Closer to Home

I was surfing the web and found this picture of one of the major interchanges in Rabieh. As some of you may know my family live in Mtayleb a town bordering Rabieh in Mount Lebanon, minutes away from this intersection. I know, I know, by US standards, this is tiny, but we're talking about Lebanon here, a country half the size of New Jersey!

Mtayleb is about 5 miles from Bikfaya, my hometown. Bikfaya means the house the house made of stone or the rock house in the old Syriac language (see panoramic view below).

In Lebanon, one's hometown is the location where one is laid to rest upon death. In fact, it is referred to as 'Mascat Ra'ess' in Arabic, which means exactly that. People are excepted to vote in their hometowns come election time. Changing one's hometown for political purposes, although acceptable by law, is not very well received by many Lebanese as it is viewed as imposing one's external and sometomes misinformed views on the locals. This does not appear to be a common practice in the nation, although it has happened more recently primarily in Beirut.

Hometown identity, as well as last name and faith, are passed on through the father traditionally.

Beirut Pic

I am still trying to find a good areal picture for Beirut but this is really close to reality even though it's just a drawing

What this War Really Means

Since the beginning of the hostilities, I have refrained from posting images from war-torn Lebanon out of respect for those who died and those who are left behind in mourning. It may come as a shock to many, but I am generally a very private person and in keeping with my Mediterranean roots, I am not one that shows emotions easily.

However, today, I fell on this picture in the New York Times that spoke to me about the true meaning of this war and for that matter any war. As I listen to George Bush, Ehud Olmert, Condoleeza Rice, Hassan Nasrallah and others competing for media attention and claim of victory, I wonder what the man in the picture above has to say today.

This man may be just another Shiite to some, he could also be just another Jew to others, or another Israeli, and maybe yet another Lebanese. To me, this picture is about a man, a human being that is crying the loss of someone dear to him, another human being. And this is what this war about.

Today, I don't see opportunities. Today, I don't see hope. Today, I see pain. Today I see Loss.

Today, I am braking with my traditions and roots. Today, this is even more personal. Today was the day I cried.

M-

Family, Friends Pics

Brother, Emile, Don't Remember his name, Bassima La Drag Queen, Cutie, Gus, and Teddy at Gus's Brother's wedding. I still don't get why, but Drag Queens are so popular in Lebanon. Oh and if you're wondering, I look like my brother, but hotter!
Drag Queen to the Left, Sister to the Right at Gus's Brother's Wedding.

The Brother, the Sister, and Cutie at Gus's Brother's wedding.

Why LBster

Someone asked me today about the meaning of my blogg's name 'LBster'.

Here's a quick explanation: 'LB' is the official abbreviation for Lebanon and 'ster' comes from Friendster. Geeky, I know!

I must take a moment and give full credit to Overman, AKA AO, AKA Dr. O, my friend from DC who came up with this name. Thanks AO!.

IDF General: Troops Lacking Food Can Steal From Lebanese Stores by Haaretz Service

"If our fighters deep in Lebanese territory are left without food our water, I believe they can break into local Lebanese stores to solve that problem," Brigadier General Avi Mizrahi, the head of the Israel Defense Forces logistics branch, said Monday. Mizrahi's comments followed complaints by IDF soldiers regarding the lack of food on the front lines."If what they need to do is take water from the stores, they can take," Mizrahi told Army Radio.
Advertisement
According to Mizrahi, the logistics branch is prepared for the possibility that combat soldiers will have to remain in Lebanon during the winter.

Washington Post Poll Results on Lebanon - Some Interesting Findings

Who do you think is more to blame for the current conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon?

Israel 7%, Hezbollah 39% , both equally 46%, no opinion 6%, other 1%

Do you think Israel is using too much force (32%) in Lebanon, not using enough force (22%), or is using about the right amount of force (35%) ? No opinion 11%

Israel says it has been bombing rocket launchers and other Hezbollah targets located in civilian areas, saying this is necessary for its self-defense even if civilian casualties occur. Do you think Israel is or is not justified in bombing Hezbollah targets located in areas where civilians may be killed or wounded?

Is justified 47% Is NOT justified 48% No opinion 5%

Who do you blame more for the civilian casualties in Lebanon - Hezbollah for locating its fighters and rocket launchers in civilian areas (58%), or Israel for bombing Hezbollah targets (21%) in those areas? Other/neither (2%) Both equally (10%), no opinion (9%)

Do you think Israel is doing all it reasonably can do to try to avoid civilian casualties in Lebanon, or do you think it should do more?

Doing all it can 38% Should do more 54% No opinion 8%

Note - Margin of error is less than 0.5 percent

Warning

If this war doesn't stop at once I will go back to smoking. You have been warned.

My prayers tonight

Wisdom Wisdom Quand tu nous tiens!

"When you have a good moment, it's good to remember the bad moments, because that helps keep your feet on the ground. And when you have bad moments, it's good to remember the good ones, because that helps you keep your head above water."

