Findings of a Research Assignment

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would agree to do research for a journalist on suicide bombings in Iraq. In all actuality, I didn't really agree to it, rather my boss kind of signed me up. But I probably would have anyway. Just for the experience.

Anyway, even as a Middle Eastern Studies major, I really never took an interest in America's current war in Iraq. To be perfectly honest, the situation is just confusing - from a historical, political, and moral standpoint - and I find it easier to ignore the topic instead of annoy people with empty postulations. It may sound a bit overly apathetic, but I realize that I have nothing groundbreaking to add to the situation.

And doing this research is having the effect I knew it would - it is depressing me beyond belief (and making me slightly paranoid). My research is pretty straightforward, and the process is ridiculously simple - I look through computer-based archives under the keywork "Iraq", and any article documenting a suicide bomb/mission I paste onto a word document and save them all in one folder. Really simple, eh?

Well, I'm not sure if the money - combined with the assignment's simplicity - is really worth it. Yea I'm making a few bucks, but all I do is stare at headlines of suicide bombing, car bombings, air strikes and shootings. I have gone through four years already - 2008 to early 2004 - and I cannot believe how many suicide bombings there have been. On top of all the other atrocities in Iraq.

The news is just one horrible story after another. Even better, imagine me blocking everything out because my imagination is running rampant with visuals of the news I am reading, and then some stupid young driver revving his engine incredibly loud. Yea, it did make me jump - I was scared out of my mind. It took a good ten seconds to bring myself back into my work office.

This is why I choose not to think about it. Or Palestine, anymore. I wish I could do something about it. Maybe one day I will. Right now I have a voice, and the power of the written word and the media, but even I am not so optimistic to think I will change the world by simply exercising my freedom of speech.

I finished the project today, thankfully. When I finished there were 565 documents I saved in my folder. Although some of them were carbombs, which I included because sometimes they did not specify whether it was suicidal or not. And did I get something out of it? I like to think that I know a bit more of the realities on the ground in Iraq, although I can only imagine since I have not witnessed it firsthand.

What bothered me the most is the number of people who have volunteered to carry out the suicide missions. The suicide bombings seemed to really take off eight months after the US invaded in May 2003. But these groups and their ideologies behind the suicide bombings had to be in place long before American invaded. I am interested in doing more research into that aspect of the equation.

Also there were some trends that I noticed - for some the reasons were apparent, and others not so much. There was definitely a lull in suicide bombings during the winters, and a surge during the summer months. During the Muslim celebration of Ramadan a couple of years there was a decrease, but in other years there was no change. And like I mentioned before, during the first year of the American invasion there were hardly any reports. During a few months the number of reported suicide attacks were incredible - almost one every other day. And the corresponding fatalities were outrageous. Just this past week two women carried out twin suicide bombings in seperate pet markets, killing 99 total.

Obviously this war tactic, and this ideology, is a dangerous one. It is certainly succeeding in spreading terror, and I can't imagine how Iraqis still living in their country go about daily life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! So we are not having a lick of Turkey today, but don’t worry we are saving it for our Thanksgiving party next week. However, we are really missing the holiday spirit. Tomorrow Christmas music will start playing on radios across America while dedicated mothers and daughters get up in the wee hours of the morning to go Black Friday shopping….(big sigh) oh how I miss it.

But! It is getting really cold here….definitely coat weather. The air is crisper and the overcast weather is creating that drowsy continuous Sunday afternoon feeling…its such a great feeling! I almost felt like I was back in Jersey. And, in preparation of the coming holiday, we have found an online radio station to listen to non-stop Christmas music. Excuse me if my language seems overly peppy, but this music is putting me in a great mood.

It has definitely been a busy week. We stopped taking Arabic classes at the American Language Center to begin private tutoring. The class we were in has come to a stopping point and Alex and I have surpassed their level, so we hired a tutor to move our studies along. Also the private tutor is almost half of what we were paying at the center, so it works for us!

Also I am working with a magazine as a proofreader and a freelancer. It’s a famous Middle Eastern women’s magazine, called Sayidaty. Their December issue will be the first in English, as it is usually in Arabic. So I’m proofreading once a month, before it goes to print and I am doing an article or two a month for them. I’m very excited because I have a good amount of experience in politics, but not in fashion or girly topics – in writing, that is.

So I just want to say that it is obvious that I’m going places:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/starscene.asp?edition_id=1

This was the dinner party that MER, the media organization I work for, threw for the Swedish journalists we hosted for a week. Although the Daily Star does not mention it, Robert Fisk and some reps from the Arab newschannel Al Jazeera were also in attendance. Actually, Robert Fisk, who just wrote The Great War for Civilization and is considered by some people to be THE expert Middle East reporter, ate at my table. We had an interesting conversation to say the least, and it turned out to be a really fun night.

