Despite its multiple crises, bravo to Lebanon for its efficient management of the Covid-19 pandemic

Lebanon’s residents, 60+ are now receiving their third (booster) dose of Pfizer vaccine after receiving an automated message to register for an appointment (https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/d/news-bulletin-reports/614688/people-aged-60-and-above-to-receive-third-dose-of/en; https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1280090/le-liban-ouvre-la-voie-a-la-troisieme-dose.html). The vaccination registration rate for the first two doses has been of 52.8% (of which 34,1% already got their first dose and 30.1% their second one).

Vaccination is highly encouraged in Lebanon through education. However, it is not mandatory. Bambi is relieved to know that her parents will receive their booster dose tomorrow (as they just turned 60… OK this is meant to make them smile if they are ever reading this post :)).

Sadly for them (and for Bambi), and as shown further below in older posts, they lost many close ones because of the coronavirus. Some of their friends were not as lucky as them. They lost their lives before the development of the vaccines :(. Another loved one chose not to be vaccinated even if he was in a risky age group. Sadly, he died. However, no one ever shamed his family or blamed him for his death, like we sadly are doing in our supposedly more civilized countries. Everyone mourned with his family and keeps asking about his wife who was luckier than him (may she get well soon). May the memory of those who left us/their loved ones be eternal.

As for Lebanon, it is surely a land of contradictions. One one hand, the government is unable to protect its people from ammonium nitrates or from regional forces taking this country in one direction or the other. On the other hand, even without a functional government and without public funds, Lebanese people do receive their vaccines in a timely manner, perhaps even ahead of other wealthier counties. Bravo to all those making this happen. Bravo to the Ministry of Public Health that seems to be operating on its own in its country. Bravo to its good collaboration with all healthcare centres, public and private; all this in awful living conditions (lack of gas, power, etc.).

To conclude this post, it is Bambi’s hope that her birth country will know how to protect its people from large diplomatic crises (especially the current dispute with Gulf countries), not just from tiny viruses.

Bambi’s earlier posts:

Mr. Nicola Ciccone’s beautiful song “Courage”: A song from Bambi to the courageous souls of Lebanon, including Judge Tarek Bitar and those who still want to believe in the rule of law… not the laws of the jungle

Thank you Judge Tarek Bitar…

The UN’s COP26, which is into “Equity and Diversity”, is not equipped to welcome an energy minister in a wheelchair!

Our world elites, many of whom flirt with wokeism, are currently meeting at COP26 in Glasgow in the UK.

As a reminder, wokeism is a modern form of sectarianism, which pretends to hold a monopoly on morality. It is like a movement of neo-puritanism that speaks in the name of minorities (including disabled people). It cancels people or censors books, movies, or events when they question its orthodoxies (even by simply bringing some nuances, etc.). It becomes racist and discriminatory, of course in the name of anti-racism and justice.

Now, COP26 is the hub where the world’s elites are meeting to save our planet… yet they are not even able to welcome the Israeli Energy Minister, Ms. Karine Elharra, who is in a wheelchair (https://nationalpost.com/pmn/environment-pmn/cop26-was-inaccessible-for-israeli-minister-in-wheelchair).

How can they pretend to be those who will efficiently solve climate change, if they are not even able to simply ensure a prompt access to a minister to their venue to join her voice to others’ in order to find collective solutions to the problem?

All what this minister wanted was to take part, like her peers, in the joint effort to advance solutions to climate change? Indeed, to use her own words, “I came to COP26 to meet my counterparts in the world and advance our joint struggle against the climate crisisIt’s sad that the United Nations, which promotes accessibility for people with disabilities, in 2021 doesn’t worry about accessibility at its own events.”

According to the National Post article above (based on Reuters), “the British ambassador to Israel, Neil Wigan, apologized for the mishap“. Nice of him to do so. Let’s hope lessons will be learned for future editions of this UN summit or others, especially when they brag about the so-called “diversity and equity” (https://www.2050.scot/events-listings/equity-and-diversity-at-cop26).

To conclude this post, it is Bambi’s hope that trendy yet empty slogans (like diversity, equity, inclusion or whatever else that may replace this one in the future) will be genuine, that is concrete. Not just empty slogans… or not just “blahblahblah“, to use the words of a famous COP26 participant, Ms. Greta Thunberg :).

The contradictions of Mr. Trudeau et al.: To be “masked” or not to be “masked”?

Well in Canada, when posing for a picture, even outdoors, they are masked.

