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Beirut, a haven of hope and diversity

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October 31, 2015

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Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, has a mix of beauty, history and anarchy that can be deeply inspiring. The element of the unexpected, even chaos, leaves a lot of space for creative expression.

The reason I live in Beirut is because of the inspiration it gives me as an artist and filmmaker. It challenges me and makes me feel connected. I feel that I am living in history as it happens. Here, I feel I can leave a mark and make a difference.

Beirut is next to the sea. I can see the Med from my dining room window. It’s great to stroll along the corniche (promenade), especially early in the morning, when the city is fresh and clean, but the sunset is nice, too. It’s the place to see all walks of society: fishermen, joggers, children on their bikes, people drinking coffee or playing backgammon. There are veiled women walking hand in hand with girls in mini skirts, as well as musicians and street artists.

My family moved to Lebanon when I was five. I’ve lived in many countries since, but Lebanon is the place I call home. Currently I live in Beirut with my husband, filmmaker Jean Chamoun, and my two daughters, Nour and Hana.

Why Lebanon is the 6th largest US military aid recipient in the world

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October 31, 2015

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Uncategorised

By Ash Gallagher, Special To Gulf News

Beirut, Lebanon: According to the UNHCR, Lebanon has absorbed at least 1.5 million Syrian refugees since the start of the conflict and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have increased counter terrorism operations in partnership with the US military and the CIA.

The US government recently announced a new $150 million (Dh550.5 million) package to be delivered to the LAF in addition to 560 artillery rounds and 50 Hellfire missiles. The US strategy has taken a turn since Washington announced it would refrain from training more “moderate” rebels in Syria.

Gulf News sat down with US sources who gave insights into America’s intention of providing increased funding to the Lebanese saying this was part of the strategy to step up the war on terrorism.

Lebanese go couture for #NoTrendNoTrash campaign video

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October 31, 2015

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Uncategorised

Azza el Masri, StepFeed

While some Lebanese have started taking personal initiatives to recycle “from the source” with the help of online campaign #LetsSort as the trash crisis enters its fourth month, others have added a little creativity to the widespread #YouStink movement.

As the movement gains momentum, many have turned to creative methods to raise awareness on the issue, especially with winter’s arrival and the continual stalling by the Cabinet to approve a plan.

Com Fu, a marketing firm, has contributed to the movement by introducing “Haute Zbouture” – a fashion show where models wear designs made out of trash bags. The satirical video, published Wednesday, shows models wearing these trash bags in different styles and walking down a hall under club lights and while loud music plays.

As the movement gains momentum, many have turned to creative methods to raise awareness on the issue, especially with winter’s arrival and the continual stalling by the Cabinet to approve a plan.

Lebanese Foreign Minister: Disagreements On Syria “Are Still Very Evident”

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October 31, 2015

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Uncategorised

Buzzfeed, Anthony Mills

VIENNA — Major disagreement still exists between opposing camps present at today’s Syria talks in Vienna, Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil told Buzzfeed by phone after the meeting.

Asked about the atmosphere inside the meeting room, he said: “The disagreements are still very evident.” That, he added, was a “diplomatically correct” way of referring to them.

Bassil said the outcome constituted “a start for an all-inclusive process … a major achievement” considering the apparently enduring deep divisions.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was more sanguine than his Lebanese counterpart when speaking about the meeting’s outcomes afterwards, though still cautious about just what will come of the talks. “I will leave with a fresh sense of possibility,” he said before speaking to reporters with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.N. Special Representative for Syria Staffan de Mistura.