AUB - Local News - February 2010

February 2010

AUB in the News - Local version

February 2010

Al-Akhbar, Al-Anwar, and Al-Markazia of February 1 and The Daily Star and Al-Balad of February 2 reported on a recent study conducted by the Hariri School of Nursing at the American University of Beirut and supported by the United Nations Population Fund, the Health Ministry, and the National AIDS Control Program, to understand if there are any ties between sexual and reproductive health and HIV services in Lebanon. The papers said that the results have shown that no such links exist, and quoted AUB Assistant Professor at the Hariri School of Nursing Nuhad Dumit as saying, “These results did not surprise us…We expected as much but just needed to document the situation in Lebanon.” The papers also said that the results of the study were announced at AUB in January.
Full article available at:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=1&article_id=111352
Al-Akhbar of February 1 published an editorial surveying the public’s opinion regarding the emergence of Turkey as a mediator in Middle Eastern politics in light of its “bad” history in the region during the hegemony of the Ottoman Empire. The paper quoted AUB student of political studies, Najib, as saying that Turkey is a strong mediator in the region.

Full article available at:

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/175550
An-Nahar of February 1 reported that Iffat Idris Shatila was among 21 women honored by the National Organization for Lebanese Women’s Affairs for their role in protecting the environment. The paper said that Shatila is an agricultural engineer and an AUB alumna.

Full article available at:

http://www.annahar.com/content.php?priority=1&table=beea&type=beea&day=Tue
Al Jadeed TV (New TV) of February 1 broadcasted an interview with AUB professor of geology Ali Haidar about the bathymetry (terrain) of the Lebanese sea and the location of the Ethiopian airlines plane that crashed off the Lebanese shore on January 25, 2010.
Al-Liwa’, Lebanese Army, Elnashra, and Lebanese Kataeb of February 1 and Al-Mustaqbal and Al-Liwa’ of February 2 reported that the commander of the Lebanese army, Jean Kahwaji, received a delegation from the AUB Alumni Association. The delegation commended the army for its role in instilling law and order in the country and extended an invitation to the commander to attend the University’s honoring ceremony of Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Abdul Aziz Khoja.

Full article available at:

http://www.lebanesearmy.gov.lb/article.asp?ln=ar&id=24050
Lebanese Kataeb of February 2 reported on the making of and the current status of the new Lebanese law to ban public smoking in Lebanon. The paper quoted professor at AUB’s Faculty of Health Sciences Rima Nakkash as saying, “There is a need for a law to ban smoking in public spaces and a need for a body in charge of implementing the law.”

Full article available at:

http://www.kataeb.org/ArticleDetails.asp?articleID=28673
L’Orient Le Jour of February 2 reported on a lecture given by professor of history at the Lebanese American University Ray Moawwad on recent discoveries of medieval frescos in Lebanon. The paper said that the lecture was organized by the Society of the Friends of the AUB Museum.
Tymat and Al-Akhbar of February 2 reported that a number of politicians, officials, and representatives of social and economic bodies voiced their complaints regarding the potential rise in the value added tax (VAT) from 10 to 15 percent. The paper referred to an economic study conducted last year at the American University of Beirut, which examined the effects of raising VAT from 10 to 12 percent on the consumer habits of low income population.

Full article available at:

http://www.tymat.org/?q=node/2010

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/175607
Terra Net, As-Safir, and Saudi Press Agency of February 3 and Ar-Riyadiyyah Online of February 4 reported on a research and two proposals conducted by Fulbright Professor Marjaneh Fooladi from the AUB Hariri School of Nursing aimed at assessing and reducing environmental noise levels in Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.terra.net.lb/wp/Articles/DesktopArticle.aspx?ArticleID=499883&ChannelId= 4

http://www.spa.gov.sa/details.php?id=744641
Al-Anwar, Lebanese Kataeb, Lebanon Files, Now Lebanon, Lebanese News Agency, and Future News of February 3 and Terra Net, Beirut Letter, As-Safir, Al-Liwa’, Al-Balad, and An-Nahar of February 4 reported that Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri received a delegation from the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut. The papers said that the delegation invited Hariri to attend the ceremony held to honor Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Abdul Aziz Khoja as Man of the Year 2009 on February 12, 2010 at Phoenicia Hotel, Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.kataeb.org/breakDetails.asp?newsid=44428

http://www.terra.net.lb/wp/Articles/DesktopArticle.aspx?ArticleID=500080&ChannelId=21
Al-Akhbar of February 3 published a profile of Lebanese architect Nabil Gholam who said that among his greatest prides is his winning a competition in 2006 for developing a general plan for the Department of Engineering and Architecture at the American University of Beirut. Full article available at: http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/176007
Orange TV (OTV) of February 3 broadcasted an interview with AUB professor of civil engineering Muhamad Harajli about the resistance of building structures in Lebanon against earthquakes.
Tele Liban (TL) of February 4 broadcasted an interview with AUB professor of geology Ali Haidar about the bathymetry (terrain) of the Lebanese sea and the location of the Ethiopian airlines plane that crashed off the Lebanese shore on January 25, 2010.

Al-Akhbar of February 4 announced that enrollment at the Journalism Training Program at the American University of Beirut is increasing. The Program enables participants to obtain a degree in journalism after completing five semesters of theoretical and practicum courses.

Full article available at:

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/175930

Now Lebanon of February 4 published a tribute to late Prime Minister Rafic Hariri saying that it is thanks to his support that many Lebanese educational institutions survived and lasted in Lebanon, including the American University of Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.nowlebanon.com/Arabic/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=143641

Elnashra of February 4 reported that MP Ali Fayyad received the Ambassador of Norway to Lebanon, Aud Lise Norheim, who invited him to attend a symposium to be held at the American University of Beirut later in February. The symposium will include a number a Norwegian delegation comprising MPs, diplomats, and journalists.

