Qifa Nabki
Qifa Nabki
The Inside Scoop on U.S. Military Aid to the LAF
I know you’re all probably bored stiff with the discussion about US military funding to the Lebanese Army, but I couldn’t pass this one up. The following commentary was sent to me by a former official who has intimate firsthand knowledge of US-Lebanese military affairs. It is published here at QN with their permission. ** I’ve … Continue reading
In Beirut
Well, Air France lost my luggage. My video monitor on the plane was busted, so I ended up reading Geoff Dyer’s new novel Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi in one sitting. It’s so hot here that my annual ritual of going skiing and swimming in one day is not going to be an option. … Continue reading
The Saga Continues: Nicholas Noe Responds to Schenker, Hokayem
Nicholas Noe sent me this commentary to publish at QN; it’s a response to the debate about U.S. military funding for the Lebanese Army that we’ve hosted here over the past week. In other news, check out a preview of Jesse Aizenstat’s book on surfing in southern Lebanon. Also, the new Arab Reform Bulletin is … Continue reading
The Beginnings of Another Lebanon-Israel Conflict?
Everybody and their brother thinks that 2010 will witness a second round between Hezbollah and Israel. I hope, for Lebanon’s sake, that this will not be the case and I’m not as convinced as some that a conflict is inevitable in the near term. The current situation benefits both sides, in my opinion: Israel gets … Continue reading
U.S. Military Assistance and the LAF
A reader, Emile Hokayem, contributes this commentary in response to recent discussions about U.S. military assistance. Emile is a non-resident fellow at the Stimson Center. The starting point of any discussion on the LAF and its needs must begin with an honest assessment: it is a dysfunctional and inefficient organization that has no vision, no … Continue reading
Qifa Nabki 
And the people say…