all he cares about Lebanon without causing any damage The Lebanese Army reveals its is his personal interest,” MP Michel or casualties. " Aoun says following the meeting of The Change and Reform Bloc bomb barracks and army units. the Change and Reform Bloc. Clashes break out between the US Ambassador Maura Connelly proposed by Finance Minister Phalange Party and National Liberal visits Interior Minister Marwan Mohammad Safadi to settle the extra- Party students and security forces as Charbel and urges the government budgetary spending issue. the former were protesting against the to provide security to all Syrian Maronite Patriarch Bechara new history book. expatriates including those who have Boutros al-Rai heads for Jordan and defected from the Syrian army. Qatar. March 13 MP Suleiman Frangieh tells OTV MP Marwan Hamadeh calls for the President Michel Suleiman attends that President Michel Suleiman called deportation of the Syrian ambassador the ceremony held by the General Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn during from Lebanon. Union of Arab Chambers in the his latest visit to Tehran to stop him MP Walid Jumblat meets the presence of Speaker Nabih Berri and from signing any military agreement French Minister of Foreign Affairs PM Najib Mikati. although he had approved of the Alain Juppe in France to discuss the In an interview in The Ottawa signing before he traveled. Frangieh situation in Syria. Citizen, former STL Prosecutor claims that this shift in stance came Q= <¡ " Daniel Bellemare reveals that the following the intervention of the US member implicated in the attacks on telecoms data deciphered by Wissam Ambassador. Marwan Hamadeh, Elias Murr and Eid presented key information George Hawi is a Hezbollah loyalist to the investigation into Hariri’s March 8 named Hassan Meri’i. assassination From Hariri’s residence, the Grand Mufti Mohammad Future Movement announces their March 10 Rashid Qabbani forms a committee document on Arab Spring with Saad A building lying near the Tabarja \ = X Hariri making a televised speech from Beach collapses causing the death of administrative structure of the Islamic KSA attacking the Syrian regime an Indian worker and minor injuries Awqaf. The committee is to complete and its allies in Lebanon and saying on others. its duties before May 14. that Assad’s war against Homs is The Cabinet convenes at the Security forces arrest the Syrian reminiscent to Israel’s war against Presidential Palace and assigns PM Al-Natour brothers for stocking and South Lebanon and Gaza. Mikati to solve the controversy distributing contaminated meat and PM Najib Mikati heads a regarding the records of expenditures reveal that 190 hotels, restaurants and ministerial session at the Serail and from 2006 to 2010. stores purchased the meat. urges ambassadors to respect Vienna General Michel Aoun receives Dar Convention on Diplomatic Relations. March 12 Y = \ & The monthly statement of the Former PM Fouad Siniora calls #! Maronite Bishops asserts that the for a single solution to the issue of Patriarch al-Rai meets in Qatar with approval of the new history book overspending from 2006 to 2010. Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa al Thani. needs national consensus. Patriarch al-Rai meets with King “It is time to debunk the lying Abdullah II of Jordan before leaving myth, which considers Hafez Assad an March 9 for Qatar. inspirational leader,” MP Wali Jumblat The Higher Defense Council Interior Minister Marwan Charbel says in his weekly statement. convenes at the Baabda Palace to denies that the US Ambassador “Patriarch al-Rai’s statements are discuss the security status and how requested Lebanon to permit the modifying our history,” Samir Geagea to impose border controls between entry of armed Syrians from Syria to tells MTV. Lebanon and Syria. Lebanon.

