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A Beirut, il locale del terrorista
Un fast-food di Beirut ha adottato una curiosa strategia di marketing per attrarre clienti: il terrorismo.
Durante il pasto, i clienti di "Buns and Guns" (letteralmente, "panini e pistole") possono ascoltare il rumore di spari di arma da fuoco e ammirare le decorazioni a tema (armi, munizioni, reti mimetiche...). Il proprietario, Yousef Ibrahim, serve piatti quali "il lanciarazzi" (spiedini di pollo), "il panino del terrorista" e il "Kalashikov".
"Ci accusano di terrorismo? E noi serviviamo il panino del terrorista!", racconta Ibrahim.
"Buns and Guns" (sottotitolo: il panino che uccide) si trova in un'area che sostiene l'Hezbollah e dove le milizie del gruppo vengono idolatrate.
Eppure il proprietario afferma che il suo obiettivo è far ridere la gente e insiste che l'unico modo in cui potrebbe uccidere un cliente è servendogli una porzione troppo generosa.
English version: http://current.com/items/89043286_beirut_cafe_cashes_in...
Un fast-food di Beirut ha adottato una curiosa strategia di marketing per attrarre clienti: il terrorismo. ... more -
Beirut cafe cashes in on 'terrorism' theme
The 'Buns and Guns' cafe in Beirut has seen a surge in sales since its owner, Yousef Ibrahim, started serving up 'rocket-propelled grenade' accompanied with 'terrorist bread'.
Instead of scratchy 60s tunes playing on repeat, diners are served up the sound of gunfire for their aural pleasure whilst they take in the surroundings decorated with camo nets, ammunition and of course, weapons.
Yousef is maintaining a lighthearted approach to it all though, saying, in a genius bit of last minute promotion, that the only way his sandwiches could kill anyone is by their generous proportions.
The 'Buns and Guns' cafe in Beirut has seen a surge in sales since its owner, Yousef Ibrahim, started serving up 'rocket-propelled gre... more -
A Vespa in Beirut
A Vespa in Beirut di Cristina Provenzano - Driver: Lorenzo Trombetta
Music: Scrambled Eggs http://www.myspace.com/scrambledeggslebanon
Giugno 2008.Un giro in Vespa per le strade di Beirut a ritmo di musica. Un città piena di contraddizioni, un caleidoscopio di mondi diversi. A Vespa in Beirut di Cristina Provenzano - Driver: Lorenzo Trombetta ... more -
BEIRUT - In the Mausoleum
It's amazing how Beirut can take me away. One of my favorite songs by far. "I could never feel so right"
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France's Sarkozy Pledges Support for Lebanon's New President
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has pledged support for Lebanon's new president and for efforts to promote national unity, following the country's deadly political crisis.
Sarkozy spoke after arriving in Beirut Saturday for a one-day visit aimed at supporting the country's peace efforts. He said Lebanese President Michel Suleiman has a big responsibility to achieve national reconciliation.
Sarkozy is leading a French delegation that includes Prime Minister Francois Fillon, Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and the leaders of all of France's major political parties.
The delegation is expected to hold talks with Mr. Suleiman and representatives from 14 Lebanese political factions, including the Shi'ite opposition group Hezbollah.
President Sarkozy is the first Western head of state to visit Lebanon-a former French colony- since Mr. Suleiman took office May 25, following an Arab-mediated agreement to end the crisis. Lebanon is trying to recover from recent deadly sectarian violence that nearly resulted in a civil war. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has pledged support for Lebanon's new president and for efforts to promote national unity, following ... more -
Beirut- Postcards from Italy
By far my favorite band, how amazing is this? I love current's segment on them too. *sigh* so good.
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New Beirut clashes: Lebanon bans bikes, protests
Lebanon on Tuesday banned motorbikes, political demonstrations as well as flag waving and provocative slogans from the Lebanese capital until further notice after clashes between rival factions last night.
"Motorbikes will be banned in Beirut effective at 6:00 pm (1500 GMT) on May 27, 2008, until further notice," an interior ministry statement said.
