Miss USA controversy debunked

I have been shocked extensively since Lebanese-American beauty, Rima Fakih, won the Miss USA 2010 pageant last week. However, the only thing that wasn’t shocking about the whole thing was that Fakih actually was the winner, not just because I personally see her as an absolute stunner, but because I believe in the openness, meritocracy and true democratic system which exists in the United States of America. (more…)

The Big Lie

By Ghassan Karam
“The truth is the greatest enemy of the state” wrote the Nazi propagandist, Joseph Goebbels.

Gemayel asks Nasrallah: Do see me as an Israeli agent?

MP Sami Gemayel on Wednesday described Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah’s equation “the Resistance, the people and the army” as “unrealistic and untrue,” asking Nasrallah: “Do you deem as Israeli agent any Lebanese who thinks like me?” (more…)

Following Hariri, Israel invited to the White House

President Barack Obama’s chief of staff Rahm Emanuel on Wednesday invited the Israeli prime minister to the White House next week. The invitation follows the reception of a delegation from Lebanon, headed by Prime Minister Saad Hariri. The last visit by the Israeli premier was met with a cold reception from Obama. (more…)

Divorce boom in Egypt impacted by radio program

According to official figures, a couple in Egypt gets divorced every six minutes. The divorce rate is thought to be the highest in the Arab world.

Once considered a social taboo, the topic is starting to be discussed openly. There are clubs for divorcees, special magazines and a new internet radio station. (more…)

Obama: Deal with Syria will never come at Lebanon’s expense

In meetings with the Obama administration, Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri was said to have expressed concern over the U.S. reconciliation policy with Syria.

A Lebanese delegation met with U.S. officials on May 24 and warned that Syria has restored its influence in Lebanon, particularly in the eastern Bekaa Valley.

“The president reiterated to the prime minister that U.S. regional engagement will never come at Lebanon’s expense, and he reaffirmed the United States’ continued strong support for the special tribunal for Lebanon,” the White House said. (more…)

Hariri to UN: Lebanon wants to achieve peace and security

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri addressed the UN Security Council in New York on Wednesday, stating Lebanon’s commitment to peace, diversity and openness. (more…)

Middle Eastern students excel in engineering & science competition

The Middle East region had good representation at the 2010 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), which saw Arab students win seven awards. Students from Egypt, Lebanon and Morocco participated but it was eleven talented students from Saudi Arabia, Palestine and Jordan that won five IDEF Grand Awards and two Special Awards. (more…)

Nasrallah: all ships near Israel will be targeted by rockets

Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah said on Tuesday that his fighters and arsenal is capable of wiping out Israel’s navy and any other ships heading to Israel in the event of a new war with the Jewish state.

“If you launch a new war on Lebanon, if you blockade our coastline, all military, civilian or commercial ships heading through the Mediterranean to occupied Palestine will be targeted by the Islamic Resistance,” said Nasrallah in a speech transmitted via video link to thousands of supporters massed in Hezbollah’s stronghold in Beirut’s southern suburbs. (more…)

Noam Chomsky on the current crisis in the Middle East

By Richard Hall
Look back at Noam Chomsky’s lectures over the years and you will notice a recurring title: “The current crisis in the Middle East.”