issue 118 | May 2012 44| MEDIA

March 14 MPs following a disagreement over March 19 Grand Mufti Mohammad the transportation allowance and the “I advise Nasrallah to call for a Rashid Qabbani receives the Syrian reduction in jail terms. dialogue,” Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir ambassador at his residence thus “He who wants to disarm the says during a protest in Saadnayel, prompting two protests in front of Dar resistance, let him be my guest,” calling for the killing of Bashar Assad. al-Fatwa, one supporting the visit and Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Three students die following the the other denouncing it. Hassan Nasrallah says in his speech. collapse of a school wall in the region < Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir criticizes of Bhaneen in North Lebanon. arms smuggled to the Ain al-Helwi Saad Hariri, the Future Movement and “The Syrian regime has fallen and camp in Saida. Hezbollah during an LBC interview. X R X Patriarch al-Rai hits back at Geagea The Cypriot Minister of Foreign father’s grave relaxed my conscience by saying: “He who does not read the Affairs visits Lebanon to tackle the and released me from a large Syrian full text of my statements is ignorant.” issue of oil exploration. prison,” MP Walid Humbalt tells Al- PSP refrains from participating in Gas station owners go on strike to Arabiya stressing that he will support the March 14 BIEL ceremony. X all the free Syrian citizens out there. France announces that the number diesel and petrol. “Geagea lost his battle and Jumblat of French troops deployed in South Light earthquakes measuring no has become similar to Tareq Bin Ziyad Lebanon will be reduced to around 1000. more than 3.5 on the Richter’s scale who burned all his ships and lifeboats,” hit several Lebanese regions. General Michel Aoun reports. March 15 The Secretary General of the A Hezbollah delegation visits MP Boutros Harb reads the March Islamic Jama’a Sheikh Ibrahim Massri the Russian ambassador to Beirut to 14 Forces’ political document during receives Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir for congratulate him on Putin’s election the BIEL ceremony in the presence ! win. of the invitees, May Chidiac and a Patriarch al-Rai continues his visit number of young people including March 17 to Egypt and meets with the Patriarch the daughter of General Sami Khatib, PM Walid Jumblat commemorates of the Catholic Qobts. It was rumored former Chief of the Arab Strike Force. his father’s assassination in Mukhtara that al-Azhar canceled the Patriarch’s The Cabinet approves draft laws in the presence of MP Bahiyya Hariri scheduled meeting with the Sheikh XXX RX of al-Azhar in protest over the latter’s supports the participation of President grave. statements regarding Syria. Michel Suleiman in the Arab Summit “The Syrian people will not accept Large amounts of rotten meat and in Baghdad on March 29. the repetition of another Deir Yassine dairy products found in various areas The Ethiopian housemaid who massacre at the hands of Bashar of Beirut and the south. was beaten up in front of her embassy Assad,” MP Marwan Hamadeh said & Y$= commits suicide after being transferred during the unveiling of the statue of camp over the constraints imposed by to Deir el-Salib for treatment. Baakleen’s martyrs. the army over the camp. Lebanon agrees to the appointment The security forces arrest of Patrice Paoli as the French Mohammad Fayyad Ismail, head of March 21 ambassador to Lebanon. the kidnapping network in Beqa’a. U.S. Treasury Undersecretary for The FPM holds a ceremony at the Former President Emile Lahoud Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Antonine University on the occasion and former PM Fouad Siniora engage David Cohen arrives in Lebanon and of the 1989 Liberation War launched in a dispute over the donations that meets with PM Najib Mikati and against the Syrian Army and General Lebanon received during the July War Governor Riad Salameh stressing Michel Aoun stresses that those who in 2006. that the Lebanese banks should abide supported the July War in 2006 are The STL pre-trial judge rejects by the sanctions imposed on Iran and now against Syria. the request to amend the indictment Syria. and the tribunal decides to suspend “The Lebanese should transcend fear March 16 “criminal association” proceedings. 7;+ Speaker Nabih Berri postpones “Forget about the term extension elections to defeat the remnants of the the parliamentary session due to the symphony”, President Michel Syrian occupation,” Assistant Secretary of absence of quorum resulting from Suleiman says stressing that he agreed State Jeffrey Feltman says on the seventh the withdrawal of Future Movement with Aoun over the appointments. anniversary of the Cedar Revolution.

