Economic, social and education situation in Egypt has reached the extent of the decline, or to a level that is not worthy of a homeland as Egypt.

You may ask, and why is this level that Egypt has reached not worthy of it? History says the opposite of what you're saying for years and years, before Muhammad Ali Pasha and after King Farouk, Egypt had not have an upstanding; in the sense that Egypt, throughout its life has been in a state of decline.

I do not object to this statement, but unfortunately Abdel Nasser was the hope that Egypt will take its rightful place and its people. But I regret what I have to say; he had betrayed Egypt and the Egyptian people because he was slack with his interest in Egypt and its people and cared for the elite and the Free Officers of first class and grades that follow the first class and then his interest was in Arab unity and the like. I am not maligned against the man because as a young man in that period of time, I applauded the revolution and loved a man named Abdel Nasser.

One of the Vice Presidents of Nasser went to China and was named Hussein Shafei. The Leader of China at that time was Mao Zedong; a man who believed in communism and applied it with some differences to what was applied by Russia,

“The Soviet Union". I myself am not a communist, not for anything, but that it is incompatible with my Christian faith.

In that meeting, the Vice President told the Chinese Leader that Egypt has taken socialism as a model to be applied to the people and the government. The Chinese President got up and went to Mr Vice President and approached him and then stretched out his hand to the very dear “necktie” and said to him (you are actually applying socialism in Egypt and the biggest proof is this dearly priced necktie) . Of course, Mao Zedong was wearing a simple khaki outfit which at that time was the dress of the Chinese president and the rest of the men and women of the rule and the people wearing the same khaki uniforms. If we want to compare, there is no room for comparison, in where China has reached and what Egypt has reached. Both peoples suffered. One for the elevation of his country China and the other closed his eyes and opened them to find all his dreams had been taken over by the crow and flew away, and so Egypt did not have an upstanding . And misfortunes rolled over until the victory of October 1973 turned into a nightmare that overthrew the sweetness of victory and was entitled "sad day victory."

Anyone who lived in Egypt, whether in the flesh or in the heart and soul, will not ever have the memories of those black days after that victory erased. Rivalry and the spread of traders of religion and their infiltration in social, economic and educational life turned upside down all scales and standards and the Egyptian turned into an ewe to be driven "with regret" to perform what he was ordered by the Brotherhood and other groups, and everyone, men and women, put on “mantilla” in the form of veil or niqab or a short jilbab and pants with a long beard and Zabiba like an eagle seal above the forehead. And Egypt ended on their hands over the rule of Sadat and Mubarak, and naturally the mud got wetter during the year of the rule of Mr Mursi.

Now that we are on the threshold of presidential elections and with the low status in Egypt, economically, socially and educationally, is there hope in Egypt to rise from its stumble and go into the way of reform?! I think the answer to this question is difficult. Because we wasted a lot of time in making the right decisions that would guide Egypt in the right direction toward what we want for Egypt and the Egyptian people.

No one denies the pressures on Egypt at home and abroad. No one denies that the Brotherhood and their followers are like an octopus having arms everywhere in the world and inside Egypt. However, the Egyptian people has started to speak, to demand and to confront; and no one also can deny the role of Egyptian women wherever they exist at home or abroad and their interests in Egypt and the Egyptian affairs and their coming out without fear calling and demanding for the renaissance of Egypt. We are in front of an authentic Egyptian force that will work for Egypt. But let's discuss the three difficulties faced by Egypt, which have brought Egypt to this decline.

First: the economic situation ...

After the war in Yemen, and the wars of 67 and 73, no doubt Egypt had been unable to advance a step towards working for a strong economy based on work and loyalty. But we found the Brotherhood opportunism scouring the country and buying young people with money and jobs with the use of women to be the mean to convince the youth to hear and obey.

Bribery spread and whoever does not pay cannot achieve his own interests. Government career shifted from being government work aiming to serve the people to a government job that serves only the Brotherhood platoon by demolishing the government's authority. Women covered and veiled all the way from a child to an adult woman. Affiliates to the Brotherhood distinguished themselves by the external appearance of the men, "as I pointed to it". No one was interested in the low economic status. But the government, "presidency" cared for all who could increase the production that would yield income to the presidency group and not the Egyptian people, whose case had reached willingness to die for a piece of bread. Furthermore, the Islamic groups began to care for those who had joined them and encouraged them to lax labor and pay attention to the performance of religious duties at the expense of the working times. How was Egypt to depend on the economy based on the interest of the presidency and whoever was with it and the brotherhood and their followers.

Egyptian economy needs a boost with self-denial. A strong impetus to hard work and not on the aspirations and fantasies and the country on a full stop. A strong impetus, where wearing the khaki uniforms becomes the mode of the first civilian elected President of the Republic to the last sentry and simple labourer so that the heads would be equal and everyone knows that there is no master or slave in Egypt, and no believer nor a disbeliever among Egyptians; everyone is free in what they believe or what they disbelieve, but everyone works for Egypt. Is this possible? Or is it impossible? I leave the answer to you...

Second: social status ...

I cannot deny what Egypt was like before Abdel Nasser and in the period of Abdel Nasser up to 3 months before the fifth of June 1967 .

Egypt during the reign of King Farouk and just a bit before that was living the era of feudalism; isn’t that right?!

Owners of vast lands and mansions, cars, power and prestige, and they are a few in numbers compared to the rest of the Egyptian people, began on the rise, but the middle class remained the balancing force in social life in Egypt.

Egyptian people, like the rest of the Arab peoples are distinguished by their affection and love among the sons of the nation, no one can distinguish who is a Muslim and who is Christian, except when the Muslim goes to the mosque to pray on Friday, and the Christian goes to church on Sunday. This has been confirmed by Lord Cromer in an article by him. And I, myself, had lived it from my early age till three months before the setback. Yes, this is what happened when we listened to a trader in Al- Azhar Street while he was leading the congregation in the corner near his and my brother's place, the late Sidky; and declaring that the time has come to eliminate Jews and infidels. When we asked him about who were the infidels, he smiled a yellow smile and said: you, Christians. Then the catastrophe occurred and neither he nor the others could eliminate the Jews or Christians. The rest of the story is known to all and its effects are being lived until now, for it could have almost dissolved the affection and love between the Egyptian people; and that epic, which was among the sons of a homeland whose sons believed that religion is for God and the homeland for all, could have finished or almost finished.

The Two Saints Church massacre happened in Alexandria. Christians came out shouting for the fall of the regime. Hundreds of Egyptian young men and women joined them in the Liberation Square. Their number grew in the thousands, then millions. The Christian protected his Muslim brother while praying and the Muslim did the same thing with his Christian brother during the prayer. Hope began to appear in the return of the epic of religion is for God and the homeland for all. But the demons of destruction were able to return Egypt back to the dark ages and the discrimination between its sons.

