Check Archive

October 2008

• Boston Globe of October 1 reported the death of Dr. Shukri Khuri, a surgeon who helped improve healthcare at the Memphis Veteranâ??s Administrationâ??s Hospital. Born in Jerusalem, he graduated from the American University of Beirut and trained in medicine at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and the Mayo Clinic in the United States. In the late 1970s, he was recruited to work for the VA and Harvard Medical School. His contributions to healthcare included resorting to the help of nurses during surgery.
• BC Heights of October 2 published in its â??Letter to the Editorâ? section, a letter from a Boston College student highlighting the efficiency of visiting the Middle East for students outside the region studying Middle Eastern studies. He suggested taking courses in many of the regionâ??s prominent universities, such as the American University of Beirut, which he said is described as â??the Harvard of the Middle East.â?
• Pharmacy Choice of October 2 published the findings of a research from the American University of Beirut Medical Center about intubation. It found, â??Manipulation improved the Success rate of intubation with the Parker tube through the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) rendering it a possible alternative to the silicone wire-reinforced tube.â?
• The International Herald Tribune of October 2 published an article by Rami G. Khouri, the director of the Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut, about a recent poll that found that many nations around the world believe that the United Statesâ?? â??war on terrorâ? has failed to weaken the al-Qaeda terrorist organization. He noted that prominent allies of the United States, Egypt and Pakistan, shared mixed feelings towards the group. He attributed this to extremist inclinations within the Egyptian and Pakistani populations, domestic politics, and resentment towards American foreign policies.
• Elaph (Britain) of October 2 and October 3 published an interview with Tarek Kamal Barhoum who won the first prize for designing a major building on Beirut's coast. The paper said that Barhoum is an AUB graduate.
• New America Media of October 4 reported that seven years after the launch of the United Statesâ?? â??war on terrorâ? the American administration has failed to destroy the al-Qaeda terrorist organization. In fact, it noted that Islamic extremism has increased in the world, with small al-Qaeda affiliated groups emerging in several parts of the world, such as Iraq, North Africa, and Lebanon. Ahmad Mousalli, a professor in political studies at the American University in Beirut observed, â??Northern Lebanon has turned into a hotbed for radical terrorists.â?
• Islam Online of October 5 published an article by Nadim Zaazaa, a Lebanese activist and researcher with a BA in political science from the American University of Beirut, about the recent reconciliation efforts in Lebanon between its various rival political parties. He said that reconciliation efforts come after months of political bickering that almost led the country towards civil war. He doubted that the reconciliation will not last given the persistent and deep division among the people.
• Chicago Tribune and Tradingmarkets.com of October 5 reported on the boom in economy and development projects in the states of the Arab Gulf. It noted the dramatic change in these nations that were once barren deserts and are now being transformed into cities with countless skyscrapers. Rami G. Khouri, director of the Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut, said, â??These are strange new societies. There's a physical development going on that's quite spectacular, but their political timidity is striking.â?
• Middle East Times (Britain) of October 7 published an article by Rami Khuri, director of AUB's Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, entitled "Demeaning Democracy," in which he argues that "as the consequences and costs of the Iraq war, the global war on terror, and the economic mismanagement unfold, so does the 2008 US presidential election."

• Global Security of October 8 and Peyamner New Agency and Eagle World News of October 7 reported on the massing of Syrian troops by the Syrian side of the Lebanese-Syrian border in north of Lebanon. Political Science professor Hilal Khashan of the American University of Beirut said that the troops are preparing for an incursion in Lebanon to battle Muslim extremists whom Syria said pose a threat to Lebanon.

• The Daily Star of October 7 and Sawa (USA) of October 8  published a political editorial discussing concerns about incursions of Syrian troops on Lebanon's northern border. The paper included a quotation by AUB professor of political studies Hilal Khashan.

• Globe and Mail, Report on Business, and the Middle East Online of October 8 published an article by G. Khouri, director of the Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut, about the world economic crisis and its impact on the Arab world. He predicted that the Arab world will be hit hard by the crisis because â??Arab countries have not risen to the challenge of responsible governance by developing economies based on productive industries and other economic sectors.â? He stressed that the crisis should present an opportunity for the leaders to â??suggest a more rational path to national revival, security and well-being.â?

