March 14th Babes!

Lovely babes from the huge demonstartion on freedom square.....

Gemayel's Funeral Pictures

It was a glorious day by all means. We proved again that we are the majority, the TRUE majority that calls for a true independent Liban. Nothing can express my feelings to see that after all these struggles, March 14th movement is still as strong as ever. Here are some pictures I took today.....

Beirut Now

I was supposed to go back to the north yesterday, but the assassination made me decide to stay in Beirut.

When you walk down in Beirut streets, you can see the tension everywhere. Wherever you look, you can see army men with their suits and guns, watching and trying their best to maintain a minimum level of security.

Achrafieh seems sad today, and every now and then you see small group of people in their cars with their speakers, asking people to be there at Martyrs square tomorrow, condemning the brutal assassination, and demanding a ONE-MAN stand in the face of terrorism.

You can see that everybody is worried and sad, no one can predict what's going to happen later on. It is the most awful feeling that any one can feel, to know that something is going to happen, but not knowing how to react, or what to do.

We were supposed to celebrate the first anniversary of Tueni's assassination in a couple more days, now yet another man to remember and treasure his sacrifices has been added to the list. Irony of life, we can't say good bye to one hero till we are obliged to say yet another good bye to another one....

I've spent most of the day at home, watching the scene outside my window, but I think I'm going to go down and visit some friends, maybe walk a little bit and check things out.

All I can say is that we should all be there at Martyrs square tomorrow. We MUST show these criminals that we are NOT afraid, and that we are willing to continue our struggle till the end. We have lost so many pure souls, and we are ready to see their sacrifices fade away just like that....

Need More Clues?

Al-Siyassa Kuwaiti newspaper mentioned that the Syrian news agency "SANA" called and asked about Gemayel assassination almost one hour BEFORE it took place!!! http://www.alseyassah.com/alseyassah/First_12.asp

And yet, we still hear voices accusing Israel and America! Not just that, but some people are even accusing March 14th movement itself! It seems that the new trend is to assassinate yourself!

That only shows that the "conspiracy Theory" against us is still overwhelming the masses, who still believe that all evil deeds have one source and one source only, US and Israel.....

Wake up people....WAKE UP

Yet Another martyr...

It seems we are a country that can't live without people dying defending it. We lost yet another martyr today, in a dirty attempt to make the government resign. How low can they get? a 34-year-old young promising politician, how cold-hearted and inhuman can you be to assassinate such a guy? And at such critical timing?

So many troubled emotions are burning inside me since I heard the news earlier today. This is a sad day. But yet, I have, no we all have a word to say: "WE WON'T FUCKEN GIVE UP ON LIBAN! YOU CAN KILL US ONE BY ONE, BUT WE WON'T STOP DREAMING OF BETTER LIBAN".

The least we can do is to pray for the rest of Gemayel's and all of our independence martyrs' souls. Rest assure your blood won't go in vain.....

Be there at martyrs square next Thursday. Our Liban is calling for us once again, and we all should be ready to answer its call, and show EVERYONE who are we and we are made of...

May your soul rest in peace Pierre, may God bless this country, and prevent farther huge losses of great independence-seeking men and women....

What the Problem is All About!

The problem is that the opposition thinks that all what is driving March 14th people is money, and desprate need to be in power! They still can't see that it was a VERY LOUD SHOUT to STOP playing with our future. And NO, it's not just the Sunnis that are making this movement, Christians are at the core of it, they have spent years asking and demanding for what March 14th is all about.

The problem I think is in the traditional Arab mentality. We always accept the fact that the whole world wants nothing but to invade us and stole our land. This idea is always successful and finds people who are more than welling to listen to and accept it. And this is exactly what HA is trying to do. They are selling the people what they love to buy through out their lives; that USA and Israel are coming to invade us, and that we should fight back, and everyone who is NOT with us is simply an American follower who is against us.

The Sunnis in Liban finally understood what this is all about, or maybe they are just fed up with the huge dept they have to pay for Arab and Islamic nationalism, and together with the Christians, they are now demanding that we should think about Liban first, a strong independent Liban, then start thinking and worrying about Arab issues.....

"The Hell with Independence, Welcome Followship!!" بئس السيادة و أهلا بالوصاية

Sorry our martyrs, they have uncovered us! They discovered what we are all about. We are American-dolls run by Jewish fingers! Yes, they revealed the true face of March 14th movement. We are corrupted, un-patriotic, money diggers and not worthy of the word "Lebanese".

They are telling us to forget you, to forget that they killed you because you were asking for our freedom, NO, because you were DEMANDING Liban's freedom and independence.

Independence???!! What an awful-American-Israeli-unpatriotic demand you lost your lives to, and we marched for two years ago! A truly-Lebanese-elected-government???!! What were we thinking? How could we do such a horrible thing?