issue 118 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. MEDIA |45

March 22 and Reform Bloc and in the absence of and the construction of new plants The Parliament agrees to the the Lebanese Forces. despite the opposition from Jumblat’s reduction in jail terms and the March 14 Forces emerge victorious MPs. The Cabinet also approves 4 transportation allowance and approves X Y " appointments in control agencies and funding for road and highway projects. the council of the Beirut Order of agrees to conduct an audit on public The Cabinet approves the formation Engineers. spending from 2006 to 2010. of an Oil Sector Management The Druze Sheikh Akl expresses A delegation headed by President Committee. reserve over the paragraph pertaining Michel Suleiman leaves for Iraq “We will visit Syria when things to Syria without mentioning the Arab to participate in the Arab Summit settle down,” Patriarch al-Rai says initiative, during the Islamic-Christian meetings. upon his return to Beirut. summit held in Bkerki. Bashar Assad receives a former “We did not accuse Sheikh al- Lebanese MP Faisal Daoud. March 23 Assir of fanaticism and we are not “I prefer ending my life with a Three former culture ministers tasked with labeling people,” former separation from the Syrian regime,” hold a news conference in Msaytbeh PM Fouad Siniora says during a news # _ Y to voice objections to a decision conference in Saida. newspaper. by the Ministry of Culture to allow construction on the site of a Roman March 28 March 30 hippodrome in Downtown Beirut. Minister of Energy and Water Shia’a Mashayekh call on the Georgia’s PM Nika Gilauri visits Gibran Bassil reiterates the correlation government to elect a new head for Lebanon and announces that the between the power-generating ships the Higher Islamic Shia’a Council Lebanese have now a visa-free access and the power plants, threatening and describe the presence of Sheikh to Georgia. that he will resign if the proposal for Qabalan as illegal. power-generating ships were rejected, Patriarch al-Rai begins a visit March 24 especially that it costs less than the to Turkey and meets with Turkish Sources leak information establishment of new plants. ! suggesting that PM Najib Mikati Head of the Lebanese Forces will not agree to the lease of power- Samir Geagea reports that the solution March 31 generating ships because of their high lies in the resignation of the current Lebanese parties and Palestinian cost and MP Gibran Bassil expresses government and the formation of factions march to the Beaufort Castle surprise over Mikati’s late stand. a technical one able to manage the to mark Earth Day. Retired Brigadier General Mostafa affairs of the Lebanese people. Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah stresses Hamdan accuses Walid Jumblat of & X \ that the government is staying to serve killing Sheikh Sobhi Saleh, Sheikh between the Syrian Army and armed the interest of the country and toppling Halim Takieddine and Mohammad members in the borderline region of the Syrian regime through a military Choucair. Y R! coup is no longer an option. Interior Minister Marawan Charbel of the Syrian Army into Lebanon and Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs hands over checks to the inmates the Lebanese Army arrests 10 gunmen visits Lebanon and voices Iran’s whose jail sentences were complete R\X readiness to help Lebanon solve its and also to those who cannot afford to Syria. electricity problems. their bail. The strike held by public teachers “Patriarch al-Rai is not against halts the learning process. proportionality and we will discuss the March 27 MP Walid Jumblat dispatches a electoral law soon,” President Michel Hospitals strike for higher tariffs telegram to Montaha al-Atrash on Y! and refuse to admit NSSF patients the anniversary of her father’s death March 8 Forces win the student except for emergency cases, and and urges the Syrian Druze to join the elections held at LAU’s Beirut lawyers strike over delay in selecting revolution. campus while March 14 Forces a new head for the Higher Judicial prevail at Byblos campus following Council. March 29 the withdrawal of the FPM. Patriarch al-Rai holds a mass in The 8-hour-long Cabinet session Ain el-Bechara in the presence of approves the leasing of power- General Michel Aoun and the Change generating ships for three years

issue 118 | May 2012 46|ARAB WORLD FOCUS

KUWAITI PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS ISLAMISTS TRIUMPH AS WOMEN FADE OUT

On February 2, 2012 the Kuwaiti voters headed to the ballot boxes to elect their MPs after Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah had dissolved the National Assembly of Kuwait (Majlis Al-Umma), elected usually for a 4-year term, and called for an early parliamentary election, which is the fourteenth in the history of Kuwait. Electoral law ==""== women voted and stood for election. Every eligible voter (21 years old and above) is entitled to four votes and the candidate should be at least 30 years old. Ten seats were granted to each electoral district as shown in the following table:

