Ghinwa Yateem's article "No matter how perfect, I cannot marry a Christian man" (April 14)
When Yateem's article was first published, I started to write my feedback, but then I gave up because I thought that people lacking social experience, real understanding of others and still at university (and experiencing spontaneous teenager reactions) don't really deserve to receive an answer. I think the comments on the article until now express more than what I would have said. The question I still have in my mind is if Ghinwa really deserves to be responded to or even read? I have some good advice for her: Just wake up!
Nehman Abboud
Paris, France
Yateem speaks as though intermarriage is the embodiment of the clash of civilizations. One should reflect on the positive effect civil marriage will have on breaking the chains of sectarianism. Unfortunately, in this piece, Yateem does nothing but feed this parasite that is sectarianism. "To realize that I know nothing about them and they certainly know nothing about me." Surely I would think there is more to you than your religion, Ghinwa. As it stands, one cannot but look forward to a new generation comprised of Mohammed Aouns and George Fadlallahs.
Sarah Richani
Beirut, Lebanon
Sara Sadik's article "Some of the things to expect on a night out Beirut style" (April 17)
This article gave me such a rush of nostalgia that I actually forwarded the article to some friends of mine both in Beirut and abroad. It was nice to be taken down memory lane for a bit - and at the end of the day, there really is nothing like Beirut night life.
Cherine Sayegh
Dakar, Senegal
Despite the fact that Ms. Sadik is not depicting Beirut in the best light, she is truthful and funny all the same. Perhaps she could tackle topics less sarcastically and more optimistically in the future!
Nader Naaman
London, England
Ralph Hajj's article "Fundamental principles of Lebanese decadence" (April 19)
Thanks for your efforts Ralph. I hope this will help with your PhD. I guess you've missed one principle from your article: "Lebanese are the first critics of themselves."
Rudy Khoury
Toronto, Canada
A bit harsh, don't you think Mr. Hajj?
Hani Ghraizi
London, England
Nada Raad's article "In the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide" (April 20)
A very touching and moving article! I am really glad you featured it.
Joseph Goldstein
Los Angeles, California, USA
Sara Sadik's article "Rookie driver swears off doing any more harm" (April 21)
I found Sara's article on driving to be the funniest thing I've read in a while. I too started driving late and could relate to a lot of her points, especially trying to unlock my car from far away! I am in no way considered a new driver anymore, but roller-skates still sound like a good option!
Merly Taji
Amman, Jordan
I believe that Ms Sara Sadik is really pointing to a crucial issue here and her courage to clarify her own personal experience as evidence should be highly appreciated. Also, I encourage every Lebanese patriot, and not just teenage women, to read this article carefully. Hopefully then they will abide by the driving laws.
Ali Matar
Beirut, Lebanon
Are these the same people who constantly denounce Americans for lasciviousness, alcohol consumption, womanizing, drug addiction and what not? Are these the same people who were outraged by Star Academy and whose protests caused the shutdown of Big Brother in Bahrain?
Barnie Hatem
Herndon, Virginia, USA
I couldn't agree with you more! I'd also like to comment on Sara Sadik's work. I think she is a newcomer and I would like to commend her on her wonderful work - they are a breath of fresh air. Look forward to reading more!
Claire Khoury
Beirut, Lebanon
Ghinwa Yateem's article "Lebanese women suffering from sexual stereotypes"(April 21)
Yateem definitely suffers from stereotypes. I think she should make an effort to get rid of them before "serving" them to us. We're not interested in reading about stereotypes. Her different articles prove my opinion.
Elisa Chaiban
Beirut, Lebanon
I think this time you have outdone yourself with this article. I was enjoying the article until you ruined it with your last sentence: "Instead of blaming and accusing the Lebanese, Arabs should try to understand the diversity of this country. It is not like any other Arab country. It is not a purely Islamic country. That is why it has its own characteristics and identity." I don't think I need to explain myself because you know what you wanted to portray to the readers. So if Lebanon was a purely Islamic country, then what were you trying to state? I personally think you have had some miserable experience with some of the people around you and I am sorry for that.
George Hobeika
Orange County, California, USA
The article by Yateem highlights truth and facts. As a student, she shows potential in her career. I wish her good luck and look forward to reading more of her articles.
Marwan El-Yaman
Beirut, Lebanon
Mayssam Zaaroura's article "Beads, glitter? A Lebanese fashion show, of course" (April 22)
This is only the second article I have read for Mayssam Zaaroura, the other one was about the kazdoura. I really like Mayssam's writing style. I think it's thoughtful, funny and true.
Ghofran El Khatib
Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Thousands of Lebanese are immigrating every year, but why? Because they have no jobs and they predict that they'll have no future if they don't go somewhere else. I always wonder, since Lebanese are very talented and have very good taste, especially in fashion, why there's no clothing factories in Lebanon? We have the best fashion designers, we have all the requirements to make Beirut the capital of fashion ... let's work hard to improve our economy and to stop our loved ones from leaving Lebanon. Let's think about our country and not about our selves. Our country should be a priority in our lives
Nisrine Abou Chacra
Toronto, Canada
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