Gourt > Regional > Middle East > Lebanon > Beirut (37)
Beirut ( ) is the capital, largest city, and chief seaport of Lebanon. It is sometimes known by its French name, Beyrouth. The city has a population of 1.2 million people in the city proper and 2.1 million people in the surrounding metropolitan areas.
Beirut is the commercial center of the region and was sometimes called "the Paris of the Middle East" because of its cosmopolitan atmosphere prior to the Lebanese Civil War. Beirut has undergone major reconstruction in recent years and is set to host the Jeux de la Francophonie (Francophone Games) in 2009.
Beirut was considered as a possible candidate for the 2024 Summer Olympics games. The massive $1.2 billion Sannine Zenith project sought to make Lebanon capable of holding the games.
More on [ Beirut ]
The Economist: Middle East and Africa
Somalia: Hunger and terror
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:30:35 -0000
There has been no pause in the country’s relentless downward spiralIT HAS been a long, dreadful summer for Somalia. The UN says that 3.2m Somalis (out of about 8m) now need aid just to stay alive: a 77% rise on last year. A sixth of Somali infants are at risk of starving to death. Due to what aid organisations call “intolerable insecurity”, almost all international charity workers have left. Offshore, Somali pirates are as bold as ever. They are holding around ten vessels, including three large tankers with 130 crewmen captured this week.Foreign governments still wrangle over Africa’s worst humanitarian and political crisis. UN people working for a deal between Islamist insurgents and the weak Somali government want 8,000 peacekeeping troops to replace the few thousand beleaguered African Union and Ethiopian soldiers. But more senior people in the UN’s peacekeeping office, already failing to get enough troops into Darfur, rule that out. A multinational force would be the next best thing, but who would pay? Mooted Saudi cash has not materialised. ...
Kenya: When not imploding is not enough
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:30:35 -0000
Six months after its bloody election crisis, the country is still struggling to recoverIN THE past few weeks, Kenyans have been celebrating. They were delighted when their athletes came back from the Olympics in China with 14 medals, five of them gold, whereas South Africa, often the continent’s sporting giant, got just one silver. A buoyant president, Mwai Kibaki, handed bonus cheques to the medallists on their return. And then Kenyans had the pleasure, early one morning on television, of watching Barack Obama, the son of a Kenyan civil servant, accept the Democratic nomination to be president of the United States. But despite such good cheer it is evident that east Africa’s leading country has yet to recover fully from the post-election violence that ravaged it earlier in the year, when some 1,700 people were killed and 300,000 displaced. Its fragile coalition government is struggling to take the necessary decisions to tackle the country’s manifold problems. With Mr Kibaki as president and the opposition leader, Raila Odinga, as prime minister, the mere fact that their cumbrous joint administration has hung together is an achievement. But beyond that, six months into its existence, it has little else to celebrate. ...
Israel: Come and have a good time
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:30:35 -0000
Israelis want foreigners to see their country in a new lightCOUNTRIES, like items in the supermarket, sell better with clever advertising. So Israel, long frustrated by its image as a country tarnished by danger and strife, wants to rebrand itself—as hip, cool, cultured, fun and creative.The initiative comes from Israeli diplomats and Jewish groups in America, whose research shows that even though Israel enjoys strong political support from Americans, its image is far too lean and mean. Asked to describe “Israel house”, one focus group imagined it as arid, all-male and surrounded by barbed wire. The concepts that first spring to mind in polls are conflict, desert and religious extremism. “We want people to know other things about us,” says a top Israeli involved in the scheme. “About our computer chips and health-care innovations.” ...
The West Bank: The villagers hemmed in
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:30:35 -0000
The Israelis' security barrier continues to threaten Palestinian livelihoodsTHE tear gas has dispersed but the dirt road leading out of the village of Nilin is still strewn with rocks and broken bottles. Strips of carton and carpets, which served as makeshift prayer mats during the clashes that took place the day before, are still spread beneath the olive trees. A Palestinian village of some 5,000 souls west of Ramallah, the Palestinian capital, Nilin is the West Bank’s latest hot spot. Nearby, on Palestinian land, are two Israeli settlements, Modin Illit and Hashmonaim. For the past four months, the people of Nilin, aided by Israeli and foreign campaigners, have been protesting against the barrier the Israelis are planning to build across their land. ...