District # of candidates # of eligible voters # of actual voters District 1 62 71,146 43,400 District 2 61 45,400 22,246 District 3 67 67,063 50,967 District 4 49 103,280 63,000 District 5 47 113,407 55,301 Total 286 (including 23 women) 400,296 23,914 (or 58.2%) Tribal presence Change The Kuwaiti tribes managed to gain a solid foothold The National Assembly has witnessed a change in over in the new National Assembly after the victory of 23 half of its members (52%) with six new MPs for each tribal-based candidates according to the following: =# Five seats for each of Al-Rashaydeh, Al-Mutair, Al- the second and fourth districts. Ajman and Al-Awazem One seat for each of Shammar, Al-Atban and Anza Women’s absence The 2012 parliamentary elections were marked by the failure of the 23 female candidates to gain any seats in the National Assembly after having secured 4 in the previous elections. Islamist dominance Kuwaiti Islamist parties and movements succeeded in gaining 23 seats against only 9 in the previous elections. < Islamic Constitutional Movement, the Development and Reform Movement as well as independent candidates. The Shia’a won only 7 seats against the 9 they had gained in the previous Assembly. Parallel to this Islamist progress, the pro-government liberals went down to one third of the Assembly, meaning that the opposition has the majority of the seats and there is a likelihood that the Assembly has to be dissolved before its term expires in 2016.

issue 118 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. PRICES |47

REAL ESTATE PRICES Towards MARCH 2012

After four months of stagnation, the real estate Prices of some apartments sold in March 2012 Table 2 ~~ Region Area (m2) Price (USD) USD/m2 in March 2012. Sales transactions were evident in Beirut Baabda, Hazmieh, Sin el-Fil and Jounieh while the Tallet Khayat 300 1,680,000 5,600 housing market in Beirut where prices are thought to be the highest remained sluggish. People are Qraytem 240 816,000 3,400 refraining from buying any property in the capital Karakas 180 630,000 3,500 before the prices drop down and also, the forecasts Hamra - Maqdissi 270 1,134,000 4,200 for the market activity for the coming few months Ain Tineh 210 861,000 4,100 are still foggy as people wait for more clarity on the future of the events in Syria and the region. Ashrafieh - Rizk 160 440,000 2,750 Tables 1 and 2 show the prices of some apartments Ashrafieh - Jeitawi 180 396,000 2,200 and estates sold in March 2012. Ashrafieh - Mar Mikhael 110 220,000 2,000 Baabda Prices of some estates sold in March 2012 Table 1 Baabda 250 675,000 2,700 2 2 Region Area (m ) Price (USD) USD/m Yarzi 230 598,000 2,600 Beirut Hazmieh - Mar Taqla 200 420,000 2,100 Ashrafieh - Sofil 600 7,200,000 12,000 Haret Hreik 150 172,500 1,150 Ashrafieh - Karm Shiyyah 120 114,000 950 zaytoun 400 2,800,000 7,000 Ghobeiry 180 216,000 1,200 Verdun 1,000 10,000,000 10,000 Ain al-Remmaneh 170 280,500 1,650 Baabda Matn Baabda 1,050 1,942,500 1,850 Awkar 200 340,000 1,700 Baabda 700 525,000 750 Mansourieh 185 268,250 1,450 Baabda - Brazilia 1,100 2,970,000 2,700 Broumana 190 389,500 2,050 Shiyyah 460 2,208,000 4,800 Beit Mery 170 289,000 1,700 Matn Rabiya 250 600,000 2,400 Broumana 400 296,000 740 Jal dib 225 303,750 1,350 Bekfaya 1,000 260,000 260 A’aley Awakar 650 682,500 1,050 Doha Hoss 190 285,000 1,500 Khalde - Haroun Rashid 240 240,000 1,000 Aley Doha Aramoun 180 225,000 1,250 Aramoun 1,480 1,480,000 1,000 Bshamoun 100 140,000 1,400 Doha Hoss 1,250 1,125,000 900 Kessrouan Kessrouan Ghazeer 170 212,500 1,250 Farayya 1,200 240,000 200 Saher Alma 210 315,000 1,500 Adma 1,500 1,950,000 1,300 Haret Sakhr 160 208,000 1,300

