<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML xmlns:o = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"><HEAD>
<META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
<META content="MSHTML 6.00.2900.2995" name=GENERATOR>
<STYLE></STYLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgColor=#ffffff>
<DIV><STRONG><U>An Open Letter From One Lebanese To Another</U></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><EM>By Fatina Salaheddine </EM></DIV>
<DIV><EM>(Publisher; Al-Sahafa Newspaper <A
href="http://www.al-sahafa.us">www.al-sahafa.us</A> )</EM></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 14pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; text-underline: none">November
23, 2006</SPAN></DIV>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><FONT size=2>I am asking all
Lebanese to lend me your ears, and allow my words a permanent place in your big
hearts from what I’m about to say…<o:p></o:p></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><FONT size=2>But before I
begin, I want to introduce a personal side of myself… <o:p></o:p></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><FONT
size=2></FONT></I> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><FONT size=2>I am an American
citizen of Lebanese descent, raised by two incredible parents who immigrated to
the United States, from Ras Beirut, at the height of what was to become a
17-year Lebanese civil war (may it be remembered and never repeated). Over the
years, I can honestly say that I grew up as American as apple pie, and as
Lebanese as the Cedars of Lebanon, of which I kiss the ground that my parents
walk-on for planting the seed in my heart, of the true meaning of what it is to
call myself; Lebanese. <o:p></o:p></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2><I>Our home always
overflowed with people and the aroma of my mom’s delicious Lebanese home
cooking, along with the endearing legendary Lebanese voices of Wadih El-Safih
& Fairuz.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I must also add, that
my siblings and I were conscientiously brought up at home in the Arabic and
French languages and educated in a Private Catholic grade school (even though my
family is not Catholic), attending Latin mass each morning, before the school
day began. From the start, my parents insisted on raising my siblings and I in
the “true” Lebanese culture of love and acceptance for all fellow Lebanese –
with no prelude to differentiating one Lebanese from another based on religious
differences.</I> <I>They explained Lebanon's importance as a cultural and
European oasis in the Middle East, where international professors and artists
exchanged ideas openly and with freedoms of expression. And I grew to understand
the complexity and vulnerability of Beirut’s central and strategic location in
proximity to its unstable neighbors in the region.<o:p></o:p></I></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><BR><FONT size=2>From the many
childhood stories that my parents told my siblings and I, and from the countless
albums filled with beautiful pictures of my parents’ friends and family
get-togethers on yachts and planes, and the famous Mediterranean board-walk
(better known as the Corniche), it was only obvious that an iconic image of
Lebanon was to be instilled in me.<o:p></o:p></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><FONT size=2>My
“Lebanese-ness” apparently added to the many “firsts” I encountered in my school
days.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Being that I was the first
Lebanese-American in my high school Senior Class to graduate as Class President,
then onto college where I was elected as Lebanese Club President, taking the
club to an unprecedented level of activeness and awareness on campus. Where I
later took that love of my “Lebanese-ness” and formed my first company; Nonabel
Entertainment, providing event coordinating and promoting for Arabic Concerts,
businesses and weddings. (F.Y.I.“Nonabel” is “Lebanon” spelled
backwards).<o:p></o:p></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><FONT size=2>... And now,
years later I am an owner and publisher of Ohio’s only statewide Middle Eastern
newspaper, published monthly in the English language. My countless trips and
invites to our nation’s capital; Washington D.C., (better known as the most
powerful city in the world), has had such a strong influence on my character and
self worth and assurance as an American of Lebanese descent mingling with the
crème de la crème of America’s power players. My countless trips to Lebanon have
also given me an immensely overwhelming feeling of realization and humbleness to
my Lebanese ancestry. <o:p></o:p></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><FONT size=2>In every trip to
Beirut (Lebanon’s capital city), I shed tears of joy and laughter from what my
eyes witness, because the iconic image that I imagined in my mind of Lebanon and
the Lebanese became absolute reality.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Beautiful people roam all around the country. From mountain top ski
slopes to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, one’s eye never falls far from
Lebanese “eye-candy” and their zest for life and interest in all visitors to the
country. <o:p></o:p></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I><FONT size=2>And currently,
since February 14<SUP>th</SUP> 2005 (the black day in Lebanon when my personal
friend and former Lebanese multi-billionaire Prime Minister Sheikh Rafik Al
Hariri was assassinated in a car bomb on the beloved ground of his own country)
my “reality” of Lebanon is at an emotionally devastating stand still. As I watch
and analyze the unimaginable happening in the country often referred to as
the<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“Paris of the Middle East”, I
want to get a few thoughts to the Lebanese people off my chest...<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2><B><U>To the
Lebanese in Lebanon:</U></B><BR><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">Lebanon's long and often turbulent history
reaches back to the dawn of civilization.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>But the beautiful mosaic of differing beliefs in Lebanon has given it its
flavor as a unified, and much needed example and tourist attraction for the
Middle East region. Since Lebanon’s inception, its citizens<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>have survived on tourism.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Lebanon did not get blessed like its
neighboring Arab countries with rich oil reserves, and so the “prized” nation
capitalized on its naturally breathtaking landscape of the Mediterranean sea,
the mountains, the charming beaches, the perfect weather, the delicious food,
the “Lebanese” Arabic dialect, and the warmth and beauty of its captivating
people.</SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2>With all the recent
targeted assassinations , it’s easy to forget what this nation was built on and
what it has to offer to the region and to the world.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It’s easier to get angry at one another,
and waste time pointing the finger at each other than to see the whole picture.
