Lebanon Conflict : Brooklyn Lebanese Stranded

In better days

Today's NY Daily News reports that dozens of Arab- American families are now stranded in Lebanon. With the runways at Beirut Airport bombed by airstrikes, they may be stuck there for some time.

I support Israel in this conflict. The great Italian writer Oriana Fallaci spoke for me in 2002, when she wrote I Stand With The Jews...the world situation hasn't changed a lot since then.

But spare a thought for the Lebanese. There have been Lebanese in Bay Ridge since the year of the flood, and I've known lots of them. Most of them are warm and generous, a big asset to this neighborhood and to their adopted country.

I wish Israel well in its effort to root out the Hezbollah criminals who have brought war to two countries.

And to the many Brooklyn Lebanese who are stranded in Beirut and elsewhere, I wish them a safe return.

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Zidane Speaks

Zidane, originally uploaded by yyge.

I'm not a huge soccer fan, which makes me like most Americans. But like most sports fans on the planet, I watched a lot of the World Cup Final game. And like most of those who watched, I was astonished at the sight of Zinedine Zidane head butting opponent Marco Materazzi with minutes to go in a tie game.

A French "anti-racism" group claimed that Materazzi called Zidane a "terrorist", but they apparently made it up, as Zidane said Materazzi said no such thing.

Zidane spoke on the Canal Plus tv station today. He said that he was mad at Materazzi for pulling on his shirt, and for saying insults about Zidane's mother and sister.

The best player of his generation, a man of 34 years, and he lashes out violently in the World Cup final because someone insults his mother and sister?

``I am a man before anything else.'' said Zidane.

If his account is true, and I have no reason to disbelieve it, I cannot be angry with Zidane. He did something that was wrong and which was stupid, but he did it to protect the honor of his family. There are worse crimes in the world, and besides, it was just a game.

Zidane, all is forgiven.

Russian Security Forces Whack Besayev

Shamil Besayev, one of the world's most vicious terrorists, has reportedly been killed by Russian Special Forces. This is very good news.

Besayev was a Chechen rebel "fighter" responsible for some of the worst atrocities in Chechnya and in Moscow. These attacks include the Beslan school siege, the blowing up of two civilian airliners by women suicide bombers, and the destruction of apartment houses in Moscow.

There were many other crimes that Besayev was responsbible for. But perhaps no terrorist action in history stays in the mind as does Beslan. This was an extended act of cruelty against very young children. Over 300 deaths resulted from this attack. This you do not forgive.

If the reports are true, the Russian Special Forces have killed that country's Bin Laden. And if that is so, Russian friends, I lift my glass to you. Congratulations.

Beslan School Number 1, originally uploaded by thebirdfam.

Interview with Bobby

A New York Explosion

Had a bit of a 9/11 moment at work this morning.

I was on the phone with someone in NJ, who told me that he just heard on the radio about a large explosion on East 62nd Street. Only nine blocks away.

A quick look at the NY Times and other websites showed tha the report was true, and that the four story building had actually collapsed. The sound of sirens could be heard from 36 floors below, and helicopters were heard from above.

Wasn't really scared, but I did make sure that I had my cell phone on me, and I did take my wallet and keys from the briefcase, so that I'd have them in case the building was evacuated.

I walked up to the area during my lunch break. There were firemen all over the place. The immediate block was cordoned off ; there was smoke in the air.

Well, this wasn't terrorism. It was a gas explosion that may have been precipitated by a suicide attempt by the building owner, who was going through a bitter divorce.

But I'm sure that I was not the only one whose thoughts ran to the possibility of terrorism, and the events of four years and ten months ago.

World Cup- Congratulations Italia

Italy

We are very proud of you. Good job!!

Viva Italia!!

Good Luck Italy!

FIFA Fans, originally uploaded by newstreamer.

This Sunday, Italy plays France for the World Championship.

A scientific poll here reveals that 100% of the people in Bay Ridge and Brooklyn and in all of New York and in every state of the USA will be rooting for bella Italia.

We like Italy and Italians. And they will win.