Source: Information International- March 2012

issue 118 | May 2012 48| PRICES

PRICES OF 100 FOOD PRODUCTS Towards IN MARCH 2012

Stable prices dominated the market of the majority Prices of food products during March 2012 (in LBP) Table 1 of the 100 food prices we investigate every month, Prices Prices % of with 66 items maintaining the same price levels Item and Brand beginning of beginning of price registered last month. On the other hand, modest March 2012 April 2012 change Tala tomato sauce \ (675g) 3,250 3,250 0 remaining 34 commodities with 17 witnessing a slight increase and another 17 decreasing a little. Dairy Products The highest price decreases included butter, meat Candia full cream milk (1 liter) 2,500 2,500 0 and salt while the increases included wheat and Candia full cream bulgur. yoghurt (2 kg) 2,900 3,000 0 Bonjus labneh (1 kg) 4,890 4,890 0 Table 1: Prices of food products during March 2012 (in LBP) Taanayel labneh (500 g) 5,500 5,500 0 Candia labneh (500 g) 5,400 5,250 -2.8 Prices of food products during March 2012 (in LBP) Table 1 Taanayel yoghurt (1 kg) 3,900 3,900 0 Prices Prices % of Smeds cheese (400 g) 4,850 4,850 0 Item and Brand beginning of beginning of price March 2012 April 2012 change Picon cheese (360 g) 3,900 3,900 0 Oil Picon cheese (160 g) 1,975 1,975 0 Afia corn oil (3.5 liters) 16,000 16,000 0 Double-crème cheese (1 kg) 10,000 10,000 0 Mazola corn oil (3.5 liters) 18,560 18,000 -3 Fresh country cheese (1 kg) 9,250 9,500 +2.7 Mazola corn oil (1.8 liters) 9,400 9,400 0 Khashkawan cheese (1 kg) 13,000 11,850 -8.8 Slim corn oil (2 liters) 8,750 8,750 0 Lurpak butter (200 g) 2,750 2,200 -20 Wesson corn oil (2 liters) 8,750 8,750 0 Tatra butter (200 g) 2,750 2,000 -27.2 Ghandour soya oil Al-Maalaqtain 7,850 7,850 0 (2 liters) 12,100 12,100 0 margarine (2 kg) Alfa corn oil (4 liters) 15,550 15,500 -0.3 Al-Baqara al-Haloub margarine (2kg) 35,000 35,000 0 Al-Wadi olive oil (1/2 liters) 6,500 6,500 0 Vegetaline margarine (2 kg) 18,950 18,950 0 Ketchup and Sauces Nido full cream milk 21,850 21,850 0 Libby’s Ketchup (597 g) 1,600 1,600 0 (bag) (2,250 g) Nido full cream milk Extra Ketchup (340 g) 1,050 1,100 +4.7 (2,500 g) 26,250 26,250 0 Extra Ketchup (2.2 kg) 5,250 5,250 0 Tatra full cream milk (1,800 g) 20,000 20,250 +1.2 Dolly’s Mayonnaise 4,200 4,000 +4.7 (500 ml) Cereals Al-Wadi Mayonnaise 3,650 3,650 0 Khater white lentils (500 ml) (1 kg) 3,750 3,750 0 Al-Bsat Tahina (900 g) 6,650 6,800 +2.2 Khater chick-peas fahli (1 kg) 5,000 5,000 0 Al-Bsat Tahina (450 g) 3,450 3,650 +5.8 Khater beans (1 kg) 1,900 1,900 0 Taous tomato sauce 700 700 0 (70g) Peeled wheat (1 kg) 1,950 2,350 +20.5 Taous tomato sauce Pineal Lima Bean (1 kg) 3,500 3,750 +7.1 (425 g) 3,450 3,400 -1.4

issue 118 | The Monthly is published by Information International s.a.l. PRICES |49