Ramadan: Time for tall tales on television
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:30:35 -0000
The Muslim month of fasting allows for ever-juicier television fare at nightIN RAMADAN’s past, pious Muslims in the big cities of the Middle East waited, in the hush before sunset, for the sound of a cannon shot, followed by the cry of “Allahu Akbar!” from a nearby mosque, to break their day-long fast. Now, during the month-long fasting period, families tune instead to their televisions. As the broadcast call to prayer declares the start of another night of furious eating and alcohol-free drinking, so it heralds a visual feast. Satellite television has taken off in the region like nowhere else. In wealthy Gulf states, some 95% of households own digital receivers; even in poorer countries, such as Jordan and Morocco, the satellite penetration rate now tops 75%. Not surprisingly, the number of free-to-air channels available on Arab satellites has grown sixfold in the past five years, to more than 300. Those willing to pay subscription fees or to have a clever technician break encoded blockers can tune in to dozens more. ...
Angola: Marching towards riches and democracy?
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:35:36 -0000
An oil-rich country prepares to vote for the first time in 16 yearsAFTER recent election fiascos in Kenya and Zimbabwe, all eyes are on Angola. On September 5th, 8m-plus registered voters (in a population of some 17m) should cast their ballot to choose a new parliament. They have certainly had to wait for the privilege. Since independence from Portugal in 1975, Angola has had only one multi-party election, in 1992, and it led to a resumption of the horrific civil war that had ravaged the place since independence. The government has repeatedly promised and postponed fresh elections since the end of the conflict in 2002. Only now, it judges, is Angola finally ready. Decades of war, first pitting Angolans against their Portuguese colonial masters and then against each other, destroyed and traumatised a country that is rich in oil, diamonds and fertile soil. The two sides in the civil war are still the main political parties that will contest these elections: the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the opposition National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). The latter, for many years a rebel movement, gave up arms after the death of its leader, Jonas Savimbi, in 2002. Now led by the articulate and urbane Isaias Samavuka, it has turned into a proper party. Though 14 groups are registered to contest the election, UNITA is still by far the largest opposition one. Incidents still occur in the oil-rich province of Cabinda, but a peace deal signed in 2006 has eased separatist tensions there. ...
L.A. Times - Middle East
Iraq's air force taking to the skies again
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 08:13:00 -0700
Grounded at the start of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, the once-powerful force is being nurtured back into existence with the help of American trainers. When Abu Mohammed walks down the flight line at a base outside this northern Iraqi city, there's a swagger in his stride. Engineers too young to remember Iraq's storied dogfights against Iran rush up to shake his hand.
Police: Rock slide in Egyptian village kills 24
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:11:00 -0700
Massive boulders crashed down on an Egyptian shantytown today on the outskirts of the capital, killing at least 24 people, authorities said. Rescuers were digging by hand to reach any survivors.
U.S. needs more troops in Afghanistan, commander says
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
But with Petraeus set to recommend slowing the drawdown in Iraq, more forces are unlikely to be available soon to deal with rising bloodshed. A top commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan said Friday that he needed thousands of additional troops to combat violence along the border with Pakistan, a requirement that appears to be at odds with recommendations from Army Gen. David H. Petraeus on future troop levels in Iraq.
Rice meets with Libya leader, a former pariah
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Moammar Kadafi is a gracious host, but the U.S. and Libya are not friends yet. Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi welcomed Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to his high-security personal compound Friday, in symbolic recognition that after nearly three decades of animosity, the U.S.-Libyan relationship is now officially normal, if not entirely friendly.
Sudan doesn't see relations improving after the U.S. election
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Officials in Khartoum are renewing efforts to reach agreement with the U.S., spurred by a genocide investigation and the impending end of the Bush administration. The American presidential race and a genocide investigation by the International Criminal Court are propelling Sudanese officials to renew efforts to strike a deal with the U.S. aimed at normalizing relations and improving stability in the volatile Darfur region.
3 Pakistani judges return to top court
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday reinstated three judges ousted by former President Pervez Musharraf, another victory for the man set to succeed him as head of state.
NPR Topics: Middle East
U.S. Hands Over Anbar Province
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0400
At a ceremony in Ramadi Monday, the U.S. military handed over control of Anbar province to Iraqi government forces. The Sunni province west of Baghdad was an insurgent hotbed until late 2006 when tribal leaders formed an alliance with U.S. forces. Will Iraq's Shiite-dominated government allow these Sunni paramilitaries to continue operating?