Somebody Smart

Things I didn't know about

A friend sent me the link below for my viewing. This puts the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a context I never knew existed. The views expressed in this video emphasizes the difference in coverage of the Holy Land conflict between various existing western medias.

Very powerful, I encourage everyone to take a look

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7828123714384920696

No Comment

Lebanon: Foreign Exchange Risk is Minimal

The Central Bank of Lebanon (BDL) has released bi-monthly data showing the loss in reserves since the crisis began at approximately US$1.38bn, starting from a reserve position of US$12.0 at the onset of the crisis on July 12. Five-year deposits made by the Saudi and Kuwaiti governments at the BDL amounting to US$1.5 billion bring total reserves to US$12.2 billion.

These same governments also deposited grant funds at the BDL intended for humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, and amounting to US$1.1 billion. Given that such funds take time to disburse, total foreign exchange reserves at the BDL are currently about US$13.22 billion (plus US$6 billion in gold). Total LBP deposits in the Lebanese banking system amounted to US$16.5 billion at the end of June. If the amount of US$1.35 already converted is subtracted, the system now contains US$15.15 billion in LBP deposits, meaning that even if gold reserves are left out of the calculation the BDL is capable of covering almost all LBP to US$ conversions if that were required. The BDL is likely to receive further deposits from GCC countries if this crisis is extended.

From Joseph or Ways to Make Cry at Work

"I love Beirut for its opposites. I love Beirut because I see a girl in a mini skirt and her sister in a tchador. I love Beirut because it is neither West nor East it is both. I love Beirut because one can party till 6 in the morning and not realize that it is tuesday morning. I love Beirut because Beirutis live as if they are going to die tomorrow and party as if they are going to live forever.

I love Beirut because I can be swimming in the morning and 30 minutes later I'm on the slopes skiing or doing apres ski. I love Beirut because I have never seen the sun this strong anywhere in the world.

I love Beirut because I can see 6,000 years of history. I love Beirut because Christians and Muslims are living an understanding and do not need to have Christian Muslim understanding classes. I love Beirut because every Beiruti has a political opinion and will share it with you even if you could care less about his and you want to share yours with him. I love Beirut for all the conspiracy theories and how many people actually believe them.

I love Beirut because any night I can find a friend to go out with. I love Beirut because I do not need to call my friends to go and see them at their houses I just stop by. I love Beirut because as soon as I arirve at one of my friends houses his mom takes me to the kitchen and becomes the spokesperson of the refrigerator. I love Beirut because one can smell gardenia , and jasmine. I love Beirut because strawberries taste like strawberries and fruits taste like fruits. I love Beirut because the food is so good that one gains so many pounds even if she tries to lose .

I love Beirut because although the Lebanese women at times look alike as some did their surgeries at the same plastic surgeon they are the most elegant women I have ever seen. I love Beirut because when I go out at night I don't know at which women to look at as each one is gorgeous in her wn way. I love Beirut because everyone knows me by name.

I love Beirut because I don't have to explain myself. I love Beirut because of the traffic jams and the people you meet because of them. I love Beirut because of the noise pollution from cars honking.

I love Beirut for the spirituality of the people whether Muslim or Christian. I love Beirut because I'm the first to call my Muslim friends on Ramadan and they are the first to call me on Easter. I love Beirut because on May 1st I see Muslims visiting Harissa ( Virgin Mary ) just like I see Christians. I love Beirut because we can differentiate between a Jew and an Israeli. I love Beirut because on the 22nd of every month I see Muslims going to Mar Charbel and believing that a miracle will happen.

I love Beirut because women look like as if they are out of a Vogue magazine. I love Beirut because you eat to live and live to eat. I love Beirut because one leaves one cafe to go to another and one does this all day.

I love Beirut because all the Lebanese living outside want to come back and the Lebanese who are in Lebanon envy the ones who are living abroad not realizing what it means to live away from Beirut.

I love Beirut because my sister , her husband are there and my niece and nephew who are 5 are waiting to see their uncle. I love Beirut because my niece asks me to bring her a pink skirt and tells me : "I love You".

I love Beirut because a girl or a guy can easily tell you I just had a couple of Lexo or Xanax as if they just had a chewing gum. I love Beirut because for every Lebanese we have a singer. I love Beirut because the Lebanese star singers sing in nightclubs. I love Beirut because women go into the swimming pool with full make up. I love Beirut because guys go in with their cigars.

I love Beirut because it has been destroyed 7 times in History and has risen. I love Beirut because since 1975 the Beirutis have withstood the PLO , Syrians , and the Israelis. I love Beirut because the Beirutis will not accept anyone to occupy them and rule over them. I love Beirut because we feel that it is better to die on our feet than to live on our knees.

I love Beirut because each street is a two way street even if it is a one way officially. I love Beirut because one can park anywhere and not get a ticket. I love Beirut because one can go as fast as his speedometer.

I love Beirut because MEA lands there. I love Beirut because on MEA we can clap in unison when we are about to land. I love Beirut not because it is my city , but because it is the city of every Lebanese. I love Beirut because it welcomes every exile freethinker , independent mind of the Arab world.