How did we throw the Syrian regime out! How did we dare to stand in the face of dictatorship???!

But now, the true Lebanese patriots are here! And they are going to bring Liban back to the Syrian-era, to Karami's national government that allowed every single on of us to express his/her opinion, to the era where NO ONE was allowed to say anything but "YES" and "unity of road and destiny".....

But they did FORGET something, they forgot that we didn't made March 14th because we were blindly following our leaders, we didn't declare the "Cedars Revolution" because we were ordered to. We did what we did because we BELIEVE in INDEPENDENT LIBAN, because we refuse to be guided by Syrians and Iranians, because we are FED UP of Arab nationalism CRAP that kept holding us prisoners to open meaningless destructful wars with Israel.

Think again! If you think you can turn the table on us and take Liban back to the black past, then think again!

One word to them.... "Welcome Independence, and the HELL with followship"

If This is True

I just read an article by on http://beirutspring.blogspot.com called "The Plot Thickens". It talks about the last Al-Quaeda threat to the Lebanese government to be a March 14th inside job!

If what's Al-Manar TV saying is true, then it is a SERIOUS issue; though we are used to such propaganda coming out from our local media every now and then. Nevertheless, this should be investigated thoroughly....

Best Breakfast Ever!

For those who know "Abu Rami" foul and homos restaurant in Mina, you will know exactly what this article is all about, for those who don't, YOU ARE MISSING THE MEAL OF YOUR LIFE!

Since I moved to Beirut. I've started to miss the old habits of mine back in the north. So last Sunday, I decided I NEED to have a traditional Mina breakfast with friends, and that's EXACTLY what I did.

There is nothing that can describe the atmosphere, the place is always crowded with customers in the morning, people everywhere sitting and waiting for the wonderful breakfast, while the workers prepare everything in front of your eyes, and you can see the smoke coming out of the potts, with this magnificent aroma spreading all over the place......

And don't let me start talking about the bread, coming fresh out of the oven, hot and tasty you can't wait to just grab it and start eating, eventhough the man tells you to wait till it cools off or else you'd burn your fingers, but take my word on this, once the bread is in front of you, you can't resist but to touch it, even if you got yourself burnt!

And after along wait comes the tasty meal! Fatteh, foul and hommos b awerma, sfee7a...OMG what a meal!

And of course, the meal can't be completed but with the cup of hot tea at the end, where you sit and relax, trying to come out of the dream you were in, and loool trying to digest the HUGE amount that you ate without noticing...

It might sound silly, but believe me, if you ever came to the north, make sure to pass by "Abu Rami" in Mina to know what I'm talking about......

The view right before we started eating

The view after FIVE minutes ONLY

Two Ways to See Things

You can say: "the cup is half empty". Or you can be optimistic and say: "the cup is half full". Traditionally, Lebanese people would follow the first saying. But just to be optimistic for a change, I'm gunna go with the later this time.

We live in a democratic country. True we have our very own version of democracy, with all these religious sects in every single detail, but yet it is a democracy based upon free elections. And like in any other democratic countries, political parties disagree and sometime they just can't seem to find a middle ground. So they agree to disagree, and each team will do its best (within democratic regulations) to fulfill its project. And I'd like to think that this is how things are going now in Liban; HA and its allies decided to resign form the government as they don't agree with how things are going, and so they are in opposition now, and they have all the right to do whatever democracy allow to fulfill their goals. Both, Mr. Raad and Dr. Jeajea were pretty clear about that. Even if we didn't agree, that doesn't mean that civil war is on the way.

The opposition has all the rights to say "NO", and it has the right to organize riots and demand what it sees as right and just. And sure the majority has all the right to rule the country and make sure that security and stability are maintained at all costs.

Most people would disagree, and frankly, part of me find it extremely difficult to believe that this is how things really are. But nevertheless, you reach a place where you have to stick to hope and pray that good things happen to good people. And as long as all parties agreed that they are under the law, then hopefully this political crisis will come to an end without a huge loss like we used to see in previous occasions.

Call me a dreamer, but let's just hope that democracy is actually found in our community!

March 14th Movement

March 14th, 2005, we marched in MASSIVE numbers asking for our independence. We ALL went to the martyrs squares demanding a better future. Our huge movement shut all pro-Syrian mouths, even the great HA found itself obliges to accept the fact that a new era has begun.

Our movement continued, and we won in the election, getting the majority in the parliament. And all of a sudden, we started dreaming about a pink future, where we can build our Lebanon the way it should be build.

Then what happened? till this day I still can't understand why our political leaders decided to compromise!!! Why we ran after HA to join the government? And why we kept all this time asking for unity, national agreement, etc.....

