Two Ss, and a W in Beirut
By Sami Moubayed

DAMASCUS - This year, Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese parliament, coined a phrase that has apparently entered the Lebanese political dictionary - the influence of "the two Ss", in reference to Saudi Arabia and Syria.

Lebanese politicians have now jokingly altering the phrase to "the two Ss-W" in reference to Washington. Political heavyweights in Beirut, however, are still uncertain how committed United States President Barack Obama is to Lebanon.

Beneath all the supportive rhetoric heard from Washington over the past nine months, they fear that Obama is too concerned with Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan to worry about the tiny Mediterranean country.

Lebanon plays host to the nine-day Francophone Games starting Sunday, an event that it is hoped will improve the country's image abroad. Some 3,000 athletes from 42 countries will be taking part in six sports disciplines and seven cultural events.

AFP - Lebanon from Sunday plays host to the Francophone Games, a four-yearly event that organisers hope will shine a positive spotlight on a country long rocked by political unrest. Some 3,000 athletes and participants from 42 countries are expected for the September 27-October 6 extravaganza, which will be held under tight security. Mahaman Lawan Seriba, head of the international committee for the games, told AFP that the event will allow Lebanon to gain some long-needed positive international exposure. "The games will allow Lebanon to portray itself for what it is: a peaceful country, a creative country capable of hosting such an event, a country that is diverse and hospitable," Seriba said. The games will kick off with a lavish ceremony attended by Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, the secretary general of the Francophonie organisation, Abdou Diouf, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, Prince Albert of Monaco and some 40 ministers from participating countries. World celebrities including Senegalese artist Youssou N'Dour, Lebanese singer Magida el-Roumi, Lebanese-born composer Gabriel Yared and 100 other musicians and dancers will take part in the opening ceremony being held at the capital's Camille Chamoun sports stadium.

For Pictures of the event please click Read More

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