I love Beirut because we have hundreds of newspapers and our press is finally Free. I love Beirut because most Arabs dreams of coming to Beirut and wishes his capital was more like Beirut.

I love Beirut because when I explain Beirut to my Western friends, my friends see the passion of Beirut in my eyes. I love Beirut because there is so much misconception about Beirut in the media and in the minds of people who have never visited. I love Beirut because when I tell my friends that I'm going to Beirut they tell me can you take me with you.

I love Beirut because we argue over who is going to pay the bill at a restaurant as everyone wants to pay it. I love Beirut because although many whine about not making enough money everyone is living. I love Beirut because if I do the cross before I start driving the person next to me does not ask me if I fear that I'm going to get into a car accident but instead does his cross as well.

I love Beirut because we accept our differences as we disagree with each other. I love Beirut because it serves as a beacon of freedom to the rest of the Arab world. I love Beirut because to praphrase what Gibran said about Lebanon " Had Beirut not been my city I would have chosen it to be." I love Beirut because there is no city like it.

I love Beirut because even if Beirut is being destroyed you are still beautiful and will remain beautiful no matter how disfigured you are.

I love Beirut because you are always on my mind.

I love Beirut for no reason. I love Beirut for all the reasons of the world. "

Areas Targeted in the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

You will note that contrary to what has been covered thus far in the United States media, a significant portion of Lebanon has been targeted by the Israeli Defense Force. Targeted spots include major civilian infrastructure, media towers, etc..

The Black dot on the map is where my family lives. Both my brother and sister work in Beirut.

The Lebanese Flag

About Religion

And an old priest said, "Speak to us of Religion."
And he said:
Have I spoken this day of aught else?
Is not religion all deeds and all reflection,
And that which is neither deed nor reflection, but a wonder and a surprise ever springing in the soul, even while the hands hew the stone or tend the loom?
Who can separate his faith from his actions, or his belief from his occupations?
Who can spread his hours before him, saying, "This for God and this for myself; This for my soul, and this other for my body?"
All your hours are wings that beat through space from self to self.
He who wears his morality but as his best garment were better naked.
The wind and the sun will tear no holes in his skin.
And he who defines his conduct by ethics imprisons his song-bird in a cage.
The freest song comes not through bars and wires.
And he to whom worshipping is a window, to open but also to shut, has not yet visited the house of his soul whose windows are from dawn to dawn.
Your daily life is your temple and your religion.
Whenever you enter into it take with you your all.
Take the plough and the forge and the mallet and the lute,
The things you have fashioned in necessity or for delight.
For in revery you cannot rise above your achievements nor fall lower than your failures.
And take with you all men:
For in adoration you cannot fly higher than their hopes nor humble yourself lower than their despair.
And if you would know God be not therefore a solver of riddles.
Rather look about you and you shall see Him playing with your children.
And look into space; you shall see Him walking in the cloud, outstretching His arms in the lightning and descending in rain.
You shall see Him smiling in flowers, then rising and waving His hands in trees.

Gibran Khalil Gibran - The Prophet

Lebanon, Religions, and Map

Some of you have asked me to present a map of Lebanon with emphasis on religious affiliation. Many Lebanese usually avoid conversations revolving around religious affiliations these days primarily because it reminds many of the countries deadly 15 years civil war was driven by sectarian shifts between Lebanon's 18 recognized religious affiliations, including the Sunnis, Shiites, Druze, Maronites, Jews, Armenians, etc. For a country two-third the size of Connecticut and with only 3.8 millions residents, the ethnic and religious diversities may be too much to handle when you have continuous foreign intervention. We must be very hard to get over!

I believe the civil war was a shameful chapter of Lebanon's past and one that should never be forgotten for it not to be brought to light again. I have always wondered whether the Lebanese would have been better off if their country was predominantly mono-religious and mono-ethnic as is the case in Israel, Saudi Arabia or Jordan. Having lived in the States for seven years now, I realize that Lebanon's competitive edge is its ability to encompass so much diversity. America is this way too. Everyone is different is his or her own way. Yet America has succeeded in getting people to learn from and accept one another without loosing oneself. And as was the case in Lebanon, people's willingness to accept one another came at a heavy price in the land of Columbus. Diversity breeds creativity, tolerance, progressive thinking, and openess. Lebanon's ability to reach out to the Arab world and the West simultaneously while never giving up on its own traditions and values is what differentiates the land of the cedars from its neighboring countries. You can see this 'melting pot' culture in every aspect of the lives of the Lebanese from music, to eating and working habits, to dress code ,etc.

My family lives in the predominantly blue region northeast of Beirut also known as Mount Lebanon. Rabieh (the hill) where my parents live is around 10 to 15 miles from downtown Beirut. Bickfaya, my hometown, also in Mount Lebanon is around 20 miles from Beirut and around 5 miles from Rabieh going North.

Beirut, my lady