Prices of food products during March 2012 (in LBP) Table 1 Prices of food products during March 2012 (in LBP) Table 1 Prices Prices % of Prices Prices % of Item and Brand beginning of beginning of price Item and Brand beginning of beginning of price March 2012 April 2012 change March 2012 April 2012 change Brown Fine Burgul Skipper tuna (185 g) 2,250 2,250 0 (1 kg) 1,750 1,950 +11.4 Eggs (30 eggs) 7,600 7,400 -2.6 Egyptian rice (1 kg) 2,100 2,100 0 Beef (1 kg) 17,000 15,000 -11.7 American rice (1 kg) 1,750 1,750 0 Sheep (1 kg) 27,000 25,000 -7.4 Italian rice (1 kg) 2,350 2,350 0 Coffee and Tea Al-Wadi Hommos 1,500 1,500 0 Tahina (380 g) Najjar coffee (1kg) 18,250 17,500 -4.1 Chtaura Hommos Brazil coffee (1 kg) 16,000 15,500 -3.1 Tahina (380 g) 1,450 1,450 0 Al-Hisan tea (180 g) 2,750 2,750 0 California Gardens 1,250 1,250 0 beans (450 g) Nestle (250g) 2,500 2,500 0 Al-Wadi beans (450 g) 1,250 1,250 0 Halvah and Jam Chtaura beans (480 g) 1,500 1,500 0 Al-Wadi halvah (454 g) 4,150 4,150 0 Libby’s corn (340 g) 1,750 1,750 0 Al-Bsat halvah (450 g) 3,100 3,250 +4.8 Pasta Chtaura apricot jam 6,250 6,250 0 Barilla spaghetti (500 g) 2,200 2,200 0 (1 kg) Antonio Amato Al-Wadi apricot jam 6,000 6,000 0 spaghetti (500 g) 2,150 2,150 0 (1 kg) Monte spaghetti (500 g) 2,300 2,300 0 Tissues and Detergents Sugar Mimosa tissues (500 g) 2,600 2,450 -5.7 Fine tissues Sugar (2 kg) 3,200 3,200 0 (200 tissues) 1,400 1,400 0 Al-Ousra Sugar (5 kg) 9,400 9,450 +0.5 Primo tissues (200 tissues) 1,400 1,400 0 Salt (700 g) 350 270 -22.8 Gipsy tissues Box of salt (738 g) 1,650 1,650 0 (300 tissues) 2,850 2,850 0 Meat, Fish and Eggs Mimosa toilet papers (4 rolls) 4,250 4,250 0 Zwan chicken (200 g) 2,500 2,700 +8 Yes detergent (750 g) 2,600 2,600 0 Zwan beef (200 g) 2,500 2,500 0 Clorox (1 liter) 1,500 1,550 +3.4 Luncheon meat beef (198 g) 2,000 2,000 0 Persil (4 kg) 19,250 19,750 +2.6 Al-Mona chicken Ariel (4 kg) 18,750 18,750 0 (200 g) 2,150 2,150 0 Fruit and Vegetables Al-Taghzia beef (200 g) 1,950 1,950 0 Oranges (1 kg) 1,250 1,500 +20 Al-Taghzia chicken 1,950 1,950 0 (200 g) Tomatoes (1kg) 700 750 +7.1 Geisha sardine (125 g) 1,250 1,150 -8 Cucumbers (1kg) 2,000 2,000 0 Deli sardine (125 g) 1,200 1,200 0 Bananas (1kg) 1,000 1,000 0 Milo sardine (125 g) 1,200 1,100 -8.3 Lemons (1 kg) 700 700 0 Geisha tuna (200 g) 2,700 2,700 0 Apples (1 kg) 2,500 2,000 -20 White Diamond tuna Potatoes (1 kg) 600 600 0 (200 g) 2,800 2,800 0 White Diamond tuna (200 g) 2,750 2,750 0 Source: Information International

issue 118 | May 2012 50| Did you know that? The Palestinian Demography around the World