Full article available at:

http://www.elnashra.com/news-1-405671.html

Al-Akhbar of February 4 reported that Dr. Nadim Cortas, former vice president for Medical Affairs and Raja N. Khuri dean of Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, lectured at a seminar entitled, “Food Safety, Health, and Economic Development,” organized by the Federation of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Arab Countries.

Full article available at:

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/176116

Lebanon Files of February 5 reported that Dr. Ali Shamseddine of the Department of Oncology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center participated in a seminar organized by the Lebanese Association of Oncologists on the occasion of the World Cancer Day entitled, “Cancer: Its Cure is Possible.”

Full article available at:

http://www.lebanonfiles.com/news_desc.php?id=141508

Progressive Socialist Party of February 5 published an article commenting on the recent Lebanese worries due to overuse of pesticides in farmlands in Lebanon and how farmers do not abide by a government-regulated use of those pesticides. The paper quoted AUB professor of agricultural sciences Youssef Abou Jawdeh as saying, “If farmers abide by the regulations, 99 percent of the problem is solved.”

Full article available at:

http://www.psp.org.lb/Default.aspx?tabid=205&mid=1291&ctl=ArticleView&articleId=40569

Al-Anwar and An-Nahar of February 5 and AME Info of February 7 reported that Dr. Ali Shamseddine of the Department of Oncology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center participated in a seminar organized by the Lebanese Association of Oncologists on the occasion of World Cancer Day entitled, “Cancer: Its Cure is Possible.”

Full article available at:

http://www.alanwar-leb.com/article.php?categoryID=6&articleID=73209

Al-Akhbar of February 6 announced that the AUB Faculty of Health Sciences and the Tobacco Control Research Group are holding a press conference on the afternoon of February 11 to call for strong tobacco control law that is in line with the World Health Organization’s Framework on Tobacco Control, which Lebanon ratified in December 2005.

Full article available at:

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/176268

An-Nahar of February 6 published a book review of the Ali Badr Al-Deen: Adeeban wa Siyasiyyan (Ali Badr Al-Deen: Author and Poet) by Hasan Mahmud Nour Al-Deen in which he recounts the nature of Ali Badr Al-Deen’s publications during his student days at the American University of Beirut from 1925 until 1931.

Full article available at:

http://www.annahar.com/content.php?priority=3&table=kadaya&type=kadaya&day=Sun

An-Nahar of February 5 reported that MP Ali Fayyad received the Ambassador of Norway to Lebanon Aud Lise Norheim who invited him to attend a symposium to be held at the American University of Beirut later this month with a Norwegian delegation comprising MPs, diplomats, and journalists.

Full article available at:

http://www.annahar.com/content.php?priority=26&table=mahaly&type=mahaly&day=Fri

Now Lebanon of February 7 reported that one week before the fifth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s assassination, some supporters of the March 14 coalition are still deciding whether or not to attend the planned rally to commemorate him. The paper quoted Professor of Philosophy at AUB, Bashshar Haydar, as saying, “Why would I go to a demonstration when that rally is not making any political demand that fits with my beliefs?”

Full article available at:

http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=144389

The Daily Star of February 7, Sudan Vision, Gulf News, The State.com, CBS News, WNEP ABC-16, WAFB CBS-9, WECT NBC-6, KWES NewsWest, and The New York Times of February 6, Terra Net of February 8, and KCAU-TV of February 10 published an article commenting on Lebanese fears of a possible delay in the international tribunal on the assassination of Lebanon’s former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. The papers quoted Professor of Sociology at AUB, Sari Hanafi, as saying, “Some within Hariri’s circle have expressed concern that the improving ties between Syria and its Western and Arab rivals could lead to an easing off of the court’s work to prevent indictments that could inflame old tensions.”

Full article available at:

http://www.terra.net.lb/wp/Articles/DesktopArticle.aspx?ArticleID=500728&ChannelId=4

Lebanon Files and Al-Liwa’ of February 8 reported on the centennial celebration of the issuance of Lebanese author Amin Rihani’s book Rihaniyyat. The paper said its English translation, The Rihani Essays, was written by Rola Baalbaki of the American University of Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.lebanonfiles.com/news_desc.php?id=142036

As-Safir, Elnashra, and Al-Liwa’ of February 8 reported that the Municipality of Tripoli in cooperation with the American University in Beirut carried out a forestation campaign at a number of areas in the city.

Full article available:

http://www.assafir.com/Article.aspx?EditionId=1458&ChannelId=33827&ArticleId=961&Author=

An-Nahar of February 8 published an article written by professor at the AUB's Faculty of Health Sciences, Nasser Yassin, on the issue of planning the city of Beirut and the urban issues the Municipality of Beirut should address.

Full article available at:

http://www.annahar.com/content.php?priority=4&table=kadaya&type=kadaya&day=Tue

An-Nahar of February 8 reported that the Clemenceau Medical Center (CMC) in Beirut, which operates in conjunction with Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, was rated as one of the best medical tourism destinations in the region. The paper said that CMC was chosen by the American University of Beirut as a training location for its medical staff and students.

The Daily Star of February 10 published an editorial by Rami Khouri, director of AUB’s Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, surveying the contents of the Institute’s forthcoming conference entitled, “Youth Identity and Values,” to be held in the United Arab Emirates.

Full article available at:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=5&article_id=111640

Elnashra of February 10 announced that the AUB Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) and the Tobacco Control Research Group are holding a press conference on February 11 to advocate for a strong tobacco control law. The paper said that Dean of FHS Iman Nuwayhid and Professor Rima Nakkash will participate in the event.