Demonstrations, the waving of party flags or provocative slogans were also banned in the city.
It is common practice in Beirut for supporters of various rival political parties to drive around the city waving party flags, blaring slogans on loudspeakers and shooting in the air.
Hezbollah and its ally Amal movement put out a statement on Tuesday calling on their supporters to put an end to these practices saying that they would "not provide political cover for them."
ast night's clashes came as Hezbollah supporters were celebrating a speech by their leader Hassan Nasrallah, who vowed his powerful group would not use its weapons to achieve political gains.
Rival supporters insulted the Hezbollah backers who reacted by firing off a stun grenade at the Sunni mosque of Abdel Nasser.
The Lebanese army cordoned off the area and restored order, said state-run Tele Liban, without giving details or reporting any casualties.
It was the first such incident since the army took control of west Beirut after Hezbollah pulled out its fighters who seized control in several days of mostly Shiite-Sunni clashes earlier this month that killed 65 people.
Lebanon on Tuesday banned motorbikes, political demonstrations as well as flag waving and provocative slogans from the Lebanese capita... more -
Fierce Fighting Breaks Out East of Beirut
Fierce clashes broke out on Sunday in the mountains east of Beirut between supporters of the Western-backed government and followers of Hezbollah, the militant group backed by Iran.
The fighting, in the Shouf and Aley districts in the mountains overlooking the capital, Beirut, followed overnight clashes in the northern city of Tripoli that left at least two people dead and five wounded, according to security officials. Fierce clashes broke out on Sunday in the mountains east of Beirut between supporters of the Western-backed government and followers o... more -
Lebanese violence reaches northern city of Tripoli
"Fighting has been reported through the night in the Lebanese city of Tripoli between Hezbollah sympathisers and supporters of the government.
Machine-guns and rocket-propelled grenades are being used and people have been fleeing their homes, correspondents say.
Three people died in the northern city on Saturday.
Meanwhile, an uneasy calm has descended on the capital, Beirut, scene of four days of bloody street battles.
More than 30 people died in those clashes between Hezbollah fighters and government supporters.
On Saturday, Hezbollah agreed to pull its fighters off the streets of the Muslim western part of the city after the army overturned government measures aimed at curbing the group".
BBC News "Fighting has been reported through the night in the Lebanese city of Tripoli between Hezbollah sympathisers and supporters of the gov... more -
Calm returns to Beirut's streets
"Lebanon's opposition has begun withdrawing its fighters from the streets of Beirut, handing control to the army, after seizing much of the city in battles with government supporters. "The opposition welcomes the army's decision and will proceed with the withdrawal of all its armed elements so that control of the capital is handed over to the military", an opposition statement said. Thirty-seven people have been killed in the four days of fighting that erupted after the government said it would take action against Hezbollah's communications network and sacked the head of security at Beirut airport, who is close to the group".
Source: Al Jazeera and agencies "Lebanon's opposition has begun withdrawing its fighters from the streets of Beirut, handing control to the army, after seizing much o... more -
Hizbullah agrees to pull its gunmen off Beirut streets
"Hizbullah announced today that it would withdraw its forces from west Beirut after a request from the army for the Shia group to end its stranglehold the city.
The announcement came after the Lebanese prime minister made his first statement since fighting began earlier in the week. In a televised address filmed at the government's headquarters that he and other cabinet ministers had been unable to leave for days, Fuad Siniora called Beirut "occupied' and "besieged" and branded Hizbollah's violent seizure of the west of the capital city, an "armed coup".
He also signalled a compromise, however, by saying that he would be happy to hand over mediation on the telecommunications issue that sparked the fighting to the army.
Issuing a statement shortly after the prime minister spoke, the Lebanese army accepted the role offered them by Siniora. It also announced that the airport security chief, whose sacking at the beginning of the week also had some part in precipitating the crisis, would be reinstated. He was dismissed when Hizbullah surveillance cameras were found at Beirut airport. In return, the army called for Hizbullah forces to withdraw".