12 million is the approximate world population of Palestinians 12 official refugee camps for Palestinians are located in who have their origins in Palestine and some of whom were Lebanon. These camps have very poor living conditions. displaced after the creation of Israel, the displacement of Some figures disclosed by UNRWA about their miserable 1948, and more so after the displacement of 1967. conditions are: 42% of the Palestinians still live in Palestine. 30 is the Number of primary health care facilities 2,345 ,681 Palestinians live in West Bank. 81 is the number of schools in the camps 1,416 ,859 Palestinians live in Gaza Strip. 34,516 students are enrolled. 1,318,000 Palestinians live in the Palestinian part occupied 1,014,599 is the number of annual medical and dental by Israel (the State of Israel). patient visits 4,250,000 Palestinians live in Jordan in which the population 48,506 is the number of refugees registered with UNRWA’s is over 66% Palestinian. “special hardship” program 50% or more of the displaced Palestinians are stateless 1 is the number of community rehabilitation centre. refugees, either lacking citizenship in any country, or having 250,245 Palestinians live in Saudi Arabia and 70,245 live in limited citizenship rights as in Jordan. Egypt. 573,000 Palestinians live in Syria and 500,000 live in Chile. 600,000 Palestinians are thought to reside in the Americas. Chile represents the largest concentration of Palestinians Many Palestinians have settled in the United States, particularly outside the Arab world. in the Chicago area. 422,188 Palestinian refugees live inside and outside cams in The rest of the Palestinian refugees and immigrants spread Lebanon as claimed by the United Nations Relief and Works between Honduras (54,000), Kuwait (50,000), Brazil (50,000), Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Iraq (34,000), Yemen (25,000), Canada (23,975), Australia (representing around 10% of the population in Lebanon). (15,000), and others. According to the Monthly1, the number of Palestinian refugees 6% of the Palestinian population worldwide is Christian. in Lebanon does not exceed 220,000 people. Sources: 1 Review Debunking Myth: Half a Million Palestinian Refugees in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestinian_people#cite_note-JpostFigs-0 Lebanon . The Monthly. Feb 2008, issue # 67. http://www.unrwa-lebanon.org/ Beirut International Airport Rafic Hariri International Airport Traffic- March 2012

Rafic Hariri International Airport traffic in March 2012 compared to February 2012 and March 2011 Table 1 Airport passenger traffic % of change % of change increased in March 2012 Traffic February March 2012 March February/ March 2011/ by 14.2% compared to 2012 2011 March 2012 March 2012 February and by 24.3% compared to March Arriving airplanes 2,298 2,512 2,094 +9.3 +20 last year. The number of arriving passengers Departing airplanes 2,288 2,518 2,095 +10 + 20.2 rose by 18.3% (34,612 Total No. of airplanes 4,586 5,030 4,189 +9.7 +20 passengers) compared to February and a remarkable Arriving passengers 188,642 223,254 181,467 +18.3 +23 increase of 10.3% (19,060 passengers) was also Departing passengers 185,610 204,670 162,557 +10.3 + 26 noticed in the number of Transit passengers 4,838 4,893 3,769 +1.1 +30 departing passengers. A total of 811,907 passengers Total No. of 379,090 432,817 347,793 +14.2 +24.4 used the airport in February passengers and March of this year Imported goods 3,152 4,065 3,882 + 29 +4.7 compared to 655,009 in (per ton) the same period last year Exported goods i.e. up by 24% or 156,898 (per ton) 2,249 2,455 2,244 +9.1 +9.4 passengers. Table 1 shows Total amount of goods airport traffic in March 2012 (per ton) 5,401 6,520 6,126 +20.7 +6.4 compared to February 2012 and March 2011. Source: Information International and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Stats & Numbers |51 Stats& Numbers