However, when they are abroad in a room filled with people from all over the planet, all of them responsibly masked, our Prime Minister and his colleague, Mr. Steven Guilbeault, are the only ones non-masked.

Plus, in Canada, in some municipalities and some provinces, masks are mandatory by law for public servants (https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/mandatory-masks-1.5615728).

However, it seems that this health-measure works only for those public servants who are not at the top of the hierarchy.

Of course, Mr. Trudeau is always more important than laws, ethical rules, and us the little people.

At least, his is true to himself… His attitude/behaviour has a name: elitism (and no it is not much better than populism).

Mr. Trudeau’s new cabinet 2021. A picture taken from Radio-Canada/CBC on October 27, 2021
Mr. Trudeau and his spouse, Ms. Sophie Grégoire, on October 27, 2021 arriving to the
cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall, Ottawa.
A picture taken in Ottawa from the New York Times
Mr, Christia Freeland and her family on October 27, 2021 arriving to the cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall, Ottawa. A picture taken from the CBC (by Mr. Sean Kilpatrick for The Canadian Press )
A picture taken from the National Post showing Mr. Trudeau and Mr. Guilbeaut at COP26 in Glascow on November 1, 2021

Fairouz: “Al ardou lakoum” [“the land is yours”], a song for peace… from Lebanon to the world

This beautiful song has stood the test of time.

Indeed, it still sadly VERY relevant for all the world, that is not just for Lebanon and for the powerful forces of the Middle East and beyond.

If Bambi is not mistaken, the music of this old song was composed by Mr. Ziad Rahbani for his mother Fairouz during the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990), precisely in 1981. The lyrics are the wise words of Mr. Gibran Khalil Gibran (thanks Mary for the clarification).

The lyrics are in standard Arabic with sub-titles in English.

Thank you Fairouz for your powerful message of peace. Is anyone listening and reflecting?

Although it may “not” be a “diplomatic crisis” for Saudi Arabia, it could be a humanitarian crisis for the Lebanese people

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Koweit all expelled the Lebanese Ambassadors from their respective countries (as partly explained in the earlier post further below). They even recalled their own Ambassadors there. Some have even asked their own citizens to avoid flying to this country (or to leave it?). Yet, the Saudi foreign minister “denies a diplomatic crisis“, as per this CNBC brief news interview.

As one dear journalist told Bambi this morning, this new saga is the same old “arm wrestling” between the powers of the region (i.e., Saudi Arabia-Iran historic conflict). Sadly, it is once again the innocent (and exhausted!) Lebanese families that could pay a huge price for this so-called “none” diplomatic crisis, if it is not solved soon.

Indeed, MANY Lebanese families have loved ones working in these Arab countries. They cannot afford a potential escalation of this serious latest crisis, may God forbid. They need their loved ones to be working in peace in those welcoming countries to keep earning a living. Yes, they do need their financial support because life has been increasingly unbearable in tiny, bankrupt and now more polarized Lebanon.

So please everyone, be wise and be diplomatic. Be human. Just be kind to the people of Lebanon. Forget who is in charge or who is not. Forget who said what. Persons inside Lebanon be wise now more than ever. Bambi is saying so with all due respect to all the countries involved in this “none” diplomatic crisis, including her birth country with its DEEP problems and with any effort to begin solving them. It does not need further polarization. It just needs solutions to its multiple crises because its population cannot take it anymore… Does anyone care or still care for them?

Bambi’s earlier post on this topic:

Royal Canadian Legion: Why can’t we honour both our veterans/flag and the memory of Indigenous children at the same time?

Canada has lowered its flag in a sign of deep sorrow, after the discovery of the first sets of unmarked graves (of Indigenous children) over 5 months ago. The flags have been lowered ever since.

Why is our Royal Canadian Legion planning “to raise the flag at the National War Memorial in Ottawa before the Remembrance Day ceremony — and then lower it again to half-mast” (https://www.nelsonstar.com/news/legion-to-hoist-flag-at-national-war-memorial-on-remembrance-day-then-lower-it/)?

Is it because it is Mr. Trudeau’s wish not to raise it ahead of November 11 (for the poppy campaign)? Or is it out of much political correctness in our country? Or out of a related fear of censorship or any concern about defunding (https://www.legion.ca/who-we-are/how-we-operate/funding-model), deplatforming, or even simply unpopularity in the public opinion? Or is Bambi completely wrong in raising any of these questions?