Full article available at:

http://www.elnashra.com/news-1-408413.html

Elnashra of February 10 and As-Safir and Al-Liwa’ of February 11 reported on a lecture given by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the American University of Beirut, Hikmat Beaini, entitled, “Political Sectarianism in Lebanon…Dissension or Innovation.” The papers said that the lecture was organized by the Cultural Movement in Lebanon and Bayt Al-Ma’rifa Foundation.

Full article available at:

http://www.assafir.com/Article.aspx?EditionId=1459&ChannelId=33852&ArticleId=1145&Author=

Khaleej Times Online of February 10 and Al-Bawaba, Terra Net and The Daily Star of February 11 published a political editorial arguing that Syria is regaining influence in Lebanon but is wielding it through diplomatic means. Professor of Political Studies at the American University of Beirut Karim Makdisi said of Syria’s behavior towards Lebanon’s after the latter’s 15-year Civil War, “There was not even the pretense of diplomacy and dignity.”

Full article available at:

http://www.terra.net.lb/wp/Articles/DesktopArticle.aspx?ArticleID=501261&ChannelId=4

Now Lebanon, Al-Markazia, LBC Group, Lebanon Files, Ahrar News, Future News, Almustaqbal, Al-Liwa’, Lebanese News Agency, Lebanese Kataeb, Al-Manar, Federation of Arabic Agencies, Ar-Riyadh, Al-Jareeda, Dar Al-Hayat, Ar-Rai, Al-Madina, and Al-Bilad of February 11 and Nahar Net, An-Nahar, As-Safir, Saudi Gazette, and Al-Bayraq of February 12 reported that Saudi Minister of Information and Culture Abdul Aziz Khoja and a delegation from the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut (WAAAUB) visited Lebanese President Michel Suleiman and informed him of WAAAUB’s decision to honor Khoja as Man of the Year 2009 and hand him the highest medal of WAAAUB’s branch of engineering and architecture.

Full article available at:

http://www.nowlebanon.com/Arabic/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=145560

Now Lebanon, Progressive Social Party, Almustaqbal.org, Al-Anwar, Al-Liwa’, Lebanese Kataeb, Lebanon Files, An-Nadwa, Dar Al-Hayat, Saudi Press Agency, and the Federation of Arabic News Agencies of February 10 and Ahrar News and An-Nahar of February 11 reported that the Saudi Minister of Information and Culture Abdul Aziz Khoja arrived in Lebanon to attend a celebration organized by the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut and its Engineering Chapter to honor him as Man of the Year 2009 for his efforts in Lebanon while he served as his country’s ambassador.

Full article available at:

http://www.ahrarnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11662:--------------14----&catid=40:2010-02-09-08-32-59

An-Nahar and Beirut Letter of February 11 reported on a sit-in at Starbucks Café in Hamra organized by a group of university students calling for boycotting all enterprises that support Zionism. The paper said that among the participants were a number of independent youth groups from the Palestinian club at the American University of Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.annahar.com/content.php?priority=4&table=tarbia&type=tarbia&day=Thu

The Daily Star and World News of February 11 and Jordan News Agency of February 12 reported on a press conference held at the American University of Beirut by the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Tobacco Control Research Group in which health and university officials stressed the need for comprehensive tobacco control legislation as parliamentarians continue to debate a draft law.

Full article available at:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=1&article_id=111701

As-Safir, Al-Arab, Awan, and Ar-Rouiah of February 11 published a political editorial commenting on Syria’s resumed influence and meddling with Lebanese politics. The paper quoted AUB Professor of Political Studies Karim Makdisi as saying, “When Saudi and Syrian officials meet the Lebanese politicians dance to their own music.”

Full article available at:

http://www.alwasatnews.com/2716/news/read/372707/1.html

Lebanon Files, Lebanese Kataeb, and Al-Markazia of February 11 and Al-Liwa’ of February 12 announced that the Hariri School of Nursing at the American University of Beirut is working towards establishing a new bachelors in nursing program to university degree holders while still wishing to pursue a career in nursing.

Full article available at:

http://www.lebanonfiles.com/news_desc.php?id=142699

Progressive Socialist Party and As-Safir of February 12 reported on a press conference organized by AUB Faculty of Health Sciences and the Tobacco Control Research Group on the afternoon of February 11 to advocate for strong tobacco control law that is in line with the World Health Organization’s Framework on Tobacco Control which Lebanon ratified in December 2005. The papers said that the press conference was held in collaboration with Toward a Smoke Free Life organization.

Full article available at:

http://www.psp.org.lb/Default.aspx?tabid=205&mid=1291&ctl=ArticleView&articleId=40925

VDL and Al-Bayraq of February 12 reported that Lebanese MP Bahia Hariri honored Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Abdul Aziz Khoja during his visit to Lebanon, which includes another honoring ceremony held by the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut as Man of the Year 2009.

Full article available at:

http://www.vdlonline.com/news/more.php?id=43720

Lebanon Files of February 12 announced that the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut and its Engineering and Architecture chapter are holding an honorary ceremony for Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Abdul Aziz Khoja as Man of the Year 2009. The paper said that the ceremony is sponsored by the University President Dr. Peter Dorman.

Full article available at:

http://www.lebanonfiles.com/news_desc.php?id=142759

Al-Anwar, Al-Liwa’, and Lebanese Kataeb of February 12 and An-Nahar of February 13 reported on a press conference held by the American University of Beirut Faculty of Health Sciences’ Tobacco Control Research Group in which health and University officials stressed the need for comprehensive tobacco control legislation as parliamentarians continue to debate a draft law.

Full article available at:

http://www.alanwar-leb.com/article.php?categoryID=6&articleID=73847

Now Lebanon of February 13 published an interview with Professor Elizabeth Kassab about her recently published book entitled Contemporary Arab Thought: Cultural Critique in Comparative Perspective (Columbia University Press: 2009). The paper said that Kassab taught for many years at the American University of Beirut and Balamand University.