The gap increased in the Mr Mursi rule after he sat on the chair. But the people’s flame, in their faith that Egypt is the homeland for all, did not get extinguished. Egypt was the homeland to everyone who believes that Egypt is his or her mother, no matter what his or her colour, sex or creed was.

Whoever listened to the interview conducted by the media expert, Amani Khayat, with Sheikh Ahmad Karima on Tuesday 29, April 2014, knows that I was right when I wrote repeatedly about Uncle Abdullah Al Kholi and my aunt Um Ali, his wife, whom he was reassuring about the relationship of the Christian "I" and her son Mohammed. I was not surprised by the words of Sheikh Ahmad Karima as I had understood him and memorised his words since the fifties of the last century and believed him that it is really right that religion is for God and the homeland for all. A glimmer of hope began that Egypt would regain her civilized face and we would achieve what we dreamt of, us, the older generation, of love and affection between us and that wherever we were present, the word Egyptian must be returned to its former meaning, which was among the people of Egypt.

Does the new president believe that Egypt is for all Egyptians who are loyal to Egypt and not to the terrorists and traders of religion, and he starts really and not just saying to support this national unity and not to listen to any Satanic scruple adopting discrimination as a force preventing the renaissance of the homeland Egypt “the mother of the world and as much as the world”. I hope we have learned our lesson.

Third: the educational status ...

Educational situation in Egypt, say what you like, is the biggest factor in the retreat of Egypt and its underdevelopment among the nations. "This does not mean a lack of scientists in all aspects of education, but most of them have completed or studied abroad". In order for education to rise, I think that it is:.

First, the need for legislating a birth control law. This law will reduce the large number of reproduction, which has reached unreasonable level for the patch of land in Egypt, which cannot tolerate this appalling number of children, and therefore they do not find the right place for education or for the most basic demands of life.

Second, a review should be considered of unreasonable subjects of study and which do not give the student the expanse of the mind to think and search and study, but they pump up their minds to be forced to memorise by heart in order to repeat in his answers to the questions and then evaporate.

We need more knowledge and scientific research and not composition and linguistics. The world has arrived to the sky by their innovations and their scientific research and discoveries and not by their rote.

Is there a brave official to eliminates the educational system in Egypt from the ground up to start a new educational system based on research, experiment and medical science, engineering, and astronomy and all that included progress to the people in Egypt and humanity in the world?

And click again on the limitation of reproduction for we have been competing with "rabbits" in reproduction.

There is much that to be said for the development of education in Egypt; I leave it to the professionals devoted to Egypt and Egypt’s parents. Instead of increasing the number of street children, let us increase our scientists, thinkers and inventors children...

I conclude my article by the article’s title:

Egypt is not the first in the declining status, and I cited China. But the truth is there are other countries that managed to arise and advance, as it happened in China, and the Imperial and Bolshevik Russia, "the Soviet Union", and the status of Russia’s rank currently has become feared by the West. As well as in Malaysia and Brazil. I cannot overlook the Arab Emirates state, which has taken a global stature among developed nations.

If we are not alone in declining, then we must rise in order to catch up with the developed countries and for Egypt to have a role in education and other walks of life .

Ten years ago in the beginning of my career as a writer I was trying to market a novel to some literary agencies in the United States. However, as the days passed by, I got nowhere through my fervent efforts to find professional representation. At that particular point I tried to contact a very famous actress on her e-mail to ask for help. I believe then she was engaged to a very famous director in the United States. After corresponding several literary agencies in New York and California I reached the conclusion that doing so is impossible from Jordan despite the fact that I granted my sister, who is an American citizen, a special power of attorney to represent me in the United States concerning this novel. It appeared that I would have to be living in the United States to successful convince a literary agency to handle the novel for me in the market. The novel itself contained a message of love and peace to the members of the three monotheistic faiths in our war struck world and especially the Middle East, as our peace is torn apart by interfaith unrest from time to time. I remember sending multiple messages through a period of three months to the Actress and also to her fiancé. I never got a response from them. I was terribly shocked at their silence and never e-mailed them again. This happened almost four years ago.  Ever since then the below poem, which I sent as a present to her, remained stored on my computer untouched and unpublished at all. However I finally opened it today and read it again after four long years. I just smiled; we can ignore requests for help as much as we want from our community. However one question just stood in my mind and which compelled me to write these words and share them with the public. Had this famous actress helped me, and had my novel been published or turned into a movie for its’ humanitarian cause, would the Middle East have witnessed the devastating bloodshed it witnessed from the so called “Arabian Spring?” Could it have had a more positive effect and bestowed some peace on some war struck countries in our world? I know what I wrote in the novel and I believe in its’ noble message. But the question isn’t about what we right, as much as will we have the opportunity to reach out to our community with what we write? I began the poem with “May I court thee your majesty” as she once took the role of a figure of ancient royalty in one of her films.    

May I court thee your Majesty?

And write about your smart beauty,

Was Eden inspired from thee?

You make it blush with jealousy,

Your lovely eyes the autumn leaves,

The trees shed softly on prairies,

Your lips are lined with sweet cherries,

Fair springs bringing their purities,

Your skin so white like falling snow,

A striking world softly aglow,

White gold has finally a foe,

Your embrace worth millions in dough,

Your Majesty,

Heiress to Ancient Royalty,

Remember my lyrics to thee,

A gift to keep till eternity,

I have a favor to ask of thee,

On the 11th May 2015, at the venue of La Luna Lounge Function Centre in Bankstown, The Australian Palestinian Community commemorated the 66th anniversary of Al- Nakba (meaning Catastrophe in Arabic, in 1948 when Palestinians lost their homeland Palestine). 

The General Union of Palestinian Workers and the Australian Palestinian Club together with The Australian Palestinian Graduates Association delivered awards to congratulate the graduates for the attainment of their degrees of Doctorate, Masters and Bachelors. Distinguished guest speakers were: the Senator for New South Wales and former Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Bob Carr; Mr Tony Issa, OAM, MP, Member of the Legislative Council; Senator Lee Rhiannon, Australian Greens, Mr Warren Smith, Maritime Union of Australia; Bishop George Browning, Australian Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN), Ambassador Abdulhadi, the General Delegation of Palestine to Australia and Mr Eddie Zananiri who is a strong advocate for Palestinian rights.

The event highlighted the importance of supporting Palestinians in their just cause and their legal rights to return to their homeland. The Senator Hon Bob Carr mentioned that sixty percent of Australians support the Palestinian cause. He also congratulated the graduates and urged the young generation of the Australian Palestinians to publicly express their opposition to the Jewish settlements in the Occupied Palestinian territories which were documented to be illegal under international law.