The plan to raise then lower the Canadian flag, or rather some of our flags, seems absurd to her, if not childish. She regrets to say that it does not seem to respectful, despite the good intentions.

She is saying this and she recognizes the good will and sensitivity of all Canadians, including those decision-makers.

Bambi is saying so with the utmost respect for our legion that she keeps supporting as well as Remembrance Day that she will forever keep honouring.

She is saying it also with her still heavy heart for all the Indigenous children, her compassion toward their families and loved ones, and her sadness about the cultural genocide.

These children could have been hers (the ones she did not have). These children may have been yours or… are perhaps literally yours. These are Canada’s children.

Thus, we are all sad and we have all paid tribute. There is no need for increased overbid of virtue signalling (with our flag).

We have rightly lowered our beautiful Canadian flag as well as aching hearts. However, it is time now for our hearts to keep going on and flags to be treated with more respect.

Yes, life goes on even when grieving… Sadly, life continues with the same hypocritical politicians who impose excessive,and thus meaningless, symbols on all of us. All means including Indigenous Canadians who love their country, just like Bambi. They do so while denying further justice to Indigenous children (https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/2021-10-29/enfants-autochtones/ottawa-interjette-appel-sur-les-indemnites-a-verser.php). How can we take them seriously then?

Why don’t we simply return to our legion’s meaningful traditions?

If we forgot those traditions, here is a reminder. It is about the Vimy Ridge Day of April 9, 2017 in which the flag is lowered by the legion that joins the federal, provincial and municipal institutions in this gesture of respect (https://www.legion.ca/news/2017/03/30/all-legion-flags-at-half-mast-for-vimy-ridge-day-on-april-9-2017).

To conclude this post, enough of contradictions Canada/Mr. Trudeau et al… please. Plus, you as well as Canadians can hold normal as well as common contradictory, simultaneous, grief feelings: of pride with sorrow, of sadness yet patriotic love (or vice versa), and of respect for our veterans/flag with aspirations for more fairness.

Thank you.

Bambi’s older post on the topic:

Lebanon: Isn’t it sad to see it, once again, in the crossfire between Iran and Saudi Arabia?

On one hand, Lebanon has been increasingly aligned with Iran over the past years, via its Iran-funded Hezbollah. Saudi Arabia and the other Arab countries are obviously unhappy about it, especially that Iran keeps expanding in the region. Its classical modus operandi is to contribute to regional wars by proxy (e.g., in Yemen, Irak, Syria, and of course Lebanon).

On the other hand, there has been a war in Syria and all the players of the region got involved, directly or indirectly (via just funding or actual participation). Of course, we can think of Iran but also Saudi Arabia, of Hezbollah (in the back of its own government at the time, which was telling the world it had a policy or attitude of neutrality). Hezbollah likely did this to serve its allies’ interests before its own country (classical). Who knows? Perhaps also from its point of view, it played a glorious role in pushing back against ISIS (the other Islamist evil; likely even more extreme?). Tragically, by doing so, there has been many war victims, both those Lebanese young men (the fighters) and what to say of the innocent Syrian civilians (or fighters too)? What to say about the suffering, the destruction, and the refugee crisis? Anyhow, regardless of any so-called noble or just absurd, civil war, it is always the innocent people (on all sides!) who suffer while paying a heavy price.

To continue the list of those involved in the Syrian war now, we can think of Russia, Turkey, Israel, the USA and their allies, from the locals to the Europeans to the North Americans, etc. Perhaps Bambi is forgetting other forces.

Anyhow, to come back to Lebanon, it has been increasingly under the influence of Iran over the past decades, and especially lately. However, it has a diversity of political parties and forces that play a certain role of opposition to Hezbollah and their internal allies, from the best of their capacity (when they are not partners in corruption). As a reminder, Hezbollah, Iran, and the Syrian regime are part of the same axis. Lebanon is being increasingly dragged into this alignment when traditionally it has been closer to the European Union (e.g., France) and the Western world (e.g., the USA, etc.).

Saudi Arabia is desperate to the point of resorting to almost the same technique of intimidation as Iran, with tiny bankrupt and sadly increasingly “Persian” Lebanon. It has been even more desperate in its confrontation with Iran (losing against its expansion) to the point of making peace with the old enemy of the region, Israel! Of course, there is also a role of the Americans in all this (Mr. Trump’s team and the continuity of this policy in the Middle East by the new administration). Continuity maybe when it comes to Israel and the traditional support to the Lebanese army. However, perhaps a more rosy approach with Iran, than the one by the former team (of Mr. Trump, his son-in-law et al.). Hezbollah took advantage of the USA’s more (at least apparent) weakness. It dared to import illegal gas from Iran more than once and bring it into Lebanon via Syria. The USA did not say or do anything… neither Israel mind you. Who knows? Perhaps there was also a humanitarian concern, could it be (out of compassion for the population)?