Allegra Stratton and agencies
guardian.co.uk "Hizbullah announced today that it would withdraw its forces from west Beirut after a request from the army for the Shia group to end ... more -
New Lebanon Violence
Constant protesting, violence and attacks have once again turned the streets of Beirut into a battlefield. Hezbollah supporters have infiltrated Lebanons capital, blockaded the airport and set fire to communication hubs and other buildings. Elsewhere in the city, what started out as protests has turned to violence and destruction, forcing many to leave their homes in hopes of finding safety.
Hezbollah supporters have infiltrated Lebanons capital, blockaded the airport and set fire to communication hubs and other buildings. Constant protesting, violence and attacks have once again turned the streets of Beirut into a battlefield. Hezbollah supporters have i... more -
Hezbollah militants to leave Beirut streets
Worst fighting since Civil War in Beirut could be coming to a close...
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Hezbollah seizes control in west Beirut
"Heavily armed Hezbollah fighters seized control of large parts of west Beirut on Friday, patrolling the deserted streets in a show of force that underscored the Shiite militia's refusal to back down in its escalating confrontation with the American-backed government. Hezbollah allies also forced a government-allied satellite television station off the air and burned the offices of its newspaper affiliate, as Sunni fighters loyal to the government largely melted away, outnumbered and outgunned, during a third day of armed clashes here. By Friday afternoon, Hezbollah fighters and paramilitaries were riding joyfully through west Beirut in trucks and cars and on scooters, shouting and firing weapons into the air in a victory celebration..."
International Herald Tribune
By Robert F. Worth and Nada Bakri
Published: May 9, 2008 "Heavily armed Hezbollah fighters seized control of large parts of west Beirut on Friday, patrolling the deserted streets in a show of... more -
Hezbollah takes over west Beirut
Gunmen from the Shia militant group Hezbollah have seized most of western Beirut, driving out supporters of the Western-backed government.
The gunmen, who also back Hezbollah's Shia opposition allies, have forced the closure of pro-government media.
The fighting was sparked by a government move on Monday to shut down Hezbollah's telecoms network.
At least 11 people, mainly civilians, have been killed and dozens injured in the city in three days of clashes.
The UN Security Council has urged the rival parties to stop fighting amid fears of civil war breaking out. Gunmen from the Shia militant group Hezbollah have seized most of western Beirut, driving out supporters of the Western-backed governm... more -
Hezbollah fighting continues, Lebanon TV station pulled off air
The BBC are reporting that the fighting in Lebanon is still ongoing and that a pro-government TV station has been shut down following the Lebanese crackdown on Hezbollah.
The UN Security Council have reportedly urged the warring parties to put a halt to the violence immediately, following warnings from the Lebanese government that it's unity was being put at risk if the ongoing political and civil unrest continues.
The BBC are reporting that the fighting in Lebanon is still ongoing and that a pro-government TV station has been shut down following ... more -
Hezbollah: «Il Libano ci ha dichiarato guerra»
"Il leader del movimento sciita Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, ha affermato che le decisioni del governo libanese contro il suo gruppo sono "una dichiarazione di guerra". Dopo le decisioni assunte dal governo del premier Fuad Siniora su Hezbollah lunedì scorso, "il Libano non è più lo stesso", ha detto ancora Nasrallah nel corso di una conferenza stampa a Beirut, in cui, per motivi di sicurezza, è presente solo in video-conferenza.
Lunedì scorso il governo ha definito "illegale" una rete telefonica privata allestita da Hezbollah, ma Nasrallah ha affermato che "a chiunque tenterà di toccarla taglieremo le mani". Accusando il governo di essere "una gang" che sta tentando di raggiungere ciò che Israele non è stato in grado di perseguire nella guerra del 2006, Nasrallah ha quindi affermato che la rimozione del capo della sicurezza dell'aeroporto è stata decisa perché l'esecutivo "vuole trasformare lo scalo in una base per l'Fbi, la Cia e il Mossad".
