Archive for August 17, 2009
Fouad Ajami thinks he is a white European
“I was troubled by the tone of Fouad Ajami’s review of Christopher Caldwell’s “Reflections on the Revolution in Europe†(Aug. 2). Ajami throws his lot with the voices of alarm over the growing Islamic presence in Europe, describing Muslim immig…
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Supporting gay and lesbian rights…in Arabic
Again, I am proud that Al-Akhbar is the first and only Arabic newspaper to support gay and lesbian rights in the Arab world. Here, comrade Pierre makes some points about misconceptions about gays and lesbians, and some homophobes vomit their responses.
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
coup
“President Richard M. Nixon discussed with Brazil’s president a cooperative effort to overthrow the government of Salvador Allende of Chile, according to recently declassified documents that reveal deep collaboration between the United States and Bra…
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Non-violence University in Lebanon
A non-violence university just opened in Lebanon. As the president was announcing the opening of the university, students rushed and beat him up. The university was closed by the afternoon.
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Abbas explains himself to his handlers
“Analysts said Abbas was engaged in a political balancing act with the West, Israel and factions of his own movement. “Abbas was seeking to reduce American and Israeli anger after the congress,” said political analyst Hani Masri. “He wants to reit…
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
On the Fath Circus
“In fact, the reality of Fatah’s conference was a good deal different to how it was portrayed in many typical western media reports. There was limited acknowledgement of the fact that many Palestinians and Arab commentators were pointing out, as Abd…
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Neither Fath, nor Hamas: the Palestinians deserve better
“The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) expressed deep concern over the deterioration of media freedoms in the Gaza Strip during the past few days.”
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Zionists are aghast
“Long hours in the biting cold, unbearable heat, without enough food, no water, and no overtime pay or sick leave – these were some of the conditions dozens of Bangladeshi workers allegedly had to endure at the Israeli-owned Musa Garments factory, l…
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Nahr Al-Barid: never forget, never forgive
“Nahr al-Bared Old Camp was completely destroyed and the New Camp badly damaged in a 15-week battle in 2007 between the army and Islamist militant group Fatah Islam, which killed more than 400 people and displaced up to 30,000 Palestinians.” (thanks…
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Saudi-Zionist conspiracy? What Saudi-Israeli conspiracy?
This is actually funny. You read Arab media and then you read the article to discover that the mouthpiece of Prince Salman, Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat, stands as “the Arab media.”
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Dahlan, O Dahlan
“Palestinian sources reported Sunday that the Hamas government in Gaza revealed documents proving that al-Qaeda loyalists who clashed with the Islamist group’s security forces over the weekend were backed by a number of Arab countries and by elements…
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
This is Israel
“One result that is indicative of cognitive dissonance and that has collective implications for citizens of Israel is that 74% of Israelis supported freedom of speech for everyone regardless of status while, at the same time, 58% of them also suppor…
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Upset over McNuggets
“PETA protester, upset over chickens for McNuggets, pies corporate mascot” (thanks Susan)
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Queen Youtube
I read that Queen Youtube is now twitting. She said that she finds her husband “cool.” Oh, yeah. If by cool you mean boring and a puppet.
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Fu’ad Sanyurah: as an economic theorist
Prime minister boo hoo hoo is now offering his economic theories to all the developing countries, according to Comrade Khalid.
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Leftist Feminism in Lebanon
The Lebanese Communist Party is organizing a youth camp in Lebanon. In that camp, the women prepare the meals in the kitchen. (See the last paragraph of the piece). (thanks Rami)
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Lebanese basketball team: what a country
Ziad from Lebanon sent me this (I cite with his permission): “I read this in your blog. And just wanted to add to your information that the Lebanese team had imported a foreign player called “Jackson Vroman”. He has never been to Lebanon, he has ne…
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Go Jordan
I am told that Jordan wiped the floor with the Lebanese team in a basketball tournament. I would like to take the occasion to extend my congratulations to the Jordanian team. As they say here in the US: Go Jordan.
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad
Amanpour on Gaza
I saw by accident while cooking (a variation on the Southern Lebanese mudardarah: instead of Burghul I use cracked whet, and instead of lentils, I sometimes use a variety of beans) a special by Christiane Amanpour on Gaza. I must confess as a non-fan …
Posted on August 17, 2009 by As'ad