When Bambi talked about the new honeymoon between Israel and Arab countries, Bambi seemed sarcastic. Yet she is someone who is sick and tired of wars and of the Middle East endless unresolved issues. Perhaps because of that, and especially because she has faith in humanity, she salutes peace, economic development, extended hands/bridges and even love between people (preferring it to death, destruction, and eternal hate among people and their respective nations). She wishes her own birth country peace and harmony within all its internal components. She wishes it external peace with all the countries of the world, including Syria, Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia et al., Europe, the USA, China, Africa, etc.

In her mind, clearly the best interest of Lebanon is to succeed in being/remaining impartial OR neutral with all nations, that is at an equal distance from all neighbours and players (in the region and beyond). How about some inspiration from Austria whose status of permanent neutrality post-war protected it during the Cold War? Indeed for perhaps 65 years, this country made a wise use of its neutral status. It allowed it to turn into a much trusted meeting point for West and East during the Cold War. In addition, it built a world reputation of an impartial hub for international diplomacy. Why can’t tiny Lebanon learn a historical lesson of wisdom from Austria (https://www.iipvienna.com/new-blog/2020/10/13/austria-and-its-neutralitya-tradition-with-potential)?

Of note, Syria has occupied Lebanon for many years and was not the kindest neighbour to it. Syria may have also always perceived it as being part of itself. Not as a sovereign nearby smaller country. Same for Iran and its Islamist ideology (or hate of Israel? Or is it just an pretext?). Same for Saudi Arabia, perhaps to a lesser extent (or an indirect extent via its Islamists not in direct power). Same for all the Arab countries (historically on good terms with them, being an Arab country too). Do the Islamic or hegemonic forces see Lebanon as a sovereign entity or just as a battle ground for their proxy wars?

And what about Turkey that maybe wants to influence it too, or at least parts of it (like old times)? Europe and China too, not just the USA and Iran. Israel has occupied it for many years, first to fight Palestinians (who also were fighting it from within Lebanon), then as a masters of a no-mans’ land with the excesses of the occupier (like Syria).

Now, perhaps the divided components of Syria wants to be at a different place too, despite the alignment of Mr. Assad with Iran and Hezbollah?

Bambi thinks that Israel is at a different place now too.

So must Lebanon be too now!

Lebanon is the weakest link. The smallest, weakest has to be the smartest to survive.

To survive, Lebanon must be diplomatically wise with ALL the parties mentioned in this post.

Sadly, there are some public figures, now Ministers, who perhaps expressed an opinion that may have angered Saudi Arabia. They say the TV show was recorded in August, but aired only lately. The man in question was not even a Minister back then. Yes, he may have a biased, distorted view of the war in Yemen (far from the facts and surely from the point of view of Saudi Arabia). Yet, it is a legitimate opinion and it is his (it may even be shared by MANY in the new government that is known to be now like an Iranian colony). So, please Saudi Arabia, give him and especially give Lebanon (that you say you care much for) a break. Bambi is the first to say the same to Iran too (and even before saying it to Saudi Arabia). She surely says it to Hezbollah, that also did not act in a wise way in this story. Both Saudi Arabia and the Hezbollah are escalating… Poor Lebanon, give it a break, especially that its new Prime Minister and its President (although historically aligned with Hezbollah and indirectly or directly with Iran) have been working hard to rise above this conflict of words, to ensure the financial rescue of their country.

Anyhow, Saudi Arabia seems to be too upset by the opinion expressed by the new minister in question (who was a TV show man before, it seems). His opinion belongs to him and he has always had it. Bambi is saying so, even if and especially that she does not have the same vision as him for her birth country.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Koweit, and the United Arab Emirates are upset. Saudi Arabia, along with Bahrain, expelled the Lebanese ambassador (48 hours notice to leave the country), recalled own ambassadors from Beirut, asked their own people not to go to Lebanon, banned imports from there (saying that sometimes drugs are smuggled by the Hezbollah; remember the latter needs funds and its country is bankrupt, in addition to a pandemic in the world limiting travels, etc.). At least, Saudi Arabia is saying the Lebanese expats are safe. Yes, but until when and what if the conflict degenerates into a regional war? Could it be? Or just war of words and influences (https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-expels-lebanese-ambassador-bans-all-imports-lebanon-2021-10-29/).