Full article available at:

http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=146007&MID=14&PID=2

An-Nahar of February 13 reported that Dr. Ali Shamseddine, head of the Department of Oncology/Hematology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, participated in a seminar organized by Hoffman La Roche pharmaceuticals held on the occasion of World Cancer Awareness Day.

Full article available at:

http://www.annahar.com/content.php?priority=7&table=madaniat&type=madaniat&day=Sat

Lebanese Kataeb of February 13 reported on the ceremony held by the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut and its engineering chapter to honor former Saudi ambassador to Lebanon and current Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Abdel Aziz Khoja as “Man of the Year 2009.” The paper said that the ceremony was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Bin Saeed Bin Awadh Asiri, and a number of Lebanese officials and ambassadors of Arab countries.

Full article available at:

http://www.kataeb.org/ArticleDetails.asp?articleID=29122

Lebanon Files, Elnashra, Al-Madina, and Al-Bilad Daily of February 12, An-Nahar, Al-Liwa’, As-Safir, and Almustaqbal of February 13, and Al-Jazirah of February 14 reported that Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Abdel Aziz Khoja visited AUB President Peter Dorman at his home where he was received by members of the AUB Board of Trustees, former Lebanese Prime Ministers Fouad Siniora and Najib Mikati, and former minister and MP and current member of the Board of Trustees, Ghassan Tueni.

Full article available at:

http://www.annahar.com/content.php?priority=1&table=tarbia&type=tarbia&day=Sat

Lebanon Files of February 15 announced that AUB’s Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs’ Bill and Sally Hambrecht Distinguished Peacemakers Lectures is organizing a lecture and open discussion with Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Moussa entitled, "The Situation in the Middle East: A Vision for the Future," on February 18 at AUB.

Full article available at:

http://www.lebanonfiles.com/news_desc.php?id=143317

Al-Liwa’ and Now Lebanon of February 12 and As-Safir of February 15 reported on the ceremony held by the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut and its engineering chapter on February 12 to honor former Saudi ambassador to Lebanon and current Saudi minister of culture and information Abdel Aziz Khoja as “Man of the Year 2009.” The papers said that a number of Lebanese officials and ambassadors of Arab countries attended the ceremony.

Full article available at:

http://www.assafir.com/Article.aspx?EditionId=1462&ChannelId=33924&ArticleId=1441&Author=

As-Safir and Terra Net of February 15 reported on a sit-in performed by a group of leftist youths in Lebanon some of whom are part of Palestine is Free (filastin hurra) organization in front of the Egyptian Embassy in Beirut. The papers said that a US citizen and AUB student called Gabriella participated in the sit-in.

Full article available at:

http://www.assafir.com/Article.aspx?EditionId=1462&ChannelId=33923&ArticleId=1435&Author=

Progressive Socialist Party of February 15 reported that Saudi Minister of Information and Culture Abdel Aziz Khoja and a delegation from the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut visited Lebanese President Michel Suleiman at the Presidential Palace.

Full article available at:

http://www.psp.org.lb/Default.aspx?tabid=111&articleType=ArticleView&articleId=40888

Al-Akhbar of February 15 and Bint Jbeil of February 16 reported on a sit-in performed by activists of Indy Act in front of An-Nahar building in downtown Beirut objecting to a meeting of representatives of tobacco companies with the Parliament’s Justice and Administration Committee which is working toward ratifying a new law banning smoking in public spaces in Lebanon. The paper said that a press conference was held by the American University of Beirut Faculty of Health Sciences’ Tobacco Control Research Group in which health and university officials stressed the need for comprehensive tobacco control legislation as parliamentarians continue to debate a draft law.

Full article available at:

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/177423

Al-Anwar of February 15 reported on a book project by Shaikha Fayze Al-Khazen surveying Beirut’s museums including the American University of Beirut museum.

Full article available at:

http://www.alanwar-leb.com/article.php?categoryID=6&articleID=74067

LBC Group, Al-Liwa’, Al-Markazia, Al-Ghad, and Al-Anwar of February 15, Bint Jbeil, Lebanon Files, Al-Akhbar, Lebanese Kataeb, Elnashra, An-Nahar, Voix du Liban, Al-Balad, and Al-Markazia of February 16, and Progressive Socialist Party, Ahrar News, Lebanon Files, Voix du Liban, Future News, Al-Jareeda, and Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat of February 17 announced that AUB’s Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs is hosting a lecture and open discussion with the Secretary General to the Arab League, Amr Moussa, entitled, "The Situation in the Middle East: A Vision for the Future," on February 18.

Full article available at:

http://www.bintjbeil.org/index.php?show=news&action=article&id=21743

Progressive Socialist Party and Al-Liwa’ of February 16 reported on the effects of the potential rise in the value added tax (VAT) from 10 to 15 percent in Lebanon. The papers referred to an economic study conducted last year by the American University of Beirut which examined the effects of raising VAT from 10 to 12 percent on the consumer habits of low income population, and said that the percentage of Lebanese living below poverty line would increase from 30 to 50 percent if the tax were to be raised.

Full article available at:

http://www.psp.org.lb/Default.aspx?tabid=205&mid=1291&ctl=ArticleView&articleId=41098

Al-Markazia of February 16 and Beirut Online of February 18 reported that the AUB Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences is holding, under the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture and in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture at the Lebanese University, a lecture on February 17 by Minister of Agriculture Hussein El Hajj Hassan entitled, “Effective Public Policies for the Marketing of Lebanese Agro-Food Products.”

Full article available at:

http://www.almarkazia.net/Economics.aspx?ArticleID=19195

Al-Mustaqbal of February 16 reported on a lecture given by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the American University of Beirut, Hikmat Beaini, entitled, “Political Sectarianism in Lebanon… Dissension or Innovation.” The paper said that the lecture was organized by the Cultural Movement in Lebanon and Bayt Al-Ma’rifa Foundation.

