UAE opens a naval base to by-pass Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates has opened a naval base on its east coast as part of efforts to secure its ability to export oil in the event Iran closes the strategic Strait of Hormuz, local media said on Thursday.

Almost all oil exports from OPEC’s fourth-largest producer now go through Gulf waters and the narrow strait which separates the UAE from Iran (more…)

There is no substitute for STL, Feltman says

“There is no substitute for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman said in an interview with Al-Hayat newspaper published on Friday.

“One cannot choose between instability and justice,” Feltman stressed. (more…)

Analysis: What triggers the suicide bomber?

Religion serves as an auxiliary recruiting tool, but the root cause of the suicide attacks is foreign occupation according to this report By Robert Pape

Lebanon needs $20 billion for infrastructure, report

Lebanon needs to spend at least $20 billion to improve its basic infrastructure otherwise the high growth the country has been witnessing will “dwindle and vanish,” the economy and trade minister said on Wednesday.

Lebanon is famous for its robust service-oriented sectors, but many investors are discouraged from setting up businesses in a country where power cuts are frequent, road networks beyond the capital are insufficient and communication lines are slow. (more…)

Lebanon president heads to Francophonie summit

President Michel Suleiman heads to Switzerland on Friday to take part in the 2010 Francophonie summit, which will be held on October 23 and 24.

The 2010 Francophonie summit will be held in Montreux , Switzerland

Suleiman postponed traveling to Montreux until Friday in order to head the cabinet’s session on Wednesday. (more…)

STL media forum to explain how the court works

The Media Forum on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) kicked off its work this week in Leidschendam, a suburb of The Hague, with a briefing about the UN-backed court’s procedures as well as the roles of the main actors in the proceedings. (more…)

Geagea: No compromises at the expense of STL

Lebanese Forces (LF) leader Samir Geagea stressed on Thursday following a meeting with Tashnaq Party leader MP Hagop Pakradounian, that there will be no compromises at the expense of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) under any circumstances, according to a statement issued by the LF. (more…)

Aboud: Tourists up 17 % in 2010

During a press conference on Thursday, Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud said that the number people that visited Lebanon in 2010 are more than 17 percent over 2009. (more…)

LAF arrests the killers of Army Major, Sergeant

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) issued a statement on Thursday saying that the army identified the perpetrators responsible for the killing of an LAF Major and Sergeant in the Bekaa, adding that the army is raiding the places where the suspects are believed to be located.” (more…)

Clinton voices concern over lebanon tension

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called Lebanese President Michel Suleiman on Wednesday to reaffirm the strong commitment of the United States to Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and stability and the Obama Administration’s steadfast support for the development of strong and effective Lebanese state institutions. (more…)