Mr Saleh Saqqaf, the SBS journalist and the Australian Palestinian theatre actor, performed a sketch of a contemporary short play. He emotionally expressed his disturbed thoughts and feelings towards the strained peace talk in the event of commemorating the 66th anniversary of Al-Nakba. Congratulations to the talented Saleh in his solo role. It was very well played in a mixed way of tragic sense with humour. It is indeed an effort of artistic means to convey the message to Australian audience.

Congratulations to all the graduates and their proud parents, families and friends and wishing them all the best in the fantastic careers they have chosen. The Palestinian Community also shared Happy Mother’s day to all mums on the occasion of celebrating 100 hundred years around the world, remembering that Palestine is the mother land for all Palestinians.

Marcelle Mansour

Israel has carved economic inroads into Asia deep enough to compromise the traditional Asian political support for Arabs. If this trend continues, the growing economic Israeli-Asian relations could in no time translate into political ties that would neutralize Asia in the Arab-Israeli conflict.    

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s official visit to Japan from May 11-15 is not an historic breakthrough per se in bilateral relations that date back to 1952.

Neither is the normalization of relations in “a matter of weeks” between Israel and Turkey, which was the first major Muslim country to recognize the State of Israel in 1949, as promised by the Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan on last April 27.

However both events should highlight the historic breakthrough Israel has discreetly and quietly achieved in pivoting to Asia, once an Arab reservoir of support in their conflict with Israel over Palestine.

“For the first time, in 2014, Israeli exports with Asia will exceed trade with the US, pushing it from second to third place (behind the EU),” director of the Foreign Trade Administration at Israel’s Ministry of the Economy, Ohad Cohen, was quoted as saying by Israeli “Globes” on April 27.

While opening more trade attaché offices in Asia, the Israeli Ministry of the Economy has closed a number of European trade offices in Austria, Hungary, Finland and Sweden “in order to refocus on emerging markets,” Cohen explained.

“Today we have five offices in China, three in India, and we have added attaché in Vietnam and an office in Manila,” he added.

US President Barak Obama was in Asia last April trying to demonstrate that his promised Asian strategic shift was at last real. Meanwhile, the Israelis were already secured in their strategic shift to Asia.

While Obama was trying to forge a US-Asian counterbalance to China in what Chinese commentators described as “Cold War mentality,” Israel was courting the emerging Chinese economic superpower as well as India, which the World Bank on last April 29 reported it had overtaken Japan as the world’s third largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity.

“‘Pivot to Asia’ is a term that might be applied to Israel,” Roger Cohen wrote in The New York Times on April 24, citing a boom in its trade with China to more than $8 billion in 2013. Israel’s military and technological cooperation with China had once created a crisis in the U.S. - Israeli relations.

Cohen noted that while the US and Europe continue to “huff and puff” about the illegal Israeli colonial settlements in the occupied Palestinian West Bank “Asia does business. India has already bought sea-to-sea missiles, radar for a missile-intercept system and communications equipment from Israel.”

India a case study

India could be a case study of Israel’s historic breakthrough.

According to the web site of the embassy of India in Cairo, Egypt, “Much of our external trade passes along the Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,” all almost exclusively Arab sea routes, and “Our total bilateral trade with the Arab countries is over US$ 110 billion and the region is home to 4.5 million Indians and caters to 70% of our energy imports.”

Indian Defence Minister Shri A.K. Antony told the 15th Asian Security Conference in February last year that “West Asia is a critical region” for India and the “Gulf region is vital for India’s energy security.”

During 2011 to 2012, India’s trade with the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was more than U.S. $145 billion (with exports and imports from the region standing at 20 percent and 14 percent, respectively), Antony said.

The “links” with West Asia “have got deepened and further strengthened in the era of globalization.” Former Prime Minister of India’s Special Envoy to West Asia, Chinmaya R. Gharikhan, was on record to attribute the Indian economy growth at more than 8% to India’s “dependence” for 70% of its energy needs on West Asia.

Former Indian ambassador to Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia, Talmiz Ahmad, on last December 29, wrote in Deccan Chronicle: “The security and stability of the Gulf and West Asia are crucial for the long-term interests of the Asian countries. This calls for a review of the Asian security role in the Gulf.”

Yet, despite these vital Indian – Arab relations, India is now the largest customer of the military equipment, the largest military partner and the largest Asian economic partner of Arabs’ arch enemy, Israel.

Such Indian and Chinese exchanges with Israel have neutralized Asian pro-Arab and pro-Palestinian influence or at least created a contradiction between Asia’s economic dealings and its verbal political speech.  

These Asian-Israeli exchanges deprived Israel of an influential incentive for making peace. They should have been at least postponed as an Asian prize for ending the Israeli military occupation of Arab lands in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon.

Until peace is made with Arabs and Palestinians in particular, Israel will continue to be the main destabilizing factor in the region.

Even then, it will continue to consider itself an integral part of western culture and strategy and to be a western influence doing its best to make the region a free market for western interests and a strategic monopoly of western powers.

Adding to the US empowerment of the Hebrew state by bolstering its strategic power will only bolster a formidable obstacle to peace in the region.

Controversial explanation

Writing in Forbes on May 14 last year, professor at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, Jonathan Adelman, and the acting executive director for Scholars for Peace in the Middle East (SPME), Asaf Romirowsky, had a controversial explanation of Israel’s breakthrough in Asia:

Historically, “Asia largely lacks the anti-Semitism that was so prominent in Europe” and “Israel was like most Asian states … a new state born after World War II after a struggle with a Western colonial power, in this case Great Britain,” they said.

“Geographically, Israel is in West Asia, only four hours by air from India and 11 hours by air from China.

“Economically, Israel’s rapid transition from Third World power to First World ‘start-up nation’ echoes the great transformation underway in such Asian countries as India, China and the Four Tigers.

“Scientifically, Israel has emerged as a high-tech superpower, thereby very attractive to Asian high tech powers.

“Militarily, the Israeli military, a world leader in anti-missile technology (Iron Dome) … is attractive to Asian countries developing their own militaries.

“Politically, the growing threat of Islamism draws many of Asian countries towards a country that is in the forefront of fighting this threat.”

In intelligence matters, Israeli “Mossad, with its strong human intelligence capabilities, is attractive for helping these countries overcome foreign threats.”

Adelman and Romirowsky sound like labouring to produce an academic commercial to “sell” Israel to Asia.

Ironically both of them had nothing to say about Israel being promoted mainly by its US strategic sponsor as “the only democracy in the Middle East.”

Historically Israel was not born after a struggle with the colonial power of Great Britain but was imposed by this colonial power by force on the region and born after military ongoing ethnic cleansing of the native Arab Palestinians of the land.

Militarily, the anti-missile Iron Dome technology has not proved a success in three Israeli wars on Gaza Strip and Lebanon since 2006.