Al-Liwa’, Al-Anwar, and Al-Bayraq of February 16 announced that AUB’s Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs is hosting a lecture and open discussion with Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Moussa entitled, "The Situation in the Middle East: A Vision for the Future," on February 18.

Al-Balad of February 16 reported that a press conference was held by the American University of Beirut Faculty of Health Sciences’ Tobacco Control Research Group in which health and University officials stressed the need for comprehensive tobacco control legislation as parliamentarians continue to debate a draft law.

Al-Liwa’ of February 17 reported that the AUB Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, under the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture and in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture at the Lebanese University, is holding a lecture on February 17 by Agriculture Minister Hussein El Hajj Hassan entitled “Effective public policies for the marketing of Lebanese agro-food products.”

Al-Liwa’ and L’Orient Le Jour of February 17 announced that Instituto Cervantes is organizing a soprano concert by Anna Hasler on Thursday at the American University of Beirut’s Assembly Hall.

Khiyam of February 17 published a profile of Lebanese author and journalist Emily Nasrallah. The paper said that she graduated from the American University of Beirut with a BA in 1958.

Full article available at:

http://www.khiyam.com/pages/articles_details.php?articleID=8385

As-Safir of February 17 announced that Institute Cervantes is organizing a soprano concert by Anna Hasler at the American University of Beirut’s Assembly Hall on February 18.

Full article available at:

http://www.assafir.com/Article.aspx?EditionId=1464&ChannelId=33979&ArticleId=1668&Author=

An-Nahar of February 17 published a profile of Lebanese author and poet Fuad Rifqa. The paper said that he is recipient of an AUB alumni award.

Full article available at:

http://www.annahar.com/content.php?priority=5&table=madaniat&type=madaniat&day=Wed

Al-Anwar of February 17 reported that author Albert Habeeb Matlaq won the Sheikh Zayed Book Award for his recently published translation of the book Mawsoo’at Al-Hayawanat Al-Shaamila. The paper ran an interview with Matlaq and said that he taught at the American University of Beirut for six years.

Full article available at:

http://www.alanwar-leb.com/article.php?categoryID=6&articleID=74291

Al-Anwar, Lebanon Files, Al-Markazia, and An-Nahar of February 17 reported on a ceremony held by Lebanese MP Bahia Hariri in honor of Amr Moussa, the secretary general of the Arab League, during which he mentioned that he was in Lebanon to hold a lecture at the American University of Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.alanwar-leb.com/article.php?categoryID=4&articleID=74307

Al-Akhbar of February 18 reported that eight students at the American University in Beirut finished a performing arts course at the Department of Fine Arts and Art History at the University. The paper said that at the end of the program students performed performance art sequences entitled, “Irritations”, from the play 12 Angry Men by Reginald Rose.

Full article available at:

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/177804

Al-Balad and Aram News of February 17 and Progressive Socialist Party, Ahrar News, Future News, As-Safir, Al-Manar, Lebanon Files, Al-Akhbar, Al-Liwa’, and Al-Anwar of February 18 reported that Amr Moussa, the secretary-general of the Arab League, arrived in Lebanon on an official visit that includes giving a lecture at the American University of Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.psp.org.lb/Default.aspx?tabid=107&mid=411&ctl=ArticleView&articleId=41209

Elnashra and Al-Quds of February 18 reported on the recent visit of Secretary General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, to Lebanon and his meetings with Lebanese officials regarding forming a delegation to represent Lebanon in the forthcoming Arab League Summit set to take place in Libya. The paper said Moussa was in Lebanon to lecture at the American University of Beirut following an invitation by the AUB Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs.

Full article available at:

http://www.elnashra.com/news-1-412366.html

The Daily Star and Al-Rai of February 18 and Terra Net, As-Safir, An-Nahar, Al-Liwa’, and Al-Awassef of February 19 reported on a lecture given by Amr Moussa, the secretary general of the Arab League, at the American University of Beirut following an invitation by AUB’s Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs. The papers said that the lecture was entitled, “The Situation in the Middle East: A Vision for the Future.”

Full article available at:

http://www.terra.net.lb/wp/Articles/DesktopArticle.aspx?ArticleID=502565&ChannelId=4

Terra Net of February 19 reported on the opening concert of Al-Bustan Festival 2010 and said that the program of this year’s festival includes a concert entitled, “Three Italians in a Romantic Mood” by the David Trio to be held at the American University of Beirut’s Assembly Hall.

Full article available at:

http://www.terra.net.lb/wp/Articles/DesktopArticle.aspx?ArticleID=502557&ChannelId=5

Terra Net of February 19 reported on the new initiative by the American University of Beirut that donates old computers to underprivileged communities. The paper said that this recycling project is a product of the joint collaboration of AUB’s Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service and the Department of Computing and Networking Services.

Full article available at:

http://www.terra.net.lb/wp/Articles/DesktopArticle.aspx?ArticleID=502566&ChannelId=5

Lebanese Kataeb and Lebanese News Agency of February 19 reported that the Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Moussa left Lebanon after a two day official visit that included giving a lecture at the American University of Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.kataeb.org/breakDetails.asp?newsid=46879

Progressive Socialist Party of February 19 reported on the increase of brain drain in Lebanon. The paper quoted a survey conducted recently at the AUB Faculty of Engineering and Architecture which revealed that 90 percent of its students plan to leave Lebanon upon graduation.

Full article available at:

http://www.psp.org.lb/Default.aspx?tabid=205&mid=1291&ctl=ArticleView&articleId=41260

An-Nahar of February 19 published a list of events scheduled to take place at the American University of Beirut in the coming two weeks.

Full article available at:

http://www.annahar.com/content.php?priority=2&table=tarbia&type=tarbia&day=Fri

Al-Anwar and Lebanese Kataeb of February 19 reported that Secretary General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, gave a lecture at the American University of Beirut following an invitation by the AUB’s Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs.