New Chief Aims To Restore Air Force's Reputation
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:25:00 -0400
Gen. Norton Schwartz is a man in line with Defense Secretary Robert Gates' vision of the Air Force. Unlike his fired predecessor, Schwartz isn't reluctant to send Air Force officers and more intelligence and surveillance to Iraq.
Treating Iraqi Children For PTSD
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:35:00 -0400
The war in Iraq has had a severe impact on the country's children. More than 650 children were reported killed there last year. Iraq's children also have been the victims of kidnapping, torture and rape. A clinic for children suffering post-traumatic stress disorder is opening this month in Baghdad.
'Three Cups of Tea' With Pakistan's Musharraf
Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:30:00 -0400
Greg Mortenson, executive director of the Central Asia Institute, met with Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf during a recent trip to the region. Musharraf had read a book Mortenson co-wrote titled Three Cups of Tea, about his experiences building more than 60 schools in remote parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Lebanon Prime Minister Heads To Iraq
Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0400
Fuad Siniora is expected to arrive in Baghdad Wednesday. Relations are improving between Iraq's Shiite-dominated government and the Arab world's Sunni leaders.
Musharraf Resigns Amidst Growing Outcry
Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:20:00 -0400
Pervez Musharraf has resigned as Pakistan's president under threat of impeachment. It may be the final act in a long confrontation between Musharraf and the political opposition that has accused him of illegally seizing power and mishandling the country's economy. Shuja Nawaz, a Pakistani journalist and author, explains issues facing that nation's government.
UN News Centre - Middle East
UN agencies launch bid to include restored Iraqi marshlands on heritage list
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Two United Nations agencies unveiled a joint bid today to list Iraq's marshlands, considered by some to be the original Garden of Eden, as a World Heritage Site, capping efforts to restore the ecological viability of the fragile region.
Palestinians stranded on Iraq-Syria border to depart for Iceland - UN
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Nearly 30 Palestinian refugees stranded for the past two years in makeshift camps on the border between Iraq and Syria will start new lives when they head to Iceland next week, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced today.
UN saddened by death of bomb disposal expert in accidental explosion
Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed its sadness at the accidental death of one of its bomb disposal experts in an explosion during a mine clearing operation earlier today.
UN refugee chief meets with Tunisian officials before heading to Iran
Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is visiting Tunisia to strengthen cooperation between his office and the North African nation, including the establishment of a full-fledged representation, before heading to Iran later this week.
UN urges Iran not to impose death penalty on juveniles
Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has urged Iran not to impose the death penalty on juvenile offenders, following reports that two minors were recently put to death, in violation of the country's obligations under international law.
UN to undertake science and technology strategy review for Iraq
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) announced today that it will work with the Iraqi Government to map out a strategy for using science, technology and innovation to reconstruct its economy and accelerate its development.
NYT > Middle East
Abroad: Watching ‘Friends’ in Gaza: A Culture Clash
Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:24:53 -0000
As young Gazans turn to television and the Internet for a view of the world beyond the armored checkpoints, culture is emerging as a struggle within Hamas.
Car Bombing Kills at Least 6 In City in Northwestern Iraq
Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:07:17 -0000
Witnesses said the bomb exploded in a marketplace in the Wihda district as people ran to the scene of a car accident.
U.S. Spied on Maliki, Book Says, Upsetting Iraq
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 06:05:16 -0000
The Iraqi government warned that claims about espionage in a book by Bob Woodward could affect negotiations over the continuing American troop presence in the country.
Israel Aids Palestinians With Arms
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 07:17:08 -0000
Some 900 assault rifles were transferred to the Palestinian Authority in late August with Israel’s approval, as part of a drive to build the capacity of Palestinian security forces.
Syria Says Israeli Peace Talks Postponed
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:09:35 -0000
President Bashar al-Assad said resumption of the talks and their outcome would hinge on who succeeds Ehud Olmert as Israel’s prime minister in upcoming elections there.
Plan Would Shift Forces From Iraq to Afghanistan
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:03:20 -0000
Pentagon leaders have recommended a modest shift of U.S. forces by early next year, officials said.