USD 900 thousand is the annual salary of the General Manager of MTC Touch and USD 600 thousand is that of the General Manager of Alfa plus a commission of 1.1% on sales. LBP 186.3 billion is the expense of the Lebanese University teachers’ salaries in 2011. It is forecast that the amount will exceed LBP Photo by Alaa Sakr 220 billion in 2012 following the wage hike approved in March 2012. Publications LBP 18 billion is the rent of the premises occupied Publications by Publications by INMA (in Arabic): by the Lebanese University Information International (in Arabic): 1- “I am Responsible, All of Us are Responsible” 1- Salaries and Remunerations in the Public Sector 2- “Our Environment is Our Home” across Lebanon in 2011. 2- Public Seaside Properties 3- “My Society is My Responsibility” The rental expense did not 3- Lebanon’s Parliamentary History 1920-2000 4- “My Society is My Responsibility” Workbook 4- Taxes and Fees 5- “I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards exceed LBP 9.5 billion in 5- Lebanon in Figures 1992-2002 State Building” 2005. 6- Lebanon in Figures 2003-2004 6- “I am a Student, I am a Citizen: Ways Towards 7- Lebanon in Figures 2005-2006 State Building” Workbook 6.5 million 8- Lebanon in Figures 2007-2008 7- “Lebanon Wars, why?” tons was the 9- Lebanon’s MPs and Lebanese Parliamentary 8- Discrimination in Lebanon annual cement production Elections 1960 - 2009 10- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, in 2011 of which 5.7 million candidate and confession-North District tons were used locally while 11- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate and confession-Beirut District the surplus was exported. 12- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate and confession-Mount Lebanon District USD 365 million is the 13- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, candidate and confession-Beqa’a District profit reaped by Bank Audi in 14- 2009 Parliamentary Elections by ballot box, 2011, up by 3.7% compared candidate and confession-South and Nabatiyeh District to 2010. Byblos Bank profits 15- Municipal Elections 2010 stood at USD 179.7 million. Publications by Kutub (in Arabic): 1- Trablous Al-Sham To Subscribe: 2- Jeniyat Al-Nabi Al-Borj Building, 4th Floor, Martyrs Square 3- Mokhber Al-Konsoliya Beirut Central District 4- Antoun Saadah 1932-1949 Telephone: 961-1-983008/9 961-3-262376 5- Antoun Saadah, A Biography, Volume 1. The Youth Years Fax: 961-1-980630 [email protected] www.iimonthly.com www.information-international.com © Information International SAL All rights reserved License No. 180/2003 TRADITIONAL ALEPPO DISHES

In her cookbook “Traditional Aleppo Dishes”, published by Kutub, Hanaa Halouni }" traditional Syrian cuisine, most of which are now at a risk of disappearing owing both to their lack of documentation in cookery books X into our eastern societies. The author embarked on documenting the recipes of the Syrian national meals which are mainly prepared of natural un-synthetic ingredients. The dishes have mixed origins embracing diverse cultural = = \X"X elements necessary for good health. The author presents detailed recipes with a set of instructions and a list of ingredients for preparing around 400 traditional Syrian dishes inherited from parents and grandparents. Those home-made meals were the fruit of the Syrian natural and geographic environment and have enriched all Syrian feasts in the past forty years. “Traditional Aleppo Dishes” is a serious SOON IN BOOKSTORES attempt to give the Allepian cuisine its dues and preserve its traditional essence through the documentation of the ancient Allepian culinary heritage and the promotion of this heritage for all the qualities it brings to the physical and mental health of younger generations.

© Kutub, All Rights Reserved Al-Borg Building, 4th Floor Martyr’s Square, Commercial Center Beirut - Lebanon P.O.BOX: 11-4353 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: (961-1) 983008/9 Fax: (961-1) 980630 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kutubltd.com