Full article available at:

http://www.alanwar-leb.com/article.php?categoryID=4&articleID=74582

Al-Markazia of February 19 and As-Safir and Ahrarnews of February 20 reported that the Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Moussa left Lebanon after a two day official visit that included giving a lecture at the American University of Beirut following an invitation by the AUB Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs.

Full article available at:

http://www.assafir.com/Article.aspx?EditionId=1467&ChannelId=34042&ArticleId=2115&Author=

Progressive Socialist Party, Lebanon Files, Echo Beirut, and Elnashra of February 19 and Al-Akhbar of February 20 reported on a lecture given by Amr Moussa, the secretary general of the Arab League, at the American University of Beirut following an invitation by AUB’s Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs. The papers said that the lecture was entitled, “The Situation in the Middle East: A Vision for the Future.”

Full article available at:

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/178221

Al-Kifah Al-Arabi of February 19 published a profile of the Director of the Lebanese National Conservatory Walid Gholmieh and said that he had a contract with the American University of Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.kifaharabi.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleId=19453&ChannelId=5&EditionId=350

Al-Kifah Al-Arabi of February 19 published an article commenting on the recent assassination of Mahmud Al-Mabhuh, a leader in the Izzeddine Al-Qassam brigade, in Dubai. It said that in 1973, the Kidun Unit assassinated AUB professor of law Yasser Qobeisi in Paris.

Full article available at:

http://www.kifaharabi.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleId=19436&ChannelId=3&EditionId=350

Al-Akhbar of February 20 reported on infringement on the freedom of expression in university newspapers and gave the example of AUB’s student paper Outlook, which once reflected the voice of student movements at the University. The paper said that the students are unhappy that the new management has decided to stop issuing the Arabic version of Outlook and that the English version has become a tool for praise for the University to serve its marketing strategy.

Full article available at:

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/178122

As-Safir of February 20 published an article featuring the effects of climate change and fluctuation on the Lebanese cultural crop. The paper quoted an expert in the production of field crops at the American University of Beirut, Diana Marroush Abu Said, as saying, “We witnessed an atypical phenomenon lately in that we witnessed four seasons in four days.”

Full article available at:

http://www.assafir.com/Article.aspx?EditionId=1467&ChannelId=34043&ArticleId=2076&Author=

At-Tamaddon of February 20 published a profile of the Safadi Center for Agricultural Development, which is implementing a project in North of Lebanon aiming at regional development to combat poverty through agricultural development. The paper said the project was conducted in collaboration with the American University of Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.attamaddon.com/_NewsSearch.php?iNewsID=12413&cAction=Details

At-Tammadon of February 20 published a profile of late Anis Sayegh, writer, editor, founder of the idea of a Palestinian encyclopedia, and founder of the Palestine Research Center, who passed away on December 25, 2009. The paper said that Sayegh was transferred to the American University of Beirut Medical Center for treatment after sustaining injuries following an assassination attempt in 1972.

Full article available at:

http://www.attamaddon.com/_NewsSearch.php?iNewsID=12418&cAction=Details

The Daily Star of February 21 reported on a design and art event in Harat Hreik’s hangar entitled Seventh Pecha Kucha Night. The paper said that a design by Matthew Thomas, an American architect currently working at the American University of Beirut, was featured at the event.

Full article available at:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=4&Article_id=111957

Al-Akhbar of February 21 published an article assessing the flaws and traits of the Lebanese taxation system. The paper said that the author cited a study about taxation that was conducted by the AUB Department of Economics in collaboration with the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs.

Full article available at:

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/178262

Khiyam of February 21 published a profile of and interview with Lebanese actress Hanan Hajj Ali and said that her first performance took place at the American University of Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.khiyam.com/pages/articles_details.php?articleID=8414

Progressive Socialist Party of February 22 reported that a group of student volunteers from the American University of Beirut participated in a tree planting campaign in the several Lebanese villages. The paper said that the students were part of an initiative called The Power of Planting, which is a joint collaboration between the AUB Center for Civic Engagement and IBSAR.

Full article available at:

http://www.psp.org.lb/Default.aspx?tabid=201&mid=1232&ctl=ArticleView&articleId=41393

The Daily Star of February 19 reported on the new initiative by the American University of Beirut that donates old computers to underprivileged communities. The paper said that this recycling project is a product of the joint collaboration of AUB’s Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service and the Department of Computing and Networking Services.

Full article available at:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_ID=1&article_ID=111901&categ_id=1

Now Lebanon of February 22 published an article about the discrimination diabetics face in Lebanon and the misconceptions surrounding the disease. The paper quoted Raja’ Sammak, a certified diabetes trainer at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, as saying, “They [diabetics] sometimes have to lie, or hide their diabetes in the workspace.”

Full article available at:

http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=148377

Al-Liwa’ of February 22 reported that the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut honored the Saudi Minister of Information and Culture Abdel Aziz Khoja as Man of the Year 2009.

Full article available at:

http://www.aliwaa.com.lb/default.aspx?NewsID=169793

Lebanese Kataeb and Lebanon Files of February 21 and Al-Liwa’ and An-Nahar of February 22 announced that the Ministry of Education received a notice from the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey indicating the dates for the entrance exams to universities in Turkey and said that they will take place on May 9 at the American University of Beirut.
Full article available at:

http://www.aliwaa.com.lb/default.aspx?NewsID=169838

Al-Balad and Khiyam of February 22 and As-Safir of February 23 reported on a tree planting campaign in the southern village of Kfarseer. The paper said that the campaign was organized by the Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service (CCECS) at AUB.