Politically, the Israeli logistical support of the most extreme among the Islamist insurgents who are fighting against the government of Syria doesn’t vindicate that Israel is “in the forefront of fighting” their threat.

Taking the wrong side

The argument that Mossad is attractive for helping Asian countries overcome their threat deserves more elaboration.

The fact that the Muslim population in Asia is almost double that of the Arab countries combined is a factor that could potentially create a cultural bridge for more interaction between the overwhelmingly Arab West Asia and its mother continent, but nonetheless there is a worrying negative side.

The rise of Islamist extremism could make use of this cultural bridge as well, but the Israeli occupying power is making the best use of it by exploiting this threat to cement its intelligence ties with Asia.

But these extremists are at war with the Arabs and not with Israel, which was so far safe from their threat not because of its defence capabilities against them, but because it was not and is still not targeted by them.

Of course Asia could not idly watch the rise of Islamist extremism and could not avoid taking sides and embark on a defensive battle against it outside its borders otherwise it will be risking fighting this evil within its own borders sooner or later.

However, Asia seems to take the wrong side. The Israeli occupying power is not Asia’s best ally to preempt this threat, but the Arabs who have gained enough intelligence about them and enough experience in fighting them from Morocco in the far west of the Arab world to Iraq in the far east.

* Nicola Nasser is a veteran Arab journalist based in Birzeit, West Bank of the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. An edited version of this article was first published by Middle East Eye. (nassernicola@ymail.com) 

by Marcelle Mansour

 “From the depth of pain, the birth will come” 

Dr May Chidiac

In May 7, 2014, the University of Sydney hosted Dr May Chidiac, in her first visit to Australia where she presented a public lecture as part of the Sydney Ideas series held by the Australian Lebanese Foundation (ALF) at the Great Hall. The topic addressed the role of women in media during national conflicts. In attendance of distinguished guests and a large number of people, Professor Fadia Ghossyn delivered a speech and officially introduced Dr May Chidiac.

Dr Chidiac is a veteran Lebanese journalist, president and founder of the May Chidiac Foundation – Media Institute. She is a former television journalist and media figure who is renounced for her outspoken criticism of the political influence of Syria over Lebanon. On 25th September 2005, Chidiac lost part of her left arm and leg in one of a tragic series of bombings in Lebanon targeting critics of Syria.

Despite extensive and painful recovery, on July 2006 she returned to her role in the media where she continued to speak out for political freedom in Lebanon. Dr Chidiac understands how precious the price of 'free speech' in a country unstable by the political strain of its neighbours. She stated “They wanted to keep me silent and not to hear my voice; it costed almost my life... I was sitting on the explosion; it was a miracle that I survived.”

Images on the screen showed how the bomb blew up and destroyed the vehicle, the front section of the car severely crushed. Dr Chidiac described the flashbacks associated with the bombing, and explained extensively how she experienced the torture. Some horrifying images of Lebanon’s assassinations between (2005-2012) including PM Rafik Hariri’s assassination, February 14th, 2005.Then displayed the tragic mages of Dr. Chidiac and her suffering and torture after the attempt of her assignation...She recalled sad moments after she was seriously injured and her left leg and arm amputated, when she felt physically unable to be independent anymore. In her own words “When you wake up and find no arm...all the sudden you feel the pain for being unable to use what you had before...sometimes I needed to go out but needed someone to help me wearing my prostheses and therefore I had to stay home lonely and to adapt to a new life...It is easy to start crying because the suffering is still there.”

In appreciation of the importance of journalism, Dr Chidiac referred to quotes from history:”journalism without a moral position is impossible. Every journalist is a moralist, it’s absolutely unavoidable.” (French writer Marguerite Duras). “We go to remote war zones to report what is happening. The public has a right to know what our governments, and our armed forces, are doing in our name. Our mission is to speak the truth to power.” (Marie Colvin).

Then she spoke about a number of female reporters who are involved in human rights and defend the innocent people, those journalists and reporters not only focus on social media but they also play a big role in Syrian crisis and in Egypt after Morsi imprisoned. They fight for freedom and human dignity. Just to mention a few names and quotes: “Lebanese women journalists Brave War odds” (Magada Abi-Fadel); Lamees El Hadidi in Egypt, Mona El-Tahawy Egypt, Tetyana Chernovil, Ukraine; Razan Zaitouneh, Syria; in a recorder video message: “I salute the thousands of men and women silently at the grassroots to achieve their freedom and justice.” 

Despite of the tragic event happened; nothing stopped Dr Chidiac from continuing to speak dangerously. She returned to her role of journalism, television and public life on 26 July 2006 after a ten month difficult recovery. She has established the May Chidiac Foundation and its Media Institute to sustain the development knowledge and foster the freedom of women’s voice and human rights. 

“I am proud that I have played a big role in media and will continue to fight against those who want to instil fear in all of us, to safeguard democracy, freedom and liberty: Dr May Chidiac concluded. 

By Marcelle Mansour

The penguins have marched at the graduation ceremony as Sydney College for the Arts (SCA) honoured the graduates during its commencement ceremony held on Friday May 2, 2014 at the Great Hall, the University of Sydney. The graduation is a celebration of the graduates’ significant achievements in attaining their degrees.  

The organ recital began by the University Organist and Carillonist, Amy Johnson; the academic procession entered the Great Hall and the assembly stood; Processional Trumpet Tune was performed by – Jean-Baptiste Lully and the proceedings were opened by Pro-Chancellor, Mr Alec Brennan A.M.

The graduation ceremony commenced where Pro-Chancellor, Mr Alec Brennan AM welcomed all the graduates and visitors. He acknowledged the campuses of the University of Sydney located on the traditional land of the Australian people with respect to their Custodianship of this land. This Ceremony has been arranged in order to acknowledge those who have fulfilled the conditions required by the status of the university. As Australia’s first university, the University of Sydney is very highly ranked around the world; it has an international reputation as an outstanding teaching institution, as a centre of research of excellence and as an active and engaged community leader. Sydney College for the Arts is leading the research and practice of contemporary art in Australia. Throughout the world fellow graduates are found involved in intellectual and creative leadership including those who voluntarily contribute to the wider community.

Professor Colin Rhodes, the Dean of the Sydney College of the Arts presented the Candidates of Doctorate degree, Masters and Bachelors.  All were admitted to degrees by Pro-Chancellor, Mr Alec Brennan AM

The occasional address was delivered by Belinda Hannahan – Director, Board of Museums and Galleries, who encouraged graduates to reflect on the difference they can make through art, for the art world is an exciting world full of opportunities, She stated: “We don’t work in the arts for money but be assured your contribution can make incredibly impact...working in art is a long life working...perhaps I could make some difference because I believe the art enriches our lives...art has the power to fire imaginations, to be the catalyst for discovering the new, to touch people, to shock, to horrify, to sooth and comfort, to give you life or can make you weep and you have the opportunity ahead to be a part of that...It is a wonderful time to be a part of the art...today with technology, internet and smart phones, art is liberated in place and space, it is for everyone and it can be anywhere and at anytime.” Belinda Hannahan who was closely involved in teaching and has an extensive experience in exhibitions and public museums shared the audiences a few tips to help the most of it.

