Stories about Lebanon from August, 2012
Egypt: Are Tomatoes Christian?
Are tomatoes Christian? Check out Angie Nassar's blog post on Now Lebanon Blog, where she comments on news that a Salafist group in Egypt has posted reservations on tomatoes on Facebook.
Lebanese Tourism Pays the Ultimate Price
Recent political upheavals in the region and kidnappings in Lebanon have made tourists, mainly Gulf nationals, flee the country. Lebanese and Gulf netizens react to the development.
Lebanon: At Odds with the Smoking Ban
As of September 3rd, smoking will be prohibited in public transportation, work places and closed public places, including coffee shops and restaurants. Mohammad Hijazi explains that the law is unrealistic and that its enforcement will;
Generate a drop of roughly $282 million in revenues, representing 7.1% of GDP in the hospitality sector and lead to a loss of about 2600 full-time jobs.
France: An Epic Flight from Paris to Beirut – via Damascus
An Air France flight from Paris to Beirut on August 15, turned into a 20-hour nightmare for its passengers, including the French Ambassador to Lebanon. After diverting to Damascus, Syria, for fuel and security reasons, the crew then had to ask around for money to pay for the kerosene after their credit card was refused.
Lebanon: Awaiting the Pope's Visit in September
The head of the Catholic Church Benedict XVI is to visit Lebanon from September 14 to 16. Father Alex, from Germany, hopes the visit is not late for the region and asks: Which situation we will see in 1 month there? Let's hope and pray #Syria. For more details about...
Lebanon: It's Back to Kidnapping Time
A wave of kidnappings is taking place between Lebanon and Syria. While the Lebanese government seems incapable of acting, these events are reminding Lebanese of the civil war they lived with for 30 years. Netizens are angry and are blaming all parties.
Lebanon: Bank Robber Filmed Shooting Army Officer
From Lebanon, plus961 shares this video on YouTube showing a bank robber shooting an army officer, who happened to be at a bank they were robbing.
Lebanon: Inflammatory TV Show Leads to Arrests of Gay Men
A recent crackdown on a Beirut cinema frequented by gay men ended up in the arrest of 36 men, who later were subjected to anal examinations to "prove" their homosexuality. The raid prompted outrage, and many accused a certain TV show of inciting it.