Full article available at:

http://www.albaladonline.com/html/story.php?sid=95278

Lebanon Files of February 22, An-Nahar, Al-Liwa’ and Al-Akhbar of February 23, An-Nahar of February 24, and Lebanon Files of February 25 announced that the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut Mount Lebanon Branch is holding a gala dinner under the auspices of Lebanese Minister of Information Tarek Mitri next Thursday at Le Royal Hotel in Dbayeh. The paper said that proceeds from the dinner will go to financial aid to support AUB students from Mount Lebanon.

Al-Anwar, Lebanese Kataeb, and Moheet of February 21 and As-Safir and An-Nahar of February 22 reported on a press conference held by the Chair of the National Health Council in Lebanon former MP Ismail Sukkarieh commenting on the action being taken to prosecute pharmacies that have sold forged versions of the heart medicine Plavix. The papers said that samples of the suspected forged medication have been sent to the American University of Beirut laboratories for testing.

Full article available at:

http://www.assafir.com/Article.aspx?EditionId=1468&ChannelId=34067&ArticleId=2220&Author=

Lebanon Files of February 23 reported that Lebanese singer Sirine Abdel Noor held a fundraising concert at the Lebanese American University. The paper said proceeds from the concert will help pediatric cancer patients at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.

Full article available at:

http://www.lebanonfiles.com/news_desc.php?id=144920

Elnashra and Al-Akhbar of February 22 and Al-Manar of February 23 published a commentary on the new economic plan of the new Lebanese government that includes increasing taxes and the value added tax (VAT). The papers referred to an economic study conducted last year by the American University of Beirut that examined the effects of raising VAT from 10 to 12 percent on the consumer habits of the population with low income.

Full article available at:

http://www.almanar.com.lb/NewsSite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=125776&language=ar

Lebanon Files of February 23 announced that students majoring in Health Sciences at the American University of Beirut, in collaboration with the Environmental Club at the University, are holing a seminar entitled, "Seriousness of Lebanon’s Dealing with Environmental Issues.” The paper said that the Minister of Environment Mohamed Rahal and Green party chief in Lebanon, Philippe Skaff will be talking at the seminar.

Full article available:

http://www.lebanonfiles.com/news_desc.php?id=144887

Al-Mustaqbal of February 23 reported that AUB Professor of Sociology Sari Hanafi participated in a conference on fostering relations between the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, and restoring their civil rights while bearing in mind their right of return.

Now Lebanon of February 23 reported on Lebanon’s stance at the United Nations, in which it is a rotating member of the Security Council, regarding imposing a fourth round of sanctions on Iran. The paper quoted Shafic Masri, a professor at the American University of Beirut and the Lebanese American University as saying, “The Iranian file is the most difficult one because it has its implications in the domestic sphere and in the regional sphere. Lebanon’s policy is established on other decisions. On issues like Palestine, for example, Lebanon can safely vote with [the Arab position].”

Full article available at:

http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=148659

Al-Akhbar of February 23 published a profile of Lebanese architect Bernard Khoury and said he taught architecture at several places including the American University of Beirut.
Full article available at:

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/178725

Al-Akhbar of February 23 and Elnashra of February 24 reported that AUB professor of sociology Sari Hanafi participated in a conference entitled “Economic and Social Rights of Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon, Particularly the Right to Work,” held in an attempt to develop a framework of knowledge for Lebanese journalists. The paper said that the conference was held as part of the second phase of a workshop organized by the Palestinian Organization for Human Rights.

Full article available at:

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/178634

Al-Liwa’ of February 23 announced that students majoring in Health Sciences at the American University of Beirut, in collaboration with the Environmental Club at the University, held a seminar entitled, "Seriousness of Lebanon’s Dealing with Environmental Issues.” The paper said that the Minister of Environment Mohamed Rahal and Green Party chief in Lebanon, Philippe Skaff spoke at the seminar.

Full article available:

http://www.aliwaa.com.lb/default.aspx?NewsID=170047

As-Safir of February 23 published an article commenting on the high degree and intensity of noise pollution in Lebanon and reported on a research and two proposals conducted by Fulbright Professor Marjaneh Fooladi from the AUB Hariri School of Nursing aimed at assessing and reducing environmental noise levels in Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.assafir.com/WeeklyArticle.aspx?EditionId=1469&WeeklyArticleId=65257&ChannelId=8603

Al-Anwar of February 24 reported on a ceremony to honor Lebanese poet and professor at the Lebanese American University Fuad Rifqa held by the LAU alumni relations office. The paper said that Rifqa is recipient of a number of awards including one from the American University of Beirut Alumni Association.

Full article available at:

http://www.alanwar-leb.com/article.php?categoryID=10&articleID=74938

Al-Akhbar of February 23 and Lebanese Kataeb, Lebanon Files, and Elnashra of February 24 commented on the new economic plan of the new Lebanese government including increasing taxes and the Value-Added Tax (VAT). The papers referred to an economic study conducted last year by the American University of Beirut, led by Professor Jad Chaaban, which examined the effects of raising VAT from 10 to 12 percent on the consumer habits of low income population.

Full article available at:

http://www.lebanonfiles.com/news_desc.php?id=145135

Al-Akhbar of February 24 reported on the content of a talk show on Future TV called Seereh w Infatahit in which he discusses drug addiction among celebrities in Lebanon and the Arab world. The paper referred to a recent study conducted by the American University of Beirut that indicated the pervasiveness of drug abuse among musical stars in the Arab world with an 85 percent among males and 30 percent among females.

Full article available at:

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/178664

An-Nahar of February 24 reported on the new law to ban smoking in public spaces in Lebanon, now being drafted and reviewed by the Parliament’s Committee of Administration and Justice. The paper said that the American University of Beirut Faculty of Health Sciences’ Tobacco Control Research Group has been active in delivering its message to Parliament regarding advocating for smoke free public spaces in Lebanon.

