Iraq, Palestine, Israel, and an alternative drink to the regular carbonated soda were topics discussed in the Lebanese blogs this week. The reconvening of the internal political discussion among rival Lebanese politicians in the form of “the consultations” was also the focus of many blogs. Before embarking on the tiresome task of reading about the various conflicts in the Middle East it is advisable to start with the refreshing “jallab” drink which is described graphically by Jamal: In Lebanon, well in the Middle East to be more precise, the ultimate thirst quencher is Jallab. Jallab is two parts. The chilled liquid part is made from a syrup concocted (yes I love the verb concoct and all of its concoctions) from dates, grapes, and rose water. Part two is best described by… The issue of female/male relationships in Lebanon (and maybe elsewhere) is a thorny one. An article was published in the New York Times discussing just that. Among the many bloggers who critiqued this article was Rampurple who blasted : This article make women in Lebanon seem so desperate for marriage where in reality, if we are simply going to talk about the women clubbing, most of them are university students and/or career oriented women not so desperate for marriage as they claim. […] I also find it degrading for men, to place a quote in the article that all men who stay in Lebanon are not-ambitious, have closed mentalities and stay to find a virgin to marry. In my opinion hat quote is hilarious… Let us now turn to politics, war and other related issues. Let’s start with Lebanon. What does each party in the wide Lebanese political spectrum want from the discussions they are having? Jamal has one answer: As our esteemed leaders are slated to reconvene Monday, many are wondering what their plans are for this round of round table chit chat. I will tell you what each of them wants, what they really really want. I'll start with the godfather of the parliament who has successfully combined the characteristics of super glue and teflon in his persona. Nabih Berri loves the status quo and would love for it to continue forever. His natural fit is as the third side in unholy trinity of war criminals along with Geagea and Jumblatt. However, his popular base is enamored with the most Holy of men which puts him in a tough position that he skillfully transformed into a position of strength, way too much strength…. Sietske in Beiroet went to the south of Lebanon and came back with more pictures and reflections on the situation there. Are the Lebanese capable of committing acts of terror? The answer is no according to Jeha’s Nail, and here are the top 10 reasons why: 1. We are always late; we would have missed all the flights. 2. The pretty girls on the plane would distract us. 3. We would talk loudly and bring attention to ourselves. 4. With food and drinks on the plane, we would forget why we're there. 5. We talk with our hands; therefore we would have to put our weapons down. […] What other less publicized sectors were damaged in Lebanon and Israel as a result of the July war? “I want to go home” throws some light: Low times for pot smokers: A newspaper report in Israel indicates that the war in Lebanon during the summer between Israel and Hizbullah has dramatically raised the prices of cannabis in Israel, sending pot smokers everywhere into a frenzy. Anarchorev has these questions about the noble goal of spreading democracy in the area Suppose that it is true that “the world united”, how can one support democracy or the elected government by massacring (or providing the bombs for that very purpose) thousands of civilians? Isn’t it a given that such an action would merely embitter the Lebanese against the bombers and their bomb-providers and supporters (even the so-called united world), and would encourage perceptions that the government is merely a spokesperson of these bombers/bomb-providers? How does that strengthen democracy, unless one is to go by the imperialist philosophy (killing = pacifying) with a propagandistic twist (killing to liberate)? Saddam’s trial in Iraq also had its share in the Lebanese blogosphere. Here are two samples. The first is from Maya[at]NYC I am not defending Saddam Hussein or his actions. Massacres have happened under his regime. There is a self-righteousness though that is, the least to say, annoying. “He got what he deserved” this ruling is a good thing… What about the Sharon-sponsored massacres of Sabra and Shatila? For how long are we going to ignore that wound that hasn’t started healing yet? What about this last war that we barely survived! “In love as in war, all is fair”. Except that in everything, “deux poids, deux mesures”.