Lunedì il governo ha deciso di rimuovere il capo della sicurezza dell'aeroporto internazionale di Beirut, dopo che Hezbollah è stato accusato di aver istituito una rete di video-sorveglianza delle piste dello scalo. Intanto, numerose e ripetute raffiche di mitra sono state sparate verso il cielo in diverse zone dei Beirut, appena il leader di Hezbollah ha inziato a parlare ai giornalisti, in diretta TV."
English version: http://current.com/items/88939868_war_declared_in_leban... "Il leader del movimento sciita Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, ha affermato che le decisioni del governo libanese contro il suo g... more -
Beirut cancels rest of European tour!
Sad, sad news from Beirutband.com. A little late, but I find there are so many fellow fans here on Current I should spread the word...
"NEW NEWS!
April 3
A Letter from Zach
It's with great regret that I have to tell all of you that Beirut is canceling their summer European shows. My reasons for doing this are many, a lot of them personal, but I still feel I need to provide something of an explanation.
The past two years have been a mindblowing experience. From the first indications that people were putting songs from Gulag up on their blogs to our incredible tour of Australia and New Zealand that we just completed, everything that has happened has been beyond anything I'd ever hoped could happen with the music I wrote and recorded in my bedroom. Once things started happening, I decided I wanted to do everything as big as possible. So, I set about putting together a large band, and giving that band a huge sound, and making the most spectacular records we possibly could.
I know this can sound like an artist shithead kind of comment, but going through all that really does have its low points along with the highs. The responsibilities of gathering people around your vision, working with great people like those who work directly for the band and those at the label, wanting to insure that every show is as good as humanly possible so that every single person in the audience sees that we put in a real effort, all of that leads to a lot of issues in terms of doing right by people who have done you right.
It's come time to change some things, reinvent some others, and come back at some point with a fresh perspective and batch of songs.
Please accept my apologies. I promise we'll be back, in some form.
-Zach"
These last few shows in the US could very well be the last few shows for a while. I would like to get together a small group together in a van, travel from Canada to LA, hit every single Beirut show along the way, and document it. Who's coming with me?
May 22
Commodore Ballroom
Vancouver, BC
May 24
Sasquatch
Quincy (Washington state near Seattle)
May 25
Crystal Ballroom
Portland, OR
May 27
Grand Ballroom
San Francisco, CA
May 28
Grand Ballroom
San Francisco, CA
May 30
Wiltern Theatre
Los Angeles, CA Sad, sad news from Beirutband.com. A little late, but I find there are so many fellow fans here on Current I should spread the word...... more -
Beirut on Blogotheque
Zach Condon, the man behind Beirut, tells The Daily Fix about working with La Blogotheque on Take Away Shows for every song on his most recent album. We in turn tell you about a new partnership we have with that same La Blogotheque. Zach Condon, the man behind Beirut, tells The Daily Fix about working with La Blogotheque on Take Away Shows for every song on his mos... more
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Hezbollah "If Israel want open war, so it will be"
As images are rolling out of Lebanon of the funeral of the assassinated Hezbollah commander Imad Moughniyah, Hezbollah have declared that they are ready for 'open war' with Israel.
The people of Lebanon had already gathered in mass demonstrations to mark the third year since Lebanon's former Prime Minster was also killed in a car bomb. The anger and upset at this assassination is still something which the Lebanese grieve over, and something which many Lebanese think Syria was behind. Adding to the tension and upset was yesterdays news that a Hezbollah commander had been assassinated in a car bomb attack in Damascus in Syria. Iran, Syria and Hezbollah have accused Israel of the attack.
In front of the many people gathered to mark the death of their former PM and Hezbollah have made some very stark words towards Israel. The reports initially came through the BBC,
"Zionists, if you want this type of open war then let the whole world hear: let it be an open war,"
As images are rolling out of Lebanon of the funeral of the assassinated Hezbollah commander Imad Moughniyah, Hezbollah have declared t... more
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