• West University Examiner of October 8 reported that Huda Zoghbi, a pioneer in Rett Syndrome Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type I research, was inducted in Texas Womenâ??s Hall of Fame. A Lebanese immigrant, Zoghbi studied at the American University of Beirut and Meharry Medical College.

• National Post of October 8 reported on the Syrian troop deployment along the Lebanese-Syrian border north of Lebanon. The move sparked fears in Lebanon that Syria may want to restore it military hegemony over the country and a warning from the United States to Syria against such a move. Hilal Khashan, a political science professor at the American University of Beirut said, â??They want to re-enter Lebanon. Deployment means they are testing the ground to see the reaction. They are shaping and creating the context that may allow them â?? one day in one place â?? to come back.â?

• BBC of October 8 reported on the security situation in Lebanon and Syria in light of the recent attack in Damascus and the bus bombing in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli. The attacks coincided with the signing of an agreement between Lebanon and the United States in which the latter would provide Lebanon with military aid. Hilal Khashan, a political science professor at the American University of Beirut hinted that Syria may be behind the Lebanon attack. He said, â??Syrians want to show that the Lebanese army cannot defend itself, that no matter how much money [the Americans] give to the Lebanese Army.â?

• UPublish.info of October 9 reported on Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr al Qasimi, the crown prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Born in 1956, he studied at the American University of Beirut and the University of Michigan. In 2006, he established the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) to implement and manage Ras Al Khaimah's (RAK) developmental and infrastructural overhaul. A recent study found that RAK off shore incorporation services are one of the fastest growing establishments in the Middle East.

• Macro World Investor of October 9 published a history of Lebanon since the 20 ^th century until the present. The article also included a section on American-Lebanese relations noting that the United States has been a constant supporter of American institutions in the country, such as the American University of Beirut.

• Imperial College London of October 9 reported that professor Bassam A. Izzudin will be holding a lecture entitled, â??Simple Concepts for Complex Structures,â? on December 3 at the university. A graduate in civil engineering from the American University of Beirut in 1986, Izzudin joined Imperial College in 1990. His work included focus towards developing simplified design-oriented assessment techniques.

• Pharmacy Choice and Calibre Macro World of October 9 reported on the findings of a research team from the American University of Beirut Medical Center on thalassemia.

• Pharmacy Choice of October 10 and Macro World Investor of October 9 reported on the findings of a research team from the American University of Beirut Medical Center on cervical aortic arch (CAA), a rare congenital aortic anomaly.

• The Age of October 11 and Guardian News of October 10 reported on the emerging dispute between Lebanon and Israel over the identity of food, most notably hummus, tabbouleh, and falafel. It reported that Israel is trying to claim that these dishes are Israeli. â??Foods like falafel are not Lebanese but they're certainly not Israeli either. How can they be when Israel is only 60 years old?â? asked Rami Zurayk, professor of agriculture and ecosystems at the American University of Beirut.

• Evergreen Investment of October 13 presented a list of speakers present at an economic forum that was held at the office of United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. They included William R. Hambrecht, co-founder of Hambrecht and Quist, an investment banking firm specializing in emerging high-growth technology companies. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the American University of Beirut.

• Evergreen Investment of October 13 presented a list of speakers present at an economic forum that was held at the office of United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. They included William R. Hambrecht, co-founder of Hambrecht and Quist, an investment banking firm specializing in emerging high-growth technology companies. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the American University of Beirut.

• PBS of October 14 published an article by Jessica Dheere is a freelance journalist who teaches workshops in the Journalism Training Program at the American University of Beirut about how Google blocked the use of its Chrome browser in Syria and Iran. She said that the block was part of Googleâ??s compliance with United States export and economic sanctions against not only Syria and Iran, but Cuba, Sudan and North Korea.

• Guardian News of October 14 reported on the recent agreement between Lebanon and Syria to establish diplomatic relations for the first time since both countries were formed in the 1940s. It noted that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad agreed to this matter after the pro-Syrian Lebanese opposition was granted a blocking minority in a Lebanese national unity government. â??Whether this is a PR move or not, Syria's recognition does now become a legal reality,â? said Timur Goksel, a former United Nations official and now lecturer at the American University of Beirut.