I really can't understand that. Are we that weak? Are we that much unable to form our own government? We marched for the second time in February 14th, 2006, and we are more than capable of marching again and again and again.Our seek for compromising encouraged the pro-Syrian parties to start appearing again; they found a golden chance to get back into the scene by forming coalition with HA, and so they did. We gave them the chance to stand up in our way and in Lebanon way!!! And for what??? Can anyone tell me?

And now, our political leaders are welcoming Aoun in the government!!!! I can't even get that man, he was offered 4 ministers before, and he refused, and now he seem more than happy with the 2-ministers-offer, what the hell is going on?

My point is, we won the elections, and we are the majority, and so we have the right to rule the country, and we should form our government without asking them to join and put sticks in our wheels. We should have done this from the very beginning.

A word to our politicians, GET SOME BALLS and form a government capable of taking decisions, and be sure we all will be right behind you, and we won't let you down. Stop asking others to join and accept their constant indifference with our decisions. Why on hell did we had the elections if we can't rule when we win????!!!!!

Yacoubian Building

It's a SCREAM in our faces! A true honest WAKE UP call!

YES, this is what we have come to, this is how bottom-low our society has become. So many people criticized the movie, and said that it is an awful presentation of our society, but the truth is that this is the first time we see a true attempt to see things EXACTLY how they really are. Those who reject the film are only rejecting or trying NOT to accept that we no longer a nation of honor, religion and so called "Fadeela". They want to keep hiding behind their noses, trying to hold on to a false history that no longer exist, that if it ever existed to begin with!

For those of you who say they can't stand a meaningless Egyptian movie full of comedy, PLEASE go see the movie. It has brought a whole new level to Arab cine industry. Great acting, everyone is so truly honestly representing his/her character, with all the misery, passion and complications.

Farther more, try to read the novel, it's 10000000 times more touching than the movie, and if the movie is that much strongly effective, you can imagine what the novel looks like.

I'm NOT exaggerating at all. THANKS for the great author for this wonderful "slap on the face". THANKS for your honestly, courage and most of all transparency in translating the true image of corruption that has rotten our poor societies. For all the actors and actresses, THANKS a lot for this devotion. THANKS for everyone who made this film become a reality.

They say the first step in treating a problem is admitting to actually having the problem. I believe that "Yacoubian Building" has put our feet on the right track, and it is up to each and every one of us, to understand the lesson, and try to make a change around him/her, instead of just sitting on our butts, and living the illusion that we are "the best nation of the world"........

Around Beirut

So, we just finished the God damn huge F***** exam, and the only thing we could think of is that we need to get out! just go to where ever we can go and try to see the world around us and all the things we have missed during the past two weeks (because we were stuck home studying the endless virology).

At City Mall, this huge ad got my attention; it is supposed to be about some shoe store, but I wonder what the girl in the ad has in mind (so the photographer as well).........



I leave it up to you

I'm Back!

I know I have gone without any notice, but seriously I was obliges to do that because I had lots and lots of study to do during the past 10 days. It's true that as a MED II student, study never ends, but I promise I'll find time to keep this blog alive.

Stay tuned, for updates are about to come, specially after I finally got over the HUGE F***** virology exam yesterday.

Thanks for your continuous support

UNIFIL Dilemma

Yesterday, the Lebanese Army established its full control over the Lebanese soil, and removed the Israeli violation near Adayce area, where the Israelis were watching from the other side of the borders, and the UNIFIL forces monitoring the area.

It'd give us a great deal of pleasure and security to see our army defending our borders and NOT backing up from a potential confrontation with Israel. And the fact that the UNIFIL forces are monitoring every single move of both sides gives a great deal of security; for I know that Israel won't do a stupid move as to engage with the Lebanese army while the whole world is watching its attack, and Hezbollah is not stupid either to engage in such a fight, knowing that any presence of its arsenal will be a direct violation of UN resolution 1701. More and more, it seems that UNIFIL might use force against Israel to put an end to its violations. What more could we ask for after all that?

But, being the suspicious person that I am, I can't help but to get a little bit worried about these massive forces that we have here in Lebanon now. We all know that UNIFIL forces, up till now, takes orders or shall we say cooperate with the Lebanese governments in all its actions. But would this situation remain the same in case of a governmental change? We all are aware that US and France are happy with the current Lebanese government, believing that it is made of forces that know how to stay in the middle and NOT go to extreme measures that could escalate the situations. But what if a change put pro-Syrian powers back into the government? Would the UNIFIL still take orders from such government? I doubt that very much. Then what would happen? Foreign forces in Lebanon not cooperating with the Lebanese government, won't that be considered some sort of occupation? Or will such forces give us a great push NOT to allow such tragic change to occur?Just having these thoughts in my mind, and wanted to discuss them with all of you, if you have any opinion about that, feel free to share them :)

What Do You Think?