As I view Lebanon from the outside, my message from one Lebanese to another, is
to continue the mentality of the “Cedar Revolution”.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Define yourselves as Lebanese, and not
by political party affiliation or by your religion. In the eyes of the world-
Lebanese are looked upon as Lebanese, and not by what party or religion is
represented.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>My fellow Lebanese,
ask yourselves, as you did during the Cedar Revolution; what is it exactly to be
Lebanese?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Let me humbly say, that
TO BE LEBANESE is to be free, sovereign, and independent with national unity (Al
<SPAN lang=EN style="mso-ansi-language: EN">Horriyeh, Siyadeh, Istiqlal, Wahdeh
Al-Wataniyeh).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN lang=EN
style="mso-ansi-language: EN"><FONT size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2>The beauty of
Christians and Muslims living together in unity, should be used as Lebanon’s
strength and not its weakness. It is important to point out that <SPAN lang=EN
style="mso-ansi-language: EN">the blood of the attempted assassinations and
martyers was not shed in vain.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>It should not be forgotten that their Lebanese blood (stemming from all
the different religious sects) have been mixed together in the same pool of
blood on the same Lebanese land of our forefathers.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2>Let me point out
that aside from defining myself as Lebanese, I am also an American. I do not
define myself by religious association or to what political party affiliation I
belong to or vote for in this country.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>This ideology is what makes America and Americans looked upon by the
world as a complete and whole nation, a superpower within itself. I ask that
Lebanese learn and observe from the best in the world, in order to follow in its
success.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2><B><U>I want to say
from one Lebanese to another…. that I urge you to give your exceptional support
and unity for the current Siniora Government in Lebanon.</U></B><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Specifically, I want to reach out to the
current Prime Minister Mr. Fouad Siniora (whom I had the humble privilege of
meeting many times during business conferences in Beirut), and his remaining
faithful cabinet ministers to not give up the plight for Lebanese unity and
democracy – even in the face of such betrayal of 6 false opposition ministers
who<EM> (mostly Hezballah) </EM><EM><SPAN style="FONT-STYLE: normal">resigned
before the vote for the U.N. Security Council’s special international court to
try suspects in Hariri's murder. And I say to you Mr. Prime Minister to stay the
coarse for Lebanon, even in the face of Lebanon’s so-called President; Emile
Lahoud who called the cabinet’s action for U.N. and U.S. backed intervention
illegitimate.</SPAN></EM><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2><B><U>And speaking
of the Lebanese President… I have to ask, where is the Unity from you General
Emile Lahoud?</U></B><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You speak of
“Unity” to the Lebanese, forgetting that “Actions speak stronger than
words.”<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I ask the President
directly to show the people that you are unified with the current Siniora
government. You should be ashamed of yourself, and step down. The Lebanese
President should symbolize leadership through strong unity. You are a coward who
prefers to hide in your residence, instead of being the first in line at all the
Lebanese demonstrations and at the funerals alongside the grieving family
members saying goodbye to their loved ones and martyrs who have been brutally
assassinated on their own land (all from different religious sects), for
speaking up and defending Lebanon’s long history of democracy and free speech.