• Islam Online of October 14 reported on the hazards of water pipe (shisha) smoking. It said that smoking water pipes may be more dangerous than cigarette smoking, however, more research is needed over this matter. Dr. Alan Shihadeh of the American University of Beirut said, â??The historical lack of evidence has unfortunately allowed many shisha users to believe that the practice was safe, or at least safer than other forms of tobacco use. We have recently learned otherwise.â?

• Calibre Macro World of October 14 reported on the University of Wassit in Iraq signing a cooperation agreement with the University of Oregon to promote academic and cultural exchange. It noted that University of Wassit signed a similar agreement earlier this year with the American University of Beirut but it has not been implemented yet.

• Eagle World News of October 15 and VOA News of October 14 reported on Syrian President Bashar al-Assadâ??s recent decree to establish diplomatic ties between Syria and Lebanon for the first time since the two states were formed in the 1940s. Hilal Khashan, a professor at the American University of Beirut observed that Syria has always viewed Lebanon as being a part of it and has sought, since each nationâ??s formation to restore its power over its neighbor. He said, â??Lebanon is seen as a special country, first for being part of Greater Syria, and second, because it's extremely important for Syria's domestic stability.â?

• Sawa (USA) of October 15 reported on the recent diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Syria. The paper quoted AUB professor of political studies Hilal Khashan as saying that "the recent decision of Syrian president Bashar Asaad to establish diplomatic ties with Lebanon came as a result of international pressure namely French."

• The Guardian Unlimited (Britain) of October 15 published an editorial commenting on the recent establishment of diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Syria. The paper quoted Timur Goksel, a former UN official and now lecturer at AUB as saying "Whether this is a PR move or not, Syria's recognition does now become a legal reality."

• Middle East Times (Britain) of October 16 published an article by Rami Khuri, director of AUB's Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, entitled "The Notable Leadership of Salam Fayyad." Khuri sheds light on the important role Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad is performing despite all odds.

• Netherlands Corporate News, Yahoo! News Australia, NTB Pressreleases, digitalnews.com, Broadcast Newsroom, Nieuwsbank, and PR Inside of October 16 published a list of panelists holding a discussion at the Middle East Film Festival, held in the UAE, entitled, â??Muslims on Screen and Televisionâ?, tackling Arab stereotypes. Among the panelists is Lena al-Ali, a Senior Program Director at Search for Common Ground, an international non-profit organization in the field of conflict transformation. She is a graduated from the American University of Beirut with a degree in Economics.

• Caliber Macro World of October 16 published the findings of a research team from the American University of Beirut Medical Center on fibroma, a rare benign fibrous tumor typically located in the subcutaneous tissues of the posterior aspect of the neck.

• NewsOK.com of October 16 reported on a book entitled, â??Epistoleâ?, by Dr. Hanna Saadah. The book is a collection of letters from a Christian American man and a Muslim Lebanese woman over 35 years who met while studying at the American University of Beirut.

• TheDay.com of October 19 published an article by the Reverend Bruce Shipman, Vicar at the Church of the Holy Advent, Episcopal in Clinton, in the United States about his recent visit to Beirut where he toured the American University of Beirut. He voiced his admiration of the campus and its resilience throughout the tumultuous security, terrorist, and political hardships Lebanon has endured over the years. He said, â??There is openness about AUB, a sense of good will that I believe is the best way to fight terrorism.â?

• Calibre Macro World of October 23 published the findings of a research team at the American University of Beirut in life science. It said, â??Epidural fentanyl 75 mu g followed by epidural infusion of dilute bupivacaine and fentanyl produced longer duration of analgesia than fentanyl 50 mu g followed by the same infusion, with no further prolongation when the dose of fentanyl was increased up to 100 mu g.â?