The academic procession retired, the assembly stood: Recessional; was performed by Fantasia in G – Johnson Sebastian Bech and the Carillion recital was played by Honorary Carillonist, Liz Cartwright. The event was concluded and refreshments were served in the Quadrangle.

The Master of Fine arts graduates 2014 are: Majella Elizabeth Barbe, Ella Jean Condon, Matthew Philip Hopkins, Danika Ivanka Josipa Knezevic, Marcelle Mansour, Dianne Ruth McClaughin, Jonathan Charles Westwood Niesche, Mark Russell Pemberton, Penelope Anne Philpott, Adam Philip Sebire, Masoud Sheikhi Shoushtari, Rose Vickers and Brooke Elizabeth Wegstaff. The first one from the right in the photo appears Tianli Zu, graduate of PHD

This graduation ceremony has been one of the most moving and magnificent experiences of my life. This time I really have felt the joy and prestige of the graduation celebration of the University of Sydney, especially it was held at the Great Hall, where the surrounding portraits on the walls of all Chancellors including Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO (Australian from Arabic Lebanese origin). It brought back my memories two years ago when she conferred the Master of Studio Arts Degree upon SCA graduates including myself at the graduation ceremony held in May 2012. These memories have left a great impact in the core of my being.

The Mace used (appears in photo) is the symbol of the authority of the Senate; it is made of embellished silver with a shaft of polished hardwood. Emblazoned in gold on the head are the Royal Coat of Arms, the arms of the Colony of New South Wales and those of the University of Sydney. The surrounding feature is a Royal Crown below which is the motto Doctrena Paret virtutem (“Let teaching promote virtue”).

This ceremony was a great way of celebrations for graduates, their families and friends to recognize. It has been a very proud moment for all of them who truly deserve the success after all the hard work and efforts. This kind of success is not luck! It's well deserved and will give them an opportunity to extend their wings. Graduating is absolutely a milestone but practice is the biggest learning experience of them all, to prepare for the new challenges of the new chapter of life. It was indeed a joyous celebration of academic achievement! Congratulations to all the graduates with best wishes, and looking forward to hearing about many accomplishments in the years to come. 

Marcelle Mansour

The general watched with anticipation as the trap door in the ceiling opened and his female prisoner was lowered slowly downwards. He pleasured at her mercy cries and wobbling while the lever system brought her closer to him. "She will pay for the damage she intended to do. She will be very sorry in moments." he thought as the woman's feet finally touched the floor. "Stop" he commanded. The rope immediately ceased moving.  

"Mercy please! I beg you! Mercy, I did nothing wrong! Please mercy!"

He silently walked around studying her for a few minutes as she hung helplessly by her arms. A beautiful sexy woman with long blond hair, superb white complexion and dazzling figure. Her green eyes were dancing with the tears of fear as she looked straight back at him unaware of her sealed fate that rested below her feet. The general eyed the tears on the back of her red dress and the welts that showed through them. Ivan's whip was cruel but not enough to break her will of silence.   

"You have to believe me! I knew nothing about your secret operations or anything about the police raid on your operations last night! I have been a loyal person to you!"

"Silence Lieutenant Diana!"

The woman gasped impulsively at the spoken name. Her exhausted eyes opened wide with surprise as she stared at the general's hostile face. He caught her from her hair and shook her head violently making her release a scream. He stated in a bitter menacing voice, "For how long did you think you could hide your identity from us you bitch! I'm sure your colleagues are being torn apart by their conscience right now as they have realized that the sacks they seized from us by their raid were FULL OF SUGAR!!! You see your cover is blown and you failed your exam of loyalty with my group." 

The woman's face grew pale with horror at his threats. She shook her face sideways in disagreement as she screamed back, "I'm not Lieutenant Diana! I have proof of it! You have to let me go so I can prove to you that you have the wrong person! Please let me go!"

"No body knew of the operation's timing and the new stores the shipment would be moved to that evening but me, Ivan my bodyguard and you. Of course only Ivan and I knew what was to be moved around in our trucks. Now it's your job to tell me how did you know about my drug business and how you arranged the raid with the police."

The woman cried and answered, "I swear I didn't know anything. I only arranged for the trucks to move the shipment like you told me. And I'm not a police cop. My fingerprints will assure my identity. My ID and passport will verify that I’m Stacy White." 

The General raised his hand and gave her a smart slap across her face. The woman twisted in her place from the pain and released a frustrated yell. A small stream of blood flowed from the tip of her mouth, "Enough please, don't beat me again!"

"Shut up you Bitch. Had there been really valuables to me I would have lost millions out there." The general took out a piece of paper from the pocket of his black tuxedo and unfolded it. "This is a copy of your private police profile. Read it."

The woman stared unbelievingly at her photo on the profile that included a complete rank description and name, Lieutenant Diana Summers, NYSD, Office of Investigation for Drug Trafficking. 

"Isn't this your photo and name lieutenant?" The general asked mockingly. 

"This is a frame up please you have to believe me. Someone is framing me."

"I expected you to say this. But I'm sorry this is where you receive your handsome reward for betraying me."

"I have never ever even entered a police station in my life. I have never fired a gun in my life!"

The general looked around the spacious soundproof room he was in for a while then approached a table with a chair that rested nearby. He sat down and pressed a button that lied on top of the table. A huge sliding trap door opened revealing an excellent view of a spacious concrete room below. 

He commanded contently "Lower the rope into the dungeon!" The rope instantly began dropping the woman downwards through the trap door. The woman screamed and begged for mercy but the only response she found was a mocking laugh from the general. Eventually the woman stopped as her feet barely touched the grounds. She looked around the poorly lit concrete room terrorized as to the outcome of her presence in it. Very soon she heard the general announce mockingly, "They will welcome you dearly."

Suddenly titanic waves of panic made her heart beats race wildly. Perspiration began soaking her as she looked around the room inquiring about what the general was talking about. Heavy shuffling sounds caught her attention a distances off at her left side. Shortly afterwards similar sounds began erupting from her right as well. The lights went on instantly revealing the room's horrific contents. The woman released a blood curdling "MARY MOTHER GOD!!!" as the kings roared and dashed towards her with supreme speeds. A surge of exquisite pain tore through her as the gigantic teeth dipped into the flesh of her left leg and tore it apart from her hips. Her anguished "AAAAYYYHHHSSS" "AAAAHHHHHSSSSS" thundered through the entire premises and echoed between it's spacious walls as she saw rivers of blood shower from her and splash the grounds underneath. The other beast fastened his iron jaws at her waist and yanked mercilessly his share away snapping her body in half. A frustrated petrifying scream erupted from the depths of her soul as she felt the tearing then the mercies of death within seconds relieved her from her torment and misery.

