There are signs of fatigue in the Lebanese blogosphere: a few of the earlier blogs to emerge have disappeared and the ones that still survive seem to post less frequently. We are left with two competing groups; one supporting the opposition and a larger one defending the government. At least it is a reflection of the country. The main problem is that the news emanating from Lebanon are repetitive: Sfeir bemoans the division of the Christians, Aoun wants to be president, Geagea does not want to be taken for granted, Jumblatt loves America, Hariri flies to Paris, Nasrallah threatens those who don't agree with him... Same old headlines for the past two years.
And now for something different: a new blog has appeared in the past month, and it does not deal with Lebanese politics, at least not directly. It is interested in agricultural problems in general, and the catastrophic state of the Lebanese rural population in particular. It is called "Land and People" and it is written by Rami Zurayk, a professor of ecosystem management at the AUB. It tackles subjects such as land distribution in the country side, water privatization issues, free trade, organic agriculture... It provides a constant stream of relevant articles and interesting ideas.
But then, I am not a neutral observer so let me add the following disclaimer: I have know Rami for over three decades, and I have tagged along on some of his projects, although not all of them. I just do not have his boundless energy. Do yourselves a favor and regularly check his blog. You will get a different perspective on our problems. Furthermore, endless heated political discussions have not solved anything, Rami's down-to-earth approach is definitely a welcome change.
Mustapha Mond.
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3 comments:
Prof Zurayk does have enviable energy. I am finding it difficult to keep up with [reading] his stream of posts. I skip some but not without guilt since I find his topics not just interesting but beneficial.
BTW, I like the new color of your blog. It is lighter and brighter :-)
Mustapha Mond is one of the very few people who come on top of me when you google "Mustapha" :). Who is he and why is he signing this post?
Dr Zurayk's is indeed impressive and very prolific..
Thanks Bech, I think it makes the blog easier to read.
Mustapha Mond is the Resident World Controller in Huxley's Brave New World. I liked the name when I read the book ages ago, plus Mustapha seemed like the most interesting character of the book, although a minor one. Not that I control much, but I am just using his name.
MM.
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