Please note, however, that my picture is not correctly labeled. Of course that is one step up from Alex and my friend, Matthias, who are only mentioned in the explanation paragraph below.

Concerning the situation in Lebanon, it seems unstable. I say that it seems so because its hard to tell. Where we live things are pretty normal, expect for the obvious increased security. Today was Lebanon’s Independence Day and there were no celebrations in sight. This could be due to the rain, but I don’t think that is the real cause. Lebanese President Emile Lahoud’s term is going to end on midnight Friday and there are no indications that consensus is going to happen between the ruling party and the opposition.

There are rumors that if a president is not elected there will be two governments, a possible civil war, a coup d’etat, or rioting. We are all hoping that something miraculous happens in the next few days. If it gets too bad we have a back-up plan…and we will keep you updated.

To get away from it all, Alex and I are taking a long weekend close to the Cedars, Lebanon's famous mountain region with preserved cedar forests, which double as a national symbol, appearing on the country's flag. Its in a village called Becharre and we are staying at a cute little place that one of my bosses told us about. We plan on just taking walks in the forests, and just loving the fresh snow that just fell. Its going to be a weekend next to the fireplace in a cozy salon with a book and a cup of hot chocolate. What a way to spend Thanksgiving away from home, eh?

P.S. Don't worry about the photo of me Grandma. Just because I'm holding a wine glass doesn't mean Alex has driven me to alcoholism!

A News Update

From 8 am to the early afternoon I am constantly reading coverage of the Middle East - this is basically my job description as copy editor of the Middle East Reporter. Compared to my understanding of current events in the Mid East region my first two years of college, I feel like a Mid East expert.

During the four weeks I have been at the Middle East reporter I have read stories on every major Middle Eastern country and then some. Undoubtedly it is great to be able to talk intelligently on numerous Mid Eastern subjects, but its even better to realize that I love doing it! In other words, I know that I am going to love the field I am choosing as my career path.

I have not yet taken time to compare the news I read everyday to news sources in America, but it would be interesting to see which stories they do and do not choose to cover.

So just to share a couple things going on in the Middle East (ME):

The United States has offered to host a ME peace conference in Maryland, with the specific aim of pushing forward the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Only recently did the US release the invitation list, as some hesitancy to invite certain ME countries existed - Syria being one of the main ones. Last week Syria declined the invitation saying it would only attend if the issue of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights was on the agenda - Israel said it would not consider putting it on the agenda.

Regarding the conference, Egypt issued a statement a few days ago suggesting a postponement. There have been issues between the Palestinian authorities and Israeli authorities over a timetable and agenda should be a precursor to the conference, or the result of it. There have been promises on both sides to begin drafting resolutions, and promises of follow-up meetings after the conference to settle any unresolved issues. After these statements by Palestinian and Israeli authorities, and a brief visit from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Egypt says it has renewed confidence in the conference.

Turkey made headlines the past week, after asking its Parliament for permission to possibly send troops into northern Iraq to crush Kurdish rebels. The Kurdish separatist PKK party has a support base in northern Iraq, where the majority of Iraq's Kurdish population resides. Turkey has had problems with the PKK rebels, who have committed numerous attacks in the country. America and Iraq, however, have argued against such a move by Turkey saying it could destabilize a a relatively calm region, allied to America. Iraq and America are jointly calling for Turkey to settle the problem diplomatically, and Turkey has responded that permission from Parliament does not necessarily mean an immediate attack but an option if they deem it necessary. Turkey's Parliament officially approved the request. Syria bolstered Turkey's legislation saying the country had a right to defend themselves against a terrorist group.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, after ignoring warnings that he may in danger of assassination, visited Iran to hold meeting with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The two leaders met to discuss Iran's nuclear program, and Iran's consequential row with the West. Since his visit, Putin has publicly stated that any military action by the West on Iran would be unacceptable to Russia. Talks over the Bushehr complex, where Iran is building a nuclear reactor, was also on the agenda. Russia, who is going to supply the fuel for the reactor, says Iran has been defaulting on payments whereas Iran claims that is not the case; rather, Russia is fearing a backlash by the West and is stalling the plans. Regardless, Iran requested Russia's help with the creation of two more reactors. In response, President Bush said a nuclear Iran could spark World War III. The UN and the US imposed two rounds of sanctions on Iran thus far. Further sanctions by the EU are being discussed but will probably held off until current reports are released by the IAEA.

Adding to the already low expectations of the US-sponsored ME peace conference, Israel announced that it was going to confiscate more Palestinian land to build roads, saying it would improve the quality of life for Palestinians. The move has led many to question the intentions of Israel amid peace talks.

In a shocking and rare occurrence, Hizbullah agreed to a prisoner and body swap with Israel. Hizbullah released one Israeli soldier and a body of a civilian for some of their comrades. Hizbullah boasted that the move proved their strength after the three month war with Israel last summer.