The general watched with glee as what was left of the woman's upper body that still had its arms intact released involuntary spasms from the scorching pain for a few moments then rested silently in its place. He smiled with amusement as the sounds of bone snapping and flesh tearing filled his ears. "I don't think the police department will dare send another undercover bitch or bastard after they see the fate of their personnel on the cinema film I just recorded." He thought. 

"Ivan!"

At once the Russian giant peaked from the ceiling's trap door and answered with a sharp crispy accent, "Yes General." 

"How was the filming?"

"Very good General."

"Process a copy for our friends at NYSD. Don't forget to write the lieutenant's name on the piece of paper and end it with the words "with love""

*****

The Browning mansion was calmly situated within the illustrious buildings of Madison Avenue. A beautiful masterpiece of architecture and an inheritance that the Browning family have kept for years, the mansion's limestone structure maintained a gothic medieval look on the outside satiating the viewer with a feeling of breathtaking majesty. The mansion was among the several estates owned by Senator Richard in Manhattan's Murray Hill and was used for recreation when ever he needed a break from his straining political duties in Washington DC. Several times a year it would light with social gatherings and its heavenly garden that lied in its back area would liven with the hearsay and voices of the influential in Manhattan's society.

A handsome assembly of doormen met the Mercedes Benz as it parked in front of the entrance. A tall man with a hospitable smile opened the door in greeting of the general, "Welcome sir. The Senator eagerly awaits your arrival."

The general stepped out of the car in a hurry replying, "Thank You. I will immediately join him." Another opened the door for him and escorted him through the large halls of the premises till they reached the outside grand garden where the social gathering was. A lively ambiance of elegance, chatting and laughter met him as he entered. Classical music was playing in the backgrounds by a live orchestra while the waiters shuffled between the guests that were divided into small groups offering the hospitalities of their hosts. The warm summer air was saturated with the exotic fragrances of fine cigars and sensual female perfumes as he circled looking for Senator Richard Browning. Leaving a message of such a type with the doorman meant that his tardiness caused inconvenience but nevertheless the business that delayed him was terribly important for his future and the future of the organization he was a member of. It was too lethal in their field to leave untied ends and secrecy was a must at all costs.   

He shook his head in greeting at a few familiar faces as he searched and scanned the multitude of socializing people. Looking for the senator was like attempting to find a needle in a haystack and the brisk movement of the waiters made it very tough to see clearly at times. Nevertheless he kept a look out till his eyes finally fell on him. He was busy talking to a couple at a far end of the garden. He walked up to them and greeted them. Barely smiling Richard answered the greeting coldly, "I'm sure a general's watch works very promptly." He looked at his watch and continued, "Our rendezvous was twenty minutest till nine and not past nine?"

The couple feeling the unusual tension in the senator's voice decided to retreat a couple of steps away and leave the gentlemen with some privacy. The general tolerated the remark very well and answered diplomatically, "Allow me to deeply apologize senator for the delay. I was kept back by a matter of grave importance that I also wish to discuss with you."

The senator excused himself from the couple and guided the general out of the garden. They moved down a long corridor and entered into a wide spacious living room full of exotic Arabian tent styled seating arrangements. Although a bit tense by the senator's ill temper towards his tardiness the breathtaking colorful canvasses with Bedouin designing that dominated the walls captivated his awareness. He literally felt he had just entered into a big nomad's world. 

Richard closed the door and headed to his bar while pointing to a series of mattresses for the general to make himself comfortable on. He asked with a dry tone of voice, "Bourbon on the rocks as usual general?"

"Are you kidding me? We need Arak and a couple of belly dancers for the occasion." The general prayed that his remark would break the icy atmosphere a little bit. To his surprise it worked and Richard giggled at his Comment, "I haven't had this drink not ever since the weapon's deal with the sheikh in Sinai. I have a bottle just right here." 

He took out a cup and placed some ice in it. The strong transparent solution crackled as it hit the ice and turned into its' famous white color. 

He walked back with the drinks and handed the general his cup regrouping his seriousness and stated, "If its' about the police raid last night, I watched the news and I'm not happy with what's going on. You know well the police are keeping an open eye on things lately especially with the death of the archeologist and her husband."

"Let me explain Senator what is going on…"

"All five called me yesterday when they heard the news and were very concerned." His eyebrows suddenly tied a knot and his eyes shot bitter swords of madness, "I swear if you fall and bring our names to the interrogation table we will find plenty of ways to make you pay general so don't screw up."

The general began to perspire greatly as he listened to the senator's warnings. The other five members of the organizations were big investors that had grave influences in the senate and New York economy. They will do anything to take care of their image and welfare. If he should ever fall it would bring about an unstoppable domino effect angering every one of them. He replied reasoning, "Senator I can assure you the police are the last of our worries. Have they ever caught or even neutralized any of our operations? They don't have a single clue about what we even deal with and when we sell it and as to whom our contacts are."    

He studied the senator as he took a good gulp of his drink unaffected by its strength. His blank expressionless face made him rage with tension as he was bewildered if he was convinced by his words and explanations or not. He knew very well that the senator was a really strong businessman with powerful insight into things. His average height of only five feet and a half contrasted greatly with his vast business mentality which was capable of running the entire economy of the US. His group of companies was the most successful in New York with strong rumors of a new comer that saw the light only months ago. It's supposedly a business venture with an Arabian sheikh involving the commercial trade of cars to the Gulf; but the general knew too well that if such a company existed it was probably a cover up for their other trades that took form in the shadows. At least this stylish décor they were in announces a lot of things that support what he was hearing.    

The bright side of Richard that society saw was an elegant fellow at forty years of age with normal Caucasian features maintaining blond hair and a miraculous pair of blue eyes. His entire disposition radiated serenity and smartness making his circle of friends and business contacts at comfort in dealing with him. His gentleman's attitude that told of his excellent education and background never failed to impress any person at his hospitality. Married to a very rich attractive lady originating from an influential family that helped him a lot to advance in his career he was invincible in Senate and the world of finance; and also as head of their organization. 

The general knew well the other dark sinister side of the coin; his secret bank accounts that had just jumped past two billion US dollars and which was impossible to achieve via his group's profits; the drug and ancient artifacts trade that he smuggles in the US from different parts of the world and the black markets that he sells his possessions to; his swift decision to kill traitors that even think about obstructing his plans; and above all his untraditional sexual preferences with his secret Egyptian mistress. If his wife was to know about his activities in his personal yacht during her trips it would be a powerful blow to their marriage and possibly his political career. 