• America.gov of October 23 published a biography of Charles Habib Malik, Lebanonâ??s former ambassador to the United Nations. He earned a degree from the American University of Beirut in 1927 and a doctorate from Harvard University in 1937. He started his diplomatic career as Lebanonâ??s chief delegate to the San Francisco conference that drafted the U.N. Charter. Malik also represented Lebanon as ambassador to the United States from 1953 to 1955. As Lebanonâ??s U.N. representative, he served as president of the Security Council in January 1954. After many years as diplomat, Malik returned to teaching at AUB in 1960. Malik received no fewer than 50 honorary degrees from institutions in the United States, Canada and Europe. He died in 1987.

• Northlandâ??s News Center of October 25 and Crosscut Seattle of October 24 reported on how the United States should invest more money in education and other peaceful fields in the Middle East rather than its ongoing war in Iraq. It said, â??At a rate of $14 million per hour, 24 hours per day, the US spends roughly the same amount of money occupying and destroying Iraq in one hour as it does annually to fund the three American universities in the Middle East (The American University of Beirut, The American University in Cairo, and The Lebanese American University).â?

• Lgacy.com of October 26 reported the death of John Bernal Harbell a former professor at the American University of Beirut who spent three years in Lebanon. Dr. Harbell also worked as a professor and dean of the School of Business at San Francisco State University for 30 years. He held a degree in economics from the University of California at Berkley.

• The Financial of October 27 published an interview with Fady Asly, Chairman of ICC Georgia, President and CEO of Agritechnics Holding, and Co-Chair of Foreign Investors Advisory Council Parliament of Georgia. A graduate of the American University of Beirut in 1982 with an Agricultural Engineering Degree, he has been chairing the Agritechnics Group of companies since 1985.

• Newswise of October 27 reported on an awards ceremony at the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) on October 6 recognizing a number of individuals for their outstanding contributions to crop science through education, national and international service, and research.

• Endocrine Today of October 27 reported on the Prader-Labhart-Willi Syndrome, named after Andrea Prader and Heinrich Willi, two Swiss pediatricians, and Alexis Labhart, an internist who diagnosed the syndrome in 1956. Born in Switzerland, Prader studied medicine and learned general pediatrics from Hans Zellweger, former chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the American University of Beirut. Children with Prader-Labhart-Willi Syndrome are characterized with having abnormalities such as diminished fetal activity, feeding difficulties in infancy and poor muscle tone.

• Irish Times of October 28 reported that people in the Middle East would most likely prefer the election of Democrat US presidential candidate Barack Obama over Republican candidate John McCain since he has promised a change from the policies of the current outgoing administration that has played major role in aggravating unrest in the region. Some observers, like Tarif Khalidi, professor of Arabic and Islamic studies at the American University of Beirut condemned the fact that the region is so affected by the US election. He said, â??I would very much like to turn my back on the American election. The very fact that our fate hangs on a few American individuals is very upsetting.â?

• Articledashboard.com of October 29 published an article by Grant Ferns about skin deformation and the scarring process in which he uses information from Drs. Bisharah Atiyeh, M. Costagliola, and Shady Hayek from the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.

• Free Republic of October 29 reported on U.S. Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obamaâ??s association with Rashid Khalidi, a former professor at the American University of Beirut, and now a professor at Columbia University. Obama has come under fire for being associated with an individual who had links to the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).

• Inside Higher Ed of October 30 reported on how U.S. presidential candidates resort to citing each otherâ??s associations in their political campaign. The spotlight has been recently turned to Democratic candidate Barack Obamaâ??s association with former professor at the American University of Beirut and current Edward Said Professor of Arab Studies and director of the Middle East Institute at Columbia University, Rashid Khalidi. The campaign of Republican candidate John McCain condemned Obamaâ??s acquaintance with the professor due to the latterâ??s pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel views.

• RBM Online of October 30 published an abstract of a report entitled, â??Effect of Female Nargile Smoking on ICSI Outcomeâ? by Drs. Antoine Abu-Musa1, Ihab Usta, Antoine Hannoun, and Anwar Nassar from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.

• Monstersandctitics.com of October 31 reported on whether the United Statesâ?? policy towards Lebanon is expected to change under a new American administration. Shafik Masri, a professor of political science at the American University of Beirut said, â??The attitude toward the Middle East will not see drastic change so long as American policy remains subject to Israeli security.â?