A German general visited Algeria today to discuss strengthening Algerian forces in order to combat terrorism. Nothing else really interesting in that respect.

Lebanon, however, is a different story. Besides the ever confusing presidential election (or lack thereof) and the prevailing discord between politicians, Lebanon has begun talks to potentially allow America to build a military air base in the country. The stated reason by Lebanon is to enhance security after the three month battle with Fatah-Islam militants in north Lebanon that left over 150 Lebanese soldiers dead. Opposition members, those allied to Syria and who believe Lebanon's Prime Minister Fuad Sinoira's government is illegitimate, however, believe the rival majority party is encouraging the base to counter Syria and gain backing from the West.

Although the Lebanese presidential election is what I read on the most, it is the hardest to discuss. Everyday we cover stories on what leaders have publicly said - and everyday it gets more confusing. The second attempt for parliament to elect a president is slated for Oct 23, but there are doubts anything will come of it.

The majority party is sticking to its claim that if the parliament cannot achieve a two-thirds quorum for the election, then it is legitimate for them to elect a president with a simple majority quorum. The opposition, however, argues the move would be unconstitutional and they will not recognize the majority's government. If that is the case, there have been threats by the opposition to elect their own government, thereby splitting the country into two. Furthermore, Hizbullah stated it had a list of "options" it would take if needs be and they would employ them at the opportune moment - although they did not say what those options were.

The Maronite Christian Patriarch, Nasrallah Butros Sfeir, is heading a committee to push Christian opposition and majority leaders to agree on consensus candidates. However, the meetings have not yielded any results, as both parties disagree on the other's candidates. Another initiative was introduced, suggesting that four neutral candidates be put forth and members of parliament vote for them by ballot. No one has yet claimed to support or reject it.

Ummm...I'm really racking my brain for more news. Its so hard to keep all the stories straight sometimes. That's all the news I can remember for now, but I will keep you updated on any other interesting stories.

Green

Heavily-industrialized and overwhelmingly populated, Beirut should have a comprehensive and well-equipped recycling center. All the reconstruction projects and aims to make Lebanon more attractive would lead one to believe organizations exist to take more care of the area. Yet, other than the hired trash collectors on Rue Hamra, there are no signs of initiative to clean up the highways and beaches.

Souk el-Tayeb, the kitchen workshop/open market-place I took Alex to for his birthday, is making an inspirational move to motivate others to take trash to recycling centers. It is one great move in the right direction. Their organic marketplace is small, yet surely growing over time, and is showing that buying from organic farmers is only slightly more expensive, if at all.

Furthermore, the directors put out pamphlets (made out of recycled paper) detailing who sells at the marketplace and how they are trying to be eco-friendly. Any buyer had the opportunity to bring their own bag to shop with or buy a bag made out of organic materials so to not waste plastic and paper bags.

This month’s Souk el-Tayeb newsletter focuses on recycling initiatives. Unlike many Americans, who enjoy free or low-fee recycling, Beirutis do not have the incentive to partake in such programs. Currently two universities have published work on their recycling program, and five companies boast their recycling incentives.

Lacking a central recycling organization makes it costly and inefficient for the average individual. Although gas is cheap in Lebanon, facing traffic or having to pay a cab fee (if the taxi driver knows where one of the few recycling centers are) can make the trip time-consuming and costly.
Recycling in America, and other developed countries, are standard. An organization promoting recycling awareness is not considered particularly moving or revolutionary; it is just considered part of the “green” movement. In Lebanon, however, such a movement is inspiring.

Although Lebanon is considered one of the most advanced Middle Eastern states, she is not at the same level of development as some countries with advanced recycling initiatives. The effort put forth by the handful of universities and businesses is, with luck, the beginning of a national trend. As Lebanon comes closer to political and infrastructural stability, perhaps the country will be increasingly green.

So for my news! First, Alex and I have befriended another American! Greg, from Pennsylvania, is a Political Science grad student. On Monday night we all went to an American-style diner (meaning they serve breakfast 24/7) and had our biggest meal since being here. It was absolutely refreshing!

Just as exciting is my trip to the laundry-mat. I was finally able to get some of my clothes washed in an actual washing and drying machine! I’m not sure if I can relay the significance of this via my blog…but it was a huge deal! I felt 1,000 times better after getting my clothes cleaned.

So, biggest news of all! I had an interview today, which I spent the last couple of days briefing and studying for. Monday I will be starting as copy editor of The Middle East Reporter. I saw a posting on AUB campus for a “Native English speaker with an interest in Middle Eastern politics.” I also have an opportunity to train for journalism. It is only a few hours in the mornings and I’m exhilarated for the experience.

If you want to check out their website, it is:
http://www.middleeastreporter.com/

Well, I’m off to the beach with Alex and Greg! Hope to hear from everyone soon!