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Somalia: Hunger and terror
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:30:35 -0000
There has been no pause in the country’s relentless downward spiralIT HAS been a long, dreadful summer for Somalia. The UN says that 3.2m Somalis (out of about 8m) now need aid just to stay alive: a 77% rise on last year. A sixth of Somali infants are at risk of starving to death. Due to what aid organisations call “intolerable insecurity”, almost all international charity workers have left. Offshore, Somali pirates are as bold as ever. They are holding around ten vessels, including three large tankers with 130 crewmen captured this week.Foreign governments still wrangle over Africa’s worst humanitarian and political crisis. UN people working for a deal between Islamist insurgents and the weak Somali government want 8,000 peacekeeping troops to replace the few thousand beleaguered African Union and Ethiopian soldiers. But more senior people in the UN’s peacekeeping office, already failing to get enough troops into Darfur, rule that out. A multinational force would be the next best thing, but who would pay? Mooted Saudi cash has not materialised. ...
Kenya: When not imploding is not enough
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:30:35 -0000
Six months after its bloody election crisis, the country is still struggling to recoverIN THE past few weeks, Kenyans have been celebrating. They were delighted when their athletes came back from the Olympics in China with 14 medals, five of them gold, whereas South Africa, often the continent’s sporting giant, got just one silver. A buoyant president, Mwai Kibaki, handed bonus cheques to the medallists on their return. And then Kenyans had the pleasure, early one morning on television, of watching Barack Obama, the son of a Kenyan civil servant, accept the Democratic nomination to be president of the United States. But despite such good cheer it is evident that east Africa’s leading country has yet to recover fully from the post-election violence that ravaged it earlier in the year, when some 1,700 people were killed and 300,000 displaced. Its fragile coalition government is struggling to take the necessary decisions to tackle the country’s manifold problems. With Mr Kibaki as president and the opposition leader, Raila Odinga, as prime minister, the mere fact that their cumbrous joint administration has hung together is an achievement. But beyond that, six months into its existence, it has little else to celebrate. ...
Israel: Come and have a good time
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:30:35 -0000
Israelis want foreigners to see their country in a new lightCOUNTRIES, like items in the supermarket, sell better with clever advertising. So Israel, long frustrated by its image as a country tarnished by danger and strife, wants to rebrand itself—as hip, cool, cultured, fun and creative.The initiative comes from Israeli diplomats and Jewish groups in America, whose research shows that even though Israel enjoys strong political support from Americans, its image is far too lean and mean. Asked to describe “Israel house”, one focus group imagined it as arid, all-male and surrounded by barbed wire. The concepts that first spring to mind in polls are conflict, desert and religious extremism. “We want people to know other things about us,” says a top Israeli involved in the scheme. “About our computer chips and health-care innovations.” ...
The West Bank: The villagers hemmed in
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:30:35 -0000
The Israelis' security barrier continues to threaten Palestinian livelihoodsTHE tear gas has dispersed but the dirt road leading out of the village of Nilin is still strewn with rocks and broken bottles. Strips of carton and carpets, which served as makeshift prayer mats during the clashes that took place the day before, are still spread beneath the olive trees. A Palestinian village of some 5,000 souls west of Ramallah, the Palestinian capital, Nilin is the West Bank’s latest hot spot. Nearby, on Palestinian land, are two Israeli settlements, Modin Illit and Hashmonaim. For the past four months, the people of Nilin, aided by Israeli and foreign campaigners, have been protesting against the barrier the Israelis are planning to build across their land. ...
Ramadan: Time for tall tales on television
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:30:35 -0000
The Muslim month of fasting allows for ever-juicier television fare at nightIN RAMADAN’s past, pious Muslims in the big cities of the Middle East waited, in the hush before sunset, for the sound of a cannon shot, followed by the cry of “Allahu Akbar!” from a nearby mosque, to break their day-long fast. Now, during the month-long fasting period, families tune instead to their televisions. As the broadcast call to prayer declares the start of another night of furious eating and alcohol-free drinking, so it heralds a visual feast. Satellite television has taken off in the region like nowhere else. In wealthy Gulf states, some 95% of households own digital receivers; even in poorer countries, such as Jordan and Morocco, the satellite penetration rate now tops 75%. Not surprisingly, the number of free-to-air channels available on Arab satellites has grown sixfold in the past five years, to more than 300. Those willing to pay subscription fees or to have a clever technician break encoded blockers can tune in to dozens more. ...
Angola: Marching towards riches and democracy?