Full article available at:

http://www.annahar.com/content.php?priority=4&table=kadaya&type=kadaya&day=Wed

As-Safir and Terra Net of February 24 reported on a ceramics art exhibit held at Balamand University in which AUB instructor of fine arts Neville Salha participated.

Full article available at:

http://www.assafir.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=2475&EditionId=1470&ChannelId=34123

An-Nahar of February 25 published a book review of a new political and military history encyclopedia by Yassine Soweid. The paper said that Soweid used references from various libraries, including Jafet Library at the American University of Beirut, while writing the encyclopedia.
Full article available at:

http://www.annahar.com/content.php?priority=1&table=madaniat&type=madaniat&day=Thu

Now Lebanon of February 25 published an interview with Lakhdar Brahimi, veteran United Nations diplomat and the key figure in brokering the Taif accord of 1989, in which one of the questions referred to his “speech” at the American University of Beirut last January.

Full article available at:

http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=149192

Al-Akhbar of February 25 announced that starting March1, Beirut will host the Israeli Apartheid Week, adding that the organizing group is composed of a number of students from the American University of Beirut.
Full article available at:

http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/179021

Al-Akhbar, Al-Liwa’, Lebanon Files, and Al-Markazia of February 25 and The Daily Star and Cyberia of February 26 reported that the General Labor Confederation (GLC) rejected on Thursday any increase in the rate of the Value-Added Tax (VAT). The paper said that, the GLC, referring to a study prepared by the American University of Beirut, said that a 15 percent VAT would negatively affect 1.5 low income Lebanese.

Full article available at:

http://www.thisiscyberia.com/news/default.asp?ID=11617022&news=2&Reg=1

Al-Anwar of February 25 reported that the Spanish Ambassador to Lebanon, Juan Carlos Gafo Acevedo, spoke at a ceremony closing a project for clean petroleum products and for the study of biodiversity in the natural protectorate of “Palm Islands (Juzur Al-Nakheel),” which involved the collaboration of the American University of Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.alanwar-leb.com/article.php?categoryID=6&articleID=75317

Lebanon Files, Al-Anwar, and Al-Markazia of February 25 reported that the Human Research Protection Program at the American University of Beirut launched on February 13 its first human research conduct seminar in an attempt to familiarize the research community with the institutional oversight of human research.

Full article available at:

http://www.alanwar-leb.com/article.php?categoryID=6&articleID=75316

Al-Liwa’ and Al-Markazia of February 25 reported on the opening of the Al-Azm Center for Biotechnology in Tripoli held under the auspices of former PM Najib Mikati. The papers said that in his opening speech Mikati referred to the opening of another scientific center in Tripoli called Al-Azm Educational Complex set up in collaboration with the American University of Beirut.
Full article available at:

http://www.aliwaa.com.lb/default.aspx?NewsID=170291

Al-Liwa’, Lebanese News Agency, and Al-Markazia of February 25 reported that the Ministry of Health issued a public statement in response to what the President of National Health in Lebanon, former MP Ismail Sukkarieh regarding the detection of flawed Plavix medicine in some pharmacies in Lebanon and said that one of the labs that issued a test result of the suspected medicine was at the American University of Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.aliwaa.com.lb/default.aspx?NewsID=170346

The Daily Star of February 26 reported that the American University of Beirut will launch the first-ever Israeli Apartheid Week from March 1 to March 6, with a program of lectures, film screenings, student round tables, workshops, and music performances in response to the call of Palestinian civil society for the “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions” (BDS) against Israel.

Full article available at:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=1&article_id=112167

Terra Net, An-Nahar, Ad-Diyar, Al-Liwa’, Al-Anwar, and The Daily Star of February 26 reported that the General Labor Confederation (GLC) recently rejected any increase in the rate of the Value-Added Tax (VAT). The papers said that the GLC, referring to a study prepared by the American University of Beirut, said that a 15 percent VAT would negatively affect 1.5 low income Lebanese.

Full article available at:

http://www.terra.net.lb/wp/Articles/DesktopArticle.aspx?ArticleID=503683&ChannelId=6

An-Nahar of February 26 reported on an illustrated lecture organized by the Society of the Friends of the AUB Museum given by Jacques Seigne, research director at the Council for National Scientific Research and administrative director of IFPO, Amman, entitled, “An Archaeological Puzzle: Reconstitution of the Nave of the Shrine.”

Zimbio, Al-Mustaqbal, and The Daily Star of February 26 reported that the American University of Beirut will launch the first-ever Israeli Apartheid Week from March 1 to March 6, with a program of lectures, film screenings, student round tables, workshops, and music performances in response to the call of Palestinian civil society for the “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions” (BDS) against Israel.

Al-Mustaqbal of February 26 reported that the American University of Beirut Medical Center recently inaugurated the Women's Health Center, which is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to women's healthcare.

Al-Mustaqbal of February 26 reported that AUB students received winning prizes in the collegiate competition in sustainable architecture organized by MAJAL.

Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat, Al-Anwar, and Al-Mustaqbal of February 27 reported on the gala dinner held by the Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut, Mount Lebanon Branch under the auspices of Lebanese Minister of Information Tarek Mitri and MP Nehmeh Tomeh.

Full article available at:

http://www.alanwar-leb.com/article.php?categoryID=6&articleID=75424

Al-Mustaqbal of February 27 reported that the Human Research Protection Program at the American University of Beirut launched its first human research conduct seminar in an attempt to familiarize the research community with the institutional oversight of human research.

An-Nahar of February 26 and As-Safir of February 28 reported that the Ministry of Health issued a public statement in response to allegations regarding the detection of flawed Plavix medicine in some pharmacies in Lebanon and said that one of the labs that issued a test result of the suspected medicine was at the American University of Beirut.

Full article available at:

http://www.assafir.com/article.aspx?EditionId=1472&ChannelId=34163&ArticleId=2740