Archive for June 21, 2008

When Ethan Bronner discusses Arabic words in the New York Times: “Many use the Arabic word “tahadiya,”. The reason why Arabic gets so corrupted in U.S. newspapers is that the reporters, who almost to a person, don’t know Arabic rely on Israeli Orientalists/officials, whose knowledge of Arabic is poor–at best. Take this word now: “tahadiya”. [...]

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

“The 2007 poll highlighted the extent to which Sunni Muslims in Lebanon have positive opinions of the United States (52% favorable, 47% unfavorable), although Lebanese Shia hold distinctly negative views (7% favorable, 92% unfavorable).” Yes, but this is deceptive in itself because Lebanese Sunnis largely sympathize with U.S. policies in Lebanon (which support the largest [...]

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

“An Iraq war hero dramatically tried to flee court after he was convicted of the “savage, merciless, and pointless” murder of a Bangladeshi waiter 14 years ago.” (thanks Badis)

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

Lebanon is now popping out saints at the rate of one a month. Would you not want to join the Vatican (scientific, I am sure) committee that investigates the miracles?

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

Loyalty to cash payments: “Selon la radio, M. Chirac aurait décider de boycotter les cérémonies en raison de la présence éventuelle du président syrien Bachar al-Assad, invité par le président Nicolas Sarkozy.” I really believe that Chirac was motivated to make up with the Bush administration after the invasion of Iraq partly out of fear [...]

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

For hard hitting journalism, I turn to Hassan Fattah’s newspaper (on behalf of Dubai’s ruling dynasty): “UAE education well placed to develop knowledge economy.”

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

“The Dubai Police yesterday said its personnel have arrested several men and women for cross-gender dressing and harassment. Those arrested have been referred to the Dubai Public Prosecution, said Major-General Khamis Mattar Al Mazina, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police. Addressing a Press conference to announce a one-week public awareness campaign called ‘Preserve our social values’ [...]

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

So according to a new public opinion survey in Lebanon, the number one Lebanese leader (ranked by respondents) is…NOBODY (27.1 %), followed by Hasan Nasrallah (12%), then Michel `Awn (11.3%), then Sa`d Hariri (9.7%), then Nabih Birri (10.2 %), then Michel Sulayman (9.4%). Samir Ja`ja` (Ga`ga` in Egyptian accent) received 3.2% while Walid Jumblat received [...]

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

“A student from the Od Yosef Hai Yeshiva built a crude rocket and fired it from a nearby hill at a Palestinian village in the West Bank, security officials said Friday. No one was wounded.” I would not be surprised if the student is offered a chair in Middle East studies at a U.S. university [...]

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

“A student from the Od Yosef Hai Yeshiva built a crude rocket and fired it from a nearby hill at a Palestinian village in the West Bank, security officials said Friday. No one was wounded.” I would not be surprised if the student is offered a chair in Middle East studies at a U.S. university [...]

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

Nicholas Kristof comes out with this theory: that Muhammad Dahlan and his gang are “are the best hope of both Israel and the Arab world.”

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

“The number of girls born and surviving in India has hit an all time low compared to boys, ActionAid says.” (thanks Yogita)

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

“Hundreds of Jerusalem Christians are losing residency rights in their city due to the policies of the Israeli Ministry of Interior. The policy that aims to reduce the number of non-Jews in the city takes its toll on families and individuals who hold residency permits in foreign countries. No matter how long they travel abroad, [...]

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

“The UN children’s fund UNICEF has severed ties with an Israeli billionaire and financial backer due to his suspected involvement in building settlements in the West Bank, UNICEF said on Friday.”

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

Did you see the last episode of Gizelle Khuri’s Bil `Arabi on Al-Arabiya TV? Did you see how she kept pressing her guests about the plight of Israeli occupation soldier, Shalit? Conspiracy? What conspiracy?

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

On state oppression in Morocco: kidnappings, beatings and…silence in the Western media. (thanks Istifan)

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad

When Kanan Makiy tries to sound deep: “A book’s beauty comes from personal opinion.” Let me add this to his aphorisms: A potato’s beauty comes from hurricanes.

Posted on June 21, 2008 by As'ad