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:35:36 -0000
An oil-rich country prepares to vote for the first time in 16 yearsAFTER recent election fiascos in Kenya and Zimbabwe, all eyes are on Angola. On September 5th, 8m-plus registered voters (in a population of some 17m) should cast their ballot to choose a new parliament. They have certainly had to wait for the privilege. Since independence from Portugal in 1975, Angola has had only one multi-party election, in 1992, and it led to a resumption of the horrific civil war that had ravaged the place since independence. The government has repeatedly promised and postponed fresh elections since the end of the conflict in 2002. Only now, it judges, is Angola finally ready. Decades of war, first pitting Angolans against their Portuguese colonial masters and then against each other, destroyed and traumatised a country that is rich in oil, diamonds and fertile soil. The two sides in the civil war are still the main political parties that will contest these elections: the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the opposition National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). The latter, for many years a rebel movement, gave up arms after the death of its leader, Jonas Savimbi, in 2002. Now led by the articulate and urbane Isaias Samavuka, it has turned into a proper party. Though 14 groups are registered to contest the election, UNITA is still by far the largest opposition one. Incidents still occur in the oil-rich province of Cabinda, but a peace deal signed in 2006 has eased separatist tensions there. ...
L.A. Times - Middle East
Iraq's air force taking to the skies again
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 08:13:00 -0700
Grounded at the start of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, the once-powerful force is being nurtured back into existence with the help of American trainers. When Abu Mohammed walks down the flight line at a base outside this northern Iraqi city, there's a swagger in his stride. Engineers too young to remember Iraq's storied dogfights against Iran rush up to shake his hand.
Police: Rock slide in Egyptian village kills 24
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:11:00 -0700
Massive boulders crashed down on an Egyptian shantytown today on the outskirts of the capital, killing at least 24 people, authorities said. Rescuers were digging by hand to reach any survivors.
U.S. needs more troops in Afghanistan, commander says
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
But with Petraeus set to recommend slowing the drawdown in Iraq, more forces are unlikely to be available soon to deal with rising bloodshed. A top commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan said Friday that he needed thousands of additional troops to combat violence along the border with Pakistan, a requirement that appears to be at odds with recommendations from Army Gen. David H. Petraeus on future troop levels in Iraq.
Rice meets with Libya leader, a former pariah
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Moammar Kadafi is a gracious host, but the U.S. and Libya are not friends yet. Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi welcomed Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to his high-security personal compound Friday, in symbolic recognition that after nearly three decades of animosity, the U.S.-Libyan relationship is now officially normal, if not entirely friendly.
Sudan doesn't see relations improving after the U.S. election
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Officials in Khartoum are renewing efforts to reach agreement with the U.S., spurred by a genocide investigation and the impending end of the Bush administration. The American presidential race and a genocide investigation by the International Criminal Court are propelling Sudanese officials to renew efforts to strike a deal with the U.S. aimed at normalizing relations and improving stability in the volatile Darfur region.
3 Pakistani judges return to top court
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday reinstated three judges ousted by former President Pervez Musharraf, another victory for the man set to succeed him as head of state.
NPR Topics: Middle East
U.S. Hands Over Anbar Province
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0400
At a ceremony in Ramadi Monday, the U.S. military handed over control of Anbar province to Iraqi government forces. The Sunni province west of Baghdad was an insurgent hotbed until late 2006 when tribal leaders formed an alliance with U.S. forces. Will Iraq's Shiite-dominated government allow these Sunni paramilitaries to continue operating?
New Chief Aims To Restore Air Force's Reputation
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:25:00 -0400
Gen. Norton Schwartz is a man in line with Defense Secretary Robert Gates' vision of the Air Force. Unlike his fired predecessor, Schwartz isn't reluctant to send Air Force officers and more intelligence and surveillance to Iraq.
Treating Iraqi Children For PTSD
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:35:00 -0400
The war in Iraq has had a severe impact on the country's children. More than 650 children were reported killed there last year. Iraq's children also have been the victims of kidnapping, torture and rape. A clinic for children suffering post-traumatic stress disorder is opening this month in Baghdad.
'Three Cups of Tea' With Pakistan's Musharraf
Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:30:00 -0400
Greg Mortenson, executive director of the Central Asia Institute, met with Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf during a recent trip to the region. Musharraf had read a book Mortenson co-wrote titled Three Cups of Tea, about his experiences building more than 60 schools in remote parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Lebanon Prime Minister Heads To Iraq
Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0400
Fuad Siniora is expected to arrive in Baghdad Wednesday. Relations are improving between Iraq's Shiite-dominated government and the Arab world's Sunni leaders.
