By Michael Karam
This article represent the opinion of the author
I presume the Lebanese company Demco Properties meant well when it decided to make "Lebanon is calling", a 40-second ad apparently aimed at wooing back expatriate talent. I guess it’s just unfortunate that it came across as a bit weird and somewhat insulting.
For those who haven’t seen it – I caught it on CNN twice in one hour last week during the coverage of the US presidential elections – the ad is set in a swish office, towering over what looks like New York. A well-groomed but thoroughly bored Arab businessman stares out across the city. The phone rings. "Lebanon" is on the other end.
Our man is surprised. He asks "Lebanon" where "he" – Lebanon is a man and sounds, as one friend pointed out, like the murderer from Scream – has been "all this time". With unfaultable logic, the scary voice replies: "I’m here, I never moved. It’s you who left".
Stung by the reproach, our hero argues that he had no choice, that "things haven’t been easy". But Lebanon counters: "It’s even harder for me". Our man is on the back foot.
"I’ve always wanted to come back," he adds, as the camera pans to a selection of framed family photos behind his desk. Lebanon plays his ace. "Well, I’ve been working hard day and night and now things have changed. I’m back on my feet again."
"So why do you need me?" the businessman asks in desperation (it is at this point that I couldn’t help thinking the poor chap didn’t really want to go back.) "I want you to walk with me," Lebanon replies. "Home is waiting."
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Lebanon's newly nominated premier, Saad Hariri (C-R), takes part in the 14th annual Beirut Marathon on November 13, 2016 in the Lebanese capital. ANWAR AMRO / AFP
by Salah Takieddine
BEIRUT, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Almost 50,000 people came together in the Lebanese capital city Sunday morning to participate in the annual "Beirut Marathon", a charitable and sporting event, which draws people from across the country and around the world.
Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri took part in the seven kilometer fun race and was seen wearing black attire and sunglasses and taking selfies with participants.The marathon started at around 7 a.m. and included 11 different races for adults, women, special needs individuals, students and children accompanied by their parents. Hariri said a marathon was also taking place in the formation of the government, whereby parties are competing for ministries.
"Lebanon is doing very well, especially following the election of President Michel Aoun, who has reflected a sense of comfort for everyone," Hariri said.
Asked if the marathon is faster than the government, Hariri pointed that "there is also a marathon in forming the government, they are competing for ministries."
He added that "we are looking towards the future and Lebanon is doing well."
For her part, "Beirut Marathon Association" President May Khalil told reporters that "we salute Prime Minister Hariri and we emphasize that we have full confidence that the government will be formed because Lebanon needs a period of security. We are very happy that Premier Hariri is leading this stage."
One of the most challenging races is the internationally measured and certified 42 kilometer race, which begins from the Beirut New Waterfront and ends at Martyrs' Square in Downtown Beirut and spans various neighborhoods in and around the Lebanese capital.
Kenyan Edwin Kibet Kiptoo won the 42 kilometer race, while Jordanian Ahmed Soumar came in first place in the 21 kilometer half race.
Shereen Njeim was the first Lebanese woman in the 42 kilometer race, coming in fourth place in the total ranking.
Population Movements to Keserwan - The Khazens and The Maans
ما جاء عن الثورة في المقاطعة الكسروانية
ثورة أهالي كسروان على المشايخ الخوازنة وأسبابها
Origins of the "Prince of Maronite" Title
Growing diversity: the Khazin sheiks and the clergy in the first decades of the 18th century
Historical Members:
Barbar Beik El Khazen [English]
Patriach Toubia Kaiss El Khazen(Biography & Life Part1 Part2) (Arabic)
Patriach Youssef Dargham El Khazen (Cont'd)
Cheikh Bishara Jafal El Khazen
Patriarch Youssef Raji El Khazen
The Martyrs Cheikh Philippe & Cheikh Farid El Khazen
Cheikh Nawfal El Khazen (Consul De France)
Cheikh Hossun El Khazen (Consul De France)
Cheikh Abou-Nawfal El Khazen (Consul De France)
Cheikh Francis Abee Nader & his son Yousef
Cheikh Abou-Kanso El Khazen (Consul De France)
Cheikh Abou Nader El Khazen
Cheikh Chafic El Khazen
Cheikh Keserwan El Khazen
Cheikh Serhal El Khazen [English]
Cheikh Rafiq El Khazen [English]
Cheikh Hanna El Khazen
Cheikha Arzi El Khazen
Marie El Khazen