Beirut

Image Courtesy of Travelblog.org

I've always been a fan of Beirut- its charming architecture, the skiing resorts, nighttime walks along Raouche, tea at Paul's, the hip restaurants dotting Achrafieh, strolls through the main downtown square with its mosques and churches side by side that for some time, at least provided a facade of religious harmony, the cedar trees and the sight of happy schoolchildren in the Bekaa Valley; cheeks rosy conceivably from the mountain air-getting off their buses and heading home.

It's sad to hear of what's happening in Beirut. I would post some photos of Beirut here if I had them. Sadly, I've never been one to take photos and the ones that I do- have mostly been misplaced, lost or turned out blurred. I did not switch on the flash for photos of Yabani, the photo I had of a graffiti wall in khiam prison have been lost. Or possibly, I always thought that I could go back to Lebanon whenever I wanted(and photographs are just for places you never think you'd visit again).

As per Robert Fisk, 'pity the nation'- Lebanon's a low cost alternative to an actual war between the bigger players to the conflict(otherwise known as a proxy war). And as per the Lebanese president Fouad Siniora, (quoted from Roger Cohen, International Herald Tribune):'Lebanon is a wound kept open to bleed a little when it is in the interest of one of the parties'.

Courtesy of bloggingbeirut.com, below are the particulars for those looking to help with the humanitarian efforts in Beirut:

Due to the International War on Terror, donating to the wrong organization can land you in Guantanamo. To avoid a free trip to Cuba, here's a list of organizations that are safe to donate to from all countries (including the USA).


The Lebanese Red Cross
(updated)(confirmed)
Bank Details:
Account # 841500
Audi Bank
Bab Idriss
SWIFT: AUDBLBBX
Phone: +961 1 977588
FAX: +961 1 999410
(info as per bloggingbeirut.com)
- Did a check on the Lebanese Red Cross webpage- bank details are correct:
http://www.dm.net.lb/redcross/want_to_help.htm

Also check: www.donatelebanon.com