Musharraf Resigns Amidst Growing Outcry
Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:20:00 -0400
Pervez Musharraf has resigned as Pakistan's president under threat of impeachment. It may be the final act in a long confrontation between Musharraf and the political opposition that has accused him of illegally seizing power and mishandling the country's economy. Shuja Nawaz, a Pakistani journalist and author, explains issues facing that nation's government.
UN News Centre - Middle East
UN agencies launch bid to include restored Iraqi marshlands on heritage list
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Two United Nations agencies unveiled a joint bid today to list Iraq's marshlands, considered by some to be the original Garden of Eden, as a World Heritage Site, capping efforts to restore the ecological viability of the fragile region.
Palestinians stranded on Iraq-Syria border to depart for Iceland - UN
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Nearly 30 Palestinian refugees stranded for the past two years in makeshift camps on the border between Iraq and Syria will start new lives when they head to Iceland next week, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced today.
UN saddened by death of bomb disposal expert in accidental explosion
Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed its sadness at the accidental death of one of its bomb disposal experts in an explosion during a mine clearing operation earlier today.
UN refugee chief meets with Tunisian officials before heading to Iran
Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is visiting Tunisia to strengthen cooperation between his office and the North African nation, including the establishment of a full-fledged representation, before heading to Iran later this week.
UN urges Iran not to impose death penalty on juveniles
Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has urged Iran not to impose the death penalty on juvenile offenders, following reports that two minors were recently put to death, in violation of the country's obligations under international law.
UN to undertake science and technology strategy review for Iraq
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) announced today that it will work with the Iraqi Government to map out a strategy for using science, technology and innovation to reconstruct its economy and accelerate its development.
NYT > Middle East
Abroad: Watching ‘Friends’ in Gaza: A Culture Clash
Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:24:53 -0000
As young Gazans turn to television and the Internet for a view of the world beyond the armored checkpoints, culture is emerging as a struggle within Hamas.
Car Bombing Kills at Least 6 In City in Northwestern Iraq
Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:07:17 -0000
Witnesses said the bomb exploded in a marketplace in the Wihda district as people ran to the scene of a car accident.
U.S. Spied on Maliki, Book Says, Upsetting Iraq
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 06:05:16 -0000
The Iraqi government warned that claims about espionage in a book by Bob Woodward could affect negotiations over the continuing American troop presence in the country.
Israel Aids Palestinians With Arms
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 07:17:08 -0000
Some 900 assault rifles were transferred to the Palestinian Authority in late August with Israel’s approval, as part of a drive to build the capacity of Palestinian security forces.
Syria Says Israeli Peace Talks Postponed
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:09:35 -0000
President Bashar al-Assad said resumption of the talks and their outcome would hinge on who succeeds Ehud Olmert as Israel’s prime minister in upcoming elections there.
Plan Would Shift Forces From Iraq to Afghanistan
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:03:20 -0000
Pentagon leaders have recommended a modest shift of U.S. forces by early next year, officials said.
Al Bustan Festival - Annual international festival of Music and the Arts. Performances, schedules, history of the festival, and organizing committee.
Meta Description: [ Al Bustan Festival, quality performances and excellence in music and the performing arts ]
Beirut Antiques Fair - A site that offers valuable information about the antiques fairs held in Beirut - Lebanon, as well as a list of advertisers and exhibitors.
Meta Description: [ This site features all you need to know about art and antiques in Lebanon and the Middle East. It also has a part about antiques dealers in the middle east and the rest of the world. ]
Beirut Central District - Reporting on the huge reconstruction work being done in the Beirut Central District, the commercial center of the Lebanese capital Beirut
BeirutSouk - Lebanese extensive directory. Categories: antiques, auctions, banks, bookstores, clubs, companies, consulting, education, engineering, government, insurance, technology, jewelry, legal, media, health, real estate, retail, tourism, wholesalers. Also eCommerce business site, web services, online shopping.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Beirut - Official body of Lebanese businesses and industrialists. Registrar of Lebanese companies.
CNN Weather - Current conditions and forecast.
Downtown Beirut - Dedicated to the central district of the Lebanese capital. Offers a city guide.
Technodent dental laboratory - Information on implant, attachments restorations, and orthodontic appliances. Includes location and price list.
| This video shows how Lebanon and its capital Beirut are places of beauty. But interesting how in the whole video we do ... | |
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