The following quote was taken from a report published in TIME :

"With deep political mistrust between Syria and the United States, the two countries are hardly ready-made partners in the war on terrorism. Yet by the end of 2002, Zammar was one of at least four prisoners jailed in the Palestine Branch cells in Damascus who had landed there as part of the CIA renditions, according to the book, which is being published by St. Martin's Press. It is widely believed that Zammar, who has never been charged with anything, is still being held without trial in Syria at an unknown location. He was last heard from in 2005, when he sent a letter from Syria to his family in Germany through officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross."

It seems that the Baath regime and US administration are getting along very well, why am NOT surprised?

Winter is Here!

Beirut had suffered from TONS and TONS of rain in the last couple of days.
Pictures talk for themselves....

We Won't Stop!

Our dear soldiers and civilians lost since October 13th, 1990, we won't ever forget you. And we will NEVER stop demanding to know what happened to you, and where you are now.

This is a very short article just to let the whole world know that no matter what happens, and no matter how many politicians turn their heads away, we will NEVER EVER stop demanding to know your fate, for the only simple reason that you are LEBANESE , and your families deserve to rest assured knowing what had happened to you....

Reunion

Since I've started living in Beirut, I haven't been able to stay connected to all my friends in the North, specially those whom I spent years working with at OSA (office of student affairs) at my university.

But yesterday, the office organized a lovely "Reunion and Iftar" gathering, and though I had a pathology test today, I found myself going to the gathering no matter what.

I had a great time, we were almost 30 person, most of I haven't seen for months. We spent the time catching up, laughing about our memories and what we used to do, and laughing our asses off doing all the crazy things we do usually. You don't really realize what you are leaving behind till you live it all over again. And it feels great to know that though we have gone in our separate ways, we still find time to get together and catch up, lovely feeling indeed....

Beirut International 7th Film Festival

A great chance to watch good quality films from all over the world. Of the films, two Egyptian ones have got my attention.

"Malak w Ketaba" very nice movie giving a whole new perspective to the relation between different generation. It also gives you an idea about the dramatic changes occurring in the Arab world, specially among young people in their 20's or 30's. A MUST seen by all means.

"Yacoubian Building" is by far the best added-value of this film festival. I've read the novel, and I was amazed and shocked by the courage of the writer to discuss "taboo" issues in the Arab world, including homosexuality, religious extremists and sexual harassment. Should the film be as good as the novel, it would be the most MUST see Arab film.

Gebran Tueni

Yesterday on New TV, there was an episode of "Akid Akid Maestro" dedicated to the memory of Gebran Tueni. Nechan hosted Nayla and Siham Tueni, together with Gebran's lovely young girls.

I was so touched by that episode. Gebran had a huge influence on me ever since I started reading and listening to him (about 5 years ago). I've always admired his courage and his ability to speak his own mind in all cases. He lit the fire inside me, and provoked me to dream about a true Lebanon, where we can participate in building and making this country ours.

All freedom martyrs affected me deeply, but Gebran's assassination broke my heart. I saw Nayla on TV many times. You could feel Gebran's presence in her eyes, talk and even breath. It's true what they say :"Elli khallaf ma mat" "He who had kids never dies". Up till this moment, you can still see the burden this young lady has on her shoulders, and yet she's not quitting. On the contrary, she's more determined to carry on the Tueni's legacy.

I know that the possibility of you, Nayla, reading this post is almost zero, but I just want you to know that it's not only you who lost a father. We all lost a true father, and an inspiring leader, who lived his life pushing us to defend what we believe in, and to never stop dreaming about OUR LEBANON.

May you rest in peace dearest Gebran, we miss you so much, and you will always remain alive in our memory, hearts and lips as we keep reciting your oath......

For the Love of Lebanon

Beirut 2006 Marathon is held on November 26th, 2006. The map below shows the Beirut Marathon 2006 course. I'm asking every single one of you who can run, walk or jog, adult or teenager, to come and participate in this great event.

"For the Love of Lebanon" is the logo of this year's marathon, so all of us who loves and care about Lebanon should be there to show the whole world that we are here, and where're staying, for the love of Lebanon.

Schumi.....AGAIN

What can I say? A champ is always a champ. I've never doubted his ability, and Alonzo was stupid enough to provoke the CHAMP thinking that his days were over, well Alonzo, let me tell you one thing: "THINK AGAIN!"

Coming from the 6th position to the one place chumi deserves, the FIRST, and heading the points table, what a rush!

This year us by far, one of the most exciting F1 season in years. I'll leave you all with pix of Schumi celebrating....

The famous "Jump"!