The general feared his insatiable greed for power and money and always assured him of his loyalty with gifts and by sticking to the fifty-fifty policy in their business deals. He always reasoned that it's better to walk with the strong than to oppose him especially if he has a share in your bread. 

"Your assurances are not enough." His host solemnly stated. "We are thinking of keeping a low profile on things for a while till the homicide case cools up a bit. Of course in a couple of weeks we will slowly pick up but for now let's stick to what the majority of our organization wants. If I hear that you moved as much as a gram of cocaine or stirred any of our artifacts from their place you will be history in seconds. Do you understand general?"

"I promise you have nothing to worry about. All that the police caught was sugar and that solidly proves my companies decent commerce in sugar export to them."

"But why where they on the lookout for you? You must have done something stupid to draw attention general."  

The general's spine chilled from his host's angry questions. He didn't have the courage to tell him that he was behind the murders that probably motivated the police to plant a spy within his staff. He gulped hard on his cup of Arak as he thought of what the senator would do if he found about the relic he also had kept from him for a while. He hadn't intended to do so in the first place but when things got complicated when he murdered the archeologist and her husband he waited to unearth a careful explanation for his boss. It all started when he got used to stopping by the bar the archeologist's husband owned to have a drink after his strenuous business agendas. On one January evening things got a bit friendly between them and the bar owner told him of the map that was discovered in Pharaoh's Ramses's tomb in Egypt and how it was sent to the university his wife worked in for studying and sampling. It was given to his wife as she was the best person to supervise the operation in her faculty. The news aroused his attention as he felt it would greatly please the Senator. Checking it out wouldn't do anyone harm especially with his powerful contacts in Egypt. However everything broke loose shortly afterwards. Despite the hellish stormy weather on one cold night one week later two of his best personnel broke into the archeologist's office at campus and carefully searched for the relic but were unable to discover its whereabouts. They immediately moved to her two story house and ravaged her entire office there in their pursuit till they discovered it carefully preserved in one of her files. As they were about to leave they were surprised by her husband that awoke from the storm's restless thundering. A quick battle took place and resulted in the tearing of the sensitive papyrus in two halves. His wife awoke startled from the vicious sounds of the brawl that was taking place and called the police immediately. She quickly picked up a gun her husband kept in their room and descended down towards the scene. His personnel panicked as they saw her with the gun and shot a couple of inaccurate rounds at her while fleeing away with their moderate prize. 

A big investigation was opened afterwards but was unsuccessful in achieving any progress. His personnel that wore full disguise left no traces behind and the rounds that were fired were from illegal shotguns imported from sources outside the US. But however the police now knew that there was somebody out there that was in pursuit of the ancient map and that would kill anyone that would stand in his way. Torn apart by anticipation on one end and the panic the failure of the search attempts caused on the other end he increased pressure on the archeologist counting on the fact that she would bend to his will and surrender the other half of the map to him. He kidnapped her and had his men perform a painful interrogation upon which she promised to give him his request. A date and time was appointed one week later at a coffee shop near her husband's bar in Lower Manhattan but when his men showed up they didn't notice the well disguised police force that waited to arrest them red handed nor did the police notice the camouflaged mafia personnel and their snipers that were dispersed in different areas around the coffee shop. All hell broke loose one minute before rendezvous was to take place. The general had two of his personnel wait at a nearby table to guard his man that was supposed to receive the package from the archeologist. One of them was friends with a waiter that worked there and that was supposed to be on duty at midday. Not seeing him at work he asked about him and the replacing waiter, whom was in reality a disguised cop, naively stated that he was off to visit his ill mother. At that moment the archeologist had just entered into the coffee shop and was headed towards a table. Stunned by the news as the waiter's mother had passed away years ago the mafia personnel withdrew their guns and dashed towards the archeologist taking her captive. The hiding cops that surrounded the entire area broke loose from their places and surrounded the mafia with their hostage. The customers of the coffee shop and pedestrians in the street ran madly to safety spots in the surrounding shops and corners while the police showered warnings at the mafia to put down their weapons and release the hostage. A huge shootout took place when the mafia snipers shot down a couple of the cops forcing the remaining to hide and retaliate behind any natural barrier they were able to shield themselves with. Within seconds a black bullet proof van that was parked off of a short distance from the coffee shop stormed through the shoot out area and stopped besides the mafia in the coffee shop. Fiery sparks engulfed its fortified body as the police showered it with bullets but in no time its owners fired back forcing the police to retreat their fire. The archeologist's captivators that were hiding with her inside the restaurant behind the counters, snatched the package from her hand, ran to the van and left the area leaving the police dumbfounded at the well organized contingency plan their enemy had planned in advance. The police that raided the buildings the snipers were shooting from never found them or their weapons. All they found were empty flats, open windows and their countering bullets twisted into the surrounding walls. The general vowed vengeance especially when the package turned out to contain nothing. Upon hearing from his men that the archeologist's husband closed down his shop and rumors were that they were moving to another state he had his men break into their house again and shoot them. A second search of the study failed to yield anything of value and his men returned once again empty handed. 

"Senator I can assure you that I'm doing nothing to withdraw any attention to us. As you said those people with the murders have come over suspicious of everything because they were unable to find anything about the murder."

Richard's face suddenly grew bitter again as he looked at the general. He placed down the cup of Arak and stood up. The general's face grew pale with fear as he stood up surprised at Richard. 

"And how would you be so sure of such a thing? Are you in any way involved with this case? Tell me, or else why would you be keeping track of its details."

The general snapped back in a panicking tone of voice defending, "This is the word on the street…I mean, from where would I find out except from my well informed men…"

"If you have a couple of snoopers around I can understand. But you know well I don't enjoy my people to hide anything from me. Now General; what did you wish to discuss with me."

The senator's last sentences made him boil uncontrollably. Something was dreadfully out of place making his mind race wildly for solutions. Would the incomplete map he had be the only way to buy time for him? He just had to try. He suddenly decided and stated, "Some of my men have discovered an old relic recently that I took the time to investigate thoroughly before presenting to you." The senator's eyes opened with interest as the general's hands searched in his jacket's pocket and came out with a small paper. "The original is a super sensitive papyrus discovered by coincidence in an antique Egyptian vase in our position. As it might break by accident at the slightest mishandling, I had someone draw a careful copy of the original. The original is basically a map of something lying under the sands in the Transjordan desert in Jordan." 

The senator studied the copy carefully. It was a well outlined map of Jordan marking the Mediterranean Sea by a series of waves then heading east marking the sands of the Transjordan plains. It read in Hieroglyphics "Death lies underneath the boiling red sands of the deserts that our god Seti conquered with his armies, his son Ramses buried what would quench the thirst of the greedy for power."        