Mr. Lahoud, you don't have the Gravitas or the weight to ever dream of being in
the same level of these brave brave examples of true Lebanese.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>(Lezam tiss-tehay 3a-damak, wa titnazel
min-hal kirsi...yelee maptiss-tehal-hah). <BR><BR><B><U>To former Lebanese
President; Sheikh Amin Gemayel</U></B> (whom I met earlier this year, along with
General Oun at a conference in Doha Qatar) <EM><SPAN
style="FONT-STYLE: normal">I ask God to give you the strength to stay sane and
unified with Lebanon’s current government, after burying your beloved
first-born. Only 34 years old, Pierre Gemayel was among the faithful cabinet
members who voted to approve the U.N. plan submitted to Prime Minister Fouad
Siniora's government. His loss of life at such a young age has sent shockwaves
to the Lebanese youth who are wondering about their future and what they have to
look forward to in Lebanon.</SPAN></EM></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2>Gemayel's
assassination turned Lebanon's Independence Day on Wednesday November
21<SUP>st</SUP> into a somber occasion. All Lebanese Embassy receptions around
the world and festivities in Lebanon including a military parade, were
cancelled. And to what independence are the Lebanese supposed to celebrate, if I
may so ask? November 22, 2006 marked the 63rd year of independence for
Lebanon from France, whose troops again patrol southern Lebanon, and whose
citizens are still dealing with horrific assassinations left and right, with
only talk of an international tribunal to find out who is behind all the murders
and bring just punishment to the assassins. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2><EM><B><U><SPAN
style="FONT-STYLE: normal">And to Hezballah and its
allies</SPAN></U></B></EM><EM><SPAN style="FONT-STYLE: normal"> who have
threatened to take to the streets to topple Siniora's government, saying it has
lost its legitimacy since Shi'ite are no longer represented, I say to you;
</SPAN></EM>what are you so afraid of, to not want the U.S. and United Nations
to intervene?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The Shi’ite members
dropped out on their own will – no one forced them to take such an action.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Democracy in Lebanon cannot break
because of this manipulative move.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Along with Syria and Iran, your organization claims that you are not part
of these internal Lebanese assassinations and know nothing. Then I ask you to
cooperate and let the world help prove your innocent claims. And another thing,
why do you think that your “threat” to take over the Lebanese government will
take you anywhere?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You’ve done
enough by dragging Lebanon and its citizens into an already tense situation with
Israel this past July.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The Lebanese
people have had more than their share of violence, and just want to live in a
peaceful and democratic country.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Let me remind you loud and clear, that it is the Lebanese people who will
always and forever govern the sovereign country of Lebanon.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The Lebanese are stronger and much more
unified than you are willing to accept. The Lebanese in Lebanon and around the
world will NEVER allow any other country, political party or group to run or
have any part of dictating its freedoms and civil liberties.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2><B><U>To the
Americans of<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Lebanese
descent:</U></B><BR>Given that the U.S. is the world’s super power, and has the
strongest influence on the United Nations, I want to advise the Americans of
Lebanese descent to learn from the best when it comes to Lebanese
interests.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Let’s learn from and use
the example of our Jewish American friends.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Let’s use our "American" strength in
Washington D.C. as the Jews have for Israel's interest.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Why not form a strong coalition and
build a strong Lebanese Lobby in Washington D.C.?<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We Lebanese-Americans need to become the
link and backbone for the Lebanese parliament.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We need to begin building an influential
bridge from D.C. to Beirut. Through “togetherness as one for Lebanon”, we
Lebanese-Americans can be true “Ambassadors” in every meaning of the word.
</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2>Lebanon’s current
economy’s situation demands that business leaders look upon the country
objectively. This country needs to be treated as a business, and its historical
image as a playground for the world’s rich and famous should be used as a subtle
backdrop.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Let us continue in the
path of the late Hariri’s determination in bringing huge investments to this
country.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As Lebanese, we are
natural Marketers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We can sell
anything to anyone. I personally know this fact, having an International
Marketing and Business degree, and through all my travels in Europe and the Gulf
regions of the Middle East.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Somehow, I’ve always run into a Lebanese Marketing Manager in every
successful business (Go figure)!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Let us begin marketing Lebanon as an attractive package to businesses and
shareholders looking to invest in Lebanon. Lebanese around this world have
assimilated so successfully and have made a name and fortune for themselves –
why not bring that back to the country of our ancestors?<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2><B><U>And finally a
message to the late Pierre Gemayel…</U></B> I would like to echo the emotional
words of our current Prime Minister Mr. Fouad Siniora to please give our love
and regards to all the beloved Lebanese martyrs that are so sorely missed, and
that you have now joined. Beginning with Sheikh Rafik Al Hariri, to Mr. Basil
Flayhan, to Mr. George Hawi, to Mr. Samir Kasir, and to Mr. Gebran Tueni… May
you all rest in peace knowing that the price you have paid for in Lebanon, will
be engraved in the hearts of all “true” Lebanese and will NEVER BE
FORGOTTEN.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
size=2> <o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=2>God be with you all…
(Allah Yirhamkon).</FONT></P></DIV>
<DIV>------------------------------------------------------------------------</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG>Awaiting for your response.</STRONG></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><EM><U>Thank you & God Bless Always.</U></EM></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>~ Fatina</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Fatina Salaheddine; Publisher<BR>Al-Sahafa Newspaper Corporation<BR>11535
Lorain Avenue /Suite # 1<BR>Cleveland, Ohio 44111<BR> <BR>Office:
(216) 688-0991<BR>Fax: (216) 688-0993<BR> <BR><A
href="http://www.al-sahafa.us">www.al-sahafa.us</A><BR></DIV></BODY></HTML>