As far as Bahrain is concerned, the irony is that it will now have an Israeli Ambassador (good for them) AND not a Lebanese one (how sad for both them and Lebanon).

When it comes to Saudi Arabia, Lebanon historically used to have about 350,000 workers in this country (now down to about 180,000). Those politicians in Lebanon need to think of the safety of their citizens abroad, especially in the Gulf countries. Wisdom and calm should prevail. Not escalation. Not isolation…. and surely not violence in any form.

To conclude this post, regardless of the opinion expressed (or the next excuse when this conflict is solved), PLEASE hands off Lebanon all of you… Enough of crises and suffering for its people (once again all the innocent civilians who do not care about this or that party. They just want to live, without another crisis). Sadly, Lebanon is not an island in the middle of the Mediterranean sea. Thus, it must be clever in its diplomacy… perhaps today more than ever!

Mr. Trudeau, despite the sorrow in our hearts, can we now raise our Canadian flag again… just like in the Mohawk territory?

Many great journalists of our country, and some politicians, have been calling to raise our Canadian flag now after over 5 months.

The gesture of lowering the flag was MUCH needed (it was the least to do….).

However, after all this time, the symbolism of the gesture is being lost. Indeed, it is becoming absurd (and thus sad and frustrating).

Until when will it be low?

It is raised again, even in the Mohawk territory… Do you see the irony?

https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadas-flag-gesture-without-an-end-date-is-set-to-collide-with-a-fixed-date-remembrance-day

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1819582/drapeaux-canada-decouverte-autochtones-erin-otoole

As journalists and veterans have wisely argued, Remembrance Day is ahead. This is a good opportunity to raise the flag, so we can lower it again (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/flag-raised-remembrance-day-half-mast-1.6228449).

Other tragedies or sudden death can occur in life (like one of Bambi’s dear friends in town). Why don’t we have our flags high, so we can express our sorrow again?  

This does not mean we are no longer sad/shocked by the discoveries of all the unmarked graves… We also know now that others will be uncovered soon.

This is part of our past, as a nation. This is its dark side. This is our collective shame. However, even shame (or self-anger or fear) must be confronted in life to grow and to learn, to repair and pay respect, to say to oneself: Never again!

Yes, never again, while being proud of whom we are and whom we want to still be, collectively as a nation.  

No country is perfect, Mr. Trudeau. If there is anyone who knows this, it is Canadians of Lebanese origins. They know that their birth country is a parody of a nation now. Yet, they love it, they forgive it, and they have a tenderness toward it (yes, despite any love-hate relationship they may entertain with it). Those old enough, like Bambi, to have grown up during civil war, know very well the tragedies of massacres. There have been so many of the latter. Some of Bambi’s friends lost their parents and siblings in some of these human tragedies. Yet, they put this past behind them, without ever forgetting it of course, to move on with their lives. They are busy raising kids and being productive Canadians.

They, along with Bambi and the rest of the silent majority of Canadians, want to see their flag risen again.

Please, Mr. Trudeau, raise our flag now.

Thank you.

A concrete move against Lebanon’s endemic corruption: Thanks to the USA (Mr. Biden, Mr. Blinken, etc.)

Below, you can find the coverage of this story in the Lebanese media in French, English, and Arabic respectively:

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/285309-u-s-sanctions-jamil-al-sayyed-jihad-al-arab-dany-khoury

https://www.annahar.com/arabic/%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%84%D9%87/28102021023751192

This is a start… or is it a continuation? Bambi lost track of the details in the middle of Lebanon’s multiple crises. Anyhow, thank you Washington for resorting to such a move. It seems to have been done across political affiliations, as per the clever slogan of the revolt of Lebanon’s people: “Kiloun Yaani Kiloun” (“All of them means all of them!”). The latter refers to Lebanon’s ruling mafia, which at times colludes with its powerful militia. Yes, corruption is prevalent in this tiny Mediterranean country. It exists across political parties as well as in high-profile partners from the private sector. Those resorting to corruption became billionaires while their population is literally starving :(, without access to life savings (withheld in banks) and without electricity, gas, medication, food, etc.

The cleanup was overdue, as per the song below!