"I need to see the original first and then we will see if it's at all feasible to search for this so called buried prize."

"I'm willing to organize a prolonged search party to search every inch of that desert. I have the money to finance the biggest search projects and the means."

"And what will you tell the Jordanian government that you are doing at their barren deserts overturning its' red sands general. I thought you were wiser than this impulsive behavior."

The general hesitated for a few seconds but then regrouped his courage and asked, "I was counting on your political contacts in Jordan to cover me up while I do the search there. It will take time but if there is anyone that can cover me up you can."

The senator had expected such a request from the general. It was a risky adventure especially that no guarantee was present that the treasure existed at all. However being that the general will sponsor the whole expedition from his private pocket he would only be a profit collector burdening no troubles but a couple of phone calls. The whole idea sounded worth a try at the end. 

He managed a smile when he spoke and granted the general his request, "Then it’s the fife zero five zero policy. Other than that I'm afraid you're on your own general." 

"Then it's business as usual. Thank You. "

"I will expect you to update me on your travel arrangements…"

"Yes of course?" The general gulped down what remained of the drink in his cup and eyed the senator head towards the entrance of the living room. But before he departed he turned around and warned, "No mistakes General. Let the success of your up coming distinguished campaign plead for you and erase away the inconvenience you caused to the big five concerning the police raid on your sugar shipment. If all goes well I will talk to them personally for you so don't fail me."

The general wasn't a fool and felt that the Senator didn't buy a single word of his assurances to him. The senator knew what was going on. He was in a huge life threatening predicament with the most lethal mafia in New York about to liquidate him from life. It's a good thing he gave him the map bait to buy some time to sort out the mess he gotten himself into. But coming back to New York was like walking into the gas chamber. No and never. His route was New York, Jordan then Cairo. His life long friend there would help him; and he would live one filthy rich life with the loot from Jordan. His guts boiled with anticipation at what wealth could be buried underneath the red sands of the infamous Wadi Rum desert. Buried treasure; golden antiques his mind raged with the millions he would make from this expedition; and possibly all would be sold in no time and the money deposited into his own private bank accounts. "Its true you are a smart senator but nobody knows war tactics like a general does especially when it’s a life and death situation." He thought. 

Q: Is Male Prostitution a new dark side of the Middle East Especially Beirut??

A: Male prostitution is not a new urban event. It has always existed. But what is new, is the visibility, while historically it has always been practiced in the dark and has been hidden from the eyes of the people who do not seek such services. But in practical terms, without trying to carry on a psychological analysis, and without passing any ethical judgment on their practices,

Q: who are “escort boys”., and who are their clients? Are we facing a sexual revolution that is transforming the traditional prostitution model?

A: “My history with prostitution started two years ago before I came to Australia in 2012, at the time where my parents, extremely religious and pious, found out about my sexual preferences but never confronted me about it.  It was dramatic. While they were oppressing me more and more and imposing on me their strict rules, the street has become my only refuge”, declares Billy

"My home embodied a prison cell.  My father decided to save the honor of the family and was threatening me of an honor crime to punish his immoral behavior, from one day to the next, my relationship with my parents deteriorated quickly. The many threats coming from my parents traumatised me. I was afraid of my father who was completely capable of eliminating me from his life quietly. The ultimatums that my father gave me, asking me to admit and renounce to my sexual attraction and if I didn’t, condemn myself to death, convinced me of fleeing my safety haven where I have lived all my life and have grown”, said Billy

While blaming the behavior of his mother as well, whom he perceives as someone who has abandoned him. As a matter of fact, the degree in psychology that Billy’s mother holds, was supposed to give her some sort of indulgence or understanding to the situation and case of her son.

“My mother was the one who was blaming me the most. Her religious baggage has unfortunately overcome her educational and rational reasoning.  She showed me no tolerance. She showed no critical thinking or scientific logic with respect to my behavior that was imposed on me. I did not choose my sexual orientation”, he finished full of regret.”At the time when I left the house I did not have the means to offer myself a comfortable way of living. The money I was earning wasn’t enough to cover the rent and the basic expenses. I had to find another income”, He said.

The night places that represented an escape for Billy at the beginning allowed him to practice free prostitution that does not in any way resemble female prostitution in his opinion.”For men, there are no intermediaries, and the profit is therefore more significant. For women prostitutes, the price can go as low as 10,000 L.L ($10 Dollars). Whereas for us, the minimum would be $50 dollars”. Billy got this new idea from his new circle of friends that he started to make in bars and gay night clubs.

“The numerous people I associated with pushed me to try this path that represented a lucrative business that witnesses a big increase in popularity in the summer season. The gay club night owls saw in me a lot of potential, capable of gaining a lot of profit after a few relations”, he said while once again repeating the advice of his entourage, and their advice with respect to his good looks that gave him popularity in the world of male prostitution and his potential to achieve high gains.

“So I went for it.  The first experience was difficult and I had decided to put an end to this circus. But I needed money to live knowing that I have no other potential to sustain myself financially. I also needed to satisfy my sexual impulses and my desires. I could and I still can take use of my body. For the first time I was choosing to engage in lucrative sexual activity.”

If social and family pressures forced him to leave his home, Billy totally assumes the choice of free prostitution that was naturally and free-willingly imposed on him.  ”Every person searches for means to increase his profits. I could have kept my old jobs. But why would I impose on myself these conditions of living when I can, thanks to prostitution, hang out with the elite who spend loads of money for this kind of pleasure”, continues the young man who in spite of everything would like to try a new life outside Lebanon to fulfill his dream of becoming a stylist. ” An ambition hard to materialise in Lebanon, a country where the success of a business is determined by social connections rather than by competence and business integrity”, explains "Billy" denouncing the paranoia of the Lebanese society who according to him functions in the frame of money laundering, of contacts, and of prostitution.

“Every time that you engage in an abnormal sexual act, the kingdom of heaven and of the creator is shook”, this is what my father used to repeat to me all the time. Words that had their toll on me.” It is inadmissible to condemn someone because of his sexual preferences. Homosexuality is not a crime, nor a choice. Prostitution is the only solution that I could find to the intolerance and to the social rejection”, he said.

After two years of independence, Billy can think outside of the influence of his family. He is master of his body and his destiny “I don’t defend prostitution. But when I remember my father’s words, I ask myself the following. To love a man is it a sin? If yes, I address myself to all men and women who condemn homosexuality: If homosexuality is a crime I admit my guilt, a crime that appears negligible in comparison with the atrocities that are committed every day under our eyes”, concludes Billy.

Clients of male prostitutes in Lebanon reportedly pay about $200 on average for a Lebanese escort. Due to the conflict in neighboring Syria, there has been an increase of Syrian men working as prostitutes in Beirut. The reported price for a Syrian male escort is $50 on average. Most of the male escorts in Beirut cater to gay men